The Matriarch's Daughter

Chapter Seven: Reunion

Thepa and Rory gathered their weapons and left the room, neither one electing to say anything so close to the chamber. However, Thepa was bursting. A swelling in her chest that started when Rory first hugged her was pushing itself out. As it was, she was doing all she could to keep from shaking in anticipation. She almost made it to the sitting room when Rory spoke first.

"You know, I was going to say how good you looked," Rory teased, "But after you sat on me, I think you could stand to lose a few pounds."

Oh, Rory, you haven't changed one bit, Thepa thought. It had been a while, but she missed Rory's ribbing. She only hoped her own game was up to snuff.

"Keep it up, elf, and I might sit on you again," Thepa retorted with a playful smirk. "Besides, didn't they teach you any combat training in that temple of yours? What kind of pretty-pretty priestess princess can't avoid a decent spring attack? I would assume your betters would have made sure her royal highness would want to stay off her hind." 

Rory rolled her green eyes at the teasing title. "At least when my rear hits the ground, people don't have to worry about whether or not someone cast an earthquake spell."

Thepa scoffed. "Right, because the real tragedy here is my fat bottom and not finding a way to keep you quiet."

"If I knew staying quiet would get you off your rear, I would have sewn my mouth shut completions ago."

Thepa turned to stare at Rory, who stared back at her, barely suppressing a smile. Finally, Thepa looked behind her to check her bottom and shrugged. "Maybe it is getting a little big. It must be the fatty foods here in the capital."

Rory shook her head, "Nah, you're as perfect as ever. I've missed you, sis."

They hugged again, Thepa happily embracing it, savoring the warmth of Rory's touch. She wasn't sure when they would get another moment of affection, and she wanted to make it count. As much as they fought and teased each other growing up, she was glad they always came back to intimate moments like the one they shared. It was her favorite part of being Rory's sister. They might not have been blood, but what they had was strong. 

When it was all over, Thepa gave a contented sigh. She pulled back just far enough to look Rory dead in the eyes, dropped her smile to a frown, then socked her sister in the arm.

"Ouch, what was—"

"I'll write you every day, Thepa," Thepa mocked. "I love the stationery, Thepa. It's perfect, Thepa. I'll go through so much you'll have to buy me more. Do you know how long it has been?" she shouted much louder than she intended to. She glanced back towards the Senate Hall door to confirm she hadn't disturbed anyone before continuing her rant. "It's been a completion, Aurora. At the very least, you could have sent me a message spell. I thought..."

Rory rubbed her arm, but her face softened, her green eyes filling with remorse. There was something there, Thepa could tell. She wondered if it had anything to do with what Einkidi had written, but didn't say anything while Rory fumbled over her words.

"I thought we were closer than that." 

"It's been difficult with my duties," Rory squeaked, momentarily looking away. I—I wanted to reach out. I even sat down to write a few times, but the longer I put it off, the harder it got. I kept thinking, 'What if she's angry? What if I make it worse?' Rory dared a chance look, then quickly looked away, embarrassed. "And then I convinced myself that sending a letter or even using magic would feel too... impersonal." She swallowed hard. "I should have tried anyway. I should have done something. Forgive me?"

"Always," Thepa responded without a thought. It stung, but she understood. She thought she might stew on it later, but that was later. Now, Rory was here, and from what she gathered, indefinitely. "Honestly, I'm surprised you didn't make the trip sooner. I'd have thought the High Priestess would have had better opportunities to visit Goldale."