Mara

[Mara_Ll'thire]

Brightening 1, Optia, Summer, Era XI

Mara slowly turned over on her uncomfortable mat-like bed. She slowly got up and pushed her covers down. Her hair fell down her back like a silver sheet. She opened her amber eyes and let the blankets fall about the floor as she sat up. Her little hovel of a house was feeling cool and homey even without the nice touches of curtains or flowers added. It was nice to have something of her own. She stood and dressed in and nice cream underlay that tied up the bodice. Her slim gracefull hands tied the front with ease. Over it she put on a cream linen overlay dress with beautiful bead work at the bottom. She combed her hair and let it fall to her mid waist. She seemed at peace with herself today and wanted nothing more than to wander about aimlessly watching the beauty of the day.

Mara watched as a bird flew by her window and landed lightly in a tree outside, it sang a lulling song to her while she prepared for the day. She felt drawn to go outside and watch it as it sang. Her heart seemed heavy with feeling as the bird drew the last notes out of his song and flew away. Slowly Mara came out of her dream and walked out the front door. The beauty around her touched her soul and she thanked the Gods for making the trees and all that was around her. She had hoped to find a temple in which to serve for a time. Her heart yearned for something that was more, a deep sense of belonging and maybe inner worth in finding a place that she could daily worship as she worked.

[Mara_Ll'thire]

Mara slowly walked down the lane watching all of the other small houses similar to hers, some were unkept and dirty, but others were tidy and had nice little gardens. These homes were the ones that she loved to see. She followed them until they morphed slowly to larger and more beautiful homes, ones that she had only dreamed of. Homes that came with servants and horses, homes that she knew were dificult to get, but were worth the fight. Homes with the beautiful front gate with all of the trimmings, ones she would see one day up front for one reason or another. Turning towards the center of town, she walked with more deliberation. Following the rows of beautiful homes and sweet smelling gardens, she walked to the first Temple of Diana she saw.

It was large and beautiful there were four marble pillars that arched at the top with the beautiful pink lacing down each. several steps led to the entrance where white silk certains flowed at the door beckoning people to walk in. She gazed slowly at the well kept gardens and thought of all the peace that was held behind those doors. Her calm nature begged to be inside away from all of the hustle of the outside world. She hesitantly walked up the steps and inside the curtains to a vast hall. Her eyes were dazzled by the beauty within. Where to begin was hard for her. There were paintings and offerings surrounding the bottom steps of the large statue that was Diana. Whatever she had thought before was nothing compared to the richness of this room, the complete beauty she had seen nothing like it before.

Walking foward she drank in the pure white of the walls that clashed with the dazzling pink veins following through it. It was the purest of stone she had ever seen. The amazing architecture that only the most skilled could perform was found here. Each wall was in perfect form. The hall made of shaped pillars that led to the worshiping room was wide and open, another compliment to the maker of the building. Diana was open to the air with gardens around her, it was amazing to see the light streaming in and pouring onto the statue and gardens. Mara walked foward hoping just to sit in the glory and worship the beauty around her. She couldn't even imagine more than that. What a wonder, such beauty and all she could do was sit.

[Adder]

Those who came into the temples of the city were never ignored, even if the temple seemed quiet.

A whisper of cloth, a rustle of soft, bleached ivory robes against the wall was the only hint of anothers presence in the room, certainly the soft soled feet made no noise as the priestess glided across the room to where Mara sat. The beauties of the temple were not lost on the priestess but she was innured to it after countless eras within its walls.

Her voice when it spoke was soft and low pitched, barely more than a whisper yet pitched to carry across the short distance that now seperated them.

Yes, my daughter? Is there something that I can to assist you, perhaps a prayer or you wish to make an offering? She folded her hands and waited patiently for a reply, her stance at once authorative and yet also submissive.

[Mara_Ll'thire]

Mara tore her gaze away from the sight and looked into the beauty of the Priestess' eyes. Not only was it beautiful here, but so were those who worked here. It was so peaceful and calming. She felt soothed being in the pressence of the Priestess. "Yes, I was hoping to pray for favor." she said breathlessly as each new sight caught her breath. "I was hoping to serve here, I want favor from whomever I would speak with about serving here in any way that I could."
Her eyes again fell on the Priestess and waited with a calm and steadiness that came so natural to her. Her soul yearned to be a part of this world, a place that she could always know that what she did meant something and was worth everything to those who were involved. She wanted to give back to Diana as much as she had been given. She didn't feel nervous or scared at asking for a position, she felt more sure that she should be here now than ever before. Where else could one so selflessly give of themselves and come out knowing that it was worth it? What else was there in life but serving? As her father had always told her, "To be anything in life, you must first be a servant." Now she understood and waited for her time to do so.

[Adder]

The priestess eyed her inscrutibly for a short while, eyes assessing the young woman who sat there determinedly. She cocked her head slightly to one side as her eyes traveled from feet to head then she nodded.

There are many ways to serve the goddess. She walked across and took a seat where she could talk more comfortably and put the visitor a little more at ease than if she stood over her looking down.

Perhaps you could tell me a little about yourself, what drew you here, why this goddess and what you had in mind with regard to your service here.

The priestess paused and allowed the young woman the time that she needed to formulate her answer.

[Mara_Ll'thire]

Mara thought for a moment, perplexed at why someone would ask things like 'why this goddess?' To her it was all she had known. How could she put her life into words. It wasn't like you could just say 'this is me' Instead she sat momentarily chewing on the words and hoping for a way to explain.

"Well, I am from humble begininngs. My parents were devout followers of Diana. I remember the small shrine we had in our home and how it was more than a shrine for me. Diana was my friend, I would come and talk to her when I was upset or hurt or even when I was happy. I felt that she was a part of everything that I did. I looked on her and found comfort in times of trouble, like when my parents dissappeared and I had nothing left. That day, she comforted me, she made me feel like life still had meaning. My purpose was to serve her as long as she needed me to. I don't know what else I would have done. I look at this temple of her and I feel that same comfort radiating throughout my body and know that I am home, that something here is right, my questions are answered. I must serve here, that is my calling."
Mara's amber eyes burned with the passion she held inside. Her hands clenched at her heart as she spoke of her pain and the calling she recieved. It was more to her than that, it was her life at this point and all she knew to do in this time of her life. Nothing else was planned at this time. Her father's voice still clung about her as she felt that her divine calling was to serve. When she thought of serving, it was just as this, even when he said it to her years ago, she remembered thinking of the temple and her in robes of white. Time would only tell what else there was for her. She was young and wanted to start her dreams early. This was the only one she had. Now she was plunging into the dark waters of the unknown with Diana as her guide. She fervently prayed silently to her as she awaited the answer of the Priestess.

[Adder]

The priestess folded her hands and was lost in silence for a short while as she considered what she had been told.

Well my child, if you feel that you have been called then the best thing will be for you to come here and find out whether or not you have what it takes.

If you come here then it will be a break from your previous life and I warn you that at the start it might be hard for you. You will start by proving your dedication and humility by doing all of the menial work around the temple. At the same time we will start your training in theology.

Only if you succeed at this level will you be able to progress and become a priestess. Are you prepared to forgo your current life and serve Diana, serving her in humility?

[Mara_Ll'thire]

Mara listened intently to what had to be done. Her mind whirred into a vision of menial tasks, things she was and possibly wasn't used to already, on a larger scale. She knew that things would get hard, it was meant to prove herself worthy. In her mind she knew she was able, her heart, she was judging then. She thought of how it would feel to be humbled if she was found to be prideful of anything. Her mind told her that it was important to learn humility and if she didn't have it now, then she would have to get it some way, her heart jumped a little at the thought. She reasoned herself to knowing that it was what she was to do, all would work in the end if she was meant to do it. She knew she had what it took to do the job.

With a soft but determined voice she answered, "Yes, I am prepared to do whatever it takes." Her eyes stayed steady on the Priestess. Her heart was light and her mind was clear. This was what she was to do now, this would be her life until Diana told her otherwise.

[Adder]

The priestess nodded, a faint smile breaking across her face.

I will show you to the novice dormitory in a moment, though that is perhaps a grand name for a small room. We have just one other novice at the moment, and unless you wish to become a nun, then you will be free to leave here when you are not on duty.

However, we will not tolerate you breaking rules, sleeping elsewhere than here or acting in any way that would bring the temple into disrepute. That means your conduct here and elsewhere must be beyond reproach.

If you understand that, then I will show you to your room and arrange for your new clothes. We can do that now, or you can set your affairs in order and come back later. She waited patiently for the answer.

[Mara_Ll'thire]

Mara smiled excitedly and stood calmly. "My affairs can wait for my own time. It isn't much, I would prefer to begin my work. I don't think I intend to become a nun, I will take care of my outside affairs in due time."

The Priestess smiled again and bade Mara to follow. Mara walked behind just enough to be able to hear anything that was said to her. It was more out of awe in the building. It was beautiful inside the temple. She couldn't believe that she would be living where Diana's presence could be found, where Mara herself could be worshiping her as well as daily work. Such an impressive thought. How much more could go right at this time. Her mind whirled for the time at the endless possibilities of what she could accomplish here. Her time was definately well spent.

A quick turn from the public view took her to some plainer halls where there were doors closed on each side. These halls were not grand nor were they beautiful. It was the same marbling, yet no etching in the walls, and only plain doors. The Priestess opened a door to the right and bade Mara to enter. As she walked in, she realized what was said about it being small. It was tiny, enough room for her to walk to the bed and pray, then sleep. Nothing else was expected of her to do in this room, yet to Mara, this was a welcome warmth from the cold of a lonely hut outside the temple walls. Here was the warmth of Diana and her servants, she found comfort in knowing that. It was a link to what she remembered as a child and she felt at home with that thought.

"When will I know my duties and begin my training? I am ready as soon as possible." She was eager to get started and learn. It wasn't becoming a Priestess that made her want to be there, but the learning and gaining of knowledge that made her eager. "I apologize of my eagerness, I only wish to learn." She lowered her eyes and folded her hands, then looked again at the Priestess. She was about to see what it took for this woman to beocme so, she found great respect well up inside her for the Priestess at the door and calmly waited for her response.

[Adder]

The priestess smiled faintly. The duties we can cover as we go, so don't apologise for being eager. The training will start in the morning, which will give you the rest of this brightening to get to know the layout of the temple and most importantly to meditate on your choice of career.

Now the training itself will be mainly held in the main temple or with teachers from that temple. Do you have any inclination to training in arcana? It is not necessary but sometimes students wish to pursue that course of training.

She waved the new novice out from the room and further along the corridor. This is the accomodation for the temple. The rooms are private, though of course you share yours at the moment. They are retreats for private study and you will not have to clean any other than your own. None here are so high that they cannot clean their own rooms.

She stopped at a smaller door and opened it to reveal a small cupboard. Here are all the cleaning materials that you will need, brooms, pans, mops, buckets and cloths. You should clean the private areas during the daytime and the public areas first thing in the morning and last thing at night. There are no other cleaners but you and the other novice and she will no doubt be very relieved at your arrival.

She turned and fixed Mara with a stern look, as far as the visitors are concerned, they should never have to put up with you cleaning while they try and pray, so it is very important that you take the opportunity to clean in the early morning and late evening.

She swept on through and round a corner, the noise level rising slightly, taking a stairwell down into the bowels of the temple. The stair opened out into a large room that sat underneath the temple itself and was clearly laid out as a dining and relaxing area with a kitchen beyond. A clatter of pans made it clear that the kitchen was in use and the priestess led the way towards the source of the noise.

The kitchens you will not have to clean as the cook takes care of that, now would you like a drink while we are here?

[Mara_Ll'thire]

Mara followed patiently as the Priestess walked her through her duties. She was so excited to get to work and meet the other novice. It would be so interesting to have a friend with whom u trained with and then went on to serve with. So many thoughts ran through her head, she wasn't sure where to begin. The cleaning supplies were basic and things she had already expected to deal with. It would be a task getting the place ready, but she took her job seriously and would be sure that it was cleaned properly.

They went down to the kitchen and Mara welcomed the sight of another person, the cook. She hadn't seen many while on her tour of the area and was pretty shocked at the few. Would you like a drink while we are here?

Yes, I would love one, I have some questions and I guess it would be a good time to ask now. I was curious as to meals-their times, when we are able to worship, and the arcana? What positions are available with that kind of training? I am pretty interested in that. I think it is a wonderful thing to know. Mara kind of blurted it out as she followed the Priestess to a table and sat. She felt more comfortable now with being a bit excited and up front with her. She felt that the Priestess understood her and was being patient with her. "By the way, What do I call you?" she sat and waited after that.

[Adder]

The priestess smiled serenly, ah, but you have such enthusiasm, I'm sure that Diana will appreciate it. Now, you may call me Leoryll but first let us find the tea things and then we can discuss some of the routine. It will be easier here where we can relax rather than trying discuss it while we were walking.

She pulled her skirts together and led the way into the kitchen where she waved at a larger woman who was a little red faced. Serale, Deanne, this is Mara, she has asked to join our little band. She introduced the two women and Deanne waved happily back, her hands busy with a large knife that hammered into a board, greenery falling back into ever smaller pieces under her expert hands.

Leoryll led the way over to one side where a small hearth shone ruddily and a kettle bubbled just off the heat. She took a cloth and pushed the kettle back over onto the heat and prepared a pot and cups while the water heated. Steam soon hissed out of the spout, the lid rattling and Leoryll took the cloth once more and filled the pot, then placed it with utensils and some biscuits on a tray. She waved Mara ahead of her and carried it out to a table and placed it there.

Now, meals are the usual ones, though we are obliged to cover the temple even then. Of course, that is something that you won't need to worry too much about just yet, but once you have some training then you will join with us to see how it works and to put your training into practice.

Worship is something that clearly you are expected to do, we have services here at dawn, midday and sunset. These are mainly for the people who live in the temple, but there is often a number of people from the city who take part. There are other services and festivals but we will come to those in good time.

Now arcana is limited in this city as you will know. If you wish to learn sorcery or song then we will enrol you in courses at the academy, or we can teach you mysticism here, though that is only taught within the temple and only to those who have dedicated themselves to Diana.

Now, did you have any questions before we go further?

[Mara_Ll'thire]

Mara said a friendly hi to the cook and followed in trying to help prepare tea while listening to Leoryll. She found it great to hear that though she wasn't making money, she wasgetting food and a place to stay for now. She could go and sell her hut and put her money away. There was so much to process the first night, she wasn't sure she was getting it all in. She sat with Leoryll when the tea was done and poured the tea into the cups. Her hands were still steady even through her excitement of the situation. When the tea was poured, she lifted her steaming cup and blew gently into the brown liquid before her. This gave time for thought on what she might want to do. She knew only a little about mystisism, mostly she knew of arcana, and she knew nothing of song.

Can you tell me a little of the importance of each and how it would affect my position here? I have always been curious, but I just never had the money to learn. I am interested in what is available to me when I complete my training in any one of these avenues. Mara wasn't sure if she was going to get the answer she was looking for but hoped that she could find out the other positions in the Temple as well as what she felt was right for her. She wanted only to find her place, she knew she was home, now she had to find her place in the home. So she sat and waited patiently for for the words that would tell her where she would fit in.

ooc: sorry haven't posted lately, wasn't home this weekend

[Adder]

ooc: No problem, don't feel pressured to post

Leoryll took a cup and drank slowly, relaxing back into the seat. She tidied her skirts and then returned her attention to Mara with a small smile, those who practice arcana are assured of its importance, while those who don't are not quite so assured. Arcana is a choice that you can take or not without concern. If you choose to practice then it can open certain paths for you, but it is perhaps not wise to make too swift a choice since once you have chosen the particular path then it is very hard to change it.

The different spheres represent different essences of arcana and each have different ways of using arcana. None is more important than any other, but most people find that one sphere is more, shall we say, natural than the others.

The only spheres that are properly taught in the city, as I said before are Sorcery and Song. Mysticism we teach at a basic level, simply because it is commonly found among priests who work directly with the worshippers. It sometimes helps to have a little more empathy with them especially if they can't express what they really want.

But sorcery as you may know is the manipulation of energies whereas Song despite the name relies on music. Clearly if you don't have strong musical abilities then perhaps Song is not for you. Sorcery is not often studied by those who wish to remain within the temple, it is more often studied by those who take their beleifs out into the world, often in a martial fashion.

Was that clearer, I can explain further if you wish? She took the opportunity to sip again from her cup, eyes watching curiously over the rim.