The Second Carpenter

LI

LI_I_Busted(?)

"Sister Galah'aasu."

"Your Excellency."

"Off to work in the foundry?"

"Yes, Your Excellency."

"I've been busy, Sister, but I've not been neglecting you."

"Have I caused any inconvenience?"

"Quite the contrary," the high priestess sighed, "You run the foundry by yourself. It used to take two dozen of brothers and sisters collaborating in shifts to run this place."

"Yes, My Lady. My faith gives me strength. Also, the stigma has subsided; which gives me much free time."

"When do you sleep?"

"Here and there, in scattered intervals."

"Sister."

"Yes."

"Are you hiding something from me?"

"I've never lied to you, My Lady. I've never lied to any of the sisters or brothers."

"That's not what I asked."

"Then allow me to ask Your Excellency; is there any person who does not have something to hide? Isn't every person entitled to a little bit of privacy? I've never sinned in this temple, My Lady. I've never broken any of the rules. I've never violated anyone's rights. And I like to help that I've been more than a little helpful. Am I not entitled to a little bit of privacy?"

"No, child; you're not. Where have you learned this nonsense? As embodiment of the Goddess, it is my right to know everything. I must banish you for your insolence right now. But you indeed have been quite helpful; and I will not jeopardize the Temple's interests. Just know that you-"

"Your Excellency, I will save you the trouble; I'll leave myself by tomorrow's Arxset."

"Now, now; no need to act like a spoiled brat."

"Your words have not affected me; so don't worry. I had been meaning to leave regardless. I've already done enough to help these people; and I have a feeling that I may be needed elsewhere. I will work the foundry tonight; and will surrender my outfit tomorrow before I leave with my sister."

"You're not taking my best soldier anywhere."

"Your? Soldier?" she giggled innocently, "It would be amusing to see you try to keep her here against her will, My Lady. May I get to work? Or are you not willing to provide shelter for one night for a woman who is going to do the work in your laundry one more time?"

The high priestess's pride helped her resist the urge to beg Galah'aasu to stay; and she left without saying anything.

Galah'aasu opened the door to the foundry and found Tatsuyana waiting for her.

"Big Sis, why didn't you tell her that I help you when she said you run the foundry around?"

"Sharp hearing as always, dear Tatsuyana. Well, I felt no obligation to explain myself to her. Oh . . . I see that I've taken undue credit . . . I didn't think about it that way; forgive me."

"No, it's fine, really," she shook her head, "I don't even care what they think about me. I was just curious. Well . . . all the metal is molten. Do your lovely magic and then we'll mold them."

"Thank you, dear." Galah'aasu approached the first furnace, bit her hand and let her blood trinkle down into the molten metal. She then moved to the next furnace. Her hand had already healed, so he had to bite it again. The process repeated until all the furnaces had been anointed. "Will there be butchery tonight? I really need to drink."