The smell of old incense and even older clergy men filled Great Hall of Saint Marnel's seminary. The morning bell toll echoed through the vaulted ceilings like the angels themselves were present.
Wong Ji Jun walked through the doors, hair now well groomed and freshly shaved. His welcoming smile and pristine appearance hiding this morning's sin. Just five minutes before the sermon. On time as always. As he strolled into the pews, acolyte eyes followed him like gossiping owls.
Someone coughed nearby. "Still wearing yesterday's socks?"
"God's love is timeless," Ji Jun replied, settling into a spot near the back.
The cougher had no comeback.
Up front, High Chaplain Elviorn raised both arms, draped in golden vestments, the sleeves so wide they could smuggle cattle. His voice boomed like thunder filtered through a cathedral pipe organ.
"Sin," he declared, "is the devil's melody that engulfs the righteous!"
Ji Jun sighed and leaned back, letting the sermon slip past his ears. His stomach grumbled and his mind wandered to those delicious promises God gave his people.
Oh, what he would do for some chocolate chip pancakes.
His mouth watered at the thought, and he licked his lips with a gluttonous greed. And he hadn't had caffeine yet, which made all of this feel especially sacrificial.
"...and we must turn away from fleshly indulgence, from those false comforts that lure us from the path of discipline!"
The door to the classroom opened and there he saw Maralynn. Her hood was up, but he'd recognize that graceful posture and the slight tilt of her head anywhere. She was late, probably due to their morning adventures, and she was hurrying to the nearest desk.
She looked up and saw Ji Jun looking at her. He expressed his signature smile and a little wave of the hand, but Maralynn blushed and pretended she didn't see him.
"...and through suffering, we find strength! Through restraint, salvation!"
Ji Jun's stomach grumbled again. "I pray for a good meal," he murmured, rubbing his stomach.
"Did you say something?" An acolyte turned to him.
"Just repenting for my stomach. It doesn't like my fast," Ji Jun replied.
The rest of the sermon dragged on. As much as he tried to pay attention, Ji Jun got distracted anytime pleasures of the flesh was mentioned. He stomach distracted him and he thought about what wonderful thing he would fill his belly with after the sermon. Or he would think about the intimate times he had with women or men.
When it was finally over, Ji Jun stood, stretched, and tried not to look too relieved. The crowd of acolytes dispersed and he made his way straight to the dining hall, cutting through the courtyard.
That's when he smelled a floral sweetness tinged with a bit of spice. It was… comforting. All his muscles relaxed and his mind went completely clear. It was like being in a mother's warm embrace.
He took a deep breath in with his arms stretched wide. That's when he noticed the source.
Under the shroud left by some trees, a tall, thin figure leaned lazily against the trunk. His skin forest green, made with cellulose, thick vines, moss and some fungi. The leaves on his head flew in the breeze, shimmering with subtle colors in the sunlight.
A Zanther.
Ji Jun never spoke directly to him before, but he knew he was called Baskh.
The Zanther looked up from the small satchel he was opening and grinned.
"Friend," he said in a smooth, honeyed voice. "You're looking… radiant."
Ji Jun blinked. "Do I know you?"
"It's not too late to get to know me. You look like the fun type. The guy who doesn't follow the rules so strictly," Baskh smiled.
"What makes you say that?" Ji Jun smirked, scratching the back of his head.
Baskh chuckled, pulling out several small vials of shimmering mist. "You smell of cheap perfume and human Lady pheromones. And you're wearing the acolyte robes. I respect that."
Ji Jun let out a half-hearted laugh. "Well, what do you got there?"
"Guided experiences," Baskh said, holding up a vial. "Clarity. Confidence. Catharsis. All organic. Ethically secreted."
Ji Jun winced. "Like your sweat or something?"
"Sort of the equivalent I guess," the Zanther slapped Ji Jun on the shoulder. "Don't think too hard about it, yeah? I'm telling ya, it'll make ya feel real good, and that's all that matters."
Another student wandered by, gave Baskh a nod, and slipped him a few credits in exchange for one of the vials. The student inhaled deeply, giggled, then wandered off with a dazed smile.
Ji Jun looked back at Baskh. "Is this legal?"
Baskh shrugged. "I mean, it grows on me, so probably. Besides, the Holy Book says everything created by God is good. He created me, this came out of me. So we're good!"
The logic was sound to Ji Jun, so he nodded. "Seems fair."
"Your name?" Baskh asked.
"Ji Jun."
The Zanther gave his hand, "Baskh. You ever wonder why the monasteries and churches teach things outside of the Holy Book? Give more importance to their religion than actual scripture?"
"All the time," Ji Jun smiled. "Especially in the love department. You're telling me we learn about all these prophets and holy men who have multiple wives and those in the priest track can't have one? It doesn't make sense for us to be celibate, and I'm going to change that when I make it to the top! Bring back the good old days!"
Baskh gave a hearty laugh. "Those are some strong goals. Plan on getting a holy harem?"
Ji Jun gave a thumbs up and a smile. "One to rival even Solomon's! Are you with me?"
Baskh jumped up and pumped his arm. "Oh hell yeah! Uhh, sorry, heck yeah… even though I'm not priest track and don't have to stay celibate."
Then the Zanther handed Ji Jun a vial.
Ji Jun raised a hand. "Tempting, but no thanks."
Baskh tucked the vial back into the satchel with a smirk. "Suit yourself. But you know where to find me if you change your mind."
"Noted. Want to grab a bite?" the would-be priest asked.
"I don't eat. Photosynthesis and all that. But I will go for a drink and some company."
The two headed to the dining hall together, enjoying the like company.