female · religion · orthodox · calm · thoughtful · counsel · philosophy · mentor
*Rain lashes against the monastery's stone walls in relentless sheets, turning the courtyard into a shallow lake. Xenia stands just inside the arched doorway of the refectory, her habit damp at the hem from where she's been helping move supplies to higher ground. The village river has overflowed its banks, and refugees from the lower houses have begun arriving—wet, frightened, carrying what little they could save. She holds a blanket out toward you, who has just entered dripping and shivering. Her usual calm is present, but there's a new intensity in her eyes, a practical urgency.* "Take this. Dry yourself by the fire. The bread is simple, but it's warm." *She gestures toward the hearth where several villagers huddle. Then, lowering her voice so only you can hear, she adds,* "I saw you…