The Doll

"I thought the Death God had only gone mad?" he ventured.

Neph did not answer. She turned her gaze toward the music, leaving Klein no choice but to wait in silence. Only after the song ended and Bernadette left did he look expectantly at Neph again.

Neph was about to act when Klein suddenly frowned and raised a hand to stop her. "What's wrong?" she asked suspiciously.

"Prayers," Klein answered with a frown. "Rather urgent ones."

Neph paused briefly, then seemed to understand. She motioned for Klein to handle the prayers first. He did not refuse and ascended to Sefirah Castle, where the crimson star belonging to Emlyn, the Moon, was swelling repeatedly. Klein could not help feeling puzzled.

Emlyn? What could he want- Klein frowned and extended his spirituality toward it.

"The birth of new life is a joyous occasion," Emlyn heard Alex say to Bishop Utravsky as they discussed doctrine when he emerged. "But simply sowing seeds is no longer enough for me to experience that joy. I long for a further boon from Mother, for the chance to carry a child myself."

Emlyn stopped in his tracks, suddenly remembering that his pathway might cause him to change sex in the future. He was unsure whether to take another step, but Alex had already noticed him. "Emlyn, you're here? Father and I were just talking about you."

"What were you talking about?" Emlyn had to force a smile as he approached.

"How you experience the joy of life," Alex answered with considerable tact.

Emlyn felt the urge to retreat again, and his footsteps halted once more. Bishop Utravsky looked at him just then and said calmly, "Emlyn, go check on the worshippers. It's getting late. If they've finished eating, tell them to head home as soon as possible."