[i]The Island of Kahayjo, The Temple of Askarnia[/i]

Ancient vines meandered their ways through the temple halls, wrapping themselves around the white marble columns, the plant’s little green leaves surrounding pink and yellow flowers in full bloom. A soft, cool breeze whistled gently through the immaculately kept gardens. The temple was situated high on a cliff top, overlooking the great expanse of the sparkling Caribbean sea. As far as the eye could see, the horizon was empty of life, ships and any other land. Below, the sea lapped at the sheer face of the cliff, foam spraying and floating on the wind. Ivory sand beaches, lined with palm trees who’s branches were swaying gently from side to side, encircled the island paradise. From the crystal clear shore waters steadily rose three mountains. It was on the tallest of the trio of mountains that the Temple of Askarnia was situated, hidden away from the outside world for centuries now. The island contained forests, lagoons, waterfalls, an abundance of food and fresh water. It’s beauty was truly other-wordly and mystical.

Taora walked up the stairs to the main temple entrance, returning from exploring the island. She had spent the morning swimming in the large lagoon on the other side of the mountain, then had moved on to bath in the river nearer to the shore. She had been delighted when the dolphins had swan upriver to greet her. Taora had spent several hours playing with the beautiful sea creatures, laughing and giggling at their tricks and games. Birds had flocked to sit in the trees lining the winding, zigzagging river to watch the spectacle and call out to the lovely young woman. Not yet being a fully-fledged priestess of the Order of Askarnia, Taora had the luxury of being able to spend quite a few of her days with her animals friends, far away from the temple itself. Though come the Winter Equinox when she would take her vows and forever bind herself to the temple she would have less time available for such pastimes. However, becoming a priestess would mean never leaving the island of Kahayjo and therefore forever having a home, so Taora was actually very glad.

At this time of day, the time when the darkness of the night was just starting to seep into the vibrant blue of the sky, the priestesses were offering prayers to the gods on the mountain top. Taora was the only non-priestess and until she had taken her vows, would not be able to join them. As such, the beautiful young woman had decided to offer thanks to the gods in the temple halls, an act she had done thousands of times before and would repeat countless times in the future to come. Taora would forever be grateful that she gods had seen fit to save her for it meant that something in her was worthy was this new life they had given to her on Kahayjo.

Smiling at the soft birdsong that she could hear, Taora came to the statue of Honikalaea, the guardian of Kahayjo and the one responsible for who came to its shores. The exquisite statue stood in the middle of a pool of water. Taora fetched a glass and dipped it into the cool liquid, before bringing it to her lips and drinking. Then, she knelt down before the statue, bowed her head and silently prayed.