Location: Temple Grounds, Morning Light
---
The fourth day came with no noble visitors.
Jinn sat on a bench outside the stone garden, robe sleeves rolled just slightly. She was supposed to be reviewing etiquette scrolls, but her eyes drifted to the distant courtyard wall. Beyond it, the recovery wing stretched into the annex.
She muttered, "...Still quiet."
Since the noble daughters hadn't returned, there were no tea gatherings or "testing conversations" that day. For once, she didn't have to plan a fake interruption or duck into shadows. But she still wore the plain robe. Still walked the same winding path. Still passed through the herb wing and into the children's annex as if on assigned duty.
"They won't miss me," she thought. "And I get to dodge afternoon posture lessons. Worth it."
She stepped inside.
The same group of children looked up. Half were lying on mats. Others were drawing with ash chalk on their homemade boards. A few jumped up at the sight of her.
"Vierra!" one shouted. "Look what I drew!"
She raised an eyebrow. "That's a fish? Or a shoe?"
"It's YOU!"
"...Needs work. But I appreciate the effort."
They laughed. One tugged at her sleeve. Another tried hiding a chalk stick behind their back, guilty-faced. It was chipped but harmless.
She gave a low sigh, crouching down. "If you break the tip, share it. Half each. No hoarding."
They nodded.
A young nun stood awkwardly by the doorway, holding a tray of warm cloths. Her expression was tense, lips thin.
Jinn gave her a glance. "New today?"
The nun startled. "Y-Yes. I was assigned to help with... them."
The children were already circling her legs, tugging at her skirt, asking questions too fast.
She flinched. "Please, sit! One at a time, please! No touching!"
They didn't listen.
Jinn stood. Walked over. Stopped beside her.
"You're too soft. They don't listen because they know they can push. Kids test you. That's what they do."
The young nun looked down, embarrassed.
"Don't scold. Just be firm. Don't treat them like they're fragile. Speak simple, clear, low. Look them in the eye. Like this."
Jinn turned.
"Everyone, eyes on me. Sit. Now."
The kids froze. Then sat.
She nodded. "You try. Pick two and ask them to pass the cloths."
The nun hesitated, then tried. "Um... Cira, Jorel... can you pass these around, please?"
The two kids blinked, then obeyed. Quietly. Without fuss.
The nun blinked.
Jinn whispered, "You're not their playmate. You're the post they lean on."
The nun nodded, still stiff but grateful.
---
Later, while wiping a low bench, Jinn noticed a small cough from one of the children. Another was shivering even in sunlight. The chalkboards sat untouched as the children curled together on their mats.
Melca passed by, saw the scene, and paused.
"They're tiring fast."
Jinn nodded. "A few are running warm. The air's stale today."
Melca hummed. "I'll tell the infirmary to recheck their medicines. Might be reacting to the veilroot oil."
She moved off.
Then suddenly—a shout.
From the hall.
A nun burst through the door, eyes wide.
"We need help in the south wing! A patient collapsed, and the senior herbalist isn't back yet!"
Jinn froze. Melca turned sharply.
The nun looked around, desperate. Her eyes landed on Jinn.
"You—uh, Vierra, right? You helped with chest salves before, didn't you?"
Jinn blinked.
"Yes. What's the patient's condition?"
"Fever, shallow breath, and a deep rattle in his lungs—the new soldier, east quarter bed."
Jinn's eyes narrowed.
She stood. "Show me."
>To be Continued...