“I see” Thea remarked in a tone that could mean absolutely anything. The priestess’ eyes moved slowly down the Night Elf’s body, onto Liaena, who was at that moment angrily extricating herself from the large Lithrielle.  “Do you intend to accompany them, Apprentice Rune?”

“….Yes. yes, I do” Liaena said carefully, after shooting Rithrynn a look of ire as she shoved Lithrielle to one side and got to her feet. The latter was still sound asleep, which heavily implied that she and Aleena had already been sampling some of the Cathedral’s holy wine. “They’re very sorry for what happened upstairs, Priestess. They were never taught how to behave”

“Mistakes were made on all sides” Thea commented in a circumspect tone, before returning her attention to Rithrynn. The paladin standing beside her was shuffling his feet in a slightly awkward tone, apparently not knowing where to look when faced with a massive, extremely scantily clad female. 

“Thank you for returning my apprentice. I appreciate it has not been easy. If you ever feel the need for the Cathedral’s assistance, I will ensure that it is given”

“I helped too” 
Liaena muttered in an almost inaudible tone below them both. Thea gave her a Look that made the little girl’s mouth snap shut like a trap. “Am I to understand that her predicament [i]wasn’t [/i]a direct result of your influence, Rune?”

…..

“…whose predicament, what?” Kathlin enquired from behind them, the apprentice wandering down the corridor towards the group to give Liaena a smile and bob her head at Thea. “Hi Li. Priestess Thea, I found the morning edition”

“…What?” Thea enquired in a puzzled tone, before swiftly taking the newspaper proffered to her and studying the front page. “Oh, I see.”

“Oh for – Light, the propaganda machine’s working overtime!” Liaena snarled as she peered around Thea at the paper. The front page was covered with a banner article about the valiant efforts of the White Hand, and how they had fought off elven invaders. “This is – we can’t let this be the story!”

“I agree. However, I don’t intend for the church to make unfounded accusations” Thea said sharply. Giving Kathlin a slightly softer look, she looked the apprentice up and down before switching her gaze to Rithrynn. “Does your leader still intend for you to leave immediately, Rithrynn? It would be good to hear your story of what happened this evening.”

Kathlin meanwhile had sidled up to Liaena. She gave both of the smaller girl’s shoulders a careful checkover, before leaning over slightly to stage whisper in her ear. “…Where’s Bella, Li?”

!

“……Uhhhhhh….” Liaena mumbled after a long, protracted pause. Glancing around with some alarm, she stared back into one of the bedrooms. “….Maybe I left her in there, earlier?”