There are no lights in the alley. Far above, the clouds are dark and blurry as the lights of Lastonia cast a bleeding haze against the cosmos.
A noise rings out, echoing through the tight space between two buildings. I jump as a cat hisses angrily from somewhere in the dark. It almost sounds like Elsie when she's angry, but I highly doubt she—or any respectable beast folk for that matter—is hanging out in the back alleys of a quiet district at night.
I bet it's just a stray cat. I clench my fists, then force myself to relax them. Truth is, I wasn't in fighting shape when I arrived at the capital and I certainly couldn't fight someone off now. I can only pray that this wasn't the stupidest decision of my life.
As the solid brick of some house's ass comes into view, I feel another wave of hopelessness start to rise up in my throat. I'm just about to curse out the orc lady when I realize the path doesn't actually end, it just bends to the left.
I round the corner and the end of the alley comes into sight—there's no way to miss it when it's glowing that brightly.
Leaving the dark alley is like stepping from midnight into midday. As I blink against the sudden glow, I find myself in a stunning plaza. The open space is framed by trees made from a material that might be either glass or ice. Their intricate branches sparkle, catching the lights of thousands of small golden orbs floating leisurely through the square. But that's not the most amazing thing. On the opposite side of the square is a magnificent temple. The curved planes of its roofs are dappled in gold filigree and held up by pillars of swirling glass and white marble.
It's enough to take my breath away.
I've never seen anything like this… has this temple been here the whole time?
I tighten my grip on my cloak-bundle and step toward the temple, drawn in by its otherworldly magnificence. It takes me a few steps to realize that I can see the intricate patterns of stones and tile on the ground because there's no snow here. Soft music from some kind of wind instrument floats softly through the air, but although I glance around, I can't find the source.
A group of people is gathered on the temple steps. Most of them look just as ragged as I must look, some of them perhaps even more so. They're gathered around a small table with a large cauldron on it. Standing next to the cauldron is the most beautiful woman I've ever seen.
I step closer as if pulled by something unseen.
The woman is an elf; the long tips of her brown ears emerge from the ornate array of silk strands holding up her hair. Her robes are a simple blend of cream and white fabric, secured around her waist with a plain but gracefully tied sash.
She looks up as I approach. A soft smile spreads across her face.
"Be welcome," she says, and her voice is as light and pleasant as a summer breeze. She passes the bowl in her hands—identical to the one the orc woman was carrying—to one of the people on the steps.
The man bows his head and scurries off, clutching tightly to his prize.
Considering her clothes, the temple, and that she's giving out food, she must be a priestess.
"Excuse me," I start, and I'm about to ask where we are when the words stop in my throat. Because does it really matter where this is? Someone with nowhere to go and nothing to do doesn't need to know those things.
"Yes?" she asks as she ladles a large serving of soup from the cauldron into another bowl. She extends the bowl in my direction. "If you're hungry, please have some. There is plenty for everyone."
My stomach twists in desperate excitement as I stare at the offered bowl. A day ago, I would have refused. After all, there are people out there who need it more than I do. Unfortunately, I'm now one of those people.
I'm famished. And she said there's plenty, so...
I accept the bowl gratefully. It smells amazing.
"Thank you," I manage to say. My throat is oddly choked up.
"Sit anywhere you'd like." She smiles again, then turns to offer soup to another person.
I wander a ways off and sit on the pristine marble of the temple steps. The wooden bowl has gotten warm from the soup inside—it feels amazing in my cold fingers. I lift the bowl and take a sip. It's some kind of simple vegetable stew, but right now, I've never tasted anything more delicious.
I tip it back and drink every last drop.
A sense of peace settles over me as I look up at the floating golden lights wandering above the square. My boots may be wet and I might not have anywhere to go, but my stomach is full and happy. The warmth from the soup has helped give me a little more energy and chased away the chill.
For the first time in a few hours—maybe even longer—I'm feeling like it might be okay.
Over by the cauldron, the last person waiting has taken their soup bowl and left, leaving the priestess standing there alone. But with her hands clasped gently in front of her and her head held high, she's the furthest thing from sad or lonely. She looks like a goddess herself—at peace with everything and exactly where she's meant to be.
I rationalize that she's clean, well-fed, and probably not freezing, but it doesn't stop the pang of longing that grips my chest.
I want to belong like she does.
I look up at the temple. The tall pillars lead to a large room inside. I can smell candles wafting out and almost feel the glow from the sacred fires. With no doors, it doesn't seem like it ever closes. It's a sanctuary for all those in need.
The pure, loving, generosity brings more tears to my already-tear-stained eyes.
I'm struck by a mind-washing, all-powerful urge to belong.
The idea comes swinging out of nowhere and hits me with resounding clarity.
I could be a priestess! My heart rate begins to speed up. Maybe this is my calling!
Without giving a moment for doubt to catch up, I drop my belongings onto the temple stairs and climb to my feet. I hurry over to the priestess.
"Excuse me, ma'am," I call. My wet socks slosh in my boots.
The priestess glances up from where she's collecting the remaining bowls in a large white sack. She pauses as she picks up the lid of the cauldron.
"Oh, hello again," she says. "Would you like some more soup? There's some left."
"No, no thank you," I say, catching my breath. "Actually, I wanted to ask you. Can anyone become a priestess?"
A brief moment of surprise crosses her pretty face before her features settle back into that warm smile. "The Goddess Illustria opens her arms to all. Anyone who is ready to offer their lives in service is welcome."
"Great," I say. I can't remember the last time I was this excited. It was probably when I met Elsie. "I'd like to join."
"That's lovely," she says, setting the lid over the edge of the cauldron. She turns to face me fully, clasping her hands elegantly in front of her. "Now, I don't mean to discourage you by saying this, but you should know that being a priestess is no easy life. It is one of servitude and simplicity. Though…" The look in her eyes is a mix of sadness and understanding as her gaze drifts over my clothes. "I think I can assume that you're already experienced with going without."
I nod my head.
"We have to undergo a pretty rigorous training," she adds, "and you'll need to wear temple clothes, eat temple food, and live a life of celibacy--"
"Celibacy?" I say, and it comes out a little more excited than I intended it. After all, it feels like everything is clicking into place. It's not like I can keep a girlfriend anyway; I might as well live a sex-free life—there will be so much less to worry about.
Besides, I'd do anything to find my place. A bit of lust has nothing on having somewhere to belong.
I press my palms together. "That's perfect."
"I—oh." she pauses. "That's not usually the response I expect, but everyone walks their own path. It sounds like this life might be a good one for you. Please," she gestures to the temple watching over us from above. "Come on inside."
Practically beaming, I hurry to help her with the sack of unused bowls. It's light enough that I can recollect my own small collection of belongings as we head up the steps to the temple.
I can practically hear the choir singing as I pass through the pillars. Incense wafts over me, and I already feel cleansed. My heart is soaring in ways that it hasn't since I first stepped foot in Lastonia to begin a new life.
The temple welcomes me with its permanently open doors; as I step into the grand hall of worship I feel cleansed. I'm so ready to leave past failings out in the cold and begin again. I'll never have to worry about not being able to please a lover for the rest of my sacred life.
Yes! I think with a firm sense of satisfaction, A life at the temple will be one of celibate bliss! This is exactly where someone like me is meant to be.