Completed A Day of Worship.

[Malus Tidalwave]

Day 65, Summer 513 AV Location: The Temple of Laviku It was early in the morning. The waters of the bay were calm, the sea birds had not yet taken flight, and the fishermen were just now leaving to catch tomorrow’s food. Mari Led the way, a certain determination in her step as Malus followed behind, in a more casual maner. “Slow down Mari, Its not going anywhere. Relax and enjoy city.” He called to her offhandedly. She sighed and turned her head as she walked “We have been here for six days and we haven’t visited the Temple. Its about time we do.” She called back before continuing on her way, although with a slighter step. Malus merely smiled and stretched his arms over his head, yawning. In truth, he too was anxious about going to the temple. The Sea Father had guided them safely while at sea, providing for his Svefra children and protecting them from the oceans wrath. Not to mention he was a little curios about this temple. His pod back in the Suvan had always prayed and provided their offerings directly out at sea, a practice now carried over by his small crew. It seemed odd to Malus, praying to the God of the Sea while on land. Worshipping the great father should be done at sea, within his own domain. Never before has Malus prayed within a building. As the two Svefra made their way along the dock and into the city proper, they drew a few glances from the citizens. Those who knew what they were seemed puzzled to see Svefra so far from the Suvan, while those who didn’t looked upon them and saw two strangely garbed vagrants walking down the street. Neither of them noticed however, being too caught up in their doings to care. What a strange city, it seemed to him. Of the few cities that he has known, this is the first he has been to that acknowledges the power and the beauty of the sea. Other cities merely saw it as a way of travel or a source of food, but not Zeltiva. Here they see it for what it is, life. Yet they still choose to live on land, cooped up and unable to go where they wish. Truly, only Svefra knew what freedom and joy was. In his musings Malus almost missed when Mia turned the corner. In front him at the far end of a large courtyard stood a building, which even from this distance looked to be covered in all manner of objects from the seas. No one could miss this, nor not recognize it for what it is. As they neared the temple, the different objects adorning the walls become clearer; sea shells, coral, and a pearl here and there made up patterns of swirling waves and wreathing oceans. Raising an eyebrow, he was clearly impressed. “Skilled craftsmen, these mainlanders are” he said absently, not really intended for any one. Mari only nodded. After taking a moment to gaze upon the building, they both headed towards the arched entrance, entering the Temple of Laviku.

[Malus Tidalwave]

The air inside the temple was fresh, currents ran through the building mimicking the breazes that one encounters while at sea. The limestone walls were cool to the touch if a bit rough, and the tiles on the floor wove patterns that if one were to stare at with out focusing on a single point would see the rolling waves of open ocean. The overall impression was of being out at sea, the ocean frozen in place around them. Malus was impressed, it was a worthy tribute to the Sea King. Tribute. As soon as he thought the word, a question formed in Malus's mind. Leaning over to Mari, who had stopped to look at a particular section of the wall he asked, "Hey Mari, are we supposed to leave an offering here? Like we do at sea? I didnt bring anything." Mari looked over at Malus, clearly the question had not crossed her mind before. "I...I dont know? I didnt think about that!" "Yea, me either" holding her gaze for a few more minutes Malus shrugged, "I guess we'll see." Moving further into the temple, the decoration on the walls began to give way to frescas, and other works of art dipicting images of the sea; a single ship sailing on calm waters, waves crashing against a ciffside, a savage storm with waves as high the tallest mast. The closer Malus got to the main room, the scenes increased in grandure. Sculptures of Otani, and other sea creatures decorated the halls. Soon Malus stood infont an open archway, leading to a large cavernous room, at the far end a large painting of the Sea god himself hang. While impressive, in Malus's opinion it failed to capture all the power and majisty of the deity himself.

[Malus Tidalwave]

Mari continued forward, heading to one of the alters. Upon reaching it, she kneeled down on one knee, and began to pray, or so Malus suspected. As for him, he just stood there, taking in the room around him. It was still relatively early, so the temple wasn’t that busy. Most of the people were sailors, of that Malus could tell easily. Some seemed to be simple deckhands, while others, as indicated by their rich and opulent clothing appeared to be wealthy merchants, praying for the safe passage of their ships no doubt. The experienced air of a sea captain hung about one or two. The within decoration the hall was very lavish. The same rough stone was used in its construction, however pearls, paintings and tapestries adorned the walls. While indeed impressive, Malus felt out of place. It didn’t feel right, paying such homage to the Sea god on land. He was sure the deity would have preferred that all the riches found here to be offered as tribute out at sea.

However uncomfortable Malus felt, he was still in the temple of Laviku, the All Father of the Svefra, so he copied Mari and approached the alter. Kneeling, he prayed to Laviku, thanking him for the safe passage to Zeltiva, for providing his podmates food, and above all else, thanking him for the freedom that he gave to his children, the freedom to sail the sails and to go where they wished.

Finishing up his prayer, Malus Stood. Glancing around, he spotted one of the priests of the temple and briefly considered speaking with him, but then decided against it. He stood there, waiting for Mari to finish. As soon as she stood, they both walked out of the temple, albeit slower then they entered. It wasn’t until they were outside that one of them spoke.
“Hey Mari…” he said casually, his hands resting on his head, “I think we should go visit that shrine to Zulrav that we heard about. It is his winds that we use to sail.”

Mari turned to look at him, considering the idea. Smiling, she nodded “I think that’s a good Idea, besides we have some time before Cal comes back with diner” she said, referring to the oldest member of the Pod, who had gone out earlier on the casino to catch them some food for the next few days.

Taking a swig of wine from his wineskin, Malus falls into step a few paces behind Mari, as the two Svefra make their way to the shrine.

[Malus Tidalwave]

The Shrine was located by the old quarter, overlooking the city or so the person who gave them directions had said. The Svefra pair made their way up the gentle slope of the foothills, taking in the sights around them. Truth be told, Malus was slightly unnerved. Spending his entire life out at sea, where the horizon remained unbroken as far as the eye could see, he was unused to being so close and surrounded by the mountains. To Malus, it felt as if they were trying to trap him. Shaking his uneasiness, Malus picked up the pace, having fallen behind Mari in his thoughts.

As the two walked through the old quarter, and into the outskirts of the city, the Shrine came into view. It sat atop one of the hills, looking over the city and the bay. The sun shone brightly overhead, and by the time they made it to the shrine it was already midmorning. The building itself seemed a little out of place in Zeltiva. It’s architecture was different the rest of the city, and it lacked the grandeur of Laviku’s Temple. It was a simple building, sitting atop of the city, an ever constant breeze blowing from the sea surrounding it. Unlike the Temple, Malus felt that the shrine was fitting for the Storm God.
Malus entered the shrine, with Mira close behind him. It was small, but well-kept with some offerings here and there. Even though it was later in the day there were fewer people here than down at the temple, for which he was grateful. His unease at the temple, and then again climbing up the slopes soon faded, leaving him calm as he walked up to one of the statutes of the God. He lowered his head and prayed. He prayed for gentle breezes and calm voyages. He thanked the god for the winds provided so far on their journey, and for the protection offered to them thus far.

Satisfied with his prayer, Malus walked out of the shrine towards the edge of the hill, peering out over the city and onto the bay. A light breeze picked up, stronger than the rest, and Malus fancied that the Wind god had heard his prayers. Moments later Mari Stepped out as well, and together, they both headed down back to the city.

[Taylani]

XP Award!

Malus:

XP Award:

• +2 socialization
• +3 observation
• +1 Praying

Lore:

• Temple of Laviku: Ornately decorated
  

Notes: These are comments.

Comments :

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TAYLANI