[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/SfiukUq.png[/img][/center][hr][sub][color=lemonchiffon]Location:[/color] The Sun Temple[/sub][hr][hr]
[color=lemonchiffon][i]The [b]murders[/b]!?[/i][/color]

Tia’s eyes widened in alarm as she looked up at the guard.

[color=lemonchiffon]“The murders,”[/color] she affirmed, nodding. 

What had she [i]missed[/i] yesterday? No wonder Dyna had looked so stormy when she’d returned – there was apparently a [i]killer[/i] on the loose. Distraught, Tia thought of the poor souls who’d been taken. Dawnhaven was such a small community… who would do something so awful? [i]Why?[/i]

Tia’s thoughts ground to a halt when she realized – the Princess had needed healing yesterday. Had she been involved? She must’ve, or else why would they have thought to call on Ranni – on [i]her?[/i]

Anxiety pressed in on Tia as the gravity of the situation only grew. And she was still looking up at the guard, her panic on full display. The guard looked back at her, curiosity and concern in his eyes, and Tia could practically [i]feel[/i] the way all her secrets were clearly readable on her face.

She tried to give him a smile. It was strained.

[color=lemonchiffon]“Pardon me,”[/color] she squeaked, her voice rasping harshly in her throat. Then Tia [s]fled[/s] walked briskly back through the main chamber, down the hallway, and into her room, shutting the door behind her.

Now was not the time for a panic attack.

Tia, breathing at a normal rate with a steady heartbeat, stood in the middle of her room. Actually, no. She was pacing. But other than that she was fine. Her breath was just a [i]little[/i] quick. Her heart was barely deafening. 

[b][i]Now was not the time for a panic attack.[/i][/b]

Think. Tia had to think. People had been murdered. The Princess had been attacked. Her visions were… fine. They were fine and could be addressed later when she figured out [i]how[/i]. The gemstone was being dealt with. [i]Ivor.[/i]

Tia had to make sure Ivor didn’t loudly share the story of their cave diving adventure over a pint of ale. 

Latching onto the first actionable plan she could find, Tia moved to her bedside table and pulled out two sheets of parchment. Stretching her hand, she began writing hurried notes.

The first went to the twins’ room – Tia curled Ranni’s little gecko around it on the bed, taking too much time to carefully arrange the display. But the little thrum of joy when she looked at her finished handiwork felt worth it. 

[quote][color=lemonchiffon][i]Thank you for the cookies! They were delicious~ I accidentally gave the basket to a visitor but there should still be some cookies at the front for Dyna. Sorry! TT-TT

The temple has been mostly quiet. I have to head into town for a bit but I promise to be back soon (for real this time… sorry, I know we all need to talk). 

Love, Tia[/i][/color][/quote]
When Tia reemerged into the main chamber of the temple, the fire popping judgmentally as she passed, her nerves were muffled under a blanket of calm, polite, professionalism. This time when she smiled up at the guard, it was decidedly less frantic. She offered him the second note in a hand that almost wasn’t trembling.

[quote][color=lemonchiffon][i]The Church thanks you for your care and vigilance. I have matters to attend to in town, but I expect the other Priestess, Ranni, and the Champion of Aelios, Dyna, should return soon. For your awareness, Priestess Ranni is a blight-born. I trust that she will be treated with the same deference and respect that you have shown me. Another blight-born, Dr. Moreau, may also return – the temple has been housing her until she can find more permanent accommodations. Thank you for your diligence in ensuring that the temple may remain a sanctuary for all. 

Please help yourself to a cookie![/i][/color][/quote]
Tia gave him another smile, and a short bow. Then she slipped out the temple door and into the snowy streets of Dawnhaven. Tia [i]really[/i] hoped that when she returned, she wouldn’t be covered in blood.

Again.
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[sub][color=lemonchiffon]Interactions:[/color] Kale Grall [@Theyra][/sub]