Voices of Legend: Ode to Logathara

Chapter 1: Return to Mai'Karamara (Part 2)

Sithana opened a Folding directly into her living quarters. She assumed that Sisters Natalie and Helena Folded into the main courtyard as was custom.

Sithana did not bother to fix her hair or garments from the wind of the distraction. Instead, she twitched a finger, and a bell rang. She waited a moment for her attending Nyaphia to come in and help her undress.

Two young girls entered the room. "High Priestess," each said, bending a knee, then glided to her and began gently sliding the folds of her garment from her shoulders and down around her waist. At each side, the girls lifted Sithana's hands and grasped her under the elbow. They guided her as she stepped out of her garments and walked slowly through the entryway that led to her private bathing room.

The room was dimly lit. In preparation for her return, the Nyaphia had readied her bathing pool. They filled it with water, heating it with Colonderé until steam rose from its surface. They also added lavender oil, chamomile, and bathing salt not only to heal her body but also to soothe her mind. The girls placed small candles around the pool. The candles cast a soft yellow glow across the ground. The flames flickered as the steam wafted from the water.

The Nyaphia held her gently as she stepped into the water, lowering herself until her entire body was submerged. Resting her head back against the cool stone of the floor, the girls then brought a basin of water and scented lye. They sat down beside her, then lifted her hair and laid it in the water basin. Grabbing the lye, they lathered it into her hair and massaged her scalp.

Sithana's body felt stiff. Her muscles ached and every joint throbbed in pain. The weight of gods Logath's energy, during a Seeing, was agonizing, crushing. If she did not have priestesses alongside her to siphon some of the energy, the onslaught would leave her in a puddle of blood and body matter.

She should have taken more of her sisters with her to meet Galdon. Three were usually enough to protect her from the harshness of the aftermath, but today she wished she had brought at least three more. Being the High Priestess meant she was the strongest in birth-rit, but that did not mean she could not feel pain or withstand a Seeing from gods Logath without consequence.

Sithana breathed in deeply, taking in the calming scents of the bathing oils. With each breath, she could feel her muscles reflex, allowing her arms and legs to float effortlessly within the hot waters.

It was good to see Galdon. It had been many years. But she could see the changes in his face and presence, brought on by aging. The space between his brows had the tale signs of strain, revealing creases from constant scowling or worry. He also held himself differently. He no longer walked with the swagger of a boy who knew he was just too good-looking. Instead, he stood a bit more erect, each stride that he took made on purpose.

Chuckling to herself, Sithana knew she must have looked aged to him as well. He was wise not to have mentioned it. It would have taken everything out of her not to bop him on the head like she used to when they were children.

"I just wish I could have given him more," she sighed. "Silza will look after him, though. What Logathara would not give him, Silza will guide him through the rest."

Truly, Silza was her strongest priestess in divinity, but she was also just as strong in birth-rit as Sithana was, herself, before being raised to High Priestess. Sometimes she seemed even stronger, but at closer look, it was not so. It wasn't uncommon for a priestess to have an unnatural strength in one area of Colonderé but be lower in strength in other areas and in birth-rit. She assumed that was the case for Silza as well.

She believed Silza was fated to become the next High Priestess. She was stronger than the rest by far. She was also well-loved by the Nyaphia. On the other hand, a few of her Sisters were not that fond of her. Actually, Silza's birth-rit could not be traced, and many believed the High Priestess should be of documented lineage and not illegitimately born.

It was clear Silza was not from a legitimate birth-rit line. Where all other priestesses and Nyaphia were of shades of lighter skin, Silza's skin was dark brown. If that alone was not enough to mark her as different, her hair was starkly white against her dark skin. Even still, gods Logath blessed her with birth-rit. That too, seemed to sew dissention amongst the others.

Yes, it would be best for Silza to go to Galandad for a time. They may find her strange as well, but they will still give her respect due to a Priestess of Logathara. Maybe in her brief absence, the air in Mai'Karamara will settle. Fret as they may, it is still Logathara's choice who will be raised the next High Priestess.

The rhythmic pulling of her hair by the Nyaphia was causing Sithana's thoughts to slow. She did not fight it, however, but allowed her mind to relax and drift off to sleep.

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