Alms for the Water

Before him loomed the Bunnery, tall and ancient before him. Shibani didn't have many memories of the place, honestly, other than the fact that it was difficult to sleep with so many kits squirming and squeaking around him, but somehow it still felt inviting whenever life brought him here. The place just carried a lovely warmth to it that wooed him to rest there. A welcoming aura.

Or maybe it was just the incubation system that kept the kits warm as they slept during the winter. He would happily sleep under such a delicious warmth, especially after the rushing he just did...

He shook his head gently – no sleeping. He was here on a mission. The contents of the velvet drawstring bag clinked slightly as he tightened his hold for a moment. Mercy had dropped enough hints on what it would take for them to overlook the strangeness of the request that he couldn't miss it. He hadn't been carrying any carats on him at the time, though, so had to go fetch some. His doll form moved more quickly, and time was slipping away from him, so he had used it to go faster; unfortunately, that used more energy too, and after hiking with Dan he was practically running on fumes.

He blinked, hard, and rubbed at one eye. Sleep would come soon enough, but he had to be busy now.

He proceeded into the Bunnery, besocked feet quiet on the floors. He couldn't hear many squeaking kits, so they had probably recently eaten and were asleep now. Best not to wake them. Silently, he crept through the building in search of Mercy.

It didn't take too long to find them. He found them in a kitchen, cleaning up a collection of supplies used to feed all of the tiny mouths. A bit surprised – it wasn't every day that one saw them cleaning – Shibani hummed to get their attention without startling them or making too much noise. They looked back, smiling gracefully when they spied him. They dried their hands quickly before moving over to Shibani. He'd almost say that he saw eagerness in their eyes for a moment there, but it must have been a trick of the light, for their gentle smile was pristine the next time he blinked.

“You wanted...mmh.” He let out a breathy sound as he thought, rephrasing. “The church...is in need of donations?” He held up the bag.

Their eyes landed on it for a split second before flicking back to Shibani, and he definitely noticed the smile on their face stretch just a tiny bit wider. “Of course, the Church of Sulfur is always accepting donations! We always do our best to spread the sacred word of our lordly demons, but such tasks require funds, of course.” They held a hand out. “I will graciously accept your donation, and ensure that it is attributed to you as one of our donors.”

Shibani held onto the bag, not moving to hand it over just yet. He watched Mercy in thought. If he were to just hand it over, nothing had been mentioned presently that it would be for the blessing...the water may be missed.

“Sister Mercy, before I donate...would you reconsider? This one little bottle of spring water, I would still like it blessed.” He held up his other hand, displaying the bottle to them once more. “Depending on that, I might find myself able to separate with more...”

Mercy watched him, the tiniest flicker of annoyance crossing their face at the initial request, only to be replaced by interest at the possibility of a larger donation. “Oh? Quite the dilemma...I still do not know if Father Oleander would sanction it.” They glanced at the velvet satchel, outline showing the hint of carats inside.

“It is for Allocer, so it is important still, no? I could probably part with...” He considered for a few moments. “...twenty five more...?”

The small twitch on Mercy's face as they considered the offer suggested that it wasn't quite tempting enough. Shibani hid his smile – of course it wouldn't be. Never show your full hand up front, after all. He made no motions, just watching Mercy curiously until they replied first.

Mercy appeared to choose their words carefully. “Although a generous offer, I am still uncertain if Father Oleander would sanction the blessing of water for the purpose of cooking. I'm afraid I must refuse.”

Shibani made a show of sadness. “Oh, that is unfortunate.” He peeked into the bag, taking some time to count them. “...I think I had miscounted, there's nearly forty extras here. But you've said yourself that it is unsanctioned, and I couldn't ask you to go behind the good Father's back on something like that...” A gentle, forgiving smile. “I will count out the donation pieces, then. Thank you.”

He counted out the individual donation pieces, watching Mercy out of the corner of his eye. He could see them shifting, debating, counting. Eyeballing the remainder as he lowered the bag to his side again.

“Your generosity is seen by the church. I believe – if you are able to part with the forty left behind, I believe I could speak sense into Father Oleander. Such funds could go a long way...” She smiled – warmly – as if she wasn't intending to pocket every one of the excess carats herself. “...and I would be remiss not to assist a fellow bun with their Mochi Moon offerings.”

Shibani smiled, content with his success. He held out the little bottle for them to take. “I thank you for being so kind, Sister Mercy. I will pass along the extra as soon as this is ready...”