Rosen watched the last water form the larger tub drain into the grounds. In the old days she would have had to pail it all out by hand. Life had certainly become easier now. Still, some things had to be done the old fashion way.
"Time to make more holy water."
Joizz and Blush knew the routine well. A large, wide metal bucket was placed on the ground which Rosen stepped on. A fresh pitcher of hot water was poured slowly across her body. Rare and fragrant herbs infused with her natural flavor, pooling below. Then came the oils rubbed into her tan skin. In truth this was merely olive oil with a touch of imported spice. It gave her skin a lovely shine and added a richness to the broth. Another aromatic bucket was poured and the holy water was complete. Rosen stepped out and was quickly dried and another layer of oils applied.
Plip came with the cream and a sharp razor. Rosen raised her leg so he had full access. She trusted him with her most delicate era emphatically. Plip lathered his brush and coated the hair well until fully covered in cream. With skill and speed that only made her rogue theory seem all the more plausible, he shaved away the untamed red weed. Not leaving a single unwanted strand. He was done in a flash, fresh air flowing across the smooth inviting entrance. Plip cleaned and put away his sharp tool then admired his work. He could not help but lean forward and give the newly clean lower lips a gentle kiss. Rosen giggled and let him get away with that. He could be quite the charmer when he wanted to.
Finally, Rosen Mary dawned her Holy Garments. A dress much like the other female members wore. Black with some white detailing, including the heart symbol of Eros across the chest and lower back. It started high, wrapping around her neck with black fabrics, and ended high, the skirt stopping above the half point of the thigh. The entire torso was covered, though not out of reach thanks to the front opening up with just a few hidden buttons. As Rosen was the Priestess, her dress was more elaborate. A white line following the otherwise hidden opening curving to the right of her chest and down her belly. Her chest heart symbol was an opening revealing some cleavage. There was another smaller hole showing her belly button and a larger one across her back, all heart shaped. Rosen also wore black woolen gloves and stockings similar to her sleeping wear, but a bit warmer, and a pair of silken black panties. These were not required, in fact save for the dress you were not required to wear anything at all. But Rosen liked how it all fit together. All the Clergy wore what they preferred to add their own personal touch.
There was a loud growl from Rosen's shimmering stomach. Just in time for breakfast.
The Church of Eros has no morning mass, unlike so many others. In days past the church would be empty this early. Lecton was a growing city that was not growing fast enough. As such, the pews were full of people with nowhere else to go for a warm night's sleep.
Most were travelers passing through that did not have the luck or funds to stay at a proper hotel. Merchants, Adventurers, Soldiers of fortune and anyone else whose home was wherever they could rest their head. They lined up for breakfast, happy to have a meal more substantial than hard bread and salt meat.
Nash dolled his Porridge out into wooden bowls. It was made of barley, onions, fresh greens and mushrooms. All simple and common ingredients. But the way he cooked it made it taste special. The Onions were slowly cooked for over an hour, leaving them brown and soft. The mushrooms were dried from the peak seasons many months ago. He steeped them in hot water and used the flavorful liquid to add an extra richness. The greens were added in mere minutes before serving making sure to preserve their color and nutrition. A filling and healthy way to start one's day, which the travelers ate greedily. '
However, it was not all people making a brief stop in a long journey. Among them were a few of a new and sadly growing problem. The homeless. City life had brought much richness to the once small town, but it also brought a dark underbelly. Many came hoping for a new and better life. Most found it, some did not. For these poor souls life was cold and hungry. It may be some time before they find their feet. But so long as the Church of Eros stands, they will always have a hot meal and a warm place to sleep. Nash made sure their bowls were filled to the top.
Most ate on the pews or wherever else they could find comfort. At the front next to the podium, a table was set up for the Clergy members. They had a proper dining room of course with more than enough room for all. But the Eros Church is one of acceptance and shared experiences, both good and bad. So they chose to eat as the others did in the high ceiling of the Church halls.
Rosen took a heaping spoonful to her mouth. She savored the flavors which were so much richer than an average gruel. Eating is not merely a means of sustenance, it is an experience. One worth savoring. Second only to the more carnal urges in the Eros Churches hierarchy of Pleasures. Nash spoils them with his dishes. Had she not made a vow to never marry, Rosen would have made him her husband after the first bite.
Each of the Clergy ate at their own pace. Some took it slow like Rosen, making sure to enjoy each mouthful. Others ate faster, Moo in particular finishing her extra large bowl quickly and heading back for another. Nash had a whole second pot just for her.
Sugar was distracted, poking at her porridge. She had a hunger food couldn't satisfy. Mindlessly she watched the riff raff going about their own morning rituals. Some ate, some prayed, others still slept. A now mundane site at the often full Church. Then she saw him. Scruffy and unshaved with a blade by his side. Not all who came though had the best of intentions. Scoundrels and rogues have started to appear. Petty crime has started to rise. Nothing too dangerous thus far, and all hope this will remain.
Sugar's black eyes widened. She lifted her bowl and practically drank the porridge as fast as she could. Her breakfast was finished in moments, washed down with small beer. Then she leaped off her chair and ran out to the pews.
Rosen watched as Sugar skipped towards the scruffy man. Pulling him away to the Eastern wing. Poor girl has such terrible taste in men. A dirty vagrant like that will only hurt her. Then again, that's what she wants.
Oh well. No use stopping what's in motion. There is still much left to be done. And no more porridge to distract.
"Joizz, it is your day for dish duty."
"Woat?" Joizz whined. "Can't be my turn Have Blushie do em."
"No. This is your chore. Now get to it."
Joizz rolled her eyes but did as she was told. Collecting the small mountain of dishes. Everyone else knew their duties and needed no prompting to start. That was except for…
"Thera."
Rosen caught Thera as she attempted to slink away from a side door. She turned to look up at Rosen, like a naughty child just caught with her hand in the sweets jar by a disappointed mother.
"You aren't getting out of this Thera."
Thera nervously played with her silvery hair and tugged at her red garter belt. Raising a hand to protest, only to flinch when Rosen raised her hand first and pointed directly at the confessional booth. Thera looked at the booth, a line already beginning to form outside, then looked down at her feet in defeat.
"...no complaints." Thera murmured.
Thera dragged her feet to the Confessional booth. Unlike most other Churches the Eros Confession was square shaped with padding across all the walls. There was nothing between the Clergy member and the patron making their confession. The booth had magical seals which made it sound proof as soon as the door was shut. And the biggest difference of all, it locked for the inside.
Thera entered the room and the first patron in line excitedly followed. The door shut just as he began to remove his pants. Rosen glanced at the line of people waiting their turn. It was already quite long and growing. Almost all were men. Thera was exceptionally popular for this service, even more than Rosen herself. It would be a lie if she said she wasn't at least a little jealous.
The Confessional is by its nature an personal place. Where people lay bare their secret sins and pains. Here was no different. As such it was important to make all that seek guidance feel safe and comfortable. Eros simply had a more, shall we say, intimate way to promote that comfort.
It was amazing what some people will tell you when their pants are down. The secrets Rosen was privy too, the dark desires shed been told, the fantasies that need go unfulfilled. It was often hard to tell when to be horrified and when to be horny. Frankly, she was often both. Still, this was her duty to act as an outlet. Despite being a growing town with all the ilk that brings, Lecton has had little crime. And Rosen likes to believe they have helped greatly in keeping that down.
Really the most awkward were the men and women who used the time to confess their feelings to her. It's a strange feeling to reject someone while they are inside of your body. Rosen dedicated herself, body and soul, to Eros. Eros will share the body, but never the soul. Her duties are to the Church. And there is still much left to be done.