Repent (Part Three)

"I... I repent, Lord..." The woman cried, "Please... have mercy."

She begged without looking up at him. Her hair was a mess and miserable tears streamed down her face, ruining her dark makeup. 

Tycondrius pursed his lips. He couldn't believe that this woman thought that only this level of sincerity would be enough. Where was the gnashing of teeth? The dashing of her head against the stones? She hadn't even torn out her hair in grief! 

Humans, these suns... 

"F-forgive me," The woman sobbed quietly. It didn't even sound like she was talking to him, anymore. That was a step in the right direction. 

"Oh? For what, young lady?" Tycon prodded. 

Yes. Apologize for your weakness. Apologize that your faith was not strong enough to protect you. Apologize for the fates damning you to be at this exact spot when two members of the gods-damned Church of the Eternal Flame were trying to have a nice, mid-afternoon stroll.