Mistress of the Night - Don Bassingthwaite [20]
But she had agreed to help Dhauna, hadn't she? And no matter what opinions she, Mifano, or Velsinore might have had on the matter, the simple ceremony of succession had been performed. Dhauna had at long last named her successor. A successor undeniably responsible for fulfilling the duties that the High Moonmistress could not-or would not-carry out.
Feena of Arch Wood village, Moonmistress-Designate of Moonshadow Hall. Bound by her word to Dhauna and her duty to Selune. At least Mifano and Velsinore had the pleasure of seeing her fail miserably at every turn.
The informal council of Yhaunn's religious leaders was only the latest disaster. In spite of Mifano's reluctant coaching, everything she did made her feel like nothing more than a backwoods yokel attending a high society dinner. She was fairly certain that most, if not all of the high priests and priestesses present had also immediately recognized that she was a werewolf. Colle had taken one look at her and flinched away, as if avoiding something unclean.
It didn't help that Velsinore had peevishly insisted on outfitting her in Selunite high regalia. Moonshadow Hall's seamstresses had hastily altered-drastically-some of Dhauna's old vestments to fit her. Feena had never worn so much fabric in her life. Layer upon layer of crinolines poofed out her skirts, a tight bodice made it difficult to breathe, and a high collar of starched lace scraped her neck every time she turned her head. Topping it all off, a coronet decorated with the mark of the approaching half moon dug painfully into her skull.
The wolf in her longed to run back to Arch Wood with her tail between her legs.
Just as it seemed Colle was about to heap another indignity on her already throbbing head, Mifano spoke up. "Your pardon, High Luck, but isn't one of the teachings of Tymora 'conduct yourself as your own masters, showing your good or bad fortune as confidence in the Lady'?"
Colle turned his scowl on Mifano, but quiet snickers were already rippling around the table. At its head, Endress Halatar, the elderly high priestess of the goddess of joy, laughed out loud and said, "He has you there, Colle. Grin and bear your fortune-you've been beaten." She nodded to Mifano. "Well played!"
"But I…" Colle ground his teeth in frustration and spared one final glare for both Feena and Mifano, but sat down.
Mifano leaned back with a smug look on his face. Feena held back a glower of her own. The silver-haired priest had turned her awkwardness to his advantage.
"I believe that's all of our business," said Endress. "We meet again in one month at-" she rifled through some papers. A twitch crossed her smiling face-"Moonshadow Hall."
Uncomfortable silence fell across the table until Mifano broke it. "We look forward to welcoming you all."
He rose gracefully. Feena tried to stand as well, but the expansive volume of her skirts stuck between the arms of her chair and threatened to bring it up with her. Without looking down, Mifano offered her his arm while bracing one foot against the chair's leg until she had managed to pull herself free. Chin held high, Feena took his arm, and they paced out of the room. She tried to ignore the renewed round of snickers that followed her.
Velsinore was waiting when they arrived back at Moonshadow Hall. "Moonmistress-Designate," she said, "there's a matter we-"
"-must discuss," Feena finished for her. If there was anything she was growing to dislike more than tending to matters outside of Moonshadow Hall with Mifano, it was tending to matters within the Hall with Velsinore. "What is it this time?" she asked in resignation.