Chapter 24: My Goddess
Just as Ronalt said, three days after arriving we left the city. Citlia was nice and I hoped one day, as unlikely as it would be, that I could come back. We left heading on the main road east. It was newly built to join the trade city to the Capital. Pina was more than happy to get going, this being the first time she had moved so much in a while. As for the rest of us… there was an unusual tension, well near me at least.
I sat outside driving the carriage as usual. Lara was on one side of me. Her presence was comfortable like I was used to it and it was clear she felt the same way as she hummed happily. On my other side was Taylor. Her distance was perfect. Not too close but our legs lightly touching. If it wasn't for her occasional side long and suggestive gaze it would have been like she wasn't doing it on purpose. For the past two days since her confession to me she had been avoiding me a little. I was doing the same. Now however it seemed she was quite keen to enact her plans. Lara was oblivious.
"So we're going to the Temple of the Goddess right?" Taylor asked.
"Yeah, Ardent and Marley were interested in it," I replied. "It's pretty much on the road so it shouldn't take too long."
She sighed, "I don't do so well with all those religious gooses."
Lara caught on, "Really? The Temple in the kingdom was full of kind people."
Her eyes narrowed, "Let's just say the church in the slums was an ironic kind of place."
"What do you mean ironic?" Lara asked innocently.
Taylor leaned forward and smirked, "Ironic as in 'though shall not touch another' but damn do they touch people plenty."
"W-what?" Lara's face reddened, she was at least knowledgeable enough to know what Taylor was implying.
"Though to be honest if a certain person wanted to touch me I wouldn't say no," she whispered so only I could hear. My body tensed up.
"Is something wrong Rain?" Lara asked concerned.
"Nope I'm perfectly fine," I looked straight ahead. Damn this. "Hey Taylor didn't you say you were tired before? How about take a nap in the carriage."
"Only if you join me," she winked.
"Taylor stop joking around with Rain," Lara complained from the other side.
Yep… I was just going to keep driving the carriage. I leaned forward and rubbed Pina's soft feathers. Truly comforting. It was going to be a long journey.
*
Two days passed. If anything had changed since we first started to travel together it was now we were a lot closer. It was a nice comfort to actually trust those around me. Though some things hadn't changed… and that was me doing all the work as their steward. It wasn't for lack of them wanting however. It was because none of them were particularly good at helping. The most I could leave them to do were the simpler tasks like setting the table. At times Taylor would drive the carriage, though her skill at doing anything else was needing. Still they each had their own roles to play and I had mine.
We arrived at the temple early in the morning as the sun rose. It was located off the main road close to a major demon town, the population of which was in the thousands. Unlike Citlia however it had a much calmer vibe but did share in having an abundant mix of races. We passed through peacefully with the occasional greeting of the early morning risers. The temple itself was a large structure inlaid within the forest and could be easily spotted. Being an important landmark it wasn't hard to get to.
The building itself resembled a cathedral and spread wide with many smaller structures dotted around it. The large stonework was melded with the trees around it, making the temple itself feel alive. Rays of light shone through the branches above us casting a spotted mosaic to scatter across the area. There was no denying the peaceful atmosphere and as I breathed in the crisp air it rejuvenated my body. It was no wonder that they built the temple where it was, the place truly did feel like holy ground.
As we exited the carriage, in the courtyard several demons wearing priest's robes similar to the ones Marley usually wore came out.
"Greetings travellers," a women stepped forward among them. Her skin was a pale green and her hair flowing leaves decorated with flowers. "I am Lady Tillia. Welcome to the Temple of the Goddess."
Ronalt bowed his head politely, "Lady Tillia, thank you for the warm welcome. My companions are I are from the horned tribe. We have come to see the sights of the temple and seek aid."
"All are welcome to the temple no matter race, species or otherwise," she smiled. "We have many beautiful sights to see and will help in all matters where possible." Her eyes caught on to Marley and with graceful steps she approached, "Young lady are you perhaps a practitioner of the Goddess as well?"
Marley bowed a little surprised at being called out, "You are correct."
"Then we must certainly show you our sacred grounds." She gestured to all of us, "Please come."
We followed her with varying degrees of wariness. Ronalt and Earnest didn't let down their guard as we moved into the temple's inner grounds. Ardent and Lara were more interested in the unique art and landscaping. Many would have called the temple abandoned to nature as moss and greenery lined the walls and floor but to a more trained eye, it was all purposeful. A closer inspection and you would notice that even the smallest loose bits of dirt had been swept to their proper place. It was certainly well cared for.
"This is the atrium, a place for peaceful thinking. Many of the townsfolk come here to clear their heads," she continued to lead us back outside where small cottages were lined together. "Here we have the living quarters. If you are staying the night we would be more than happy to lend you one."
"Perhaps. It depends how long our business takes," Ronalt's eyes flashed to me. After all I was the one who asked to come here.
"If you'd like, I can assist you now," she smiled brightly.
"I'd like to commune with the Goddess," I replied evenly.
"Oh?" she was surprised. "You are certainly welcome to try but I must warn you she does not talk to others often. The experience itself is rather unique."
"I don't mind."
She nodded softly, "You seem determined. When the time is right I'll guide you to the sanctuary."
"Thank you," I bowed in thanks.
"Then shall we continue our tour?" For the next half hour she showed us around the temple grounds. It was mystical place in the truest sense. Even Ardent who had a Master's knowledge couldn't exactly describe the sensations around him. As we finished a bold headed man on crutches limped out the nearby door.
"Lady Tillia good morning," he talked to her sweetly but something was wrong about him. He was an older man probably in his early forties. His body was well built and exhumed the prowess of a skilled man. His demeanour however reminded me of a simple priest. Despite my instincts he looked entirely normal. That's when I realised… he wasn't just normal, he was human.
"Daryl, good morning," she replied in kind. We all looked at him with wide eyes. "Ah, please excuse him, he may be human but he is a pious man."
He turned to us and quickly tried to hide away, "Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't realise you had guests."
"It's okay Daryl. As I have told you many times, the Goddess accepts all, Demon or Human. I'm sure our guests here have no issues." Her eyes seemed to twinkle at us.
"That we do not," Ronalt replied sternly.
"Good. Now please join me for some morning tea," with no more than a smile, Lady Tillia began to walk and lead us away. Daryl followed her a little awkwardly while glancing at us warily.
"I didn't see that coming," Taylor whispered to me.
"Yeah… what's a human like him doing here," I whispered back.
"No, I mean those two totally love each other."
"What? How do you know?" I looked at her dubiously.
She winked slyly, "Take it from experience."
"…." I really couldn't say anything to that and even felt my face flush a little from the sudden assault. Instead I chose to try ignore her and kept walking.
We reached an open room filled with several tables. The other temple priests and workers filled many of the seats enjoying the light filtering through the open windows. Lady Tillia gestured us over to sit with her, the man Daryl already beside her. While she may have been happy with him staying in the temple, I could tell some of the others were not overjoyed. Sidelong glances of suspicion and the occasional glare, but they said nothing. It seemed like Lady Tillia was the one who ran things here.
As we sat down at the table Ronalt spoke up, "I'm sorry if this is impolite but I have rarely met any humans. Just what brought you here?"
Daryl choked on his tea and began to cough, "Pardon me. Um well I was a bodyguard for a trade vessel. Our ship got lost and we wound up down the great river. In the end, Lady Tillia saved me and brought me here."
She looked at him warmly, "He is a brave man to have come so far."
"Don't you want to return?" Ronalt asked.
Daryl blanked, his eyes flashing to the other Temple workers and back to Lady Tillia, "I actually quite like it here. As presumptuous of me as that seems, the life in this temple… it's something I wished I could have one day." He looked at us almost pleadingly, "The members of the town have come to an understanding thanks to the Goddess' teachings but others aren't so happy to have me here. Please keep this to yourself."
"Do not worry," Ronalt dismissed him. "We have no intention to ruin your happiness."
"Thank you," he smiled. Because I was quite close to them I noticed his and Lady Tillia's hands gently touch each other. Taylor was totally right. This was the first time I had seen a demon and human fall in love. It was nice.
"Aren't you afraid though?" Ardent questioned curiously, "Demons such as us usually don't take such a pleasant outlook to your kind."
Lady Tillia answered, "The Temple and all it stands for will protect him." She looked at Marley, "Is it not the same at yours?"
Marley nodded, "Even the worst people are accepted. I don't see why a demon would not." A collective tightening of muscles spread through the table at Marley's verbal slip. Thankfully it was quiet enough that only we could hear it. "Ah sorry, I meant to say human."
"Of course," Lady Tillia smiled knowingly while Daryl nodded obliviously.
We ate a light meal together and talked about the Temples function and the nearby town. The Temple served as a place to worship the Goddess and get some peace of mind. The town was built as a place to support it and just steadily grew. Almost everyone inside was a devout worshiper. Though it was quite clear that when it came to humans a few teachings were truly being tested. Once we were done Lady Tillia stood up to prepare the sanctuary for me. Daryl excused himself and wandered away.
"I'm going to prepare as well," I stood up from the table.
"Do you really need to?" Taylor asked.
I smiled wryly, "I just want to be ready if something goes wrong."
She looked concerned, "You don't think something will do you?"
Quite honestly I did but I didn't want to worry her or Lara who sat beside her looking at me the same way. "It should be fine. I'm just going to wash myself."
"Want me to come with you?" Taylor smiled suggestively.
I ignored her and turned to Ronalt, "I'll be using the carriage."
"Go ahead," he said giving me leave.
I left the others at the table and headed into the courtyard where our carriage waited at the edges. Pina had been released and was wondering while enjoying the peaceful ambience. One of the Temple workers had left her some water and feed. They certainly were kind to outsiders. I did as I said I would and washed myself in the small bathroom within the carriage, changing my clothes as well. Once I was done however I took out my knife and held it towards my temple. The last time I had killed myself was the prior morning. I sheathed the knife back into its pouch. If something did happen I wanted the extra time to prepare.
The midday sun greeted me as I exited the carriage. All I had to do now was find Lady Tillia.
"Hey Jane," Lara called out to me and I turned towards her naturally, only realising the incorrect name as she did. "Ah sorry Rain, I did it again."
"It's okay…," I replied surprisingly unaffected. Like she said it wasn't the first time she had done this. As we talked over the past few days, she had started to treat me more and more like she did in Jane's memories. In fact we had become quite close as friends now. "So what's up?"
"You never told me what you were going to ask the Goddess," she moved closer to me.
I held out my hand as she moved into range and stopped her by the head, "And what if I said I wanted to keep it as a secret."
"Oh come on," she huffed and dodged away from my hand stepping inches away. "Please?"
When she made that face it was really hard to say no. I gave in, "I want to ask her about 'this'." I gestured at us specifically the lack of distance between us.
Lara stepped back, "Oh, right…. Will you tell me when it's over? I mean, what 'this' is."
"Yeah," I sighed and patted her head gently. "You probably want to know as much as I do."
She nodded, "I like you Rain and being with you reminds me so much of Jane that I can't help to like you even more. Sorry if that bothers you."
"It does bother me." Her expression turned to dismay and I smiled continuing, "But I don't mind it. Now I've got places to be. I'll see you when it's over."
"Okay," she took a deep breath. "Also I saw Lady Tillia near the back of the Temple grounds if that helps."
"Thanks," I waved to her and walked away. As much as I wanted to know the truth about me and Lara, a part of me didn't. Things right now weren't bad. If the Goddess really did answer me, who knew what dark secret I could really be hiding.
I crossed the Temple grounds and walked the corridors hoping to find Lady Tillia. The few priests and workers I did meet couldn't tell me exactly where she was and I ended up traveling in circles. Along the way I spotted Daryl sitting on a bench beside a small pond. His crutches leaned next to him.
"Excuse me, Daryl right?" I approached him.
He flinched at his name and turned towards me quickly, "Ah it's you, umm Rain?"
"Yes," I smiled to him reassuringly. "Do you happen to know where Lady Tillia is? Or perhaps where the sanctuary is located?"
"The sanctuary is past that way behind a set of stone doors but you need Lady Tillia to enter. I think she's nearby there."
"Thank you," I was about to leave but curiosity got the better of me. "Daryl why can't you walk?"
He laughed tiredly, "Your friend Ronalt asked the same question just before. When we came into the Great River the first demons who found us weren't too kind to humans. You could say I got off easily when they cursed my legs." He pulled up his pants revealing a twisted black vein that stretched across his legs. "It was worse before Lady Tillia started treatment. I really am grateful to her." The way he smiled showed more than just being grateful.
"You should ask our Marley to have a look, she's an expert healer. If that doesn't work, I can take a look at it after speaking with the Goddess. I'm an apothecary."
"You're all very kind for demons." He blanched, "I mean kind to humans. Seeing this I'm beginning to see we're not so different. Some of us are bad others good. I can't say I was the kindest to demons either."
"You and me both," I chuckled. "I should be off. Thank you for the directions once again." He nodded and waved as I left.
Lady Tillia hadn't taken us to this part of the Temple on her tour. The air was thicker than before and seemed to stretch into my lungs. It wasn't a painful feeling however but seemed to clear them. The vines and greenery that clung to the walls began to recede, replaced instead with pure polished stone. A sturdy roof enclosed the space and as I progressed further a thick stone door blocked my way. There didn't seem to be a way to open it naturally.
After a while of waiting I caught on to a pair of voices not far away. I walked down the nearby corridor.
"Lady Tillia I once again must implore you to remove that human at once!" an elderly priest said vehemently. "He is not only a danger to the Temple but to you as well." Two horns protruded from his head on each side.
"Mister Gehera what do the teachings of the Goddess say?" Lady Tillia was calm.
The older man frowned and sighed, "That all beings are equal and should be treated with respect just as you would do yourself."
"Exactly. How could we call ourselves followers of the Goddess, let alone keepers of the Temple if could not welcome a single human. Not only has he embraced the teachings he has tried his best to help the Temple even in his state."
"But my Lady, the others are becoming nervous. Since his presence became known we have received more and more complaints from the township. Worse still there's word that the cult may be involved."
"And I have taken those complaints and spoken with those who came," she smiled. "Take this as a test. Our faith in the Goddess, our accumulated work here, this is where we cannot back down. Daryl has down no wrong to us and thus we cannot abandon him."
"Lady Tillia your feelings for the man are clouding your judgement," the man grit his teeth.
"It is by those feelings I judge, just as I have done everyone else. This is final Mister Gehera. I understand your concern but I will not back down. As one touched by the Goddess and leader of this Temple we shall stay this course."
He bowed, "As you say."
"Good," she nodded. "Now return to your duties. I have a guest after all." Her head turned towards where I had been peeking around the corner. Mister Gehera left in the other direction as she approached me. It wasn't like I had been trying to hide but for her to spot me so easily meant she was more skilled than she let on.
I bowed my head to her, "Greetings once more Lady Tillia."
She chuckled, "Greetings Rain. I believe in all customs it is impolite to eavesdrop."
"My apologies, curiosity got the better of me." I raised my head.
"That is no problem. It is from being curious that demon and mankind have been able to get this far." The fact she mentioned mankind. As I thought she knew we were human. "You came to use the sanctuary did you not?"
"Yes," I nodded politely.
"Then come," she waved me to follow her as she gracefully walked the way I came. We reached the stone door and with a wave of her hand it opened with no more than a smooth grate. Beyond it was a small chapel like room with two benches and in the centre a plaque of clean white stone. A single light source filled the room shining down on the plaque. The mana here was thick enough that even someone like me could feel it.
"This is the sanctuary," Lady Tillia gestured around us. "The most holy place within the Temple. Those who come to seek the Goddess' aid pray here. Simply kneel beside the plaque and speak your mind."
"Thank you," I stepped slowly into the light. Although it was shining from the ceiling it wasn't natural nor did it feel like the crystals normally used.
"I must warn you it can take many hours if not days to properly commune."
I made a wry expression, "Could you please tell my companions to wait for me?"
"Of course," she nodded. "While inside the doors will remain open and someone will come check up on you occasionally."
"Umm I won't die will I?" I had to ask.
"I have never seen that happen," she smirked, "but there is always a first."
"…." This lady was more mischievous than I expected. I kneeled down on the spot, "Well I might as well begin."
"Please do and… good luck. May the Goddess guide you."
As the sound of her footsteps receded away I could only mumble, "Yep, may the Goddess guide me indeed." I bowed my head and closed my eyes. Here goes nothing.