Confessions

Although Fortuna didn’t subscribe to the beliefs of the Church of Sulfur, she felt that sometimes confessing your wrongs helped to take things off your chest. Besides, how would Oleander even know it’s her when he probably takes a bunch of confessions all the time? Her wrongs weren’t even too bad compared to probably some others. She just wanted to get her feelings of lack of self control off her chest since the past few days she’d been unable to keep her wallet closed and sadly couldn’t afford groceries this week. The memory of all the fun she had leading to her situation made her sad, but she kept walking.

When she entered the Church of Sulfur, it wasn’t too off for it to be empty inside since it wasn’t a typical sermon hour. She mostly was just hoping she came at a good hour since she couldn’t really remember when confessions were done, but even then a chat with Oleander would be enough she figured. She just wanted someone to extend some sympathy and nice words.

Looking around for him, she was happy to find Mercy. However, Mercy’s sudden reaction to turn in shock revealed that they were stealing carats from the tithes box. Fortuna was just as surprised, and oddly felt even a little betrayed knowing that there were some very devout followers of the church who looked up to Mercy.

“You shouldn’t be doing that! Aren’t those supposed to help the Church?”

Mercy collected themself, closed the tithes box and approached Fortuna. She took a cautious step back but stood in place.

“They do, but helping me helps the church just as much. If not for me, the church wouldn’t be as successful as it is now. Oleander is a great head priest when it comes to sermons and speaking with parishioners, but he leaves behind a great deal of unfinished paperwork when he goes off to satisfy his desires. I pick up that work. You can have a great priest, but if there is no church then we cannot reach out and support everyone who needs our help.”

Mercy seemed to truly believe that they deserved the carats they were stealing and that it was rightful compensation for their hard work. It was impossible to say that they didn’t work hard either, because everyone in Burrowgatory knew it… but Fortuna still found herself feeling conflicted and doubtful. Even when she overindulged herself it wasn’t at the cost of others.

Mercy could see the hesitation on Fortuna’s face and decided to make an offer. “You came here for a reason, what do you need? I can help you in exchange for your continued support of the church.” 

Though it wasn’t asked explicitly, Fortuna knew what was going on here. Her silence was about to be bought and she wasn’t in the position to decline it. Mercy had the resources to help her exactly how she needed right now, and part of what they had said was right. Even though she didn’t share the beliefs of the church, Fortuna didn’t want to be responsible for the lack of support to other buns who relied on it. The church did a lot for Burrowgatory and it would be terrible for them.

“...I’ve spent all of my money indulging in things that I enjoy, and now won’t be able to afford food for next week.” Fortuna felt embarrassed saying this aloud. She’d wanted to confide in Oleander, not put in a position where she felt implicit in betrayal.

“You are a child of the fire, indulging in your desires as the demons have created for us to do. It is in our nature to follow our urges, and a blessing for us to have them. Of course you shall be helped, and the church shall always be here for you to rely on in your times of need.”

After speaking those comforting words, Mercy opened their bag which contained many carats. Fortuna was not sure to what extent they were stolen versus earned through the good deeds they did, but she did accept them. Mercy gave her more than she felt she would have needed for the week. She felt a mix of relief and guilt, but for now the relief outweighed it.

“Thank you, Mercy.”

“Of course, my dear.”