“May The Eternal Light of Truth and Compassion smile upon you.”

Deirdre once again repeats the ritual words and the old woman rises from the shrine’s floor to leave. The next of the temple’s followers steps forward to kneel before the young woman and receive the blessing.

Offering the Goddess’ benediction was a welcome change from her usual routine of studying and cleaning, but the acolyte had not expected the duty to be quite so tiring. Scarlet always appeared calm and alert despite having to spend almost an hour at a time standing on the cold stone floor, repeating the same phrase over and over again. Although the line of worshipers was shorter than usual with both Scarlet and Faisal gone, Deirdre was beginning to feel tired and woozy.

I really should have eaten something before starting this.

As the next person kneels before her, a stray shaft of sunlight breaks through the winter’s gloom, shining directly into Deirdre’s eyes. Suddenly, a feeling of pain and terror rips through the young woman’s chest and she cries out, collapsing on the stone floor. The worshipers in the shrine stare in horror as the acoylte’s body begins to shake violently.

The young woman’s vision remains blinded by a blazing light as vague images of blood-red mist, glowing green eyes, and skeletal hands flash at the edge of her awareness. The feeling of fear builds to near-unbearable levels before vanishing suddenly, replaced by only peace and contentment.

Deirdre opens her eyes just as one of the other women regains her composure enough to kneel beside the acolyte. She waves away the stammering inquiry, rising gracefully from the stone to resume her previous position. The crowd murmurs in confusion and fear at the sudden change, but the young man at the front of the line obediently kneels in response to her gesture, speaking the ritual request.

“I seek the blessings of Sarenrae.”

Deirdre smiles benevolently and touches the young man on the head.

“May The Eternal Light of Truth and Compassion smile upon you.”