Helki was up with the dawn, like every morning, to greet the sun in one of the few clearings within the boundaries. She loved to stand in the sun's embrace and just soak in the warmth. The forest had a tenancy to grow cool in the evening and depending on the season, down right cold the later it got. Helki had an affinity for all things light and warm. While she didn't fear the night, she enjoyed the day more. Once she had soaked in enough of the rays to ward off the night chill, she worked through her stretches slowly. Stretching out the night stiff muscles. Routine was important, especially in the morning, it set the tone of the day and Helki like to make sure she maximized her time. Soaking in the sun rays was like her meditation and stretching was her yoga.
With that all accomplished, she walked back through the woods to the central hub of the herd. Today, she was going to have breakfast with her three dearest friends. Both of them tended to get busy and it was important to always schedule in time with loved ones. There was a lovely place in the central hub for stars to dine, a sort of restaurant you could say. A fellow herdmate showed Helki to a place that had been set up for them to recline and savor morning delights. Fea's doing, Helki was sure. Helki took her place and relaxed, Fea would be here any moment as she was an early riser like Helki.
Fea was indeed an early riser. It was all apart of the temple's rigorous schedule and practices. Before she could even think to head to breakfast she needed to complete her morning rituals and chores, just like all the others in the temple. And as Head Priestess, she needed to oversee some of the priestesses in the morning and make sure they have all risen for the day. New mares join and some go and she just has to make sure all work is clock work. But now she was free from her duties for the rest of the morning and a senior priestess has taken up the rest.
Fea wasn't one to hurry unless it was an emergency. So she made her way down to the central hub at a casual pace, nodding greetings to all who pass her or call out to her. Despite her disdain for hurrying, Fea made good time to the dinning area and was escorted to the seating arrangements she made a head of time. Helki was already there and she bowed,
"Morning greetings, Your Majesty."
Then Fea took her place at the table to the left of Helki.
"I trust your morning has going w-"
Fea was suddenly interrupted by a commotion and looked away from Helki to see what was going on. There was a fellow herd mate who'd gotten themselves into a bit of a mess. They seemed to be in a hurry but knocked over some wares of another and tried to help. Once that was dealt with, they rushed over towards them.
"Your majesty, High Priestess, I am here with news from Hearth's Fire," the star said.
Fea's ears perked up. Hearth's Fire is the herd of her daughter Suli and she hadn't seen her since she left. Many brought back stories about the success of such a great nation isolated on a huge island in the southern waters. While Fea was sad her daughter left them, she was also very proud of her accomplishments.
"Any news of Suli?" Fea couldn't help herself.
The star nodded, "Why of course," and pulled from a bag, a small scroll. "This arrived by messenger this morning. It has Suli's seal."
Fea couldn't help herself and took the scroll from the star rather quickly.
"If you don't mind, I shall open this privately...later." She said quietly and tucked the scroll away.
Helki nodded. "That is just fine Fea dear. I know how important it is to you. Well then, shall we partake of this delicious breakfast spread?"
Together the had their fill of a yummy breakfast filled with more conversation and tea.
With their breakfast finished, their bellies full and both all caught up...they said their goodbyes and parted ways. They both had things to do and places to be.
