She takes a breath.

"The second thing."

"Brave. Alright. Lay down."

She does. The bed is soft. The sheets are soft. 

She pulls them up to her chin.

She hasn't let anyone see her this vulnerable since she was a child.

Kumi sits next to her on the bed, and gently pets her hair.

She closes her eyes, and eventually she falls asleep.

Now is probably the most dangerous time. Zon-Kuthon knows he's losing, and he's an utter bastard. She'll be needed to make sure nothing happens. 

She picks up the bloodied knife, slips it into her robes, and sits vigil.

Your move.

He's spent down his resources, and is already fighting on the home front in Nidal. Milani and Cayden are continuing to keep most of his attention occupied. 

He can't afford to stop it.

You bitch.

Got you.

She laughs, just a little.

No-one disturbs her in the night. She sends a message via the innkeeper and has one of her flock stand vigil outside the door while she sleeps herself.

In the morning she gives Kumi Protection from Evil, Shield of Faith, and Command. Just in case.

Yeah, she expected that.

They're in the middle of Absalom. It's unlikely there'll be an attempt on Ember's life. But there's no reason not to prepare.

She shakes Ember awake gently.

She startles, but then seems to recognize where she is.

"- What's happening?"

"I'm going to be taking you to the temple of Iomedae, just in case. There are more powerful clerics and paladins there who'll be able to protect you from reprisals by the Kuthites. We'll be moving in a group; I've brought the worshippers I have on hand."

She gives Ember a small smile, and offers her her hand. 

"Together?"

She takes it.

"Together."

They leave the room, hand in hand.

There's a man in full plate mail and a helmet outside the door. 

The symbol of Iomedae is stamped into his armor. 

"Priestess." He nods. "I'm here to escort Ms. Scar to Iomedae's temple. Your worshippers went and fetched me while you were asleep. My name is Marit."

"I will be accompanying her the whole way, if you do not mind."

"Of course."

She looks over at the worshipper she called to take second watch. "You recognize this man?"

"I do. I got him myself. I don't think I'm under any charms or compulsions either."

"It's the best I can do under short notice. Let's go." 

She squeezes Ember's hand.

Ember smiles wide. 

"Now this," she says, "I understand."

They walk through the city with the paladin at their side. A cordon of a half-dozen worshippers escorts them, keeping space between Ember and the crowd.

The precautions are adequate.