Thread: Facing Fate (the-juggalo-warrior & darkangel76)

Elana woke up bright and early, before the sun had had a chance to rise above the horizon. Feeling refreshed and at ease about the pilgrimage she had before her, she went over to her water basin and poured the steaming water that had been brought in earlier for her to wash with. The water steamed out as it went from pitcher to basin. Elana smiled as the steam rose up and brushed her cheeks, turning them the palest of pink. She grabbed the sponge and began to clean herself. Once finished, she discarded the water and poured fresh water into the basin only this time she used the water to wash her long dark hair instead of her body. The water felt nice against her scalp and neck and once her hair was cleaned and rinsed, she patted it dry with a coarse towel. In a drawer were some sweet smelling dried flowers. She picked out her favorite, the lilacs, and crushed them in with a mortar and pestel until they were a fine powder. She then sprinkled the powder in her hair and on her skin until she was saturated with the scent. Smiling, she dressed herself in her usual robes and headed out to check with her mentor about the plans for her departure. The hallway was very quiet and dimly lit with torches. But as Elana neared the grand hallway at the front of the temple, she could hear the scuffles of feet and luggage along with muffled voices. Elana smiled as she neared the hallway. She truly felt better about going on this journey. It always amazed her how self-reflection and meditation could ease the mind. But it had always been that way for her. Her mentor had said she was one of the few priestesses to enter the Girion Order who was satisfied with the person they were, the life chosen for them. Most of the girls went through terrible transitions, especially when they approached and went through puberty. They began to question why they were given up to the Girion Order and were confused about the thoughts that suddenly went through their minds when it came to the opposite sex. Often times a depression would set in. And sometimes that depression brought with it unpleasant events. But not with Elana. Elana had been given to the Girion Order as an infant, as all those who became priestesses were. Her family was poor and unable to care for her. Distraught over being unable to provide for their daughter, yet having a faith in the god, Girio, Elanas parents went to the Girion Order and asked that they take her in and raise her to become one of their own, a servant of Girio. The priestesses had been more than willing to take the baby on. They treated her well, taught her how to read, to write, to sing. She learned the ways of the Girion Order, what it meant to be a priestess, the vows and sacrifices it entailed. At the age of 16, shed been given the choice, as all who were brought to the Order were, to leave the walls and live life as any other woman would. Most stayed, fearing the outside world. But a few did leave and they were missed by all. Elana chose to stay, but it wasnt fear that kept her there nor was it her sole desire to become a priestess. No. It was her determination to fulfill her parents wishes. She never told her mentor or her other sisters this, but she knew it in her heart. She didnt want any of them to misunderstand. She loved her sisters, her mentor. She truly enjoyed serving the god, Girio. But it was the fact that her parents had chosen this life for her that drove her to try her best. And it had been hard. The sacrifices she and her sisters had to make were not easy ones. They all had to serve a time of silence and a time of solitude. At one point, Elana had thought shed truly lose herself during those times if not for self-reflection and meditation. It got her through that tough time. It also helped her through puberty, when she found herself curious about men, but was told that she could never have one. The idea of that saddened her. She thought about her parents and how they hadnt wanted to give her up. She wondered what it mustve been like to have a love for a child that could be so strong. She also wondered what it would be like to love another and be loved in return. But, her mentor had always told her, that if she chose to stay, it could never be. It was a very difficult thing for Elana to deal with and even now she would dwell on it every so often, feeling the sadness bubble up inside. But, she always managed to keep it at bay. Elana finally entered the grand hallway and saw her things stacked near the main door. Servants were slowly loading them onto a carriage of sorts. Nearly done? Elana asked. Her mentor nodded, Indeed, my dear. Youll be leaving for Seras within the hour. She paused. Do not fear to ask questions or interact with the people you pass by on your way. Itll only give you greater knowledge of the world outside. For once you return for your pilgrimage, you will never set foot outside these walls again. Best to learn what you can. The older woman smiled and hugged Elana. Yes, I will. Elana smiled and headed for the carriage and those who would be escorting her on her way to Seras.