Who is the next person to approach Theopho.

"High Watcher, if I ask you for counsel, is it confidential from everyone?"

Well, that's bold. He's seen her around, of course, she's fairly often here without her father, but most young women who he sees here would not ask for counsel right after their father, in conflict with him, and be explicit about it

"Yes, and theirs from you. Now?"

"Please."

"My father is discussing betrothals. I've met some of the men, and realized I have been... somewhat sheltered by his philosophy of proper paternal conduct. It's not that I can't take a little pain, but the... games, I'm not used to, with someone I'm supposed to call family."

"Would that all husbands and fathers in Cheliax understood the guidance of Dispater. Yes, it's rough. You've dealt with similar things with other people, outside the family?"

"Yes, and working with people with that hanging over me is nastily tiring. I can probably learn, but it's a severe handicap while I'm supposed to be signing a contract of alliance. Is there anyone you can suggest who's honest enough that I could trust it would just be pain, not mind games?"

Sorry, she does not say, because she is Chelish.

"No one comes to mind who's within fifteen years in age and looking to be married soon. Some young men I don't know well whose parents would be suitable temperaments, which might be promising, but not obvious candidates for a family alliance."

"Augh. I can learn to do this, I'm an adult, but the social season is starting soon and I don't have time."

"You are a capable young woman. This is a difficult situation you are embedded in, but I do have confidence you can find a way to flourish in it. Your father hasn't left you weak."

"...Do you want an acolyte, Watcher? Someone to assist with the work of the temple, not just the slave work? For... a year's commitment?"

"And you think your father will agree?"

"I think I can persuade him that it isn't against his interests and that he owes it to your temple to let me."

"You realize, of course, that it won't prevent you from having to make this decision. Most priestesses of Erecura are married, as far as I know. Probably most priests as well."

"I can face it, with some more preparation. And studying what you know of Erecura will help me get that preparation."

"Well, that's the right attitude."

"...I do want to be very clear. Of all my Lady's aspects, her marriage is one I will never imitate. I will have no family and no wife. Don't try it."

"Understood, Watcher."

"Then if you can convince him, I will take you on."

Sarakaske proved correct, and her father permitted her to commit to serving Erecura for at least a matter of months. She studied what records Theopho had found of Erecura's doctrine, practiced understanding people and gave simple advice to parishioners who visited with relatively simple problems.

Half a year later, Theopho sat down with her during a quiet moment.

"Do you think you're ready to face potential betrothals, Kaske?"

"I think so. I'm... stronger, and I think I'm ready. I can negotiate in my own right, not just accept whatever deal my father negotiates. Not that I'm free to choose anything I like, but..."

"Why, that sounds familiar."

"Yes. Erecura's example has been a real inspiration. Thank you, Watcher."

"You are welcome, and certainly not in my debt. Your assistance has been useful, and your perspective on Lady Erecura informative; I'm not a normal example of Her followers."

"I appreciate it anyway. I think I'll be done at the end of this month, and let my father know I'm ready to consider betrothals again."

"May the goddess and her superiors guide you."

Sarakaske didn't immediately stop assisting in the temple, but as the month came to an end, she carved out time to spend a few hours alone in the principal shrine of the temple, praying to Erecura.

Lady Erecura, thank you for sending a priest of Yours to Westcrown. Thank you for guiding me and my father through him, and thank you for providing an example of a woman who can rule and hold herself strong and independent among more powerful men of Hell. Thank Lord Dispater for guiding my father by His example, and leaving me both strong and cared for.

I will leave your service soon, and go to negotiate a marriage and begin a family. But by your example and your service I will be able to negotiate more as an equal, a party to the agreement and not just a piece being moved and traded between men. For this I am grateful, and I promise I will offer you prayers and thanks for it for many years to come.

May I watch wisely and thrive, as may all others who follow you.

And then she feels a sensation of crashing into a steel plain, then standing upright and proud. Of growing things spreading out from the point where she landed. Of a dozen enormous minds pressing down on her, but standing unshaken in the storm of attention. Of accepting a hand offered, and sitting above a palace in judgment.

And she felt a connection to a reserve of endless knowledge, and a sense of herself that wrapped around her and secured her soul against all intrusion. And a sense of new things she could do, just out of reach in a direction she could not previously sense.

And she knew she wasn't leaving Erecura's service after all.

"High Watcher?"

She almost always just calls him 'Watcher'. And he wasn't expecting to talk to her tonight.

"Yes, Sarakaske?"

"I prayed to Erecura thanking her, and, um, I think She chose me."

"Hmm. You know, that surprises me less than I'd have thought. Do a light?"

"I don't think I have it? Two things for an allied person, and I think detect magic."

"One of those on me, then."

She picks the one that feels more peaceful and taps his hand.

"Yep, that's guidance. Congratulations, Watcher Sarakaske."