pc: euphausia

[sacredpath]

Comments

[sacredpath]

I thought I'd failed at it. I don't know why.

[trifocal]

How strange... How does one fail at it?

[sacredpath]

Like any faith, Lady Shar tests her followers. She expects them to prove themselves to her.

[trifocal]

[ nodding... that makes sense so far. ]

How does one prove oneself?

[sacredpath]

Trials of skill, of devotion. And then at the end, a sacrifice is made.

[trifocal]

I see... What kind of sacrifice?

[sacredpath]

Typically, a Selǔnite is sacrificed. That is how a Sharran proves herself to the Dark Lady. Though I would say, not any Selûnite ought to do. There are plenty of ordinary believers of the Moonmaiden and killing them wouldn't be much effort - it hardly proves loyalty.

[trifocal]

You sacrifice those in opposition to you?

[ there's a thoughtful pause. her tone is still one of sincere curiosity, with an absence of shock or concern about this. ]

So it must be a person of higher rank?

[sacredpath]

As I said, some believe any Selûnite counts. But for it to be a true test of skill and faith, I believe a powerful servant of the Moonmaiden ought to be the minimum.

[trifocal]

I see...

It sounds quite different from our rite of sacrifice.

[sacredpath]

And what would yours be?

[trifocal]

Our Dragon God is our protector, but when enraged, not even our island is spared from its wrath. In times of calamity, a sacrifice is offered to appease our god and restore peace to the land.

Some believe that any life may suffice, but tradition dictates that this is the duty of the priestess.

[sacredpath]

The duty of the priestess to make a sacrifice...? [or to be one?]

[trifocal]

Yes. To offer her own life to the Dragon God.

[sacredpath]

Is that your role?

[to just be fed to a dragon?]

[trifocal]

It is, and it is one that I have long prepared for. There is but one priestess, after all.

[sacredpath]

[that thought strikes her as horribly sad, especially when eupha is little more than a girl. but she struggles with it, unsure why it should make her sad.]

It's beautiful, to be willing to give up everything of yourself to your faith. Most lack that strength.

[trifocal]

This is the first time I've heard such a thing from an outsider.

I am just glad I was able to help my people in a way that no one else could.

[sacredpath]

Most people don't understand true faith and devotion. It frightens them. I think you're brave.