Mari followed Nina out of the Infirmary and then took the lead towards the central elevator shaft that would take them close to the main hangar which leads to the Temple's entrance.
"Before I answer your questions. I'll be taking you to the Temple's entrance as I said before. Its a bit of a walk so we'll have enough time for me to answer your first question. But I'll answer your second question now." she said.
In doing so she took off her hood and turned it inside out to reveal a hairband sowed to the top of the hood with a pair of cat ears attached to it. The hood was skillfully shaped to form around the cat ears. After showing Nina she put the hood back on.
"These are fake cat ears that I wore for fun one day to try and lighten the High Priestess' mood when she was depressed after one of her followers decided to take their own life. She told me it was cute and that I should always wear them. So I've worn them under my hood since then. They seem to bring joy to some of the other depressed pilgrims who come here from extreme poverty or war-torn worlds. Oh we turn left here."
Mari and Nina turned left into another passageway which had a lead to a large room.
"As for your first question... hmm... It's hard to answer that one since my story has two beginnings and has already ended once. I'll begin with telling you my purpose on the Axiom. After the High Priestess saved me a year ago, I began serving here on the Axiom under her. My training and education is overseen directly by her, and I owe my entire life to her. Its thanks to her that I got a second chance at living. As such I usually see to caring for the Pilgrims, showing them around the Temple, explaining the concept of the Songs of the Light, and I even sing for them from time to time. Although my songs don't have the effect on the Pilgrims as they do when the High Priestess sings them, nor can I hear them in my sleep like she does. But my singing makes the Pilgrims and Faithful happy, so I'll keep going. I also see to ensuring the High Priestess' life is a little easier by cooking and cleaning for her and I also keep her company or brainstorm with her when her mind is occupied."
Mari paused a bit in what she was saying before looking back at Nina.
"I guess that's what I do here. The High Priestess treats me like her daughter and she's like a mother to me. So I guess you could sum up our relationship like that. Oh, looks like we're here."
Mari gave a warm smile before pointing at the massive elevator in the centre of the room.
"This is the central elevator shaft. This will take us to the Temple's entrance corridor. I will tell you the rest as we descend."
Mari pressed the button to call the elevator. This was the first time she had ever spoken with a Corsair. She was a little nervous but was relieved when Nina was harsh with her. She still wasn't comfortable around unlawfuls due to her past.
![[Image: 56TqHKs.png]](https://i.imgur.com/56TqHKs.png)