“Ayrie wait, please. The reason I didn’t take your hand was because I could hurt you. Most assuredly it would unintentional, but I would. My magic after taking that elixir bath can get rather erratic. With how powerful I am, and with you being the opposite alignment. It’d be like touching a power line you’d be shot back like a bullet after having your entire body fried. Not pleasant to experience or to witness,” Asran said plainly.

Then moved to a dresser to grab an enchanted bracer, and a shirt. He started fitting the shirt on and said, “I will be completely better by tomorrow after some exercises to put me back into control.”

After the shirt was on he but the bracer on his left wrist while turning to look at Ayrie. He had a devious look, and an amused smirk. “Also even if you went to Markus he would send you straight to me. You do realize I’m his boss right? Or did you forget, I’m lord Gluttony. I always get what I desire.” He then approached Ayrie in slow easy strides closing the distance between them. He gently took her chin in his hand. His bracer had powerful enchantments on them stopping his magic from flowing out without his say so.

Asran leaned in close to her so they were eye to eye. “What I desire is simple. But, since you figured out one of my little secrets. I’m going to give you a new one, and that is. What is it that I desire from you? Till you can figure it out Ayrie, no one else is to help you unless I tell them to. They are only to help you with exactly what I tell them to as well. If they go against. They’ll be punished severely for it. Do I make myself perfectly clear Ayrie?” He then smirked more it went from ear to ear. Asran might be a nice guy usually, but make no mistake he was still very much a demon.

The butler imp came up from behind Asran, and smacked him hard with a newspaper. “Ow! Watch it,” Asran yelped. Turning around to stare at the traitorous little imp. “Sir, you told me to hit you when you were letting your demonic side show too much. Be glad I didn’t hit you with a metal pole like you told me to.” Asran growled as he pulled away from Ayrie rubbing at the back of his head with a deep sigh. “Sorry about that, another side effect of that damn elixir, and my magic going wild. Mood swings, nasty ones too.” He then stepped away from her.

Ayrie felt a gush of relief that it wasn't her stopping him from taking help, and relaxed. That devious look on his face made her tense slightly, but not in a frightened way. When he touched her chin she felt a shock that was all chemical, not in the slightest magical, and that did scare her. Those blue eyes seemed as though they were miles deep, and she felt she could get stuck in them. When the imp hit him it wasn't just Asran that was brought back to reality.

"What on earth could I possibly give to a man who already has everything he could want?" she asked, "You're a powerful demon, with loyal servants- an entire city of loyal servants in fact- but you want something from me?"

She stared at him, and then looked at the imp butler, and back at Asran. She had no idea what a simple girl like her could offer him, other than potential light magic that she barely knew how to use. She fiddled with her hair, undoing the braid and wrapping the ribbon around her fingers. If she were in his position the only thing she would want was someone to trust, someone she could confide all her secrets in. Surely that was too simple for someone like him, so she disregarded the thought.

"I'll puzzle out what you want, but only if you give me your name." she said, narrowing her eyes. She wanted him to give it to her himself, though she knew it, because she didn't want the imp to get into trouble for his slip up. "And promise that when I figure it out you'll tell me what this curse is and how I can help you end it."

Asran looked at Ayrie with an amused expression. He loved how cheeky she could be, making such demands of him. He then stopped realizing what he’d just felt. Then sighed deeply, and smiled again it was warm. “Alright, after facing all that I do suppose you’ve earned my name. My name is Asran Throckmorton, lord to the sin of Gluttony,” he said bowing slightly at the hip a hand arching under him. “It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, lady Ayrie.” Then raised himself to be standing up right. Then flicked her on the forehead slightly. “Also don’t get cheeky. I told you how I don’t want to talk about it. You’re also going to have to figure that out on your own. Ask the priests if it’s so important to you.”

Ayrie smiled back, feeling the warmth of his. She could tell it amused him for her to make demands, and she knew that if he didn't want to give in he didn't have to. The fact that he finally gave her his name gave her some hope at breaking down his walls.

"The pleasure is mine, Lord Asran." she said with a curtsy, giggling softly at the gesture. 'Why do I want to break down his walls though? I should be running back to the monastery with my tail between my legs!'

"I should probably make my way home for a change of clothes. I don't want to be walking around in the early morning wearing the same clothing I wore at the festival, having left running after you." she said, suddenly remembering that the priests would be arriving soon. She didn't need gossip getting to them, and certainly didn't need them seeing her dressed like this leaving Asran's temple. She purposely didn't mention them, not wanting to break the mood in the room.

“Oh right, they’re coming. I suggest going out the back way, follow me. I figure I’ll head home as well. I badly need a shower before the elixir residue starts setting in. As it makes me feel every type of disgusting for a week,” Asran said. He clearly didn’t care if his priests came rushing into the temple only to discover he was gone. They’d most likely figure out that he’d just gone home.
“Also we are still on for tomorrow. I’m going to help you figure out a job in the city. Though just to be sure nothing happens to you till then,” he said. Then summoned his imps with a thrum from his throat. The imps looked at Asran then to Ayrie they hissed at her. Making Asran snark at them making them cower slightly. “Watch over Ayrie protect her, and come get me if there is trouble you cannot handle. Ayrie is my personal guest in this city. Do I make myself clear?” Asran’s tone was powerful, and commanding letting there be no room for negotiation.

Ayrie watched the imps cower, but their eyes still held hatred for her. She shrugged, not thinking they would be needed anyway. It wasn't as if the priests would harm her, and she was meeting Markus later to go over some more defensive magics so soon enough she'd be able to defend herself.

"Thank you," she said simply. "And of course I'll meet you for that job. I need something to do with my day."

She followed him to the back door, not really wanting to go home just yet but knowing the night was over. 'Tomorrow my real life comes back to haunt me.' she thought, wishing the priests would stay away.

Asran nodded, and then motioned for Ayrie to follow. He lead them through the back exit of the temple. The streets were quieting down considerably now that the festival was almost completely over. When they approached a large crowd Asran took Ayrie gently by the hand guiding her through. The people looked a little disturbed, and that was when he realized he hadn’t given the closing speech. “Shit,” he said low under his breath. “Forgot the speech, because of course I did.”

She followed him easily until the came to a large crowd, when they did Asran took her hand and lead her through. She had a hard time concentrating until he talked about missing his speech.

"I mean, you were a little preoccupied..." Ayrie said, keeping her voice low. "Go up there now and do it. I'll be okay to get home on my own from here."

She was reluctant but she loosened her grip on his hand so that he could let go, and slowed her forward momentum. 'I'll let him get up there for his speech and then I'll head home.'

Asran looked back at her, and smiled faintly. He liked how she was so unselfish to consider other people. Before thinking of being escorted home. Then again that was more his desire to do it than anything else. “Yeah, I’ll go deliver it. Thanks,” he said. Then walked off back to the temple going back through the hidden exit, and signaling to a now exhausted Markus. Who helped him disguise his presence, and flawlessly switch the illusion Asran for the real one.

He stood up in his demon form summoning the attention of everyone there. They’d turned to him with faces of admiration loving how they were being rewarded for staying while so many left to go home. “With this joyous hour over so too does. My citizens, and family I bid thee to enjoy your full bellies, and souls as you dream of all your deepest desires. Given they aren’t perverse, cause I mean come on. I may be great at making dreams come true, but I’m no miracle worker.” A few people laughed at his joke. “But, in all seriousness. Go home, be with the people you care about. Who care deeply about you, and enjoy yourselves. Good night,” with that Asran waved to them all before returning inside followed by his priests bowing slightly to him as he passed.

Once inside he was swarmed by everyone checking him over. Casting healing magic, and prodding at his body. They ignored him as he shifted back into human form. Then started lightly smacking hands away with a swatting of his hands. “Will you please STOP THAT,” he said as he’d become very irate. He knew that they cared about them. But, it was more of making sure their leader was okay then a friend. Save for Nadia who just smiled at him kindly as he ighed deeply. “I’m going home,” he said walking away. Ignoring the many protests. “Also Markus catch,” He said lightly tossing a bottle to him. Markus caught it, and smiled seeing it was a mana potion he chugged it down. “Thanks,” Markus said earning a smile from Asran. Then he left out the back way trying to head home. Despite the now massive crowds of people leaving. He swore he got passed around more than a ball during a game.

Ayrie managed to out pace the bulk of the remaining crowd by leaving before Asran said goodnight. She made her way at a leisurely pace to her little home, and was surprisingly greeted by lights on inside.

'Oh no... The priests!' She all but yelped as she raced up the stairs. She hadn't been back since the afternoon, there was no telling how long they had been inside, or if they had seen any of the festival or Ayrie's actions.

"Hello? Father Darren? Father Gerrick?" She called as she entered. She didn't see them right away but smelled fresh cooking coming from the kitchen.

"Ah, you're back! Father Gerrick, our sinner has returned to us!" Father Darren came out of the hallway, staring her down with a look she had never seen on his normally peaceful face.

"Father Darren... I..." She stopped as he held a hand up to her, turning his head away.

"Two days. Two days you've been here without escort and we arrive to find you dancing at a heathen festival. To find you complacent in the sacrifice of others." Darren began, his voice cold. "You sat at table on the dais and followed that man, this this priest of darkness into his temple? Disappearing for hours before showing up here looking like you got run over by a horse? Just what do you think you are doing?"

Ayrie froze, unsure where to start as Father Gerrick entered the room looking just as furious but carrying three plates of food. 'So they aren't kicking me out, but sending me back is not yet out of the question. My reasoning for what I was doing must be sound."

The imps has attempted to follow only to be repelled by a holy symbol on the building. The priests had put it back up stopping them from crossing the threshold. One of them quickly departed to alert Asran of the priests arrival. Along with what they could hear as Ayrie being in trouble.

Asran had arrived at his home without issue. It wasn’t big or grand like his temples. By comparison it was simple a one story house overlooking the bay. His butler was making some soup for him while he took a much needed shower. He was completely enraptured by the warmth of the water as it sprayed down his shoulders, and back. When an imp showed up unannounced and spoke he let out a very unmanly yelp. Making the imp giggle with amusement.

Only to irritate the demon lord making the imp stop as Asran glowered at them. “what the hell do you want? Speak before I devour you whole,” he commanded. The imp cleared his throat nervously. The priests have arrived during the festival we think. That priestess,” the imp snarled a little still not liking her. “Is in a considerable amount of trouble.” Asran sighed deeply rubbing at his chin then shook his head deeply. “Continue monitoring the situation, if they try to bring her harm alert me immediately. Take one of the crystals in my office desk,” he said. Then went back to cleansing himself of the elixir’s residue.

"Sirs, please allow me to explain." She said carefully, kneeling down on her knees and bowing her head like she was taught for confession. "I was alone here, and the city Mayor approached me to offer what protection he can and to warn me that the people of this city do not take kindly to the Church." She peeked up as she heard plates clatter on the modest table. They were listening.

"The Mayor here, he told me that we must hide symbols of our faith from the outside, that we may only preach to those who seek us, and not to knock on doors or preach on the sidewalks." She paused, wondering how to explain why, then she remembered. "The people here remember the attacks on them years ago, some are even survivors. Seeing our symbols is a reminder of the war. We must tread carefully, amd win their hearts with kindness and service. If we go too heavy on the doctrine they will not tolerate our presence, and our very lives might be endangered."

There was silence for a moment as the priests considered her statements.

"Why did you go to this festival, why watch those people be sacrificed to that demon without saying anything?" Father Gerrick asked, his brown eyes had never been more piercing.

"I needed to see for myself the extent of their sin. To understand why they believe it is necessary and why they allow it."

"And you followed that man into the temple? Why did you stay so long?" This from Father Darrin, as he set the table with silverware they must have brought.

"He was ill. I wanted to make sure that he was alright. Was that not the right thing to do? It is what I was taught." Now she looked up, certain they were satisfied.

"It is the thing to do, my child. Now come, eat. We shall discuss how to handle this city tomorrow." Father Gerrick motioned her to a plate set in the only place with no seat. She didn't mind sitting on the floor, but it was clear they were giving her her place. There were three chairs, he had purposely placed her plate where she would need to sit on the floor.

She moved into place and sat daintily, eating with poise as she contemplated her new predicament.

The imps showed Asran with the crystal eye how the priestess treated Ayrie. “Clever girl,” he said. As her lies all stemmed with seeds of truth as all good lies should. “Is she sure she’s not part Devil,” he asked himself. Then drank some wine, and ate some soup.

When he saw her forced to sit on the floor to eat he became angered. How dare those lowly peasants treat his Ayrie like that! They should be the ones eating on the floor not her. He couldn’t stop his hand from flexing to the point he shattered his wine glass. He cursed as his hands dripped with wine with glass shards all over the table. His butler handed him a towel smirking at seeing how flustered Asran got at seeing Ayrie being treated in such a fashion. “Thanks,” he said cleaning up. “Not a problem sir. Though do keep in mind Ayrie is a big girl she can handle herself just fine,” the butler said. “Yeah I know Malcolm, but it’s very difficult all the same.” Asran sighed as he finished cleaning his hand. Then passed the towel over for Malcolm to finish the rest.

After getting a new wine glass, and a fresh bowl of food Asran finished his meal. Then popped off to bed with his imps still watching over Ayrie protecting her, but their hatred had been moved onto the priests. As they treated their masters guest with such impudence. They’d find a way in, and then they’d slit their throats. This time Asran would certainly reward them versus getting angry at their thoughts.

Ayrie woke in the early morning with weight on her chest, she had no idea how to shake the priests, if she even could. They had mentioned that she had dome well, but she didn't trust their words as much as she might have before arriving in Cornopa. She rose and dressed, brushing her hair and braiding it, this time foregoing the ribbon. She put on a simple yellow dress that fell to her ankles and grabbed a robe from her chest. She knew she couldn't wear it outside, but the priests would want to see it.

"Goodmorning Fathers." She said brightly as she came out of her room to the living area.

"Goodmorning Ayrie." They said in unison. "Slept well I trust?" Asked Father Gerrick.

"Yes, sir." She saw that they had already made breakfast "Excuse me this morning, but I am late for a meeting with the Mayor. He has promised to find me a job in the city in order to begin gaining the trust of those who live here."

"Alright, my dear. Be back by dinner, we shall just be resting after our travels. Weary bones don't bounce back the way they used to." Said Father Gerrick. He eyed her closely, but must not have seen whatever he was looking for.

"Of course, Father. Rest easy." Ayrie said, slipping on her shoes and heading out the door. On her way out she quickly unset the symbol on the door and took it with her. Meaning to get rid of it somehow.

The imps followed after Ayrie keeping at a safe distance. Though two remained to watch the priests. Waiting for the second they tried hurting Asran to kill them both.
Malcolm met Ayrie a block away from her home. “Ah Ayrie good morning, Asran is waiting at city hall. It’s also an offshoot of the main temple. I guess you could call the main temple city hall. Let me guide you there,” he said smiling.

Asran was in his office at city hall. He was working on documents looking for the perfect job for Ayrie. He was debating between someone that offered confession to prisoners, and sacrifices. Or a job with Nadia helping teach the children. He rubbed at his chin looking at the two different jobs, and then shrugged. Figuring he’d let Ayrie decide.

Ayrie smiled with relief when she saw Malcolm. "Oh thank goodness. I have to get rid of this thing. I can't take it in his office and I don't want to throw it out, any ideas?"

She pointed at the wooden placard in which the symbol of peace was embedded.

__________________________

Darrin looked at Gerrick after Ayrie left, relieved to finally have a moment to speak.

"She's not the same girl who left the monastery. Something has changed." He said, seating himself into a chair.

"No, she's much different. More bold, less docile. That could be a problem." Gerrick replied.

"We shall see. It may prove to be to our advantage."

Malcolm backed up a step, and covered his nose with a handkerchief. “Ugh, the holy power on that is absolutely noxious. Much stronger than the last time I saw it. Shatter it, and throw the pieces into a fire. That’s the best way to get rid of it. Hurry before we meet with Asran in his current state such a powerful symbol may shatter his recovering shielding.”

On Malcom's suggestiom Ayrie suddenly knew exactly where to take it. Behind a fence there was a group of people burning the garbage from the festival, so she took it and silently used her power to break the enchantment, then threw the useless piece of wood into the fire. It crackled loudly, but no one took notice and she went back to Malcom.

"Done." She said nodding, and continued to follow him. "I'm glad I said something before we got there. I would not want to hurt Asran."

“Indeed, I’m pretty sure he’d go nuts. When his shielding goes so too does his cognitive thinking skills. Meaning that only demons would be safe. It’s an intense chore to restrain him,” Malcolm said.

He then lead Ayrie to around the temple, to a smaller offshoot part of the building. They went through an office with a large desk with three people working behind it. “This way,” he said. Some of the workers looked at Malcolm and Ayrie for a second before continuing their work. Malcolm took them to a back office that said Mayor. Most people knew Asran simply as the mayor no actual name. When Malcolm lead Ayrie in they saw Asran leaned against the wall behind his desk. He was looking down at two folders. Asran looked up at Ayrie, and smiled at her happily. “Hey, How is it going? I see the priests are here,” he said simply.

Ayrie smiled, relieved he already knew and she didn't have to break the news.

"It goes as well as possible. They're doing their best to put me back in my place, but it's much harder to get genie bavk in the bottle once she's out." She said, walking closer to him. "So, found a job to get me away from them yet?"

She was hoping he had found her something that would assuage the priests, and keep them off her tail.