Thread: Sating the New Goddess

Reneah's heart beat with excitement as she heard the heavy door creak open. She kept her head bowed in supplication as one of the handmaidens peeked out, and asked her if she was here for sanctuary. Yes, yes, sister, it is Sanctuary I seek, she gushed out happily. I will dwell among Ayla's servants and do her good works in the world. I have saved my purity, and now sacrifice it willingly for her service and glory. In her heartfelt eagerness to escape the cruelties of her father's plans, it didn't occur to her that her reception was not quite matching her own enthusiasm. When she dared to look up at the handmaiden at the portal, her brow furled in slight puzzlement the young woman was not wearing Ayla's traditional white robes of pure service, but something almost shockingly red, and, just a shockingly, that hugged her body in almost revealing ways. Perhaps the sisters dress differently when they are involved in some ceremonies, she temporized, still intent on fleeing her royal fate. Please, may I enter? she asked again, sensing some hesitation on the greeter's part. But shortly, she heard the hastening footsteps of another run up to her companion, and a few hasty whispers. Then the door opened a bit wider. The Goddess bids you welcome, sister, said Cass, remembering the old ways of greeting a new acolyte, and hoping Cerrinth would not find some offense in using it as a deception. Enter into Sanctuary in our house. I am Cassidi, and my friend Baniel. What shall we call you? I am Reneah, the former princess answered easily, no longer afraid of being recognized, although it was unlikely either of these two, dedicated as she would now be to a life of service and prayer, would be much aware of the affairs of Court. Reneah got another, better look at their robes, and they still puzzled her, so different from her expectations. But she knew she would now endure a period of training to prepare her for her new life. As she followed the two into the great temple, she continued to be amazed at the sights. White was supposed to be the color of Ayla, yet all around was the motif of brilliant trimmed by gold. It was as if the fabled temple of Ayla was undergoing some transformation. Reneah blinked her eyes in wonder. It was hard to believe temple of Ayla, a sect so dedicated to self-sacrifice and service, would be anointed in such splendor. The two led her to a huge doorway at the end of the great hall. Wait 'till you see... Baniel whispered to her friend, breaking into a quick giggle which she stilled as Cass rolled her eyes toward the visitor approaching behind them and a warning glare. Cass turned back to Reneah and said in hushed tones, This is the holy of holies, where the chosen of the goddess commune with her in prayer and seek to divine her will. Only she can ultimately grant your request for Sanctuary. Prepare yourself for the glory of Her presence. Cassidi took up a padded hammer as long as her arm and used it to strike a solid gold gong next to the door three times. In answer, the door swung open majestically, and Cass motioned for Reneah to lead the way inside, while she and Baniel took positions behind and either side to her.