No party like an pope party??

[archboxer]

[That... that was a thing for everyone. There should be no celebration for Lif but, well, even if Rhea has a very cynical view of such things it's probably for the best that everyone stays together. Her first stop is the cafeteria, after all nothing better to keep people in one spot than free food. There she bumps into Mira, leaving the snacks to her Rhea ends up writing notes to everyone to come to the cafeteria in a few hours.

Some she hands personally and if she can't find someone she slid it under their door. Rin's she slides into her room regardless.

Fortunately, you won't hear a sermon.]

Comments

[archboxer]

[She doesn't say anything for a few moments, just gently holding her hand and squeezing it.]

No... Goddess, no. Mira, it does not. Everyone handles grief differently. Some might even say that I am weaker for giving into that hate and anger. The path that I took to my understanding is something I can never advise so, please... please do not think yourself weaker for not hating him.

[philoxenia]

[ For a moment, she... really can't speak. She finds it a little funny--she didn't realize she'd been missing something very important until this moment. It's... certainly a thing, this understanding and warmth. It's one thing, to have it from someone she knows loves her, like her brother, but this is something else.

She squeezes Rhea's hand back weakly. ]

... Thank you. [ She wipes at her eyes before looking at her. ] For what it's worth, I-- I don't think you're weak, either.

[archboxer]

[Her instinct is to give her a hug but Rhea pushes that back. She can't treat her too much like a child. She just stays still, letting those tears run their course.

Rhea's smile is warm but there's a sadness, too.] You are most welcome. [A shake of her head.] I would rather admit to a crime I did not commit then admit to that weakness of heart.

[Is she admitting that what she said during the trial was (surprise) a lie? Yes... but she's not saying what it really was, either.]

[philoxenia]

[ She won't bring it up, at the very least. ]

It's... always so hard to talk about yourself... things you would rather keep tucked away. [ She gives Rhea's hand a squeeze. ] ... Thank you for telling me what you did. And-- for listening to me, too.

[archboxer]

Yes... yes, it is. It never gets any easier yet. [She squeezes her hand back.] Thank you for listening to me as well. It is in times of hardship we cling harder to each other and... well. I am glad that you don't think less of me for my attachments.

[philoxenia]

Of course not.

[ She shakes her head firmly. ]

Our attachments are what make us who we are. If I thought less of you for that... it wouldn't be fair at all to you, Rhea.

[archboxer]

Even if we speak like this I am still an Archbishop, a spiritual leader. [Her smile is still there, gentle if a bit reflective.] For my followers I must try to shed such things. The roles life give us are not always fair, Mira.

[philoxenia]

That's true.

[ She won't deny that. And later, whenever she gets a certain regain, she'll know just how unfair roles can be. ]

But... while we're all here, I think it's okay for you to just be Rhea.

[archboxer]

[...She perhaps is overstepping a line but.]

Mira... may I give you a hug?

[Scandalous.]

[philoxenia]

[ She looks sort of taken aback but--

She nods, maybe a little too quickly. ]

I-- I'd like that.

[archboxer]

[She is a polite person. She has to ask permission! Then she lets go of Mira's hand so she can wrap her arms around her.]

My thanks. Please, if you need me for anything... let me know.

[philoxenia]

[ Hugs? Mira missed hugs. She holds onto Rhea, relaxing into the embrace, and she nods. ]

I will. And-- the same goes for you, you know.

[archboxer]

[She's nice and soft to hug! How is she so muscular and strong yet so huggable? The world will never know.]

Of course. I will be honored, Mira.