Monica, who has served for many years

Bria eyes one woman in prayer at one of the side halls. Before her was a wooden carving, well preserved and shimmering in the candlelight next to it, and like the others, it was provocative. When she stood, Bria approached.

"A beautiful carving," Bria points out. "And the detail is remarkable."

"Yes, yes it is, I suppose." The woman tried to ignore her. The only feature Bria could get out lf her was a adorably round face, brown hair, and a sharp nose.

"Could I borrow some of your time? I'm new here, and would like to know more about this place."

The priestess thinks for a moment, eyeing Bria with some suspicion, but then nods. "Very well. I'm Monica. Allow me to show you around."

Bria and Monica walk about the church, staying inside where it was cooler. The history lesson Bria got was not necessary for her, but the various laws and services intrigued her.

For one, the church, the female one at least, must tend to the orphans of the town, of which there is little. They are given seperate housing and sometimes fostered when 'the stars align' as the priestess puts it and given proper homes. In addition, they are in charge of decorations for certain elements of their upcoming festivities, as well as performances for various plays, and providing food during gatherings.

"What about the housing situation?" Bria slips in the question. "I heard talk about it on the streets."

"Ah, yes. We do not have many homes in the town, at least for the entire population. Everyone wants to live closer to town, but they would need to share rooms and find work.

"What about you? Did they offer offer work for priestesses or still expect you to do double duty?

"The priestesses all work, and we are offered bunks here at church. Those of us dedicated to the church may live here, and are full-fledged members. Those that aren't are partial members, and are allowed only limited access. However, due to the demand for such roles, there are rarely openings in the convent to accept newcomers. I was lucky when I got it when I could."

"What are the benefits of being full-fledged? I can't imagine sharing bedding is the only thing." Bria asked.

"Well, yes we have many benefits. We are the next in line to take Katelyn's position, with Christy's...erm, our mayor's support. We may act as judge and jury for certain civil cases, and are often given the responsibility to mediate disputes, or lead in prayer for mass. I have done so many times, and they offer extra pay for those willing to do it. In addition, we may alter church policy in the coming future."

'Policy? Could they change the mandate?' Bria thought. "Sounds important."

"Indeed," Monica reaffirms. "I have hopes I can become a member of council for policies."

"And which policies would you change, if you don't mind me asking?"

At this, Monica and looks around her.

"I heard," Bria began with a whisper. "That there are restrictions that prevent women from becoming pregnant."

Monica shook.

"Guess I am right, but I won't pry further. Though, I understand that puts you - and many others - in a difficult position. Seems like many girls I meet are also talking about families. Shame. That doesn't seem right, does it?"

Monica placed a hand on her chest and sighed. Hearing that must have been a relief on her. "I won't lie, if only you are an outsider. You heard correct. Women are kept from having children. It's meant to control the population with our limited housing."

"Is there nothing being done about it?" Bria asked.

Monica shakes her head. "The mayor has passed many policies to expand, but so little is done. I do not know what goes on in town hall, but in the last year, no more than three houses were built."

"That hardly seems enough."

"It's not." Monica went silent, then drops her head in her hands, sobbing.

"Oh, I'm sorry, I did not mean to offend." Bria says, glancing around at the other sisters.

"It's fine..." Monica says wiping her tears. "I...I have been waiting so long."

"Is it possible I can take you out for lunch?"

Monica nods.

...

Monica and Bria go to a local restaurant, which was pretty empty.

"I don't think I ever had a soup this good before. I assume everything is grown locally." Bria said, after slurping down her second bowl. It was really that good.

"Mostly. Sometimes we do go out and buy outside spices that we couldn't grow here," Monica had barely taken a few spoons, but watching Bria aggressively down a bowl of soup distracted her from her thoughts. She was wearing her casual outfit.

This was Bria's chance to finally see a priestess out of the robes, and she must admit, it's better than she imagined.

'Lean, short, and her breasts are both impressive and hypnotizing, swaying with each subtle movement.' The summer bra tied around her chest, her half-cut coat with short sleeves exposed her dainty arms, all while the short jeans hugged tighty around her waist and ended half way down to her knees.

"Sorry, is there something on my shirt?" Monica looks down after noticing Bria's gaze.

"A bit of soup," Bria says smoothly. 'I would like to try sucking some off where those pillows rest.'

"I see," Monica blushes. "Umm, I kind of have been wondering. You are from outside, and very few of us get the chance to travel around. What's it like?"

"I live near the west coast, a city by the ocean, and our homes are apartments that reach up in the sky."

Monica's eyes flash wide open. "Houses that tall?"

"Oh, yes," Bria continues. "Just imagine this town, but if every complex was taller. Each building could house hundreds - thousands - of families."

Monica looks down. "Wow...that's amazing. I can't imagine what that must be like." Monica taps her fingernail against the table. "A family in each of these buildings?"

"You can raise a family yourself with ease, though it doesn't always work well for some. You'll find lots of single moms handling everything themselves. But, they manage or find someone who can help. In apartments, everyone is always one hall across."

"So, it's like living with neighbors?"

"Not quite. You have your own place, but most families keep to themselves unless they are really good friends. People would share apartments as a way to split rent."

Monica continued asking questions, further asking about the ocean, the wildlife, the people, the buildings, the education. For her it was difficult to even imagine what a city the size Bria has just described must have been like. For Bria, it was difficult to imagine how a town as small as this was even managing like this, at least without sufficient growth.

Eventually, however, they went quiet, looking out at the window to the street. Bria turned and saw a couple walking their child. When Bria looked back, Monica was struggling to hold back tears, seeing the same family stroll on by.

Bria moved over to Monica's seat, and the pour girl broke out, crying into Bria's arm.

"I've always wanted a family," she whispered. "I've wanted a child for so long."

"Why do you put up with this?" Bria asked. "How is it fair for anyone?"

"Because that's how it's been here." Monica wipes her eyes. She takes a napkin and blows her nose. "That's how we survived. This place has always struggled. It's been around since our great-grandparents, but we always believed we could make this place ourselves. Now, I don't know."

Bria hugged Monica, the two embracing each other. They remained silent for a time, occassionally, Monica would slide her fingers against Bria's arm. Bria thought it was a way to comfort herself, but Monica has something in mind.

"Tell me, Bria. Have you ever had a family before?"

"I've had...several," Bria was thinking carefully. "Though our ways are a little less restrictive, shall we say."

"What do you mean?" Monica looks up, curiously.

"Well, lots of women want children. They just need a one-night stand, and that's that."

"Women? But you are..."

Bria does not answer. Monica stares curiously into the confident smile of stranger next to her.

"I have a secret," Bria finally says, looking down into those wondering eyes.

Monica still stares at her. "I have one too." And her hand is soon pining up and down Bria's leg. "I know some girlfriends who need the attention of someone to help ease the stress of everyday. I...once dabbled. I find myself now wanting a stranger's attention."

Bria leans until she inches from Monica's face. Monica leans in to meet Bria's lips with her own, before she pulls away.

"Let's go somewhere private," Bria says with a hushed tone.

"The sisters convent is my home," Monica says. "I don't have a place."

"I rented a place for the month. Shall we indulge in our secrets?" Bria says with a devious smile.

Monica stares for a moment longer, then nods.