The day after her visit to Sorgram dawned clear and bright. She lay in bed staring at the ceiling, thoughts tumbling through her head. Finally she rolled out of bed, starting the same procedure she had the day before. She bathed carefully, letting one of the Temple’s slaves massage oil into her skin till she gleamed. Her hair was brushed till it gleamed as bright as her hair. The collar and cuffs were polished once again.
This time she departed on foot. It wasn’t too far to the Cave of Dwindling Light, and the walk would help clear her mind. She wore a light traveling cloak over her nakedness. Not that she was afraid of what anyone might do if they saw her nakedness, but rather she didn’t want any distractions on her way for an official visit. It wouldn’t do to take so much time preparing only to have it all ruined with a romp in the trees.
She did her best to prepare herself mentally as she made her way to the Cave. She’d chosen Sorgram first because he was the furthest away. She chose Carthad next because he would most likely be the most difficult visit. Tension between their temples was legendary. Even when everyone was of an accord, there was still that rivalry.
The living mouth of the Cave came into view. It took everything in her to not shudder at the sight of all those moving spiders. She stopped at a nearby tree, removing her cloak and placing it on the ground. The mithral caught the glitter of the sun. Normally she didn’t wear the cuffs at her ankles and wrists except in the Temple. Wearing them here was part of her ‘official’ decorum. With one last deep breath, she walked steadily past those spiders, stepping into the darkness that was all too fast. She prayed she’d find Carthad in residence and wouldn’t have to make the trek back out here later.