Not Giving Into Fate

31- The Pope and his teas

I lazily glanced out the window of the Temple's private chapel. This specific chapel is smaller and mainly used for important individuals who want to pray in private. I didn't come here to pray, I needed to speak to the Pope. I take a deep breath, remembering our interactions in the past.

He was chosen by the gods when he was young, the white color of his hair was unusual for a poor orphan. White hair symbolizes that the gods have blessed that member. I have white hair because my family are the protectors of the Temple. With his unusual hair, Pope Rowan had entered the Temple young, and so he met my family young.

He was a few years older than my brother. He often ate dinners with us, had meetings with my father and playfully sparred with Elric. As an orphan, my father unintentionally brought him in as a family member. While my father isn't the most kindest father, he does provide good resources and helps those who will benefit him in the future. As the future Pope, my father kept him close.

As I grew older, Rowan was always around. He brought me candies, cakes and many pastries. We often had tea parties where my affection for him turned romantic. It was hard not to love him, he was kind and sweet to everyone. I was a young child, it was before I had entered the Academy. When I left, I never participated in Temple events and I haven't seen much of my old childhood crush. 

"Giselle!" I look away from the stained window and spot Rowan walking towards me. He's already halfway through the chapel, somehow entering without my knowledge.

I give him a smile and walk towards him. He opens his arms and embraces me, something I do back. As I grew older, I had to be composed, no longer smiling and hugging old friends. However, I've changed and want to show my appreciation to those I cared for, not caring for formalities.

"Rowan!" I greet, getting on my toes to hug him properly. I then lean back, watching the way his white hair glows from the stained glass's reflection.

"It's been a long time. Please, come to my office." He holds out his arm and I follow him through the private chapel where a door in the back leads to his office. I don't think I've ever been inside of it.

I look around the room as he quickly clears up space for us to sit. It's an impressive office, one that perfectly matches his tastes. I see that there are many plants that climb up the walls and around the many bookcases. I see bookcases that are specifically held for scrolls and books, and two other bookcases where different memorabilia are put on display.

I look to him, watching him pat a spot on a couch next to him. I see that there are pastries ready to eat and I smile, sitting next to him. "Good morning, Rowan. How have you been?"

"I've been good. I think I'm finally getting the hang of this new role. How about you? How is your family? How's being Master? I don't think I've seen you since you started at the Academy." He says, pouring himself a cup of tea before handing it to me.

"Thank you," I say as I grab it and then I look at him. "I apologize for not coming here. It's just that... it was difficult coming to the Temple. I think you know how my father felt when I joined the Academy."

Rowan nods his head after taking a sip. "Yes, I do recall him being angry. However, how long could his anger last?" I give him a pointed look and Rowan freezes before nodding again. "You're right. He's still upset about it, but you should still come back to the Temple and pray."

"I truly do apologize for not returning. It's just that... my father made it clear I had to choose one over the other. I wanted to learn more about magic, about the gifts I had and I couldn't come. I... I couldn't see you. I didn't want you to be disappointed in me like he was."

I made it a point to look away from him now. I let my hair fall, acting as a curtain so he couldn't see me. I hunch my shoulders as I stare into the cup of tea. I know Rowan would never be disappointed in me. However, I need him to remember me as the young girl who ate his candies. He liked me when I was young, a doting child who followed him everywhere. A shy child who was fearful of the men around her.