The Holy Dream

Prelude Part 1

PRELUDE

 

The Sun is shining so gloriously in the sky, Sira thought in quiet awe. What a beautiful day.

She brought herself up from her heels to stand tall, still for a moment. Sira had a vibrant blonde tinge to her flowing hair, and very feminine features. Her bright blue eyes shined in the summer sky with a twinkling brightness, and her slim figure fit perfectly into her priestly gown. She had petite white gloves on to handle the delicate flowers she tended to, and wore a smile on her face, complimenting her face greatly.

It was a relatively quiet day in the church, away from the usual hustle and bustle of the city life. She looked up. Squinting, she saw the color-spangled banners flying from every street corner and building top, emphasizing all of what the people of Lancia stood for--justice, hope; passion. She breathed in, taking the warm summer air with her. Quickly crossing her mind, she could not wait for the sunset. The final offerings of the day were given to the Sungod. The Bishops use a minor cantrip of the power of light and fire to create a small blaze in the center of the Cathedral. The rising flames burn as white as the celestial clouds painted against the bright blue sky, and after the quickened, blinding flash, a pretty white rose appears, pristine in condition, at the center of the pyre. Since the days of old, it has been recognized as Sarius’ continued everlasting love and favor. All rejoice in their small victory for the day, and lay to rest for the night. It is also a time for gossip and pleasantries amongst the priestesses--one of the only times during the day when Sira is allowed to mingle leisurely. She greatly enjoyed speaking to and giggling with her friends about the various events of the afternoon.

Sira snapped open her eyes realizing that she had lost herself, as if enjoying a dream of what was to come. She shook herself, feeling slightly drowsy. She quickly glanced across the daffodils, daisies and narcissus as she returned to her work. The daffodils looked well, the daisies were slightly drooping, and the narcissus seemed surprisingly healthy. The Sun Roses, the only magical flower native to Valion and easily cultivated; however, had taken a dreadful turn for the worst since this morning, she noticed. How curious, she thought, as she ruffled her brow. They had not been doing well at all since she took to tending the Cathedral gardens, drooping. Some were starting to die. They seemed to be doing so poorly so fast since the morn, that little could be done without the help of some florist cantrips. She let out a muttered sigh, and began to water the Sun Roses, attempting to keep them alive. Their magic may yet be useful for the city. How will she look to the other priestesses when she can hardly manage to tend to the garden? It certainly made them look bad, and to think, this is the Cathedral of Heaven! The grandest of all in the land of Lancia, towering high in the fabled capital, Lancia proper. Suddenly how weak and pitiful Sira felt.

An Inquisitor adorned in a flowing blood red robe strolled by, touring the Cathedral grounds. The sun flashed quickly off the golden brooch set on his left shoulder, straight into Sira’s eyes. He had a rugged black beard, and hard dark, deep set brown eyes with a thick browline. He cast a stoic look at Sira’s garden, then up to her frozen form in a condemning frown. He quickly turned his head, held up high, and continued down his path, as if an affront against his pride had been committed.

Sira’s heart and shoulders sank, as she let out another sigh. It is true, then, she thought to herself. I am failing the Churches of the Red and White Flame. The city must proudly show its glory and the glory of Sarius, the Sungod, in every way possible. Perhaps I am not fit even for such a simple task in the hierarchy.

Before she could ponder it more, the massive, golden bell of the Cathedral began rocking to and fro furiously, seemingly shaking the very ground she walked on. Taken aback, she nearly lost her footing. Letting out a little yelp, the Inquisitor turned to look at the bell, then once again upon her. Shaking his head, he opened the side gate of the gardens to the city and walked away. Blushing at her display, she turned to look up at the beautiful construct; it sat atop the sun-baked Cathedral that stood so proudly above the city, gazing upon its subjects as if Sarius himself were using it as a conduit to view his city beloved.