The violent gale from before had dwindled into a soft breeze just strong enough to take wisps of Serissa's hair with it. A chime from the chapel bell signaled the coming of the day's end, determined by the setting sun which now cast its warm orange glow over the entire temple. The girl's brunette hair caught the sun's light behind it, glowing almost auburn in its radiance. Serissa's cool eyes bore a hole into the weathered stone wall across from her, once white and pure, now reduced to a fading gray. Why did I have to be born so poor, she cursed. Her mother had sold her to become a priestess to cover their family's debts; that might not have been so bad if she were actually to become a priestess. No, Serissa had in reality, been sold to become a maid- a 'priestess apprentice', so they called it. A workhorse for the temple until she broke down and died.<br/><br/>Lost in her daily ritual of cursing the world, Serissa did not notice Bram until he was beside her. At his words, she nearly jumped from her seat, twisting her body around to look at him. She quickly threw her hood over her head and cast her eyes downward, covering her face. She barely got to look at him, but he looked strong. Like the guards, even. There was no rule that forbid her from showing her face, but Serissa knew from past experience that her looks were more often a curse than a blessing. Her status was too low; if any men were to take interest in her, she might have an even worse fate.<br/><br/>"I-" she stammered, hunching her shoulders and taking a step back. Serissa peeked out from under the robe, getting a first real look at Bram. To her surprise, he actually looked like a real man. No hideous deformations on his face, not overweight, nor lecherous. She might even be brave enough to say that he was handsome. Her friend's words echoed in her mind, of how she couldn't get a man.<br/><br/>Her green eyes scanned the surroundings, checking for anybody who might be watching the pair. She looked into Bram's eyes as if searching for something; a moment's hesitation, then a decision.  Serissa grabbed him by the wrist, her touch warm, but her hands weathered from constant labor. She whisked him away down the hidden pathway to the Manyte room. As soon as the pair were around the corner, she pushed Bram against the wall, and sought to silence any words he might have with her mouth.<br/><br/>She leaned up, pressing her lips against his and slid her tongue into his mouth, cautiously exploring. The softness of her body and her chest pressed into Bram as she leaned into him, standing on her toes to reach his face. Look at me now, she thought in victory, thinking of her friend. She pushed forward with her tongue insistently, seeking Bram's own.