Chapter 3

“Why did you want to talk to us?” Tawny asked. “I’m sure it wasn’t to rant about how jealous you are regarding-”

“Jealous?!” Ruzette shrieked, a light shade of pink bloomed on her cheeks. At Tawny’s nod, her pink darken to a bright red. “Why would I be jealous?! I can't believe you would insist on something like that! I'm positive I don't truly seem so!”

“Seems like it to me,” Tawny continued with a shrug, “But I’m sure that's not the reason why you asked us to come here.” 

“Of course it isn't!” Ruzette insisted, “More so since that statement is false, but also because of the rumors I've been hearing. I've heard that-”

“Here you go, darlings. Another round of meads and cider.” The wench picked up the empty mugs and replaced them with the full ones. I happily reached over to grab my mug of mead, “I’ll be right back with your food. Cooks almost finished with the buttered potatoes and sandwiches.”

Tawny yanked her mug of mead, raising it towards her lips and eagerly gulping down a mouthful. She huffed a happy sigh, enjoying the buzz that came with the drink. “Why did you want to meet?”

“Oh!” Ruzette perked up at the question. She had her mug cradled in her hold, giggling over her drink in between greedy sips. “This news could change your lives.” Ruzette began, a grin settling on her lips. “Lord Townsed is looking for a new doctor.”

Tawny blinks, “Okay?”

“Why?” I ask.

“Who cares why?” Ruzette answered with a scoff, “It's a chance to work for a Lord. One of the richest lords in the village.”

Working for a Lord was an opportunity that most would strive for. The thought has come to mind. I'm sure the pay would be good. Afterall, the amount of money I've seen lords waste upon random women, the wages I would gain being employed to one would be substantial. 

“I thought you wanted to be a priest?”

If only I wasn't born as a black woman. 

I'm sure that life would be a fruitful one.

“I still do.” Ruzette answered, “This could be an opportunity for you or Noémie.”

Gulping down a mouthful of mead, the realization of what Ruzette said finally hit me. I swallowed, eyeing the smiling blonde in confusion. “Me?” I squeaked.

“Or Tawny.”

“I’m not going to reduce myself to be a Lord's servant.” Tawny scoffed, “I belong on a battlefield, fighting side by side with knights. Not stuck in a room, staring at books and tubes.”

I spoke up, “Wouldn’t you still be a servant to a Lord?”

Noticing the glare that Tawny shot my way, I flashed her a smile. She rolled her eyes at the smugness that curled onto my lips. I’ll admit, I was a little proud of my jab. It was hard to catch Tawny off guard. 

As I sat in my smugness, sipping my drink and stewing in hunger, Tawny turned her attention back to Ruzette. As she polished off her cider, noticing Tawny’s attention was back on her, Ruzette continued, “Think of the pay.” 

“I could make just as much as a fighting mage.” Tawny insisted. 

“You’re going to get yourself killed.” Ruzette grumbled. Knowing there wasn’t much she could say to convince Tawny to change her mind, Ruzette turned her attention back to me. “Would you at least think about it?”

“I don’t know.”

“As thrilled as I am with your dream to become a whore, I do think you should try to become something more….more.”  

“My dream isn’t to be a vixen. That’s just a stepping stone.” I answered. Becoming a vixen would be nice for a while. I couldn’t see myself continuing doing that for the rest of my life. I had a bigger dream. Something I think would be a little bit more substantial. I raised my head, “I want to be a prized wife.”

“I would rather be alone than to live a life as shallow as that.”

“And I would rather die than to live a life as stressful as a priest.” I countered. “The numerous rules, the ceremonies, the-”

“I just think it's something you should look into.” Ruzette interrupted. “You’ll be starting off as an apprentice, which is already better than being-”

“We get it.”

“I’m sure you do. I don’t think Noémie understands what she’s asking for.”