Murmurs ensued and the temple acolytes lined up in front of me.
"Why are the templars the only ones lining up for both jobs?"
Freesia answers me."Temple acolytes aren't just followers of their patron god or goddess, they're also recognized scholars. Granted they all specialize in areas of knowledge that pertain to their path. But they are a rather erudite force."
"So it's likely that my tutor will be from a temple."
"Yes."
"Can I ask you a question?"
"Of course."
"What happens if I get baptized by an acolyte from one religion but later decide to follow another religion?"
Freesia ponders before answering."That's a very good question. One of three things could happen. First, you could be abandoned by your original god and adopted by your chosen god. Second, you could be a follower of both if they are on friendly terms with one another. Third, you could be abandoned by your original god and then rejected by your chosen god."
"What happens if the third scenario occurs?"
"You become godless, which is…bad. No one wants to be godless."
"What's a baptism like?"
"An acolyte will drench you in water, say a prayer, and wait for your goddess or god to notice you. Then you'll receive a brand of sorts."
What? "Notice you? Can a God do that? Aren't they busy?"
Oh no.
"Of course. But they take time to notice precious little babies being baptized."
Penguin! We're screwed!
[No, we're not. As long as you choose an acolyte below level one hundred.]
What does that mean? How does that help me?
[Baptism is a skill like any other. Once you reach level one hundred you can baptize someone and guarantee they'll be seen by a god. If you're below that level however, that chance plummets.]
We're counting on the skill failing? That's why they have to be below level one hundred.
[Mhm.]
Then won't the baptism fail?
[Yes.]
Then I'll be godless. What if it doesn't fail?
[Even if a god looks through an acolyte's eyes at you. They'll only be able to see what the acolyte sees and your telekinetic skill will still affect them.]
Ok. Ok. So I can make it right?
[Yes. Just try not to pick a God that's known for being perceptive.]
I don't know any gods. How will I know?
[Just ask me or the Queen. Now focus I need to scan them.]
"My name is Anna and I'm from the Temple of Andromeda. My first reason as to why I should baptize you is because your father picked me originally."
I blinked, scanned her, and looked over at the coward. He was still being politely lectured by his parents. However Erichean just seemed to be ignoring them and focusing on me. Once he saw I was looking his way he waved at me. Then he turned and said something to his mother who had turned to stone. Then he rounded the table and started walking towards me.
Yay.
"My second reason is that I have decades of experience raising, baptizing, and teaching young girls. My third reason as to why you should choose me is because my goddess's favor is crucial to your future."
That caught my attention."My what? Why is that?"
"My goddess is in charge of divine favor and is well versed in being mindful of men."
Huh. Mindful? That took a turn. She's not saying what I think she's saying is she?
[Andromeda is often associated with the following. A unique aptitude for survival. Beauty and the common trope of a damsel in distress. Her name can be interpreted to mean being mindful of her husband.]
[She's a suitable candidate if you want her?]
No. Absolutely not. This is the most sexist shit ever. Mindful of her husband?
"I'll consider it. Next!" No I won't.
The woman pouts and leaves the line. Behind her is a long endless queue of similar people.
Erichean arrives. "I'm here. Wow. That's a lot of turnout Ria. Are you happy?"
He looks so pretty. His outfit consists of an orchid lace backless shirt and high waisted black pants. His golden hair has been curled to perfection and I can even see sparkles in them. He looks stunning.
"No. Most of them want to teach me how to be a good wife or something. It's not fair. Who's your god Erichean?"
"Helios. I was baptized under him."
I remember that one."He's the god of the sun right?"
"Yes."
It fits."I get it. You're really warm all the time. He suits you."
The corner of his eyes crinkle and he laughs out a response."Thank you." I love his smile and his laugh. How can anyone be this perfect?
"You're welcome. Anyway I need a favor."
"Sure. What is it?"
"Can you help me weed out some of these people by picking gods and goddesses for me?"
"I would be honored Ria. Who are you looking for?"
"Um. Not a homemaker. No damsels in distress. No love gods. I want someone cool."
"Well if I take that very literally there's always Khione, Skaði, and Marzanna. A few other good fits would be Nyx, Hecate, Nemesis, and Artemis."
Huh.
"Are any of their acolytes here?"
"Let me look."
Erichean steps away to go check the line for acolytes from those temples. In the meantime Niathe takes the opportunity to talk up her patron goddess.
"Nyx is a wonderful choice Ria. Not to mention I am a champion of her main temple."
"Is she nice like you?"
"Sure."
"Then pass."
"…"
It's too quiet now. What's that sound of metal? I turned around to see what that crazy woman was doing now.
"What are you doing?!"
She whipped out a sword from nowhere. Was it hiding in her ass? Oh my god!
"Spare the rod. Spoil the child."
She lunged for me and I was saved narrowly by Freesia. Oh my god! You psycho!
Freesia protected me and tried to mediate between me and the weirdo behind us."Now now. Let's not get too excited. Let's all calm down."
Niathe gritted out."She's asking for it and you know it."
"All in due time."
Erichean came back."I found a few!"
I turned towards him and away from them."Really?! Which ones?"
"Alright. I found Morgan from the Temple of Khione. Atliok from the temple of Skaði. Fey from the Temple of Marzanna. Oriole from the Temple of Themis and Nemesis. Shania from the Temple of Hecate. Daniela from the Temple of Artemis. Oh and three different acolytes from the Nyx Temple."
Oh my god. Can you scan these people?
[Yes. I started a long time ago. Processing…Suitable candidates that are under leveled. Morgan, Fey, Oriole, Shania, and Efret.]
Now who do you think I should choose?
[All of the above candidates are from temples known for being quite perceptive. However only three of them have paths that can potentially offer you the most opportunities for growth.]
Which ones?
[Hecate, Nemesis, and Nyx.]
Why not Artemis?
[She's too perceptive and her brother was a victim of the Godkillers. Her followers are specially trained and tasked to find you. Her Temple is too dangerous.]
Alright then that leaves the three major goddesses."What do you think of Hecate, Nemesis, and Nyx?"
Erichean gives thought to his answer before speaking. "They're all wonderful, powerful choices. However in relation to you. I can only think of Hecate or Nyx as a good fit. Hecate on one hand is not only a goddess of witchcraft but also of wealth. Which you seem to value dearly."
"Are you calling me greedy?"
He ignored me and continued. "Nemesis might be too jealous of a path for you but Nyx. Your mother would know better than me but she is one of the most caring Goddesses of our time. I think you would benefit greatly from her kindness."
Alright. "What if I did something horrible and everyone hated me. Would she hate and abandon me too?"
"I'm not sure."