Weddings, Warnings, Temples, and Tea

-=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=<* A15: Vardaman Temple *>=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=-

The hot and humid of the day do not typically encroach far past the entrance. The heavy basalt of The Hall and mountain make for effective insulation. This is a fact that Verna had not dwelled on, though given the Mourner's typical wear, this serves as an indirect blessing. At this time, however, a certain Mourner has donned anything BUT typical wear.

Verna readily blends in with the influx of bereaved, whether current and mourning or past and come for rememberance. A light and bright sundress in yellow with a sparse pattern of blue flowers leaves her shoulders and arms bare and falls to just her knees. A pair of simple sandals expose much of her feet. Thus it is that at least one Mourner or greeting acolyte approaches her to offer assistance or direction. Whether her inconspicuous arrival is intentional or not, she notes to their inquires only that she seeks Speaker Silmeria if she be present.

Speaker Silmeria is indeed present, and it's not long before a blond head above a Vardaman cassock emerges from the crowd. Approaching, Verna can see the moment where she goes from 'petitioner' to 'Verna' to 'wait, Verna?' in the Speaker's expression, and she seems about to give voice to the question, before clamping down on her tongue and instead offering a bright smile. "Hello, serra!" she chirps instead. "What can I do for you?"

Verna follows the blonde once she spies it; the Speaker was more conspicuous than some here. The shift in recognition is noted, though she does not dwell upon it. She is well aware she is out of uniform. A state to which she is wholly unaccustomed and which feels ... odd. "Good day, Speaker," she returns the smile with one of her own; slender and reserved, but a smile nonetheless. Another oddity. "It is good to see you again. I wished to offer my gratitude for your prior actions, as well as voice a concern." At least she still sounds like Verna.

"The archives then," Silmeria says, bobbing her head. "Come. We can have a good, quiet chat." Gesturing for the Mourner to walk at her side, she sets off toward the named destination, pausing only to interrupt an aimless-looking acolyte, and directing them to have tea sent to the Archives.

The Speaker is well-known for giving purpose to the purposeless, and for receiving guests with decorum.

Verna nods in agreement and accepts the escort, stepping to follow Silmeria. "As you wish." While she may well know where she is lead, there are possible variances; not mention appearances made by, or due to, her current state of appearance. She remains rather silent during the course of the walk.

It's not long before the two arrive at the Archives, and Silmeria seems content to respect the silence of her sister-in-faith on the journey there. At the entry, the Speaker glances about the room, and spots the silver teapot and porcelain cups adorning a table at one of the readong nooks. Chuckling, she waves Verna over, allowing the elf to pick her seat first. "You seem surprisingly cheerful, Verna," she says as she takes the unoccupied seat, and sets about pouring tea.

"Thank you," Verna notes in response to the gesturing in offer of a seat. She settles into it, smoothing the hem of the dress as much out of unfamiliarity of its presence as much as any thoughts of decorum or appearance. "It has been noted that I am more ... expressive, as of late, if that is to which you refer. That said, I have cause for cheer." A flicker of smile renews before lips purse. "As well as many causes for concern."

"What's that?" Silmeria asks, smiling as she sets a full cup in front of Verna. Not that she knows the answer, but joy is a thing to be shared, and one can simply be happy that their friend is happy.

"Auranar." One word and Verna's face cannot keep from brightening and pinching into a broad smile. It appears that may be the totality of her cause(which would not be unfeasible, admittedly) until she adds, "She invited me to join her family. We are engaged to be wed." She spends some time being ... more expressive before logic taps about somewhere inside her skull in reminder. Verna's cheeks color some at the realization before her smile dims and shifts towards self-conscious. "The matters of concern are the cause for my visit." As if she might somehow overlook them.

"Oh Verna, that's *wonderful!*" Silmeria says, genuinely cheerful as she sets her own cup down, so as not to pitch it into the air. "I'm so happy for you! I... oh, yes, *do* tell me how I can help!"

Verna now thinks to take up her cup and a sip therefrom. A pause to collate her thoughts, make the segue in topics, and social politeness. Despite their isolation, she leans forward as her volume loweres. "The elder Mourner gave news shortly before the lycanthropes arrived at the temple; members missing, others reporting time passing that they do not recall. The latter is reminiscent of time when I was first afflicted. I was not even aware that I was until examined. Given the Red Maw's activity here, I have grave concerns that members of this temple are lycanthropes. Some may not even be aware of their affliction. The attack upon our return suggests they have information from within this Hall. This must be rectified."

And despite the pause, Silmeria quite visibly goes from flights of happiness into the brick wall of werewolves, at speed. The Speaker spends some time staring into the middle distance, processing what Verna speaks of, what it means, and how to go about accomplishing this task. "...Hm," she says, after her own pause. "I'd not doubt this. Honestly, from what I've heard of Eluna's Temple, there'd be good reason to assume *all* are infiltrated to some degree or other. Confirming this may be complicated, though..."

The transition may have made more sense in Verna's own mind than what was vocalized. She frowns; scowls, in truth, and pinches at the bridge of her nose with thumb and forefinger. She nods lightly in acknowledgement of Silmeria's words. "Indeed. At the most basic level, there is ever the driving imperative to spread the affliction and their numbers. Even by random chance, any or all of the temples could be affected."

The table is abruptly thumped with the heel of her hand. Thought Verna is far from mighty enough to damage the table, it does rattle the cups and pot. "It is maddening! I would not see Her Hall in Alexandria further desecrated, but I cannot do so myself. The very fact that I am a target dictates that I should not have a presence within these walls, lest I draw more incursions." In hindsight, she may need to word on her transitions.

"Happily, what you suggest is my *job* to uncover," Silmeria notes. "In fact, I would suggest that you serve notice that you'll be on sabbatical, and then just take a month or two off from Temple service. It's not as if it'd be *unexpected,* if you intend to wed, and it would allow you a good excuse to stay out from public eye as a Mourner."

As soon as her ire arised, it was vented, leaving Verna to eye her hand warily before pulling it, and its counterpart, to her lap. There, presumably, they shall stall out of trouble. A moment is taken to inhale through nose and exhale slowly out of her mouth before a nod follows. "Indeed. That is why I bring it to your attention directly. As well, you have already proven that you are not to be counted among those under suspicion. You are also quite wise, Speaker," she adds concerning the latter, and with a tentative smile. "The temporary removal from duties in light of my return shall be extended, and that is more than ample explanation, as you noted," a small sigh escapes, "despite our venture unlikely to occur for quite some time. Preferably not until after this matter is resolved."

"Can't hurt to get the practice in!" Silmeria chirps, grinning. "Besides, after everything that's happened in the last month? ...I feel like you've *earned* a reprieve. I'll start making inquiries, and seeing what I can see."

"Thank you," Verna offers warmly (again) without immediately giving context. Silmeria's grin appears mildly contagious as it is gradually echoed. "It has been a welcome reprieve, if unfamiliar. Rarely have I been absent from any particular duties, much less all. Still, lounging in bed for half the morning does have its appeal at times."

"That it does," the Speaker says, nodding firmly. "And if there's anything else I can do to help you and Auranar, do please let me know."

Yes, the possibility of secret infectious werewolves is concerning, but a friend is getting married! One of these things takes absolute priority.

Verna's thoughts drift a moment as she looks to her cup, expression shifting neutral as she does so. Of all the imminent future possibilities, some are most decidedly far more pleasant than others. In time, she realizes her shift in (or loss of?) focus and blinks. "My apologies. If any specific need comes to light, I shall make you aware. In general, I would request that you might keep Auranar safe should the need arise. While all face Her Judgement, I hold every hope that Aura's shall not be for some time."

A comment made in a most postive note, perhaps even humor, and yet... No. Nope. Verna rises from her seat as another shift and away from that thread, internal or not. "My thanks for the tea and your time. I should not impose on you further, nor linger overlong." Another pause and potental shift before she adds, "Should you hold any lingering concerns in regards to my recent visit to Her Hall, Silmeria, know that I do not bear any ill thoughts of it. By my wish, Her Welcome, and your hand, terrible repurcussions were avoided that day."

"I will do so," Silmeria says seriously, "as fully as if Auranar were one of us. She's halfway there already, as it is."

At the mention of the ritual, the Speaker falls silent for a moment, contemplating her tea. "...I know you don't," she says, quietly. "And on balance, I don't either. But I'd rather not care to repeat the experience, and anyhow as I told your lady; we do not choose to serve Death, and expect to keep a whole heart." Looking up at the elf, she smiles. "Few were more glad than I, to see you stir. I pray that this time, you keep it that way for a time."

Verna makes the few steps required to step around the table to put a hand to Silmeria's shoulder if not undesired. "Thank you, and I understand the ... balance of the situation, as I have also been in such." A brief squeeze of her hand follows, if placed. Assurance and comiseration; earnest if not gravely somber.

Any solemnity may be broken, in fact, as she returns the smile with her own. One that is slightly uneven, in fact. "I have every intention to remain in this realm for as long as She deems necessary. I gave Aura my word. As well, I have every expectation that Aura would -personally- follow to both remind me of this and inform The Harpist, Herself, of her differing opinion on the matter." An argument between Verna's goddess and her fiancee is not a situation she would wish to be in the midst of.

At this, Silmeria can only chuckle, and pat the hand on her shoulder. "I shudder to think," she says, as she rises from her chair, and turns to face the Mourner. "Honestly, though... Enjoy your vacation, Verna. I shall do all I can, to keep the shop together in the meantime. You've more than earned a bit of concentrated joy."

"We shall," Verna assures on behalf of her other half. "Still, should you discover pertinent news, or there is any way we can aid you, please do not hesitate to inform us. Until next we meet, Speaker. May She judge you justly and at your appointed time."