The Matriarch's Daughter

Chapter Seven: Reunion

Thepa and Rory gathered their weapons and left the room. Thepa was bursting. A swelling in her chest that started when Rory first hugged her was pushing itself out, causing her to shake in anticipation. She almost made it to the sitting room to say something, waiting until they were far enough not to be overheard, 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? Wouldn't they want to train her Royal Highness enough to stay off her posterior? What kind of pretty-pretty priestess princess can't avoid a decent spring attack?"

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 would be me 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, it always came back to the unbreakable bond that time nor distance could ever separate.

When it was all over, Thepa gave a contented sigh. She pulled back just far enough to look Rory dead in the eyes, 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.

"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?' And then I convinced myself that sending a letter or even using magic would feel too... impersonal. Like I wasn't facing it. Facing you." She swallowed hard, guilt thick in her throat. "I should have tried anyway. I should have done something. Forgive me?"

"Always," Thepa responded without a thought. It stung, but she understood. Still, Rory was here now, 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."