Chapter 37: A Reunion

The sun's first rays are illuminating the road as I step out of the temple. Acolytes, priestesses, worshippers, and volunteers are starting to shuffle around for morning prayers and chores.

Theia and I are silent as a walk through the temple grounds towards the outer gates. I’m exhausted. It is taking all my focus just to put one foot in front of the other.

“Do we always walk so slow and awkwardly?” Theia grumbles.

“Do you want to be the one to walk?” I ask in a sharp tone.

She sighs deeply. We both know I do not have the energy or strength to shift.

Silence.

“Tell me one of your stories then. I walk, you talk.” I say breaking the silence.

Nothing.

I reach the edge of the estate. I don’t really want to answer questions or work right now. I walk into the fields towards my garden. I might get lucky and find some ripe tomatoes or berries still on vines.

I run my fingers through the fragrant herbs, making the pungent smells waft toward me. I will miss this place. These lands. My