A Name for Five — 990 YK

Penthe
3 min readApr 9, 2024

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Year 990 YK

“It’s not as melodic as I think is deserving of them.”

“What’s wrong with Temple? I think it’s a fine name!”

“No offense to Five-”

“No offense taken.”

“-I just think we could find something better.”

Cyre was dark at this time of night, their campfire glowing with a warmth that Five could feel sitting as close as it did. For now its purpose was to keep it going, feeding it small sticks every once in a while. The day of travelling had been simple and the pair beside her were almost jovial for it. A day without bloodshed did not come often, so when it did, it was celebrated in small ways Five had noticed over the years. Tarrin, usually easy to smile, smiled with his whole body, it seemed. The lightness on his face went to the rest of him, making his steps almost bounce and his fingers sneak in towards Korric to share attention back and forth. Sometimes a touch of hands, sometimes a brush over the red head’s cheek or a tug to a lock of hair. If it was a game, on these days, Tarrin won.

But it was not a forgotten score. Korric made sure to win every other day, finding ways to bring in that lightness to the days Tarrin dealt with the most blood and gore. Five didn’t keep count for them, but as of this year Korric had won 143 days to Tarrin’s 14.

Beside her they sat together, Tarrin enjoying a day of winning as he leaned back against Korric’s chest. The bottle of wine, a rare sight, had been passed between them more times than Five had fed the fire sticks. They were happy.

“Well there are plenty of other names. Temple is more the… feeling, I think Five described as enjoying: a safe space that people go to for aid and protection.” Tarrin glanced over towards Five for affirmation.

“That is correct.”

“So there’s bound to be something melodic… there’s Chapel… Sanctuary… Shrine… Church… Cathedral…”

Korric pressed the bottle into Tarrin’s waving hand, eliciting a moment of thoughtful silence as green eyes danced warmly to Five as the warforged traded between watching them and watching the fire. “What do you think of Church, Five?”

“Church. I like this name.”

“You did a good job today, Church. Rest now, mm?”

Korric’s smile widened before he turned that look down to Tarrin, coaxing him close as they rest back together, bathed in the warmth of the crackling flames. What sounds and motions followed from the couple Five ignored, watching the fire for a time before its blue eyes dimmed for the night. They deserved their happiness and short bits of togetherness they were allowed during this war, and Five had other thoughts to focus on.

After ten years together they had found a name that seemed suitable.

Church.

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