A very strange place indeed, this Shrine to the Holy Triumvirate is nestled within the icy peaks of the Fe'gan Mountains. You will find the warmth of spirituality here, together with works of great sculptural design based on the Holy Triumvirate religion. (+2 Fame)

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To Persevere (Self)

Postby Isalynne » 07/16/2016 11:48 AM

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If Isalynne had known about this particular ritual leading to her taking on new duties as princess, perhaps she would have reconsidered.

The stone floor was unforgiving against her bare knees, chilling her to the bone. No object of comfort or ease was allowed. It was meant to be a test of her resilience, to show her faith and devotion to the gods; to make sure that as a ruler, she would do what was right by both them and her people. The vigil would last the whole night. Never in her life had she felt a need for thick furs or garments to cover her, but she was beginning to understand the desire. Biting winds could not be entirely blocked from the shrine, and blew around her body as if deliberately tormenting her.
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Re: To Persevere (Self)

Postby Isalynne » 07/16/2016 11:50 AM

If it was weakness to shiver, she couldn’t help it – goosebumps were set to burst into life on her cold flesh, every hair standing on end. It took all of her self control to not allow her teeth to chatter. In the event that this became something she was unable to cope with, there was a guard positioned nearby who would aid her, but was also obligated to inform the settlement that she had failed in her endeavours. There would be no greater shame.

Isalynne shook her head, her hair tickling her shoulders. No. There was no earthly or divine force that could dissuade her. Her parents had withstood this ritual, and their parents before them. She would not be the first in the line to give up and turn her back on years of tradition.
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Re: To Persevere (Self)

Postby Isalynne » 07/16/2016 11:53 AM

The one thing she was not forbidden to do was to look around. Speaking and standing had been restricted, but there was nothing stopping her from observing the chamber she had been confined to. The statues of the gods rose up before her in fine carved stone, with candles lit and burning at their feet. She could see where the wax was beginning to ooze into the cracks in the floor.

They would make her strong. Isalynne could do this for the love of her deities and of her kingdom. They all believed in her, had sent her to the shrine with deafening applause and cheers, had filled her stomach with a mighty feast to ensure she wouldn’t go hungry.
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Re: To Persevere (Self)

Postby Isalynne » 07/16/2016 11:57 AM

Hunger had not touched her, but the cold had. The wind was not usually her enemy – it protected her kingdom from intruders, allowing only the worthy to enter. It lifted her and allowed her to fight with ease and grace. Despite that, it was not on her side that night. It was there to test her, just as everything else was. If she could not fight against it, she did not deserve its friendship.

Isalynne drew in a trembling breath, watching as the candle nearest to her flickered and threatened to blow out. How long had it been so far? There was no way of knowing. No ticking clock. The only sound keeping her company was the echoing of the breeze.
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