Sugar Hollow

“I am thankful.” he replied simply as the other had extended his welcome on behalf of the town still nothing was certain.

Yori was relieved once Waltz had agreed to allow him to attend to the trees feeling it his duty to preserve them if possible. A nod was given as he followed the male towards the trees, stopping once their arrived at the designated location. Feet carried the male towards the first tree as he looked it over, noting the affect of the blight which had plagued them. So many. would he really be able to save them? The male appeared confident in his abilities at least. A single hand extended to touch the bark of the tree. Head inclining as his gaze fell upon the branches noting the shriveled berries that still clung to the trees and those that littered the ground. Burning the trees was the correct course, should the villagers have found themselves absent one priest. Slowly he turned back to Waltz.

”I seek no reward, Sir. Service to the faith is payment enough, though I will be most humbled if you could provide me a place to stay for the night and perhaps a meal. Servants of the faith are not permitted coin and must rely on the kindness of strangers in order to fulfill their quest.” he turned back towards the tree at hand before taking a step back. Digits lightly clutching the staff which he held. How many lives shall be spared this day?


A strange gust absent before seemed to swirl about them, tugging lightly at the Priet’s robes, causing those bells to toil once more. Slowly he lifted the staff above his head once he found a suitable spot, the work would be tedious, he knew. Since his spear of influence had been a contracted mass around his person and expanding it to cover such a wide area would be difficult indeed . Smoke wreathed about his form as he waved the staff back and forth causing those metal circlets to chime softly. White locks of hair began to lift off the male’s shoulders like tiny white snakes – his fourth-sight expanding to encompass the entire area. It was subtle at first, though it was clear that the male contained an immense amount of spiritual as befitting of a high-priests, a faint golden orb surrounded the diameter roughly the length of the staff he wielded. Finally the staff was lowered to touch the earth, then lifted again in its place a phantom stood. A golden rod, transparent and glowing brightly. The male walked down the row, setting the staff down once more. Then down the column for however long it took to do the same on the other side forming a box around the entire affected area.

Eyes quivered as his sights were expanded—beyond that of what a normal human was capable. The entire are was glowing then as if alight in a bright golden flame though none of the branches were burned and the light gave off no heat. Those standing close enough would feel a faint warmth that was somehow comforting. And providing all went accordingly; the sickness would be separated from the trees at a molecular level, drawn from the trees, fruits, and the earth. A blight upon the very air resembled a black mist as it was drawn towards the priests. A gourd at Yori’s hip uncorked itself and the blight was channeled into the vessel like a stream flowing into the mouth of a river before finally nothing remained.. and the spiritual pressure which could be felt faded.

The high-priests could be seen sitting upon his knees where he had concluded his work. Obviously in need of rest, though it was not the spiritual-exhaustion that taxed him. Having walked to the city then the length of the orchid left the anemic male quite weary.

Supervisor Waltz watched, eyes wide, as Yori went about his business. Was this magic? He hadn't seen magic before, and wasn't quite sure. It certainly looked like magic. There weren't any mages or anything of the sort in town. There had been an alchemist's shop, run by his sister and her husband, but it had exploded fifteen or sixteen years ago, killing them both. It had been a huge tragedy in such a small town, and their little boy had been sent away to live with his grandmother. Waltz occasionally wondered what ever happened to his nephew, but really had no way of knowing. News was hard to come by, and it had been years since he'd been sent off. Sighing, Waltz shook his head and put the boy out of his mind and continued watching Yori's magic. He gasped as the black mist was drawn from the plants and was sucked into the gourd. Was that the blight? Once Yori finished, Waltz ran over to the trees. They were clean and healthy, and very clearly blight-free. The cherries were still small, but he had no doubt that they'd grow to a proper size in time. Walking over to the skinny priest, he helped the man to his feet.

"Wow...that's very impressive! I can't believe you actually did that. Is the blight in your bottle right now? What if it leaks?"

Easily lifting the skinny priest, Waltz helped him up onto the horse. The man clearly needed rest, and a good meal as well.

"Come along, High Priest. You can stay at my place, and I'll make sure you're well fed. You've saved us a lot of trouble and money, and Madam Suiker will be pleased. She owns the cherry farms."

Digits curled lightly into the staff which was resting upon the ground at his side. His free hand slipping into the folds of his kimono, producing a paper talisman which he affixed to the side of the gourd as Supervisor Waltz approached and inquired about the bottle. Yori nodded slowly causing long strands of hair to tumble about his shoulders and frame his slender face which was kept partially hidden by the cloth. Once checking that the gourd was secure he looked up towards Waltz once more. “You do not have to worry about that, I have place a seal over the gourd to keep the Blight from escaping. I will carry it with me until I return to my order so that it may be purified and properly disposed.” And if for some reason the blight- had escaped he could always just recapture it, or so he thought.

His free hand rose to accept Waltz help as he was brought to is feet, using the staff as somewhat of a lever to pull himself free. Though before the priest knew it he had been helped on to the horse, allowing the beast to carry him wherever it may. Yori had ridden before, though usually by carriage so he was a bit unused to it. Still, riding on the horse would be a welcome respite from having to walk.

As for the trees, he had merely removed the sickness that was afflicting them – the fruits on the ground would eventually provide nutrients to the soil and the trees would produce as they once had.

The farmlands seemed to spin about him as the horse carried him across the fields and to a small cottage, digits lightly curling around the staff which he carried as he laid it across his lap careful that it did not get caught on anything . He felt almost weightless like a cloud listing lazily through the sky until the best finally slowed to a stop and was hitched to a post. Yori slid from the borrowed saddled with he help of Waltz before following him inside. The dizzy-spell fading somewhat – though not completely. Golden hues slowly scanned the surrounding room, noting the untidiness of the space. Waltz comment drawing a subtle laugh from pursed lips. ”You should see Archbishop’s study.” it was true that however messy the room might have been the study was of a league of its own piled from floor to ceiling with various books, and scriptures. It was a wonder that the Archbishop was able to find anything in the cramped room, or that anyone was able to find him for that mater. He moved to take a sit on the couch once it had been cleared of debris, smoothing out his robes before taking a seat the incenses which had burned previously had already burned though the faint flowered scent still lingered about his person. He lowered the staff to rest against the edge of the couch hands moving to rest neatly upon his lap as the other had offered something to drink.

He looked a moment as if in thought—“I will try your Cherry Liquor, perhaps it will help calm my senses.” The order did not condemn alcohol though it was usually only taken in ceremony. Yori was rather bemused himself as to how drinking the substance would somehow stave off his own dizziness, though he was too tired to argue with himself.

Bent forward reaching for the glass as Waltz set both of the glasses upon the coffee table . In-truth the priest was not much of a drinker at least when it came to alcohol and likely might have been considered a light-weight. It was the common belief within the order that dulled senses would distance one from their faith though they often drank a small amount of the biter-wine during early mass it had become somewhat of a ritual. He lifted the glass in both hands eyeing the dark crimson substance which somehow reminded him of blood before lifting it towards his mouth, lowering his head slightly so that the flap over his face – still covered his eyes. Nose twitching , he sampled, sniffing at first. The sweet fragrant scent mixed with alcohol. He took a sip eyes fluttering open as the taste washed over his pallet. Listening as the man spoke of the other priest that he had encountered most resorting to simply prayers an scriptures rather that providing any real assistance. But sometime belief just simply wasn’t enough; men needed something less abstract. Golden hue settled upon the man.

“I’m sure they did what was within their capabilities. We are each gifted differently and must find our own way to serve.” He reclined slightly, though despite his somewhat relaxed manner, and the fact that he had been drinking the priest retained a somewhat dignified air. High-priests indeed. “Don’t judge us so harshly.” he reflected a moment over his own abilities, rare indeed but felt little need to comment about them. Should not be used wantonly. He took another sip. Already warmth had began to gather at his cheeks.

The alcohol had already begun to go to the priests head even though he had scarcely touched the stuff, the flavor was thick on his tongue and filled his senses. The room seemed to be swaying almost as if he had been on the bows of a ship with the furniture sliding haphazardly across the floor. Yet somehow it was different from his usual spells; where the entire room spun violently about him. The drink was somehow relaxing and dulled his senses to the point where the swaying did not bother him. Warmth rose to his usually pale cheeks—tinting them a cherry flavor. He took another sip from the glass the second somehow going down easier as he grew accustomed to the taste. Though he would never become accustomed to it not fully at least. He leaned back slowly, shoulders resting against the back rest; golden hues meeting waltz through the thin veil as the other spoke. It was expected, he knew as much even before he had decided to help them. He was not so naïve to think otherwise . Was he being praised? He shifted uncomfortably upon the seat – perhaps not fully understanding the weight of what he had done.

“I merely did what anyone else in my position would.” He commented simply attempting to make light of the matter. He was used to his attendants fawning over him on a daily manner though he knew that was simply because of his ability, his status? Shoulders rolled slightly shrugging off his own thoughts. Those with coin at least. Would not stave. A soft breath slipped passed his lips, mingled with the scent of alcohol.


“Would you consider donating a portion to the needy?” He asked pointedly. The man had mentioned a reward after all, perhaps it could be put to better use. “I’m sure The Order would look upon this favorably as well and even be willing to send priests in the future, should your trees ever become afflicted.”

He looked towards the glass within his lap which threatened to spill, before slowly lifting it revealing a glass half-full. “Its quite.. er.. good.” Words.

A thin smile stretched across the priest’s cherry stained lips as Waltz agreed to making the contribution or at least talking to the Madame Suiker about it everything hinged on her decision. However the priest had made it clear that it was indeed a donation even if his actions had indebted the man. “Perhaps someone from The Order would be happy to oblige I must continue on with my journey, of course they follow me everywhere so locating someone will not be a difficult task. Of course if they will it I will assist.” His tone was almost of annoyance – the fact that he had men trailing after him day and night, when he had requested to complete his journey alone. He was easily followed given his condition and only able to travel a short distance each day. Obviously The Order had thought very highly of their priest and were loathe to lose him.

He took another-sip of the dark drink finishing off the liquid portion of the beverage before returning the glass to the coffee table, nearly missing the edge , though he had pushed the glass to far and it tipped over rolling a small distance across the surface of the table as the cherry bounced off the inner walls before tumbling across the table. He watched as the cherry rolled seemingly splitting into two before joining again. Oops. He blinked. Before picking it up very carefully between index and thumb carful as to not break the skin. Apprehension twisted across his features then as he eyed the small, explosive orb, he was very clearly drunk from the liquid alone and perhaps had said more about the order than he had wanted to in those few short words.

Eyes were swimming as he looked up at Waltz once more when he questioned about the order. A rather vague question. He popped the cherry into his mouth, sucking on it a moment before biting into the orb as he pondered over the question. There was so much to tell. Yori could spend hours going over passages and scriptures, the teachings of the faith though they were much like other priesthood. Futures twisted once more as the alcoholic juices spread across his pallet once more with a certain bite he had to force himself to swallow, pit and all the liquid burning his throat as it slid down with some effort. He coughed afterward, choking slightly on the seed until it finally dislodged itself.

His words were slurred as he spoke and it seemed that the priest had a hard time focusing though he managed as best he could.
“Before I left. It was mostly ceremony, spending hours in quiet meditation while being pampered by the Order Attendants. I performed a certain dance during the harvest festival - which is supposed to bestow blessing upon the earth. Study, pray, ceremony, and listen to the people’s woe.” He paused a moment as if in thought though he was sure his words sounded nowhere near as elegant as they did in his head.

“Our order believes that there is only one god. He manifests himself in all things. Even the gods of other religions are a mere extension of his being. He takes on many forms and we all serve in our own way.”  

He slumped back against the couch suddenly incredibly tired, his head was spinning and skin felt like fire to the touch- and there was a certain knotting of his stomach.
“When I told the Archbishop I wanted to go on a second  journey they  were initially against it.'My place was the cathedral,' but I convinced them eventually  that I would be able to serve better on the road  than locked up behind stone walls.” and that's what it had been, a prison of stained-glass and archways. "I apologize if I seem preachy." 

An invitation to a noble's house within the first 15 minutes of arrival! Osma's chin would have risen even higher than it was already set, would she not have fallen offer by the elevation.

She still "had it".

With a smile she politely curtsied. "It would be an honor to accept your generous invitation. Please allow me to settle in and wash off the dust of the road. Shall I come calling this evening?"

So. Many. People. He just nibbled on the peach in his hold and remained all but lodged firmly into his elder brother's side as they shuffled/paraded along. Because blasted Toliver never shuffled or sneaked - he ALWAYS had to stomp around like a proud knight. Just how did he stand the attention?

When ushered into the little shop, his gaze only lingered on the keeper long enough for a meager nod of greeting before beginning to browse about the place. At least the place smelled nice. It helped him enjoy the peach a little more.