Over a month had passed since Verene climbed the Dragon Tree. Speraka and Verene were walking towards the central chamber to continue their search of the western half of the temple. As they came to the doorway leading out to the balcony overseeing the fountain. The sound of wing beats could be heard.

The two dragon guards, Sevna and Fioni, descended into the vast chamber. A crate tied with ropes was carried between the two. The dragons, who rarely entered the temple, had arrived with supplies for the priestess.

Verene froze. The dragons had no issue with Speraka, but due to the treatment the dragons have shown to those who wished to enter this realm at the border. Verene assumed they would not be pleased with the sight of her.

“I left something behind. I will join you in a moment.” Verene said falling back into the shadow of the walkway, hoping the dragons had not seen her.

Speraka had also noticed the dragons.

"Right. I would go back with you, but I have guests." Speraka said. Speraka couldn’t help but wonder if Verene was uncomfortable with the dragons.

Verene rushed back down the hall. Speraka went out and descended the steps.

“Priestess.” Fioni and Sevna bowed their heads, acknowledging Speraka’s presence.

“Fioni and Sevna. I’m always happy to see you. I wish you would enter the temple more often.” Speraka said.

"Our duty is to guard both you and the Holy Tree. It is not within our duty to enter casually." Fioni replied.

“Was someone else here?” Sevna asked impatiently with a growl “Were you talking with someone just now?”

“Yes. Someone actually came up from below.” Speraka told the dragons excitedly.

“From below?” Fioni asked.

“Tell her to leave.” Sevna said.

“All visitors are welcome here. Why should she go? You’ve sensed no ill from her, have you?” Speraka responded.

“No, but.” Sevna said falteringly.

“The elders told us that many of the other species of the land have turned their backs to the Holy Tree. It’s suspicious that she is here suddenly.” Fioni intervened.

“I’m sure the elders have their reasons, and the tree is the source of your species’ unique ability and holds a special place for you. But the temple has never turned any away."  Speraka said firmly. “Please do not disturb Verene. She’s just looking for something that could help her friend.”

“She wants to remove something from the temple? Why should she be allowed to take it?” Sevna asked.

“There’s no guarantee that what she seeks is here.” Speraka sighed. “No one is using anything here, anyways. I can always ask her to bring it back once she’s done with it.”

The two dragons grumbled. It appeared they wouldn’t be able to convince the priestess. Despite Sevna’s arrogance, the dragons' values lay with the tree upon which the temple rested; holding little value for what was stored within these stone walls.

“The usual supplies are all here. Please flag for us during our rounds if you should need anything.” Fioni stated. Defeated by being unable to send away the stranger the dragon marked like a house finch flew up past the arches and out of the temple.

Sevna was still not convinced. Their voice was harsh as they spoke. “Where is she?”

“Verene returned to her bed-chamber for something."

"And she's still not back? We've spoken for long enough that she should have returned."

“Perhaps you’ve frightened her.” Speraka suggested. Although given Verene’s general demeanor and history as a knight, and the large blade the other woman carried casually, it was unlikely.

Sevna, although they only saw Verene at a distance doubted the woman would be frightened. For a being without wings, they would have to be quite brave to climb up here.

“Priestess-”

“Please don’t drive her out. There is little left to look within the temple, then she’ll likely leave on her own.”

"If anything changes, alert us." Sevna sighed. If the priestess wants to protect the stranger, and look so crestfallen at the mention of Verene’s eventual departure. All Sevna could do was follow Fioni’s lead and leave the priestess be.

“Thank you for understanding.” Speraka waved to the dragon as they took flight and left the temple.

After the dragons left, Verene was quick to reappear.

“Sorry for the wait.” Verene said as she made her way down the stairs.

“It’s no problem.” Speraka smiled.  

The two made their way to the eastern side. Speraka enjoyed the time she spent with Verene and found herself looking forward to their search. In Speraka's centuries of isolation, this was a needed change in her life. She would miss it.

Speraka looked through the rooms absentmindedly. Verene would likely leave once the search was complete. Speraka didn’t want to see her go, but was it because of Verene, or because there might be another three centuries or more before someone ventured up the path to the temple?

Perhaps Speraka was lonelier than she thought. But it's not like she could stop Verene from leaving. Only to be sure that they parted on good terms when Verene finally leaves.