Contentions

Between Doubts and Duty

Alara sat at the base of the temple's grand stone fountain, gently cascading water providing a soothing backdrop to her thoughts. In the center of the fountain stood a statue of the mermaid goddess Aedre, her form elegantly carved from marble, her outstretched hand seeming to bless the water below. The courtyard was empty save for her, the afternoon sun filtering through the canopy above, creating dapples of light across her white and blue acolyte robes. She stared at her reflection in the fountain's pool, her face wavering in the water's gentle ripples. Her eyes, usually bright, were now clouded with uncertainty. She let out a sigh, resting her chin in her hands.

Faith was supposed to be simple. It was supposed to answer her struggles, a guiding light in her darkest moments. But instead, Alara found herself struggling to believe. The teachings of the Goddess Aedre felt distant—abstract words on parchment that failed to provide the comfort Alara longed for. She had tried to follow the scriptures and find her strength in the sacred texts, but her heart felt empty, and her prayers were unanswered. She felt isolated as if she was failing at something that should have come naturally and instinctively.

The soft sound of approaching footsteps pulled her from her thoughts, and she looked up to see Senior Priest Elias entering the courtyard. Over seventy winters old, Elias wore white and blue robes similar to Alara's, bearing regal and wise. His white hair, which formed a soft halo around his head, glowed in the sunlight, and the deep lines on his face seemed to soften as he looked at her.

"Alara," he called gently, his voice warm and inviting. "Come join me in the hall. The others are gathering."

Alara nodded, pushing herself to her feet. She followed Elias into the temple, the cold stone beneath her sandals grounding her as they walked. The temple's hallways were broad, with tall arched ceilings that made her feel small. Intricate carvings depicting previous high priestesses communing with the Goddess Aedre decorated the walls. She often wondered what it would be like to live with the unwavering faith that those depicted seemed to have. Could she ever be like them?

They entered the great hall, where several of her fellow acolytes sat, waiting for the lesson to begin. Elias gestured for Alara to sit, and she settled down on one of the cushions, her eyes cast downward. The air felt heavy with anticipation, and Alara wondered if her doubts were visible to everyone.

Elias stood at the front, his hands folded calmly. "Today, we reflect on the Goddess Aedre," he began, his voice calm and steady. "Many of us sometimes struggle with our faith—wondering whether the Goddess hears our prayers or if we are worthy of her grace." He looked around the room, resting briefly on Alara, and then continued. "But I say to you, faith is not found in scripture alone. You find faith here." He pressed a hand to his chest, his voice deepening. "It is found in the heart—in the way we treat others, in the love we give, and in the courage we show in times of difficulty."

Elias's words hung in the air, and Alara found herself clinging to them, wishing they could replace the hollowness she felt inside. She turned her head slightly and noticed Rasa sitting next to her. Rasa's presence was a comfort she couldn't quite explain. They had been friends for as long as Alara could remember, and while Rasa rarely spoke about matters of faith, her loyalty and kindness were unshakeable. It was as though Rasa embodied the very belief that Alara sought.

After the lesson, Alara and Rasa stayed behind, sitting in the now-empty hall. Alara's eyes were filled with doubt as she looked down at her hands. "I don't know if I belong here, Rasa," she confessed, her voice barely above a whisper. "I want to believe, but it just feels... empty. Even with all the teachings and everything Elias says, it doesn't seem to reach me. And tonight, going to this banquet with Father makes it all feel even worse."

Rasa listened quietly, her expression softening. "You're too hard on yourself, Alara. Faith isn't just about feeling something all the time. It's also about what you do, how you move forward even when you don't feel it." She reached over, placing a hand on Alara's. "No matter what happens tonight, you'll have me by your side in spirit, and we'll face it together."