~Darkening~
Weep, Mother.
The Beginning
"No one ever said life would be easy. Without struggle, life would be meaningless. Life is a continous struggle to cleanse your soul and earn your right into the One's graces. Only through constant heartbreak do you know that you still have a heart." The words echoed through my earns as hte man sighed and leaned heavily on an elbow. The old priest unconsciously rubbing a bronze star[1] in his hand, deep in throught.
"One must first live their own life before they can lead another through their own.[2] Just because of surronding factors does not give me the right to accept you, as I've told you so many times before. I'm sorry but you can't become a priest." The old man finished.
"Yes father."We sat in silence for a few minutes befor ethe old priest sighed and got up, returning to his duties at the front of the church. People bustled around in the old church, the first founded in Vael Dash, preparing for the evening services.
it was pure irony in its simplest form- it took the downfall of a people to recognize the divine above. In the old lands[3] people treated the faith as if it was a third wheel: to be acknowldged if useful, but otherwise ignored. It was the complete oppisite now- if one didn't attend the prayer services, they were treated as if they were complete social outcasts: ignored and shunned from the rest of society.
I sighed. The truth sunk in as I stood up and walked to the exit of the church. No matter how hard I tried, father wouldn't even budge. Some people know what they want to do sicne they're young. Some want to work the land, others want to live off the sea, and others- like me- wanted to save their souls. Only the stupid law kept all the young blood from the ministry.
I pushed the heavy oak door open and was greeted by a cold blast of wind- and father calling my name. "Elias!" The old man jogged down the the aisle and stopped before me. "Here." He said, shoving a few druks[4] into my hand. I nodded and walked into the cold street. "Be back in time for the service." He called out after me before closing the heavy door to thrawt the advincing winds.
Vael Dash bustled around me. The city was the heartlands of the people and was easily the most populated of the three commisioned cities. I drew my cloak closer and made my way through the winding streets. The wind grew enraged and increased its howleling.
I laughed as I saw one of the citadelers, undoubtly unused to being exposed to the temperatures, shivering in the snows with his colleagues. The were arguing angrily with some government offical. Appearntly they wanted to dock until the storm passed and sought shelter form the government. I laughed again at their predicament. While trade wasn't forbidden with the heathens, inns were notorius for overcharging them for staying.
I continued my slow march, passing the temporary home of the remains of the late Bishop Jais. It was notorius for only being a small roped off section where no one was allowed to step. A great controversy had recently erupted in the state. Some wanted to leave the Bishop where lay, while others wanted to build a respectful resting place for his earthly remains.
After a lot of arguring it was finally decided to build a proper tomb to his memory- and his apprentices were going all out. The had already claimed some land along the river from a wealthy merchant and had begun to send out teams to haul white stone back from the mountains. Work on the White Tomb was scheduled to begin soon.
I finally made my way to a large oak building set against the Rydos. The inn, Fool's Wanderer, was crowded with people constantly walking in- a typical wednesday. People always gathered in the various taverns before prayers. I shoved the wood door open and relished the welcoming sounds.
While music in the old lands had been confided to hymns and prayer song, it wasn't until the exodus that the limitations were relieved. People really had nothing to do on the long boat rides, so they began to write songs and put them to music. Music was exploding in the country.
Right now a small group was playing in the back of the the room with tambils.[5] The music echoed throughout the large room as men lumped together and generally spread gossip from the day. I made my way over to the counter and put two coins on the counter, ordering a round of Tash[6] with a slice of pie. I made my way over to a wooden table to enjoy my break before the services, the words the old man said still ringing in my ears
[1]Avien- I think I've mentioned it before, but basically is an eight-pointed star, usually cast from copper or bronze, used in religious ceramonies. Used as an icon for the One, refering to the eight directions (as in the eight points) that represent the omnipotionetal (forgive the spelling) of the One.
[2]In Pirian, you generally have to be around 35 to become a priest. As priests usually not only teach the word of the Durma, but also serve somewhat as "psycharists" by giving advice.
[3]Old Lands- Davar
[4] Druk- currency of Arcadia. Small coins cast from copper (usually the size of an american penny) stamped with a symbol of diffrent leaders form the country's past to differ denominations.
[5]- Tambils- drums usually played with a primitive string instrument.
[6]- Tash- a drink popular in Arcadia. Basically a primitive vodka made from grains natural to the region. Usually served dilluted with either water or heated milk mixed with a nutmeg-like plant form the Arcadian region.