Although their initial reception was one of general relief. Once inside the Abbey, Aribelle and Mia were soundly reprimanded.
Sister Clarence had chastised them for what felt like hours, before they were finally saved by the clanging of bells calling them to evening prayer. However, here they were made to repent again. Sister Clarence demanding Barnibus recite a lengthy sermon that evening.
Their kneeling cushions were revoked. Forcing Mia and Aribelle kneel on the cold hard stone floor of the chapel, until their legs ached with pins and needles.
The Abbey still inhabited by victims from the flood and subsequent dragon rampage, Aribelle went out into the courtyard to seek some serenity. Her mind still reeling from the events of the day and body sore, she stretched out onto the luscious grass. Her shoes tossed aside, Aribelle some of the uneasiness left her as the lawn tickled at the spaces between her toes. As though adrift on a solitary island, she gazed up at the clouds floating across the night sky. Forlornly, she thought 'It would be nice to see the stars.'
Almost certain tonight would be her last, Aribelle allow for this brief indulgence of self-pity. Unsure whether it had been mercy or lack of appetite she should thank for their narrow escape today, it seemed unlikely that she would be so fortunate again tomorrow.
Preoccupied by her ruminations, Aribelle did not turn when the two men joined her on the lawn. Neither had said as much, but she was aware of her childhood friends' acute suspiciousness towards her involvement the recent events that had transpired. They knew, if they dare ask, Aribelle would supply an earnest response. However, it was the possible confirmation of their suspicions that prevented them from asking, leaving their silent questions hanging in the air awkwardly as they flanked her.
"Sit up," Said Mikel "let Barni patch you up." Used to Mikel's overbearing mannerisms Aribelle complied, peeling her back from the ground lazily.
Avoiding their tellingly disconcerted looks, she watched Barnibus's long graceful fingers unravel a cloth bandage. After, he worked open the lid from a small container of ointment. Naturally, Aribelle recognized it as a remedy concocted by her late father. Taking the recipe from a small field journal he had left; it was effective for healing minor injuries and alleviating pain. Teaching herself to make the salve and perfect it in time, it became a staple product exclusive to the Abbey. However, due to the rarity of the herbs and the intensity of the process, it was in short supply. Therefore, sales were limited to physicians with recognized permits rather than the general public in the capital.
While Barnibus was cautious in its application, the pale green ointment stung as it made contact with a scrape on her knee. "Ari- "Barnibus started, then hesitated. Pausing to reposition her foot on his lap after seeing her wince. He held her ankle in place delicately, as he continued. "I'd like for you to come with me to Merriha." His words were calm but firm and Aribelle as he announced them.
Caught in a moment of bewilderment, it occurred to her exactly what he meant. Glancing between the two of them, Aribelle grew increasingly enraged. Made obvious by their equally stern expressions, it was clear that they had been conspiring together on this plan to extract her from the capital without consulting her.
Quick to notice the sour look that crossed her face, the two conspirators launched into a defensive maneuver. "It wouldn't be forever," Mikel tried to reason with her, "just to get you away from the city for a while."
"Why would I need to get away Mikel?" Aribelle questioned, her wide brown eyes narrowing with a scowl of betrayal.
"The Sisters and Church have already agreed for you to assist me at the parish." added Barnibus.
"How long have you two been planning this behind my back?" Aribelle hissed, trying to shake Barnibus's hand from her ankle. Attempting to move away from them, the young priest wrapped his arms around her waist frantically. Startled by this desperate attempt to prevent her from leaving Aribelle froze.
"Please Ari, don't hate us." he pleaded "We should have told you earlier. We just can't lose you too."
This painful reminder dampened her fury. They had all lost the people closest to them at a young age; For Mikel it had been to street thugs and although Barnibus did not speak of it much, she knew has had suffered a lot of abuse before he ended up at the Abbey.
This sentiment was mirrored in the troubled lines of Mikel's brow beside them.
Sighing defeatedly, Aribelle replied the harshness no longer in her tone. "Honestly, how could I hate either of you."
Barnibus lifted his head upon hearing this. His eyes glistening with hope as he still squeezed her waist. Smiling down at him, she tucked a lock of blond hair behind his ear tenderly. "Can some of the kids come with us?" she asked sweetly.
Perking up instantly, Barnibus rubbed his face against her like a contented cat. Then smiled mischievously in Malik's direction "We can have as many kids as you want." Malik glared back at him at this comment. Grabbing his friend by the back of his collar, he made an effort to pry him off of Aribelle. "Oye, she's not for you to keep!" he shouted.
Pulled along in their tussle Aribelle laughed, enjoying what might be the last moments she would spend with them.