Mentally I am just exhausted. Spending Thursday-Saturday in a hotel room with my family is exhausting. So glad to be back from vacay. I've locked myself in my room to recharge my batteries, then it's back to work in the morning! Next update will be on the 1st. I am currently writing an Outerrian planet guide, so that may or may not be posted soon... we shall see...
Chapter Twenty-Seven
I was excited to go to the service of Esme's temple. I was interested to see the procession. I remember learning about Christian churches in school, so, I wondered if this was anything like that.
Edward informed me that I didn't need to wear formal clothing, if anything, it was better to wear something humble, not flashy.
I was able to walk most of the way to the temple. It resided on deam montis, which was a large mountain with several carvings of deities into the rocks. To get to the temple, you had to walk up to the trail; it was beautiful, the trees were long and white, the flowers always bloomed, and the dirt was so soft you could walk on it without shoes. That was a rule actually, to take your shoes off at the start of the trail.
Halfway up the trail, Edward let me cling onto his back and he walked us up the rest. His tail wrapped around my waists, securing me in the place.
"So, what happens during the service?" I asked.
"Hmm, well, we give offering and thanks to the goddess. We pray to her. I haven't been in a while. My mother might have changed something, but, that's unlikely."
"I'm excited," I said, "I've never experienced any religion on earth."
"So, I've been meaning to ask, why is there no religion on earth?" He asked
"Because religion caused war and discrimination among people. So, the united nations outlawed it. Religion could only be practiced privately in homes. No churches, temples, meetings, or selling religious material."
"Huh," he said, "Well, why did religion cause such strife?"
"There were a bunch of religions, not just one like it is here on Outerra."
"Ah, so, to many opinions and righteous people?"
"Yep," the temple settled on top of the hill was now visible. It was a large building, looking to be millions of years old. The vines covered the round roof and white sides. Streams of water surrounded the building, the only way to through the arch was walking the stone path.
Edward stepped cautiously, the stone sunk under our weight as he walked to the arch. My head continuously moved back and forth as I looked over every inch of the temple.
It was beautiful, paintings covering the walls, sculptures with lit candles surrounding them. There were several people kneeling and praying to different sculptures. Edward gently set me on my feet, it took me a moment to regain balance, but he kept his tail around me.
I spotted his mother; she was dressed in a long skirt, her bare chest painted with bright beautiful colors. She caught sight of us and dashed quickly in front of us, pulling us in a tight hug.
"I'm so glad you two came," she smiled widely.
"Of course," I said, feeling slightly awkward about her bare chest. I knew it was silly of me to feel that way, Outerrians were open and didn't have hang ups like earthlings did.
"Well, please find somewhere to kneel, we'll start worship in a moment."
Edward walked me to a spot and helped me kneel down. The ground was soft, almost like sand but it was a light teal color and smelled sweet.
"What is this?" I whispered, gently palming the sand.
"When the goddess gave her body to the planet, all that was left of her was this colored sand. It's the only sand on Outerra this color and that smells so sweet. It can only be found here and if anyone tries to take it outside of the temple, it turns black and smells rotten."
"Hm," I said as I left my hand imprint in the sand.
His tail moved around my back and wrapped around my hips, settling into my lap. I smiled and snuggled into his side.
His mother kneeled on the square rock and bowed her head. Everyone followed suit, so I bowed my head as well and closed my eyes.
After a moment, she lifted her head back up. She stood, and I noticed that her knees were slightly bleeding. I looked to Edward, but he didn't seem so concerned.
Esme retrieved a bowl from a table and dipped her thumb into the blue liquid. Then she began to mark certain people on the forehead with the liquid. It left a mark. She kneeled down to me, moved my hair aside and swiped her thumb across my forehead. She didn't do the same to Edward.
"What is this?" I whispered.
"It's to show the goddess that you need special attention from her."
"Why do I need special attention from her?"
"Well, my mom knows who needs special attention and who doesn't. I don't know how, it's just part of her job. But, she probably gave you the mark because she knows everything with the surgery and what not."
"Oh," I said, "What am I supposed to do?"
"Nothing. It's just while you're in here the goddess will pay special attention to you."
I nodded and watched Esme walk back and set the bowl back on the table. She took a candle and let the flame catch the contents in the bowl on fire.
"Why did she do that?"
"She has to make the sanctus aquam new every day."
"Oh, what is it made out of?"
"I'm not sure. It's one of those things that is kept a secret from everyone."
"What about the stuff painted on your mom's chest? What does that mean?"
"It's not painting, those are permanent. Its like the things that humans do. I can't remember what their called though."
"Tattoos?" I said.
"Yeah that," he said, "she got them when she started her training as a priestess when she was a child."
"Ouch, does it hurt?"
"I'm not sure. Mom never talks about it. I think it's forbidden to talk about. I'm not really sure. I don't ask."
Once Esme finished burning the sanctus aquam, she walked back in front. I looked up to hear her speak.
"Those that I've marked, deserve special attention from to goddess. Look to your siblings and extend a supportive hand. Help them heal their pain, conquer their burdens, and overcome all obstacles in their way. The goddess counts on us to love our brothers and sisters, as she loves all of us, her children."
Edward placed his palm flat on my back, I looked up at him to ask why but then several hands were suddenly on my back. I jumped slightly, then looked around and noticed that everyone who had a blue mark upon their forehead was being touched by those who didn't."
After a moment, the hands removed themselves from my body. A sense of unity washed over me, and for some reason my heart fluttered with happiness. The feeling of acceptance and support from another being was almost overwhelming. I quite liked the temple and the Outerrian religion.
I felt Edward kiss my temple, "Go up and kneel down on the line of blue sand in front of the statue."
"Why? What's going to happen?" I asked.
"My moms going to pour Amailia over your head. If it washes away the sanctus aquam then the goddess is looking out for you."
"What if it doesn't wash away?"
"Then the goddess wants something from you. Whether that's to learn a lesson or become stronger, not really sure. The goddess will reveal it in time."
"So, I'm going to be wet when I leave here?"
"Yeah, but by the time we make it down the mountain, you'll dry off."
I got to my feet and kneeled down on the blue sand. I looked to the others who were kneeling as well, copying what they were doing. I made a triangle with both of my hands and pressed down into the sand.
After a few moments, I felt amailia pour over my head. I did my best not to jump at the coldness. Once everyone was soaked with amailia, Esme stood in front of everyone and instructed us to lift our heads.
Esme smiled, "Well, the goddess is smiling upon her children this day. Thank you everyone for being present today and giving thanks to the goddess."
I shook my wet hair out and walked back over to Edward, who was now standing. He smiled and wrapped his tail around my waist.
"So, when do I start feeling better?" I asked.
He smiled, "Soon."
"Hello, you two," Esme said, "What did you think of the service Bella?"
"I thought it was wonderful, I really enjoyed it." I said.
"Good, I hope to see you back," She smiled and pulled me into a hug, "It was nice having you here."
"I will definitely be back. I'd like to learn more about the goddess and your traditions."
"Well, if you'd like to learn more, you should stay with me and I'll explain everything. If you're not busy."
"Oh, mom, no. Bella doesn't want to spend hours learning about the goddess."
"Oh hush, I taught you and you have a good respect for the goddess."
"I don't mind," I said, "I've been bored out of my mind staying home, honestly this would be a great change."
Esme shot Edward a superior smile, "See, she wants to learn about our religion."
He sighed and looked to me, "You sure?"
"Positive. Why don't you go home, and I'll be home soon?"
"No, I can wait."
"No need, Edward," Esme said, "I'll get her home."
"Mom, Bella needs help walking. She needs to be carried sometimes."
"You don't think I can lift this small female?" Esme said, "She'll be fine Edward. I promise I will get her home safely."
"Okay, okay," Edward leaned down and kissed me, "I'll make dinner tonight. You have fun."
I smiled and kissed his cheek, "I'll see you later."
Once he left, Esme, wrapped her tail around me and led me through an archway passed the large goddess statue.
What did you think of the Outerrian customs? Haven't really dove deep into the actual religion yet, but I promise next chapter will be! Have a great week and don't forget to leave me a little review!