| The Monastery |
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| Created on: June 23, 2006 Modified on: January 20, 2010 |
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Ahead of you in the distance lay a building made of gray stone and dark wood, from a distance you can here the chanting of voices and the ringing of bells. As one draws closer they begin to smell the incense and hear the songs of praising the glory of the deities of light with an almost calming effect to all who approach. The building is light by hundreds of candles that in the dark of night shine forth as a beacon of hope. On the outside of the old building lies a great oak tree which is surrounded by candles and flowers, they look to have just entered into a new blooming season, at the base of the tree is a small circle of pine cones forming the symbol of the deity Gaia. A small Priestess flutters about on a small pair of wings and speaks in an ancient tongue, she pauses to look up as many birds surround her, the way she speaks to them almost seems like she understands them. As you approach the steps of the old building you see that the large, thick door is slightly ajar welcoming all who approach to enter. The door easily swings inward with a slight groan because of its size on the old hinges. The sounds of singing are much loader now and the glow of the candles shines like the sun rising on the horizon. There are a few clerics tending to the various daily tasks. At a the side of the chapel is a old monk at a desk covered with many papers and he is writing in an old tome, he looks up it seems there are many years are upon his face but his eyes still have youth in them, he smiles warmly before returning to his work. At the front of the building is the altar to the deities of light; lit with many candles and the altar itself you could almost swear is glowing with a soft blue hue. Within the halls are several priests and priestesses with the holy symbols of Valos, Galladel, Gaia, and Andorra, also there a several armored clerics moving in and out of the church wielding gleaming maces and hammers; most of them carry shields. One or two sit off in a room to the rear where you see them repairing and oiling their armor, they casually talk a laugh about what you can only imagine to be great deeds and crusades completed in the name of the dieites of light. They stand quickly and in what you believe as a form of respect as a wide shouldered cleric enters the room, his bulk betrays the vast amount of armor he wears, some words are exchanged and he turns, a vicious scar marks his face and he sees you standing there. As he approaches you notice an almost white hammer strapped to his side, he stops before you and with a strangely comforting voice asks, “Is there anything you seek friend or do you come just to look and pray?” he pauses as you look around in awe, “All are welcome here, please do not hesitate to ask anything you wish.” He smiles, nods and spins about and walks out the door. Many times have you visited the church of light since then, and inner peace and joy filling you like it was the first time all over again. |