We have to keep moving forward - Folician Chronicles 4

Chapter 11 - Thyra asks to retire

~~~ Thyra considers retiring as Temple Mother

Thyra had contacted the Senior Temple Mother and requested a meeting with her. Since the Temple Mother knew almost everything about her priestesses Thyra didn't bother being subtle. Once she had gotten in contact with the Temple Mother she had told her that she wished to discuss retiring. Thankfully she hadn't asked for details at the time and Dancer had simply scheduled the meeting.

That morning when Thyra had gotten ready to go back to the temple she pulled her temple robes on. After making sure they looked neat and tidy she called for a public car and used it to get to the temple. She simply wasn't in the mood to deal with crowds of people, with the tram she would have been forced to say hello to many people. Thyra had previously decided when she arrived she was going to take her time getting to the appointment and say hello to whoever was in the halls. It was to remind them she was still around.

As she was walking through the temple she was smiling at some of her favorite frescos and artwork. Since this temple was dedicated to the fertility goddess the art was related to it. There were paintings of farms with grain growing. Images of animals with their progeny and other images related to fertility. Eventually she reached her office and gave her assistant a good hug, "I feel somewhat better and thank you for contacting the Senior Temple Mother. I simply couldn't do it." After one more hug she walked into her office.

"Good morning Thyra." Dancer was sitting curled up in a chair with a cup of tea. On the low coffee table was another cup and pot along with some nibbles, "Please get something to drink and snack on if you wish." While she was waiting she took a sip of her tea. Once Thyra sat down Dancer gave her a warm smile, "We both know why you are here so why don't we dispense with any dancing around the bush. Why do you wish to retire?" She held a hand up for a moment, "I have my own opinions on it but I want to hear yours and please do me a favor and simply state them. Don't bother trying to soften them up."

Thyra poured some tea and took a small plate and gathered some of her favorite cookies. Once she had collected everything she curled up in another seat and sighed, "To put it simply I am tired Dancer. I have been the Temple Mother for this temple for over fifty years. I love the girls and I love teaching them but it seems like every morning it takes a bit longer to wake up and get out of bed. Normally I would ask for a sabbatical but I need a change. Something which is less stressful but still challenging. I don't wish to stop serving completely since I still have much to offer. I am simply getting to old for this job."

She looked down at her cup before speaking and her voice was quiet, "I have watched how happy Flitter was having a mate and a family. She loved what she was doing as a Liraque but it was time for her to move on. I am starting to feel that drive myself. Not necessarily have a mate or pups but somewhere to settle down and grow roots. I know that it's always difficult to replace a Temple Mother and I will continue acting as the Temple Mother until one can be trained to replace me."

Thyra let out a sad sigh and kept looking at her cup, "Losing Flitter really hit me hard and it showed me that I am getting older. It has also shown me I don't want to wait for the last minute to retire and start taking part of my life for me. I have prayed to the goddess about this and I am hoping she has accepted my request. Ray, before he was injured by the feedback loop said he would be willing to accept me as a pack member. I want to take him up on that. Please allow me to step down."

Dancer moved over to the sofa Thyra was sitting on and settled down next to her. She wrapped an arm around her and gave her a light hug and sent comfort to her, "Thank you for being honest with me Thyra. I understand what you are saying and it is something all Liraque must face and decide on. The goddess has accepted your request and there is already a replacement lined up for you. I do have a job for you as well though." She was smiling slightly when she said that.