“We think there's nothing wrong with you” Elizabeth was the one giving her the news. It was comforting to be honest, Dr. Leo was very standoffish. It had been a little over a day since she woke and all she could think of was that woman’s face in the portrait, “So, what now?” Aphia replied to Elizabeth’s declaration. 

“Since your condition has improved considerably, we can discharge you. But your memory issues may be a problem.” Elizabeth’s voice was filled with trepidation, “You won’t be able to find work or make a living in this condition.” 

Aphia pouted, “Then, what do you suggest I do?” 

Elizabeth tried for a smile, “You could always join the church, we always need extra hands especially with the upcoming events.” 

Aphia was struck by the last bit, “What events?” 

“It's the Jubilee.” When Aphia had no reaction, Elizabeth continued, “The Jubilee marks 25 years since Leniver Arkyenthea freed the continent and disappeared. After that her right hand man Nerotos was elected the first president. He retired after serving two terms, five years each.” 

“Did she have no family?” If Leniver had been Empress, wouldn’t the rule have passed to a family member? 

“She did, but her sister Aderyn denounced the throne. Either way, Aderyn was married to Nerotos and is still the Duchess of Recardia.” Elizabeth looked around before continuing, “This isn’t common knowledge.” Elizabeth seemed to dither, “I mean, it’s public knowledge but it’s buried within mountains of transcripts. Leniver Arkyenthea isn’t actually from Recardia. She was born in Geraria, Alya de Symondius.” 

“Symondius?” Aphia inquired to no avail. Elizabeth seemed to have said as much as she was willing to, “It doesn’t do to dwell on such topics in the church.” 

Aphia interjected but was cut off by Elizabeth, “Look, if you’re this curious join the church and pore over the library.” She shrugged, “Besides, you won’t be able to find any good work if your resume is as blank as your brain.” 

Aphia’s eyes widened before Elizabeth let out a giggle, “Come on, I’ll take you to the Head Maiden” 

Aphia stood and walked beside Elizabeth, “Should you really be encouraging a patient to walk so much?” Elizabeth scoffed before replying, “Oh come on, we both know there’s nothing wrong with you physically, besides, I’m not going to carry you.” Aphia snorted. 

After walking a while through the halls they made their way into the inner parts of the church, it was odd seeing so many uniformed people in one place. It was in high contrast to the small staff spread across the larger public facing areas of the church but nevertheless they kept walking until finally Elizabeth stopped Aphia, “We’re here.” 

Aphia looked at the door with trepidation, and Elizabeth knocked. The door went unanswered, “Now we wait!” Elizabeth plopped down on a small bench right side the door. Aphia joined her, “So, how long do we have to wait, Lizzie?” Elizabeth raised an eyebrow and responded, “Lizzie?” 

Aphia paused for a beat before responding, “I mean you no offense, but Elizabeth is sort of a mouthful. It would do you well to have a nickname if only for my tongue.” Aphia took a second beat before continuing, “And how long do we have to wait.” 

“The head maiden is a rather aloof lady, you’d have to knock ten times to get a response. However, as long as I knock once I can just wait here for as long as I need to!” at Aphia’s confused expression as to why on earth Lizzie would want to wait here for any amount of time she continued, “Working as a nurse is rewarding, but I’d rather lay around for a while. I do this every time I get an excuse. You don’t mind, do you?” 

Aphia shook her head. Just then the door opened and an older looking woman entered the room. Her clothes were modest covering almost all her body sans her hands. Aphia thought it was quite excessive. The maiden paused for a few seconds and looked at Aphia and Lizzie before she chuckled, “Ah, Elizabeth, dear come in, come in.” 

Elizabeth and Aphia walked into the room behind the Maiden and were met with a very frugal room with few belongings anywhere. Aphia found it to be quite a terrible way to live, “So, Elizabeth, who is the patient?” 

“My lady, this is Aphia, she was a patient and she’s suffering from amnesia. Dr. Leo is discharging her today but she has nowhere to go what with her lack of memories. I was thinking she might be able to stay at the church. Work here I mean.” 

“Yes, yes” The Maiden thought for a second, “Well, I see no reason that she can’t. We are always swamped this time of year. The Lord in her kindness has blessed us with many causes to celebrate. More so this year, with the Jubilee, Lady Aderyn will be in attendance along with Lord Nerotos. We have much work to do. Well, Elizabeth, you should return to the ward. I am sure they will be missing you.”

“Oh there’s no need My Lady, I should-” 

“I am sure they will be missing you.” The Maiden repeated herself, the smile never leaving her face but her tone said it all and Lizzie left. Aphia didn’t know how she felt being alone with the Maiden. She found herself studying the teacups in the cabinet, a simple elegant design with the three thrones design imprinted on them. As the door closed behind Elizabeth the Maiden spoke up, “Well, Aphia, was it? Would you like some tea?” The Maiden must have noticed her fixed gaze.

Aphia stumbled over her words before finally settling on, “No, no, no that’s quite alright.” 

“Well, it's no problem dear, it’s almost time for my evening tea regardless.” 

“Well, if you insist..” 

“Oh I do!” The Maiden walked to the glass cabinet and took out the teacups. Aphia watched as the older woman prepared the tea and gratefully took the cup that she was offered, “Well, dear, I understand you want to work here?” 

Aphia nodded. She didn’t particularly want to work here but it wasn’t like she had a choice. She stared at her reflection in the tea. Her face was sullen, she looked like she hadn’t eaten in days. She didn’t remember anything from before she ended up here, it was scary not knowing where she was and what she knew. 

“....so either way, you can help out here. Do you understand?” 

“Ah! Yes!” Aphia was shook from her self pity by the question.

“She’s a good one.” At Aphia’s perplexed expression the Head Maiden elaborated, “Elizabeth I mean. She’s a nice girl. Keep a hold of her, I still remember when she first showed up here. It’s been nearly two decades, she was just a little girl then. It was a tragedy what happened with her parents but I’ve never seen a girl persist quite so well. I saw the brightness in her myself.” 

Aphia nodded, not understanding where the conversation was headed but the Maiden continued regardless, “Sometimes I think she became a doctor to help others as she wasn’t helped herself. Stay by her side and I’m sure you’ll see for yourself. It isn’t often that I see her get along with someone, but then again, with a face like yours who wouldn’t?” 

Aphia blinked and pointed at herself. 

“Oh yes, you, you’re not from around here are you?” She paused, “But then again, you wouldn’t know. You have the hair for it, not many people from Antheria have travelled outside the continent. What with Osymondius’ storm, it has been less than thirty years since the liberator freed us.” 

“The Liberator?” 

“The Lady Leniver.” 

“Ah, I assumed she was a myth.” 

“Oh no, she’s very real. Well, she certainly was. Convenient for non-believers that she disappeared I suppose. But I assure you she was very real. Lead the march on Romeria herself. She was brilliant. She could do anything. She was blessed with the gift of Sym, ironic isn’t it?” 

“What is?” 

“The fact she used his own gift against him. I served in her court in those days. Gods, I was brilliant then but nothing can stop the endless push of time.” Aphia found herself nodding again, “You don’t have to believe to serve here. Lady Leniver was never one for blind belief. Just do what you must and I see no reason you can’t stay here. Besides, I could never come between two young ladies in love.” 

Aphia went bright red, “Pa-Pardon?” 

The head maiden chuckled.