The Underneath: Saga of Aupolis

Partake

The congregation found the day well into the early afternoon by the time the Holy Atrium doors opened to warm sunlight and a cooling breeze sweeping off the waters of Gods' Gift. The grassy lawn in front of the Atrium quickly became spotted with people laying out blankets to lounge on and lengthen out cramped muscles. Families huddled beside eachother, friends shook hands, and children began to run about in packs as they took advantage of the wide open range.

Dodging people and blankets, Vesna crossed the green and settled in her usual place below the sweeping branches of a tree some distance from the central bustle. She never had to race anyone to that particular spot, because the roots were shallow and protruded from the ground, making for an uncomfortable site to recline. Over the years, she found that there was one indentation between a knot of roots where she fit perfectly enough to sit leisurely. At that very notch, she sprawled beneath the welcome shade.

"Vesna!"

Looking over her shoulder, she saw the caller approaching with a wide grin.

She returned the fond smile. "Hello, Mistress Torlynna."

Green eyes crinkled and a hand waved dismissively. "How many times must I say, please, just Torlynna. Your mother was my best friend. I'll not have her daughter addressing me with such formality all of the time." She suddenly thrust a bundle she was holding out towards the younger woman. "I made this for you. I've noticed you never bring a blanket to the Prepared Meals after Beckonings and thought you'd might like to spare your clothes the dirt that I'm sure covers your rear afterwards."

Throat suddenly constricting, Vesna reached out and took the fabric. "That was thoughtful of you, Torlynna."

"Think nothing of it. It's what- it's what anyone would do."

Vesna could only smile in response as she fought the emotion swelling in her chest from climbing further to her already blurring vision.

Torlynna cleared her throat. "Anyway, my real reason for stopping by was to invite you over for dinner some time. Garith and I would love to host you." She leaned down conspiratorially. "Besides, I'm tired of being the only one he makes try his new recipes. I think he knows I'll always say his cooking is delightful even when he can clearly see on my face I'm struggling to get the food down."

"I'd be honored," Vesna laughed.

"It's settled." Torlynna suddenly reached down and took the younger woman's hand. She stared for a long moment at Vesna before abruptly squeezing her fingers and letting go. "Let me know when, and I'll make sure Gar lines up all his best creations for you."

"I will."

Torlynna nodded and turned to leave, but not before Vesna caught the pain in her green eyes. She wondered if Torlynna was always reminded of her best friend when looking at her.

Quickly getting up, Vesna shook the blanket out to its full extent before guiding it to the ground. From there, she occupied her mind by fussing over the corners and laying the handwoven piece evenly over the area. Completely focused, she never heard the approaching footsteps and snickering voices.

"Vain Vesna."

Back going rigid, Vesna waited in anticipation.

"Always given things you've never worked a day in your life for."

Roric. Guntar. Jaila. She didn't have to turn to know who stood behind her. Roric with his deceivingly innocent blue eyes. Guntar with his ready sneers contouring his already nefarious face. Jaila with her judging stance of fists on hips and one foot kicked out to the side. Over the years, Vesna found the best thing to do was ignore them. Her silence usually got to them the most, but eventually the badgering would stop and they would move on having failed to elicit a response from thier victim.