Even though Ava had begun to process the trauma she’d faced in the village, she still hadn’t found it within herself to return to town. She missed seeing Mia and Ren, but the thought of confronting those men again caused her heart to race with anxiety.
Damalia became her only lifeline to the outside world, and what a wonderful connection it was. It became common practice for them to hold hands through the curtain, even when Damalia was just reading her stories. The gentle caress of her smooth hands always calmed her nerves. Their time together was the only time things felt right at the temple.
Damalia concluded a chapter and started rolling up her scroll. “I think this is a good stopping point,” she said with a yawn. “It’s time we get you to bed.”
“I’m not tired,” Ava protested. “Can’t you stay for a bit longer? Just to talk?”
Her companion sighed on the other side of her curtain. “For a little longer, I suppose. What would you like to talk about?”
Ava bit her cheek, feeling bold. She decided to ask the question that had been burning on her tongue for months. “Are you hiding because you’re with child?”
She was met with a genuine, high-pitched laugh. “No, definitely not. You silly thing,” she snorted. “I can’t believe you even asked me that.”
“You can’t blame me for wanting to know!” Ava replied indignantly. “After all, this is Eupheme’s temple. It’s not that uncommon.”
“Well, I can assure you that’s not the case.” There was a long pause before she continued. “That will never be the case. I’m not….interested in men.”
The young maiden could feel her cheeks heat. “Oh… Is that normal?”
Damalia scratched the back of her neck. “I mean, it’s not extremely common, but it is natural.”
“Really?” The blonde tilted her head. “I’d been taught that women can only be attracted to men and vice versa.”
“Have you only been attracted to men?” her companion asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
“I’m not sure,” Ava answered honestly. “Maidens aren’t meant to marry, so it’s not often spoken of. It’s quite taboo, actually. How would you describe attraction?”
Damalia gave a long exhale. “Uh, that’s a big question. It’s probably different for everyone, isn’t it? I guess…. it's looking forward to seeing someone. When you’re attracted to someone you feel excited to be in their company.”
“How is that different than just being a friend?”
The older woman made a noncommittal noise. “Well, sometimes when you’re attracted to a person they make you feel nervous, but in a good way. It does something funny to your insides. You think about that person more often than your friends. You crave their company when they aren’t there. Being with them is feels more like a need than a want.”
Ava hummed. “I see. No, then. I’ve never felt that for a man.”
A long silence stretched between them. Damalia had a question gnawing at her insides, but managed to keep it to herself.
Ava decided to change the subject. “If it’s not because you’re pregnant, why do you hide yourself from me?”
“I’m…” she started nervously. “I am deformed.”
“Oh," Ava murmured. "Well, I know medical practices. We mainly deliver babies, but we’ve been trained by professionals. If you’d like me to take a look-”
“No,” she cut her off. “There is no cure for what I have. I wish for nothing more than a life where I can remain invisible.”
“That sounds like a lonely existence,” Ava observed.
“So does worshiping a God you can’t see or speak to,” Damalia retorted.
“Touche. Though, I do have the other maidens and the women I help.”
Damalia shook her head. “I’ve seen the maidens before. You’re by far the most compassionate among them. I doubt they are good company for someone as caring you.”
Ava’s body flushed at the authentic praise. “I am nothing special,” she insisted.
“Your humility only further proves my point.”
The blonde twisted her hair, feeling nervous. “So… you’d seen me before we met?”
“I doubt you’d be surprised to know the night we met was not my first time in the temple.”
“And you watched me?”
“Yes, I just admitted that,” Damalia replied somewhat defensively.
“Am I like you thought I’d be? I hope I didn’t disappoint.”
Damalia’s voice was hushed as she replied. “You’re even more wonderful than I imagined. I didn’t think it was possible.” Her voice almost had a sad quality, but Ava didn’t understand why.
“So you trust me?”
“Yes. Probably more than anyone. Do you trust me?”
“Of course I do. Damalia, if you really trust me, then let me see you. You must know by now that your appearance means nothing to me.”
“I- "
“Please. Please come out from behind the curtain.”
For the first time since they’d met, Damalia pulled back the red, opaque fabric. It revealed a lithe woman, engrossed in a large emerald cloak. The golden stitching on the fabric looked ethereal. It would have taken countless hours to perfect the intricate, swirling patterns. Still, the velvety garment paled in comparison to the person wearing it.
Damalia’s head and face were completely covered. Instead, long arms and legs were exposed, their complexion and color being that of white silk. Though her shoulders were covered, her clothing managed to reveal a dip of defined collarbone and a small slip of sternum.
“You must promise to never remove my cloak,” she replied seriously.
“I swear it,” Ava breathed, grateful she finally had a word to describe her feelings.
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