After a quiet stroll they came to a Church. Larger and newer than their own made of white marble. This was a recently erected Church for the Light of Genatrix. A far more widespread religion than the Church of Eros who worshiped the Goddess Genatrix, wife of creation and True Mother of all who reside upon the Earth. The over achieving middle child of the Three Sisters Pantheon.
"Look who the feral cat dragged in. Returned to forsake your pagan ways and repent thy sins?"
"Priestess Wellow, it is good to see you." Rosen said, dialing up the sweetness in her voice. "We are merely here to donate once again to your charity. We Pagans do like to actually contribute something of value rather than demand others pay their share for them like common beggars."
"We may have more time to make frivolous wine and cheese if we were not so dedicated to purifying the stench from this world that you so carelessly promote. Less we would be little more than common whores.":
"Well you would fetch a fine price, Have you thought about moonlighting? We always have an opening for your openings."
"Rot in Hell, slut!"
"I love you, too."
Priestess Wellow was in charge of the Church of Genatrix in Lecton and to most eyes Rosen's spiritual equal. Though she herself did not see it that way. A faun of stunning beauty, she truly would be popular if she let herself be out there a bit more. Unfortunately, she chose to dedicate her lovely body to the Genatrix church. Much more traditionalist and conservative with their focus being on prayer. All they ask is that you come to their Church once a week and donate what you can.
As Rosen and Wellow continued their spar, Blush and Moo joined with the Genatrix clergy to unload and distribute the goods. The two churches were not enemies. In fact Eros was none other than Genatrix's niece by blood. The two have largely found means to coexist. Wellow is simply the exception, part of a small but vocal sect that despises the Eros church specifically. Seeing it as an affront to their own values.
Despite the animosity, the Genatrix Church was able to help in ways Eros could not. They ran a large and successful Food Pantry to help feed the less fortunate. Moo was drawn to their orphanage, something the Eros Church could never have no matter how much they wanted, to hand out candy to the children.
Rosen and Wellow had finally exhausted themselves enough to speak business.
"Have you prepared yourself for the new arrival?" Wellow asked.
"Yes, although I do wonder why they are being sent to us. Not that I mind, but it is strange to see."
"Do not remind me. We have more than enough space. Yet the High Order trusts your detestable lot with someone sent by the Grand Priestess herself. I don't like it in the slightest."
"I would love to lap up your, ahem, envy. If only I knew more about this new arrival."
Wellow tilted her head.
"Have they really told you nothing?"
"Only two things. They will be arriving tomorrow and their name is Sam. Nothing more."
"Well you already took a prisoner. Perhaps it's another of such lowly class"
"That was different. We knew exactly what we were getting into with Thera. But this Sam person, we were ordered to take them and yet we know nothing."
"For both our sakes, let's pray this does not become a trend. I will see you next week for your donations. They do help, as much as I hate to admit."
"Ahh, I didn't know you cared."
"Shove it."
"Any time." Rosen turned away, making sure to give each sway some extra wiggle. "Hate to see me go, love to watch me leave."
Rosen and her entourage left the Church, their load now significantly lighter. Wellow pitched the bridge of her nose.
"That woman will be the death of me."
Now came the final stop of the day. The Vigne à Raisin Haut, or the High Grapevine. The premiere winery in Lecton. Though before they could enter, a familiar carriage was blocking their way. Fancy and detailed with a Crest of White Flowers. As they approached the door swung open, revealing a lovely young woman with long black hair, porcelain white skin and a long purple gown that flowed down her body starting just below the shoulders.
"Mistress Eleanor!" Rosen tried not to have too much of a suck up tone. "What a surprise. Have you been here long?"
"I happened to have just arrived myself. Father does not like to drink the same wine twice."
Rosen peaked around to get a glimpse at the inside of Eleanor's carriage. A few empty food containers from local stalls far below her status seemed to say otherwise.
"I see you have brought your minotaur follower. WHO-" Eleanor caught herself and tried to sound less enthusiastic. "Who else did you happen to bring?"
Eleanor caught sight of Blush and practically shoved Rosen aside.
"My Carnation! Oh it has been far too long! Please, come sit with me, we must catch up."
Blush was taken aback as Eleanor grabbed her clawed hands and began to gently, but firmly, pull her towards the carriage.
"O-oh. But I need to help Ms. Mary."
"Nonsense, she has plenty of help. Come tell me about the Monastery."
"B-but Ms. Mary would be better suited to-"
"I will hear of no such thing. Sit, I'll bring us some… tea."
The chariot door slammed shut. Eleanor was the daughter of Count Fairheave, one of the richest men in all of Hierton. She was used to getting what she wanted. Of course as a lady of high breed, it would be rather scandalous if she came to the Church of Eros herself. So she would try to find other means. Best leave those two alone for a while.
Inside the High Grapevine was suitably royal class. The walls were covered in artwork and marble statues. Wine in fine glass bottles were displayed on their own podiums covered in gold leaf. The place was empty, as was the norm. Considering even the cheaper bottles would cost a month's wage for most, that's not really too surprising. In the center was Monsieur Casimir de Rochehouart, the owner and purveyor of this fine establishment, reading a book larger than most holy texts while music played on an expensive music box.
"My beloved! You should have sent a messenger to inform me of your arrival. This place is simply filthy, not up to the standards deserved by my fiancé."
The room was spotless and Rosen was not his fiancé. A High Elf from a wealthy family, Casimir was more versed in wine and spirits than any other. He owned the only vineyard in a hundred miles. It did not give the best grapes by any standard. However, Casimir knew of many tricks to raise the quality.
"We have had this conversation before. I have your herb order ready. May we skip the niceties and-"
A white glove pressed Rosen's lips shut.
"Pleasure before business my dear. Would you not honor thy betrothed with a proper loving greeting?"
Rosen rolled her eyes. Casimir's games may not be as public as Eskam, but they were more dramatic. Rosen closed her eyes and leaned forward for a kiss. She gasped and opened them when she felt two hands upon her chest.
Casimir had taken the opportunity to sneak behind Rosen and pulled her back towards him. His hands squeezed and groped Rosen over her clothing. His lips kissed across her neck. Rosen was surprised to say the least. Still, she let him continue. Biting her lip as he explored her body.
His left hand left her breasts and placed its silken fabrics upon her face. Gently he pushed her head towards his own and kissed her passionately. His breath tasted of mint, his body smelt of cinnamon. His fancy clothing was soft with tight knitting. She could feel his manhood press against her back, and it was not unsubstantial even with those tight slacks. Casimir removed the hand from her face, no longer needed to press her. Instead he placed it between her legs, rubbing the fabric above Rosen's freshly shaven entrance. Then he began to sneak below the fabric.
"Dear, please." Rosen broke away. "You don't want to ruin your white gloves, do you?"
"No," Casimir's voice was dripping with disappointment. "I suppose I do not."
Casimir began to remove his glove.
"Have you gotten my order yet, I- Oh, hello there."
Saved by an actual customer. Casimir was quick to reglove himself and attend to his livelihood. Can't be seen as a lech in front of the clientele, after all.
"Just this morning in fact!" The Monsieur switched to his schmooze voice. "I can have it prepared for you in just a moment. Then I have some important business to attend to with our lovely Priestess."
"I cannot come all this way for just 3 bottles." The customer protested. "I see you have a new herbal blend. Mixed with citrus as well. Hard to come by down here. Do you have any pairing recommendations?"
While he continued to grin and bear it, anyone not entranced by the wine could see the frustration in Casimir's eyes.
"I appreciate your patronage, however, I have some very important business that will take at least an hour of thorough-"
"Go ahead sir." Rosen butted in. "Our business is all but complete. I was just about to take my leave."
"Bu-but Priestess Rosen, I-"
"Your herbal shipment has been delivered on time, no?"
"Well yes, but-"
"And our shipment of Sparkling wine has been given in turn, no?"
"I suppose it has, but-"
"And we have also been given the cask of grape pulp, have we not?"
"Yes, and- actually, I had questions about that."
"Then our business is indeed complete. Feel free to take Monsieur Rochehouart for as long as you need. I hope to see you at our Friday Mass. Au revoir!"
Rosen quickly slipped away as the Customer droned on about dinner parties and the value of genuine crystal glasses. Casimir was rather handsy for a noble, and liked to find new ways to mess around. Not that Rosen minded too much. It could be exciting at times. And he was quite dashing. Not to mention very rich. She might have married him long ago, if not for her dedication to the Church.
Speaking of, it was about time to check on Blush. Rosen tapped on the carriage door. There were sounds of rustling before the door opened. Blush stepped out, her clothing noticeably disheveled. Elenore waved her goodbye with smeared lipstick across her face.
"Until next time my Carnation. Please make sure we can... catch up."
The carriage flew off into the street and towards Fairheave manor. The two left there with the feeling of soft hands still aching across their bodies.
"Nobility." Rosen smirked. "Not so different, are they?"
"Beloved!" Casimir poked his head out of his store. "I forgot to say, if you see the quadrupedal ruffian, tell him his ale smells of piss and so does he!"
Then he slammed the door shut. Rosen shook her head at the absurdity of it all. Blush simply walked away to the cart. Unaware the cloth that covered her tail was missing, leaving her vibrant pink open for all the world to see.