Chapter Five
TRISH QUICKLY WALKED away and the sisters took Lilyan to the bathrooms. The water was turned on, the bath full of foam. They did all the scrubbing and all the drying, making Lilyan feel like she was really dirty. When they were done, Lilyan was given a simple white dress that reached her feet.
"What is happening?" Lilyan found it in himself to ask one of the maids.
"You should thank the High Priestess for taking you in despite your unknown backgrounds, it's been a while since she took someone in as an acolyte." One of the sisters said.
"What does it mean to be an acolyte?" Lilyan asked.
"Young girls training to become priestesses, learning the ways of the temple and the sacred arts. They follow behind the High Priestess." The sister replied, "It usually takes time to learn everything. Only the lucky ones who have a good spiritual powers are able to obtain the blessings from the gods."
"Then what am I supposed to do now?" Lilyan asked.
Before the young sister could reply her, one of the handmaid's walked inside. "The High Priestess told me to lead you to your new bed chamber."
Without asking any more questions, Lilyan followed behind her. She was led to a chamber.
"This is…" She trailed.
"This is the chamber of slumbering dreams. The High Priestess said you'll use it for rest, contemplation and spiritual growth."
The chamber consisted with six narrow beds, each made with soft, white linen canopy, designed with intricate embroidery depicting vines and celestial motifs.
There was a small ornate chest at the foot of the bed for personal belongings. A low, circular table at the center of the room, holding a single, glowing candle and a leather-bound book.
The walls were cream colored with gentle ethereal paintings, a large window was above the bed while the crystal chandelier suspended from the ceiling. The carpets were white, embroidered with subtle silver thread patterns as the gauzy curtains draped around the bed, providing privacy and filtering light.
There was a calming scents of lavender and vanilla wafer through the air, and a soft music played in the background featuring instruments like lyre and flute.
"The High Priestess was summoned to the palace so your ritual will be tonight. Thankfully there will be a full moon, so quickly get some rest before the High Priestess comes back." The handmaid said before she walked out of the chamber, leaving Lilyan on the spot.
Lilyan didn't know what to do so she walked over to one of the beds then she laid down. She unconsciously closed her eyes and sleep immediately found her.
'Lilyan… Lilyan, Lilyan! Where are you?'
'Ma…' she couldn't see her mother but the voice was very clear that her mother was calling for her.
'Come home Lilyan, you don't belong here.' 'Ma!' She shouted. 'Ma! Ma! MA!' She sat up with a gasp, finding it difficult to breath.
The door was suddenly opened and then handmaid walked inside with clothes. "You've rested well?"
"Well, I supposed." Lilyan sighed, placing aside the recent dream. She didn't rest very well, the place was too unfamiliar but it was better than the prison.
The handmaid placed the clothes on the chair, "It'll be midnight soon, the High Priestess is back so change into this and prepare for the ritual." The handmaid said.
Lilyan nodded, watching the handmaid walk out of the chamber. She sighed, stood in front of the mirror and changed.
The dress was a flowing white robe with long sleeves and a rounded neckline, cinched at the waist with a silver cord and crystal pendant. Subtle embroidery decorated the hem and sleeves with crescent moons and stars, symbolizing connection to the divine. The lightweight fabric and delicate decorations evoke a sense of ethereal grace, preparing the wearer for the sacred ritual and their spiritual journey. Her hair was loose.
Lilyan looked like a goddess in it, with beauty beyond words. It was like the dress was especially made for her.
The door opened, "Are you done? Come, the High Priestess is waiting for you."
Lilyan nodded, she followed the handmaid out of the bed chamber to a sacred chamber. The sacred chamber was huge, lit with candles and the incense burned with a crescent moon symbol on the walls.
"Kneel." The High Priestess commanded. "By the power of the Devine, we gather to awaken the spark within Lilyan, chosen one of our order."
"So may it be." The priestesses bowed.
Then Lilyan was led to a small pool of sacred water where she was told to wash her hands and face.
"May the waters cleanse and prepare you for the journey ahead." The High Priestess prayed.
Then Lilyan was anointed with sacred oil on her forehead, heart and hands.
"May the assence of the devine infuse your spirit, heart and hands." The High Priestess decreed. Lilyan was presented with a crystal, symbolizing her connection to the sacred arts. "May this crystal awaken your inner light, guiding you on your path."
"Say the oath…" The High Priestess handed Lilyan a book.
"By the light of the divine, I, Lilyan Moore awaken my spirit, heart, and hands to the sacred path. I vow to embrace the principles of Valtoria,cultivating compassion, wisdom, and courage. May my journey be guided by the essence of the divine, and may I serve as a beacon of hope and harmony in the world."
"May your words be sealed in the hearts of the devine."
The High Priestess bowed to the Gods then she laid her hand on Lilyan and the priestesses followed. "May the devine bless and protect you, dear Lilyan."
A drum was heard followed by whistle and music. All the priestesses came around to sing and dance, celebrating the role which was given to Lilyan. The dancing and singing went on across the night until the sun rised.
✧✧✧✧
The first thing you need to know is the study of the temple. Valtoria was formed in 1578 after the bloodline of the Goddess graced this world. That's the first High Priestess of Valtoria, she was an elegant beauty who was loved by everyone in the country, she was able to interpret everything and her interpretation were never false, she saved the country and blessed it's people.
She was very powerful, domineering and humble. Unfortunately, the minister at the royal court became afraid of her power and that led to the Great Schism that divided the temple and led to the formation of a rival faction. The High Priestess was prisoned under the order of the King, for treason. Then the new temple was established, immediately after the golden age. Valtoria has worked under the royal family since then, serving two kings."
"There are three principles, the Devine spark within all being, the interconnectedness of all life, the balance of darkness and light. A priestess cannot change fate, she can help prepare for what to come. A priestess cannot wipe out all darkness, there's always a balance in life."
"There are three sacred texts you should know. The holy scriptures, the book of the Gods, the scrolls of the ancients."
"A Priestess is not allowed to marry so you shall not marry and you shall not engage in any intimate relationship with any men. You should remain pure for the rest of your life, the order cannot be broken or you shall be punished.
That's a sacrifice to the Gods but they're asleep."
"Then who are we seeking guidance from if the Gods are asleep?" Lilyan asked.
"Their spirits are not asleep." Was the reply.
Lilyan spent the next six months in training and connecting with the Gods. It was much better doing that other than roaming around the mystic world she had leaned she was in.
She spent the following months studying about sacred arts, ritual and ceremonies, meditation, spiritual connection and physical discipline.