7 Years Later
The yearly Red Lunar ceremony will be held in a week as well as my ascension ceremony for completing my training into becoming a priestess. It's been seven years since I first entered the temple. For some reason, I thought being a priestess would be easy, but it wasn't.
I've learned medical herbs and have become a very talented healer. I've learned what it means to truly be a priestess and live every day believing but in a more realistic way. What I mean is, the gods aren't supposed to interfere in our lives but maybe except a blessing here and there or give out a miracle or two. That's why we have priests, to be the middleman between us and the gods. Our daily life is our own choice, our own path and that's what I believe.
My first week here I spent it memorizing the temple grounds. I went exploring every day. Everyone here was very kind to me and always helped me when I needed it. After seven days I finally went out to see my dad and brothers. I had to have breakfast and morning prayer first. After that, I was let out for a couple of hours and played with my family the whole time. I really missed them.
The next day I went to study with Nona as well as work on my cravings to make better furniture. Nona tells me to keep an open mind and always go for improvements. Just because it works, doesn't mean it can't be improved. I also had to go to the female meetings once a week.
My days are always interesting and fun. The time I spend with my family is mostly just watching them try to make a life of their own or playing around like we're all still cubs. During my time at the temple, the head priest personally teaches me about reading, writing, drawing, praying, the gods, and working with others. My mother on the other hand teaches me about control over others but I don't really pay attention. Sadly she likes me less and less because of that. Nona teaches me about the world and anything I can come up with. She is full of knowledge.
I wake up and follow the others for breakfast.
"This is going to be a very busy week, are you ready Lyria?" Roro asks from beside me. When I first ate with them I never would have thought I'd be eating among the other male beast, but they're very kind and always respect my boundaries.
"I'm more excited if anything. This will be my first time joining everyone else. But since it's also my ascension ceremony I'll be more of a bystander than anything." I look down a little upset.
"It's okay, after this year's ceremony you'll defiantly be more involved. Heck, maybe even one day you'll be able to lead it." Roro smiles and pats me on the back. That's a job meant for the head priest
The older I get the more I notice how everyone's behavior toward me is slightly changing. Because of my mother, I know what it means. A priest is still a male. The priest recommended a couple of years ago I wear a veil that covers half my face and try to keep my robe loose around the waist. I also try my best to stay away from the male beast and try not to touch them.
After praying I change into furs and make my way out of the temple to moms house.
"Dad, are you home?" I don't bother to knock and just walk in. I regret not knocking first cuz the chief and mom were at it, on the floor right in front of the door like they couldn't make it to the room. I carefully walk around them and head towards dads section of the house. When I walk in no one is there. Humm! I bet he's at the training grounds since the chief is here. I quickly run towards the window, open it and climb through. Yeah, I'm not going back the other way.
As I make my way to the training grounds I run into Sunny, the chief's oldest son, and my oldest brother.
"Hey Lyria how's it going, what have you been up to?"
"Nothing just trying to find dad."
"Oh, he's at the training grounds already. Actually, have you seen my dad? He's supposed to be at the training grounds as well but I can't find him."
"That's because he's mating with mom on the floor in front of the door so watch your step." I smile and wave goodbye to him as he makes a face of disgust. Sunny shakes his head and walks to the house. I walk to the training grounds as well.