Shortly after Hannah and Ellie made their way to bed the others had called it a night as well. In the morning they awoke and all met in the bar area and had a quick lunch.
Belial looks at the others, we will meet here at dinner time to prepare, until then the time is yours to spend how you wish.
The tavern is located in a bustling trade town called Silvermoon. It is nestled in the foothills of the mountain range. Merchants and travelers from far and wide come here to exchange goods and news, making it a hub of commerce and culture. Its location at the crossroads of two major trade routes ensures that it is always abuzz with activity.
The town received its name Silvermoon because of the silvery light that suffuses the land thanks to its proximity to the mountains, it is a place of wonder and mystery, where the veil between the material and spiritual realms is thin and transient. Many who pass through here find themselves changed forever by what they experience.
As the group traveled around the village Clare suggested they pay a visit to the Temple of Light, just to have a look around. The others are quick to agree.
As they left the tavern and headed into town their eyes were drawn to the majestic silhouette of the Temple of Light rising against the backdrop of the azure sky. Perched atop a verdant hill, the temple stood as a beacon of hope and faith, its towering spires reaching skyward in silent reverence.
The path leading to the temple wound its way through a lush grove of ancient oak trees, their gnarled branches casting dappled shadows upon the cobblestone path. Wildflowers danced in the gentle breeze, their vibrant hues lending a sense of serenity to the surroundings.
As they drew nearer, the intricate details of the temple's architecture came into view. Delicate arches adorned with intricate carvings framed the entrance, while stained glass windows bathed the interior in a kaleidoscope of colored light. The façade of the temple was adorned with ornate reliefs depicting scenes of devotion and reverence, each panel a testament to the unwavering faith of the temple's followers.
The air was filled with the soft strains of sacred music, drifting out from within the temple walls like a gentle melody on the breeze. The sound lent an ethereal quality to the scene, imbuing the air with a sense of peace and tranquility.
As they approached the temple gates, the group paused to take in the sight before them. The temple's grandeur was awe-inspiring, its beauty a testament to the dedication and craftsmanship of those who had built it. And as they stepped across the threshold into the hallowed halls of the Temple of Light, they felt a sense of reverence wash over them, knowing that they stood in the presence of something truly divine.
Crossing the threshold into the Temple of Light, the atmosphere shifted, enveloping them in a sense of sacred serenity. The grandeur of the interior was immediately apparent, with high vaulted ceilings soaring overhead, adorned with intricate frescoes depicting celestial scenes of angels and divinity.
Shafts of golden sunlight streamed through stained glass windows, casting vibrant patterns of color across the polished marble floors. The air was cool and infused with the soft scent of incense, its heady fragrance mingling with the murmured prayers of the faithful.
The sound of hushed footsteps echoed through the vast nave, as worshippers moved with quiet reverence through the sacred space. The occasional whisper of a prayer or the rustle of robes added to the tranquil ambiance, creating a sense of peace and tranquility that permeated the air.
As they made their way deeper into the open public area of the temple, the flickering glow of candlelight illuminated alcoves and chapels dedicated to various deities, each adorned with offerings of flowers and tokens of devotion. The flickering flames cast dancing shadows upon the walls, imbuing the space with an otherworldly aura.
In this sanctuary of light and reverence, the group felt a profound sense of awe and humility wash over them, as if they were standing on the threshold of something greater than themselves.
The illustrious Temple of Light, a grand edifice that served as a beacon of hope and solace for all who sought its divine blessings was impressive compared to anything the girls may have seen before. Unlike many temples dedicated to a single deity, the Temple of Light was unique in that it housed four separate alcoves, each dedicated to a different god, all of whom were revered as paragons of goodness and virtue.
The first alcove was dedicated to Apollo, the radiant god of the sun, music, and healing. His alcove was bathed in warm golden light, with intricate carvings depicting lyres, laurel wreaths, and sun motifs adorning the walls. An altar stood at the center of the alcove, adorned with offerings of golden wheat, aromatic herbs, and instruments of music. Devotees of Apollo came to seek guidance, healing, and inspiration, offering prayers and sacrifices in hopes of receiving his divine favor.
The second alcove belonged to Athena, the wise and formidable goddess of wisdom, strategy, and warfare. Her alcove was adorned with gleaming marble statues of owls, olive trees, and warrior maidens, symbolizing her domains of knowledge and strength. A grand library filled with scrolls and tomes lined one wall, while a training ground for martial exercises stood adjacent, where devotees could hone their skills and pay homage to Athena's martial prowess. Those who sought wisdom, guidance, or protection often came to Athena's alcove, offering prayers and sacrifices in exchange for her divine counsel and favor.
The third alcove was dedicated to Hermes, the fleet-footed messenger of the gods, known for his cunning, wit, and patronage of travelers and merchants. His alcove was a bustling hub of activity, with merchants and traders offering prayers and sacrifices before setting out on their journeys. The walls were adorned with images of winged sandals, caduceus staffs, and traveling caravans, symbolizing Hermes' domains of commerce, communication, and safe passage. A network of shrines and waystations dotted the landscape surrounding the temple, serving as rest stops for weary travelers and pilgrims seeking Hermes' protection on their travels.
The fourth alcove belonged to Demeter, the nurturing goddess of the harvest, agriculture, and fertility. Her alcove was a verdant sanctuary of lush greenery and blooming flowers, with offerings of fruits, grains, and flowers laid out on an altar at the center. The walls were adorned with images of cornucopias, wheat sheaves, and bountiful harvests, symbolizing Demeter's role as the provider of sustenance and abundance. Farmers and peasants came to Demeter's alcove to offer prayers and sacrifices in hopes of securing fertile fields and plentiful harvests, seeking her blessings for prosperity and abundance.
Together, these four alcoves formed the heart of the Temple of Light, a sacred sanctuary where worshippers from all walks of life could come to seek solace, guidance, and divine blessings from the benevolent gods. Whether they sought healing, wisdom, safe passage, or bountiful harvests, all who entered the temple were welcomed with open arms, their prayers heard and answered by the compassionate deities who presided within.