By the time Marten and Aribelle had arrived at the Abbey. They found Sister Clarence already awaiting them. Standing on the steps, she donned a dour expression.
Although, the middle-aged nun always appeared mildly sour to some, Aribelle could see from the telling way her nose twisted upward on her face, that she was displeased. A look she had often received prior to one of Sister Clarence's lectures, Aribelle had become familiar with the various indications of her exasperation.
Returning to the Abbey from their assigned chore in a timely manner and with little calamity to report. Aribellle was unsure as to what the source of her ire could be. Handing her empty basket to Marten, she chose to spare him from witnessing yet another awkward conversation among adults for the day. Waving him off with the excuse he should tidy up before their supper time, Aribelle knew that he saw through her motives. Glancing between the two women hesitantly for a minute, Aribelle was thankful once he did as she had instructed without comment.
Approaching the severe looking Clarence, her feet made slow at the prospect of chastisement, Aribelle eventually crossed the square. Stopping at the foot of the small set of steps, She said respectfully "Good evening, Sister." Observing the distinct tilt of her expression only deepen further at this greeting, Aribelle confirmed that it must be a matter involving herself. Looking upon her dirtied hem and the muck on her shoes disapprovingly, Sister Clarence decided not to remark on this. Issuing a pointed question instead, she responded, "Aribelle, how long have you been with us?"
"Twenty years, Sister Clarence." She replied obediently.
Sounding a lot more years to her than she remembered once spoken aloud; Aribelle recalled collapsing on the very spot where Sister Clarence now stood, as though it were yesterday. Seeing the Sister nod contemplatively at her answer, it seemed apparent that she too must have had a similar thought. Regarding her as though the years were passing by in front of her eyes, the nun's manner became more affectionate; if only for an instant.
"Aribelle, I have always known you to be special." Sister Clarence began somberly but appeared to harden as her resolve once again solidified in her mind. "However, the gifts you were blessed with have only ever had the potential of landing you in trouble." Exhaling a sigh of remorse ahead of her inevitable broach of the onerous subject to come, Sister Clarence took a moment's pause to prepare herself.
Guessing at what might have inspired this sudden intervention after the events that had transpired during the week, Aribelle awaited the recommencement of her speech patiently. Not wishing to cause the Sister any more difficulty than was necessary, she did not make any motion to protest or deny in advance of its mention. "In the past, these talents and your aid to the Church, caused me to overlook your prolonged stay here. However, it has come to my attention that it may be best for us to release you from our care." Sister Clarence declared.
Looking directly into the Sisters eyes surrounded by aging lines, Aribelle could only listen as her heart began to sink in her chest as she took in the nun's words. Sister Clarence remaining consistent throughout a majority, she was sadly reminded that the parting was unavoidable. "My preference would be for you to take up Minister Barnibus's offer to remain with him in his perish. Nevertheless, you are enough of an adult now that I shall not stop you, should you choose to elope with this fellow you seem to be so taken by." Issuing this conclusion, she regarded Aribelle with a distant impartiality replacing the sorrow she had displayed earlier.
Their conversation was not surprising to her. Even in the modern world she had experienced in her first life, it was not expected for children to remain in the house they grew up in. Moving out by the age of nineteen in her previous life, Aribelle was not afraid to be independent. Yet, she had been content to extend her time in the Abbey. Being a ward of the Church, had not only allowed her to stay by the side of those she wished to protect from the novel's plot, it had also acted as a useful cover at times for her meddling. Warranting less attention as a lone woman under their care, Aribelle was left relatively free to roam through the city without much question towards her motives. However, this too seemed to be changing.
Still gazing at the nun who had raised her, they passed a few reflective moments like that until Aribelle replied. "Can I think upon it, Sister?" she said somberly, "Afterall, I am not the sole person involved in this decision. I will need to discuss it with them both first."
Nodding sagely in agreement, Sister Clarence passed no further remarks. Silently stepping aside, she signaled for Aribelle to pass.