Zamara
Zamara may have had the weakness of always finding the best in people, but she was not stupid. She saw through Gjeelea's act immediately, and knew why she was doing it. She just couldn't fathom what she actually intented to achieve....
She couldn't conceal her surprise at what the princess asked her though, and felt a pang of concern despite her skepticism. Gjeelea actually seemed in earnest in what she asked: she seemed to truly want Zamara's opinion, not only on the Emissary, which was to be expected, but on the role of women in Pashtia. But then the princess looked quickly away from her, avoiding her gaze and looking down almost coyly and sighing prettily. Can you help me comfort me High Priestess?
Zamara's compassion nearly vanished at the return of this exaggerated act. The princess's questions still stood - but Gjeelea's acting was such that a dangerous thought came to her now also: the question as to what Gjeelea's motives and intentions were for asking her these things about Korak. It seemed to Zamara that the young princess, although publicly stating any preference between the two deities, had always favoured Rae, a source of smugness for Tarkan. Zamara mused what Tarkan thought of Gjeelea's sudden change of preference; she had not spoken to the Priest for quite some time. Gjeelea's confusion also concerned Zamara: it was a difficult, and rather serious worry, for any of Rhais' believers but most especially for one of the royal family and possible future monarch, to think that the goddess had 'abandoned' her. She rose, taking a few steps away from the bench as she mused on these things, fingering the ruby medal thoughtfully. Zamara had become priestess for her devotion: politics had not been her realm for long, unlike the princess, who had been embroiled in for her entire life. What if she already has an alliance with Korak? Maybe she is trying to turn my words against me, to throw me...?
Zamara almost laughed at herself as she caught the thought. Absurd. Spinning around, she fixed Gjeelea with a straight, frank stare, and the princess almost seemed to flinch. "Princess Gjeelea, there will always be unwritten rules, no matter what society you are in; even in the temple, there are always hidden rules. And if you will allow me to speak frankly, while you must not try to aggravate these rules...there are some which you may sometimes be better leaving alone or skirting around. I believe that you would be a powerful leader, Princess, as much as any man; our society is such that you show this power." She hesitated, then continued, not sure if she was pushing the line. "It...it is up to you, Your Majesty, to use your powerful nature well."
"So...so you think I should not marry Korak?" Gjeelea stood quickly, stepping closer to Zamara, her eyes glittering in the light of the lanterns that lit the corners of the Temple. Zamara did not avoid her eyes: it was not in her nature. Her voice was neutral. "An alliance with a powerful family like the Lord Korak's would be most beneficial politically, Princess. But you must be open with yourself, and allow that to develop as well. And as for Rhais..." Zamara shrugged lightly. "The Goddess will never abandon you as long as you are true."
She smiled suddenly, the expression at odds to her serious tone, as she realised that she was only about seven years older than Gjeelea. Then she realised the other matter that Gjeelea had no doubt come about, and her smile faltered slightly. Inwardly, she sighed heavily, but her smile remained outwardly as she tilted her head slightly to the side, beginning to walk down the illumined walkway along the carved wall of the temple, Gjeelea walking beside her. "Was there aught else that you wished to ask me about, Princess?"
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