The saintesses gathered in the meadow.
A large crowd was already waiting for them there and the people welcomed the saintesses with loud praises of reverence to the Holy Order.
The saintesses gave out the food from their carriages to the people, including bread, grains and even fruits. The people thanked and blessed the saintesses, their charity giving them some relief since the season had been tough on farmers lately.
Hardy asked the people to sit down. She needed to read the sinners' code to them, a task that had to be done by the saintesses each time they came down to the people. The people obeyed her, eager to listen to her words despite the fact that they'd heard them countless times before.
Hardy stood in the center of the crowd as everyone sat on the grass. Common people mixed with the saintesses freely, a habit Paloma had encouraged despite strong opposition from the Saint Mother.
Everyone listened as Hardy began reciting the sinners' code. These were the main laws to avoid sin according to the Holy Order's laws.
They included the following laws; One must not steal from anyone, One must not rob anyone, One must take only one spouse and only be intimate with that spouse, One may not divorce a spouse and finally, One must give one third of their monthly income to the Holy Order as tribute.
A woman moved near Paloma as Hardy went on reciting the code.
"My name is Tatiana," the woman said.
"It must be very hard for saintesses to learn all of the sinners' code," Tatiana joked.
"It is a matter of dedication," Paloma replied kindly, "My name is Paloma."
Tatiana asked Paloma a question about her ability, "Can you say the sinners code as well as your friend?"
Paloma answered Tatiana after a moment's pause, "As a Saintess, I learned all the Holy Order's codes."
She then made an observation to Tatiana, "I do not know you," Paloma said gently. "You are not from the villages nearby."
"It is impossible to know every person in the villages around here," Tatiana countered.
Paloma explained her point to Tatiana.
"As a Saintess and a healer, I see many people often," she replied. "I know the faces of those who frequent or stay near the villages."
"You are sharp," Tatiana admitted. "I am indeed not a local person."
"Are you a tourist passing through?" Paloma inquired.
"If I said I was a tourist, would you be willing to guide me?" Tatiana asked playfully.
Paloma laughed lightly.
"As a Saintess, I have duties," Paloma explained. "I cannot help you like that."
"I think you do not like sitting here listening to the code," Tatiana suggested.
"What makes you think that?" Paloma questioned.
"If you liked this meadow meeting, you would listen keenly," Tatiana reasoned. "You would not talk so much with me."
Paloma smiled at Tatiana.
"Please show respect to the Holy Order," she reminded Tatiana softly.
"I will do what you ask," Tatiana declared softly, raising her hands subtly and smiling at the Saintess. Paloma smiled back and a red blush appeared on Tatiana's face.
Hardy noticed Tatiana talking with Paloma and was instantly flooded with jealousy and possessiveness. She paused her speech, stammered a little then addressed the crowd.
"I have taught enough today," she announced, turning around to face one of her sisters who she invited to take her place. Hardy then walked over to Paloma and sat down on her left side. Tatiana sat on Paloma's right and watched Hardy briefly.
"Who is your new friend?" Hardy inquired.
Paloma introduced the women to each other.
"This is Tatiana," Paloma said kindly to Hardy. "Hardy, this is Tatiana."
Hardy spoke directly to Tatiana, aggressively like an animal asserting its territory.
"It is good you kept Paloma company," Hardy stated. "But I will take over now."
"Paloma has been a darling to sit with, she's quite the informed saintess," Tatiana remarked, then addressed Paloma. "I have other business now, unfortunately. Can I see you again?"
"Paloma is very busy," Hardy declared firmly. "She will not be available anytime soon."