Ariellia didn't know what to say, speechless she entered the orphanage's gate. The wooden double doors creaked a bit, but the sturdy stone exterior made one feel reassured of its foundation. It's a strange feeling, Arie's expensive silk dress looks ill-fitting and out of place in this humble setting, yet Eren feels right at home. He grew up with his mother, a lonely woman with big dreams unwilling to let go of her past fame. She claimed all her struggles began with his birth, refusing to see fault in the lover that abandoned her in her hour of need. Their relationship as mother and son was so paper thin, he might have been better off in an orphanage like this.
The old church might be lacking funds, but it certainly isn't lacking warmth. The empty neatly spaced pew benches were wiped down, making it easy for one to feel welcome to have a seat. The bits of overgrown vines and foliage that managed to grow within the building weren't displeasing to the eye, and the natural lighting from the stained-glass windows on both sides of the hall easily moved one's spirit, making the space feel extraordinary. It's easy to get lost in thought in such a pious simple setting. Ariellia almost felt guilty for disrupting with her entourage of knights and maids.
Rei is likely with the nuns and his friends in the annex, but as an outsider it would be rude of her to venture deeper than this. Unsure of what to do next, Arie smoothed out her dress and took a seat in one of the polished pews. She reaches forward to the seat pocket in front and retrieves the holy book in it. She might as well learn something of the local faith practices here while she waits for someone to come to the main building.
It's to be expected that with the majority of Rahnoff's population being dark elves the major religion in the area is that of the Everlasting Church, followers of the moon goddess Selene. As a believer of the one true God, Eren passively flips through the book. It tells of Selene's divine birth with her twin brother Helius. One was destined to rule the moon, reigning over all things under its twilight embrace. The other would rule over the sun, lighting the way for all to see dawn. The divine twins were anointed as messengers of the true creator. These divine messengers were the first of their race. Selene was the first dark elf to exist, becoming the mother to all dark elves to come. Her brother Helius was the first light elf of his kind.
The story struck her as familiar and yet foreign at the same time, like the religions of her world, it respects the existence of a True Creator. Similar to the eastern faiths of earth there seems to be a delegation of power, subsidiary deities to manage the daily needs of believers of the same race or region. In a magical setting like this it's not too far-fetched to have individuals that have advanced to a higher state of being, transcended their mortal coils and earned a following of believers in the process.
"I never took you as the religious sort."
She snaps out of her musing at the sound of Rei's voice, fully expecting to be confronted by one of the nuns or Anya first. She didn't think he'd be so quick to attend to her, not with her invading his personal life and sanctuary. If it weren't for the unplanned trip, she wouldn't dare to seek him out like this, however leaving without telling him anything would have been equally damaging to her image as Ariellia.
"It's not what is displayed outside but what is within that matters. My faith remains unshaken and that is what's important."
"Such profound words, if I'm not careful I might lose you to the church first." Rei doesn't appear to be irritated by her visit, rather his tone is pleasant and kind. She is relieved to see this, happy at his less guarded response. It appears offering him a way out in divorce was truly the right option.
"What brings you here, did you miss the kids?"
She doesn't miss the playful glint in his red eyes. How could he not know of her terrific image in the kids' hearts? He's likely teasing her. She only gives him a sheepish smile, unwilling to voice what just happened at the church entrance.
"I wanted to inform you that I will be travelling with my father to Draghdom. He wants me to have a better understanding of our land." She's too embarrassed to admit it's only because her overprotective father can't bear to be away from her.
Rei looks shocked by the news, his red eyes dilating before returning to normal. He frowns, unsettled by the sudden development but unable to find the words to protest. The palace knights and maids could sense the awkward silence between husband and wife but prefer to feign ignorance, blending into the scenery as best they can. It's up to the two to somehow find the words to express their true thoughts.
"That's good." The dry tone in his voice says otherwise but Ariellia isn't one to call him out on it. "How long will it take?"
"At least four days…but definitely no more than a week. I'll be back soon and then we can resume our daily hunt." She meant it, the month's end was soon approaching. She can't get complacent just because she finally got to level ten. A monster march isn't a joking matter, just imagining hundreds of enraged monsters of various levels charging at her makes her shiver in fright. This isn't just some cinematic cutscene, it's her life on the line.
"Rei! Lady Oya was just looking for you, she wants to ask if you could replenish the church's holy water." Before anything else can be said, Anya appears through the annex side door. She is wearing a plain white tunic similar to Rei, for some reason the sight of their matching attire irks Ariellia. Her brow subconsciously ticks, feelings entirely not her own spilling forward without her control.
"How rude, did no one teach you not to barge in while people are talking. What an undisciplined mutt."
'What the hell was that!' Eren is shocked by the words coming out of his own mouth. He had no intention of mocking Anya, yet for some reason the abusive words just came hurtling out nonstop. His heart sinks as he sees Rei's pleasant mood turn sour, his emotional guards going back up, as his demeanor becomes cold again.
"I see, thank you for informing me. If that is all you can leave, we can't afford to keep the duke waiting." It was a clear dismissal.
'Damn, why did I say that?" It's unscientific how quickly things turned for the worst. It's not like a corporate slave like Eren didn't know a thing or two on holding his tongue and keeping his thoughts to himself. How could he suddenly lose control, purposely offending a close friend to Rei in his presence, upsetting him, and ruining all his efforts of slowly redeeming Ariellia's image in his heart? Is he crazy or did he leave his brain at the door!
'Hehehe…see…I told you...hehe.'
A disheartened Ariellia left the church with her entourage, feeling a distinct chill in her heart at the disembodied sound of laughter ringing in her ears. Recalling the satisfied look in Anya's green eyes as she led Rei back into the annex after their tense unspoken dispute, she frowns. It's like someone just played a nasty trick on her.