Official visit to the Temple of Uvelcra (For Sorgram)

[Keaira]

Keaira looked around her new office at the Temple. She still felt a little inadequate, but Stormbringer and Ishtar seemed to have full faith in her, so she tried to focus on moving forward. She ran a finger across her new desk. Everything was simple and unadorned, just like her personal chambers. The only real decoration in the room was a statue of Ishtar, prominent in the middle of the room, on a pedestal that put the goddess on eye level.

There was little left to do at the Temple at the moment. Her stomach gave a flip as she turned her efforts towards her next task, a visit to all the other temple heads. Perhaps it wasn’t strictly necessary, but she wanted to start her time off with as much goodwill between the temples as possible. She’d put an order to the visits. Not because she valued another temple above the others, but simply because there were already relations there and it would be the easiest visit of all. And also the furthest away.

She spent almost as much time preparing for this visit as she had for Stormbringer’s visit. It would not do to go into another temple on an official visit and not be perfect. By the time she had a horse saddled, her skin was gleaming with oil, hair gleaming just as brightly from brushings. Her collar and cuffs were freshly polished. She put a light cloak over her nakedness. Normally she wouldn’t mind going naked through the forest, but today she had a goal in mind, and it wouldn’t do to be distracted halfway there.

She enjoyed her ride to Valencia. It was perhaps a bit warm, but the world was alive and thriving, and she enjoyed watching that life. She left the horse at the bottom of the mountain. She would not approach the god’s home as anyone but herself. After she was sure the horse was hobbled properly, she started her way up the mountain. She paused before the dark entrance to the temple, eyes trying to pierce the darkness.

After a moment, she reached up, undoing the clasp on her cloak. She let the cloak slide from her shoulders, hanging it on a bush to the side. The ruby on her back caught the sunlight, sending shards of bloody light across the mountain’s face, and down the entrance. She took a deep breath, then stepped into the warmth of the mountain, eyes adjusting to the darkness as she looked for the familiar Head Priest of Uvelcra.

[Sorgram]

Word had arrived to his office of her arrival. No other way would he have it, for floggings and whippings would be decreed if their was the surprise. Only the identity was a surprise, so often their paths were unable to cross. Her news would not be a surprise, but he would portray it as so. She had earned a little bit of the right to deliver the information first. Surprises he detested, but certain persons should be rewarded with success.

Word was sent to have her horse cared for during her stay, for he did intend that she should stay for a time. Perhaps a meal or two, it would be something he would insist upon, how he did love to insist. Orders sent for meals to be planned for two, and rooms prepared. Not for her to sleep in, of course, the High Priestess would not be sleeping in his temple.

Orders were sent to the front gate to prepare for her departure on the morrow, as to provide such fanfare on her arrival would give away her news, however on her departure, she would have her due and respect. At last, one final order was sent to the dwarven that guarded when the Mallus was in attendance.

Upon her reaching the level of the gates, she would be greeted.

'Daughter of Ishtar, the Mallus sent a message to you.' A scroll would be unrolled, although kept from her view, it would be blank. Presenting this as a high missive from the deepest crevices of the hearth, as if a command to thousands, said with the force of the will of the Mallus, only three words.

"Cuhm for me'

The dwarven accent caused the pretense of the sentence to be blurred. Two meanings. One was simple, the other not so simple. If the wrong definition was adhered to, then knowing who sent it might cause some consternation as to the appropriate action as well as punishment or reward should a certain path be chosen.

It was on purpose.

'

[Keaira]

Keaira stopped as her least favorite dwarf met her at the mouth of the temple. A shudder went through her. Sorgram liked to play with her mind, and often used the dwarf to do it. The man seemed privy to too much at times and that didn’t sit well with her. At least this time he didn’t seem inclined to ‘search’ her.

She was a little taken back by the grand gesture of the missive. Truthfully she shouldn’t have been. Sorgram did like his games, and he took every opportunity he could to test her.

The command given, she stood there for a moment thinking it through. She was thankful some things hadn’t changed, but on the same note, she feared that as well. One misstep could find her turned away without being admitted to see him. It had been too long. She had to see him. Not just for the temple business, but also for herself. The command could be interpreted several ways. She desperately wanted to take the easy meaning and go find him within the temple. But nothing was ever easy when Sorgram was involved.

He had to know her aversion to the dwarf. It was part of the reason the second meaning was so difficult. It would not be the first time Sorgram had demanded an orgasm from her with no preparation other than his command. It had been part of her training growing up. To be ready at all times. Bringing herself to orgasm wouldn’t be an issue. It was more performing it in front of the dwarf rather than his Master. Her cheeks actually flushed red for a moment. She took a deep breath, avoiding the eyes that were surely watching, waiting for her reaction.

The wording lent itself more to the second meaning. A memory tickled in the back of her mind. A time when the dwarf with another acolyte had invaded her body on Sorgram’s command. He’d demanded an orgasm then. She’d only given in after he had told her that ‘they are me’. It was that memory that decided it for her. The man before her was an extension of the Drak Sen.

Her eyes slid closed. Behind closed lids she brought up an image of Sorgram in all his glory. Her hands balled into fists as she resisted the temptation to use her hands to bring herself to orgasm. She knew the Mallus well enough to know she had to cum on nothing other than his command. She drew all that swirling energy, that sexual desire that was always just below the surface, to her core. The heat grew in her loins as she used the mental image of him to feed that desire. A soft sigh escaped her lips as pleasure grew, pushing her towards that edge. She continued to let the heat grow, letting go past the point of just contentment. A fine sheen of sweat broke out over her oiled skin. Finally her body gave a jerk as she let the pleasure sweep over her, a soft cry escaping her lips as the orgasm rushed through her body.

It was not one of the most powerful orgasms she’d ever had, but it was honest. She stood there on shaky knees, working on getting her breathing under control. She didn’t want to open her eyes and see the dwarf’s reaction. She’d been so caught up in the moment, on concentrating on the image of Sorgram, that she’d forgotten she wasn’t alone for a moment. Her cheeks flushed lightly as that realization came back to her.

She gave herself another brief moment to get her emotions under control. Then she took a deep breath and opened her eyes.

[Sorgram]

The dwarf smiled as he watched her. Not from the reaction, but the compliance. He envied his master in his power over this one. she was a beauty and he enjoyed that as any man, but more so, that mere words demanded obedience. Knowing full well that she would not be his this trip, he loved to sow the chaos as much as his master.

In a low tone, he would whisper under gruff voice, a smirk given as he let her know. 'I have applied for the position of Official Liasion to Ishtar. My Mallus says that he would assign me to deliver his messages and gifts directly to the High Priestess herself and that I should receive all priveleges that he himself would be awarded.' His body shifted in a way as to make his meaning totally clear without being outwardly obscene. 'perhaps, I will be able to visit you as well during those special deliveries.' Winking, he bowed slightly and directed her into the temple. His eyes seeming to dress her and strip her anew, as if taught by the Mallus himself.

The elf across the way maintained a stoic resolve as well, seeming uninterested in the exchange. However, she was thinking her own thoughts as well, which would make the dwarf blush.

Having delivered the message, the dwarf stepped back to his station and assumed a near statuesque pose. Only after she moved onward would a message be sent to the Mallus, as cryptic to any as the original.

'Two. And Needful.' Perhaps, he had read her more aptly than she might expect from the dirty dwarf.

[Keaira]

Keaira did her best to not let the little man’s words get to her. She could never quiet put a reason to her aversion to the dwarf. Usually she was easy going and had little cares as far as such things went. Outwardly she didn’t let his words touch her. Let him interpret those level eyes as he would. She prayed that Sorgram wouldn’t do such a thing. She’d rather deal with the Master than his little toy. For so many different reasons.

Her eyes fell on the elf for a brief moment. She gave no outward reaction to the extra set of eyes. She should have known the other acolyte would be around somewhere. Her concern lay elsewhere, though. Such externals couldn’t concern her. So she put them away, focusing on the meeting about to happen.

She was presented with a quandary. Normally she would kneel when she met with Sorgram. It was an acknowledgement of a man who had mastered her body. In no way did it mean she believe his god above hers. She acknowledged Uvelcra, and gave him proper respect for a god. But Ishtar was her goddess. She had been dedicated to the goddess since birth, and she maintained that dedication with fervor. Sorgram knew that and acknowledged it. But there had always been a difference in their positions, no matter how slight. Now they were equals, at least as officials in their temples. And she was on official temple business. It left her with a decision. She prayed silently for guidance.

Her steps stopped as she came to the main chamber of the temple. The air was sweltering, and her earlier perspiration came back to life. She moved to stand before the anvil, looking to the glow of the mountain. It would not do to enter a god’s temple and not pay him respect. Her head bowed, lips moving in a silent prayer to Uvelcra. What happened over the next hours would be his business as much as Ishtar’s.

She remained where she was for some time. Giving Sorgram a chance to meet her on ‘neutral’ ground, in plain view of his god. She knew better than to keep him waiting too long, but it would make things a bit easier if he came here. But things were never easy where the Mallus was involved.

[Sorgram]

Sorgram sat in his office, waiting. The summer was hot and so was the temple, he was comfortable as he moved to the couch to await her arrival. The minutes ticked by and he leaned back, closing his eyes. Feeling for her presence, he knew she was at his altar. However, he wanted her to come to him, as things should be.

Seek him in his temple, seek him all the way. They both knew she was there. Supposedly only one knew the reason why and therefore nothing should change. That would be how he would play things today. Seeemingly, at a lounge, he was reclined now on the large couch in his office, robes open and wearing only a belt underneath, he wore as much as she had and was as comfortable as was in her normal attire.

Sending no word to her, she would figure out eventually he thought. Allowing himself to drift, his lids closed and he played along the edges of the dream, imagining himself in flight, swooping over the lambs of some poor farmer, scaring them into paralysis and chuckling the whole time. The carress of the wind over his appendages was as gentle as the tongue of his slave, though only slightly less appealing.

A cleric would notice the woman by the altar and approach.

'Daughter, can I assist you?' The voluptuous red head would ask. Demure and patently over intelligent, she exuded a god blessed sensuality, similar to the one to whom she spoke. However, it was the intelligence and wisdom of her gaze that was her most striking feature, the sensuality seemed to be an afterthought, as if he might know it was a part of her, but that took no stock in them, as if she had all of her life been homely and felt no need to change who she was just because of the gods work. Like a piece of ore that had been changed into a sword of power, but still thought of itself as a piece of ore and did not care what others saw in it, being totally at peace with oneself. It was a level of confidence few, even the Mallus had yet to attain.

[Keaira]

Keaira gave a start as the cleric approached her. She turned to the other woman and looked at an obscured version of herself. She shook her head. “No, thank you.” It was obvious that he wouldn’t meet her on even footing. She took a deep breath. “I know the way...” She gave the other woman a once over, unconsciously comparing herself to the cleric. Without another word she moved on deeper into the temple. As she went she chastised herself for such foolishness. There was no need to compare herself to others. She had been weighed and found worthy by those who mattered most to her.

Her steps slowed as she approached the door to Sorgram’s office. Perhaps this hadn’t been such a good plan after all. It had seemed logical and the correct action to take at the time. Well there was no going back now. She was here. It would hurt the temple, and her relations, more if she left now.

Her body trembled as she stepped through the door into his office. It had been far too long since she’d been here, and he was acting as if nothing had changed. Perhaps it would be better this way, but she wouldn’t let him think that the Temple of Ishtar would bow to his temple just because he knew how to make her body sing. She stopped right inside the door, eyes going to him immediately. It took everything in her to not cross that distance and fall at his feet. Gods why did things have to be so difficult! If she didn’t get it out now, it might not come out till much, much later.

Tears actually tried to rise to the surface as she fought that natural instinct to go to him, to bow before him. Right now she was Keaira, the Daughter of Ishtar, the High Priestess of the Temple of Ishtar. Soon enough she can be just the woman, but right now she had to be the Temple Head. Her voice was steady, belying the inner struggles, “Sorgram, Grand Mallus of Uvelcra, I have come to officially present myself as the Daughter of Ishtar, High Prietess of her Temple.”

She was familiar with Sorgram’s network of spies. There was no doubt in her mind that he already knew despite his display to the contrary. It was difficult to not fall into his game, follow the steps he expected from her. Soon, she told her scattered nerves. Soon she could let him lead, and she’d follow in the trust she’d always had in him.

[Sorgram]

He heard the footsteps enter his office. the light step would be recognized immediately and therefore she would not find a throat meeting the blade of the sword at his side. It was customary that anyone approaching his office would knock, no matter their station in life. common courtesy.

Slowly his eyes would open, casting a look on her feet and no higher, she might see the bright flames flaming like small bonfires in his eyes, giving them an unnatural brightness that those unfamiliar would find disconcerting. Those familiar would know immediately the disposition of the mage.

The eyes would rise slowly over her form, as if a hand explored her flesh. Foot, lingering at the ankle, before that slow brush of heat against her calf to tickle at the back of her knee. A firm attention to perfectly muscled thighs to a slight brush against her plumply curved buttocks. The long familiar trace of sharpened nails of back, outlining that definitive tattoo that linked them forever in heat share for their love of two gods. The sharp bite of teeth against that neck with a sweet slow lingering suckle just below her ear. Hair tugged to make her look where he desired and when as flame kissed lips met those of sweet submission.

His look on her carried all this in one slow sweep of her form. It was only when his eyes met hers that she could see that she had erred in her presentation. They contained the natural hardness he display when punishment had been earned. There was a welcome in them but not the sweet welcome she would have received under other circumstances. It was the welcome knowledge that skills laying dormant were longing and finally going to be put to use. His orbs of sanguine desire locked on hers and held them for a long time, his breath seeming held for the entire time.

"And?"

[Keaira]

That look moved over her body, touching her in a way a simple look should not be able to touch. It took everything she had to hold still under that gaze and not fall into a whimpering mess. The weight of that touch was enough to stir the desire in her. But she couldn’t give in to that desire. Yet.

The ruby on her back seemed to burn, pain pulsing from it. What exactly it meant she wasn’t sure, the jewel was too new to her. She wanted to roll her shoulders, but she dared not move on that heavy gaze. Finally the fires of his eyes met hers. She’d already known she’d misstepped, but there was no going back now. It wasn’t till his eyes met hers that she realized how far over the line he perceived her.

She had to remind herself that she was here for more reasons that just being with him. Normally she would fall to her knees and beg his forgiveness, take his wrath upon herself. And perhaps she might do that still. Most likely she would. But now was not the time for forgiveness. Her own eyes seemed to harden under his gaze, the determination digging in deeper. Keaira could be very stubborn when she wanted to be, and it looked like it was going to be one of those times.

Thoughts of leaving flitted through her mind. That was defiantly a last resort. If she left now, she was sure he’d never forgive her. Sorgram was hard enough as an ally, she’d hate to have him as an enemy.

She stood there, still and immovable. She studied the Mallus as she never had before, as another player in a complex game. Politics had never been her strong suit, and she wished she could do without them, but there were insults that still stung, and his words had defiantly just done that.

“And I need to know that you can acknowledge me as an equal when the time requires it. You might be able to make me crawl when you say crawl, but there will be times when I cannot. I am a leader of Imperial Temple. I might be submissive, but you of all people should know I am not weak. I will not let my Temple be perceived so.” She wanted to plead with him, but her voice was steady and strong, truly allowing no weakness. This would have been so much easier if he’d had met her in the Temple proper, but he’d insisted that she come to him.

[Sorgram]

His voice quieted slightly, 'Of all the people in this realm to tell that you are strong, I should be the last. I have walked your dreams, Daughter. I have seen what lies inside.' He tapped his head to indicate there and then moved his hand to the heart, marking that spot as well. 'I respect the Heads of all the temples, even if their philosophies might differ from mine own. I understand the touch of a god and how that affects a mortal being. I understand the trials and tribulations that one has gone and will go through. ' He paused to let this reminder sink in. 'I would have thought you sought me out as a peer and a confidant. A friend to whom you could rely on, ask questions of, express fears to, and hold you when those worries overwhelm you to the point of insanity. I know the borders of insanity well and can keep you from them. ' Pausing again, more for dramatic effect, she would know he had more to say and should let him finish, or she might understand exactly what this Mountain was capable of. 'Know this, Keaira, Daughter of Ishtar, High Priestess of her Temple Nanthalion, you still can, after the debt owed to this temple is paid.'

This time the pause was not for effect, but it felt as if the heat of the Temple of Uvelcra had increased, the flames of the room dampening and seemingly smaller. His eyes seemed to turn to pure flame, the jewel like irredesence was gone. Raging bonfires of chaos danced in the small containers. Flames travelled his wings from tip to shoulder and back again, taking his hair in. Ever so slowly, he rose to his feet. The drak was small for his size, but his presence made him seem fully dragon. When his eyes again met hers and his voice seemed ever so much softer, barely above a whisper, it was seething with anger enhanced by the dance of the flames, he would speak.

'Twice the highest of Ishtar has presented themselves at MY Temple, entered and made demands of ME. Your predecessor invaded this temple and attempted to beguile me with spell craft and make me her servant, naming me as Heretic for not following Ishtar. I was not approached with respect. I was not treated as an equal. I was insulted in front of my subordinates. Had she succeeded, I would have been made to submit to her in MY OWN TEMPLE. I let that oversight go. ' His teeth ground as he said oversight. As if it was a poisonous word. 'I showed her the respect that was due her as a woman of Ishtar and treated her accordingly. I have only ever acted as my soul was created to do. I assumed that was the same with her and I treated her as such. I expressed my feelings and she came to understand that my god is not a mere passing afterthought. I had hoped that she had explained to her assistants the same.' His eyes closed partially. 'I have come to see not. Today, I am again invaded in a similar manner by none other than a dear friend, in the name of Ishtar, and demands are made. At least this time, the disrespect is contained to this office and not the Temple proper where all can see. I chose my office this time as matters between the Heads of temples should be confidential, do you disagree or is there some other plot in mind? No you are not that kind.. However, it seems that you desired a more public audience for our first encounter as peers.' His words always chosen carefully. 'I was fortunate in my choice as the disrespect would have made a fool of me again, by. the. Head. of. Ishtar. When will I get the respect that I deserve and you women quit barging into my domain as if you own it. I am not some mere underling that can be pushed around and treated as if they are below you.' Pausing to inhale a deep, somewhat calming breath, he spoke his last bit. 'Tomorrow, when you leave here, High Priestess, you will have been given what has been earned and is due. That includes the respect and honor of your station with forever my friendship. Do. I. Make. Myself. Clear. Keaira?' Each word enunciated perfectly on that last sentence as his hand came up to carress her cheek, his skin feverishly hot, having cooled a bit. The last word received the most emphasis.

[Keaira]

Keaira made not a sound as she stood under his wrath. She deserved whatever he had to say. Her stomach was tight with the reprimand, but she didn’t let it show outwardly. Thoughts twisted and turned through her head, too fast for her to catch. The caress of his hand was a major contrast to the heat of his words. There was no return heat from her, no stiffening as if insulted. She stood straight and proud, and as humble as she could afford at the moment. Her voice was barely above a whisper when she finally managed to unstuck her tongue.

“I did not mean to give offense, Sorgram...” She took a deep breath, closing her eyes for a brief second. When she opened them there was a fire in them, but it was a fire of determination, not anger. “You know I respect all gods. Ishtar is first for me, but that does not mean that She is the only god worth accepting. I will give any god their due, and I have full respect for anyone who is chosen to lead.” A pleading had started to enter her voice. She took a deep breath, calming herself. Now was not a time to loose control of herself.

“Many will perceive me weak because I have a collar around my neck. I have to be ready to defend myself, and my goddess. I pray that the animosity that has been stirred of late will be laid to rest, but I must be prepared if it is not. I have relied on your support and friendship, and always will. But there will be times I will have to stand on my own. I have to start out with a strong impression, lest every person in the land that is stronger than me feels they can jerk the temple to their will. I may have the Emperor’s protection, but I cannot hide behind his name.” Her pause was not for dramatic effect, she was still trying to get herself under control. It was so easy and natural for her to lose control when he was around.

“I apologize for any offense you have been given by myself or my temple. I will give penance if you believe penance is due. I do not ask for you to submit. The gods know that is not something I would ever ask of you or Uvelcra.” The pleading was back in her eyes, but she kept tight control, not letting it creep into her voice. “It took everything I had to not fall to my knees the moment I saw you. I have to stand up to you as much to prove to myself as to know that you can think of me as an equal.” She still doubted she was the right person for the job, but she had to have faith. Every day she prayed that this temple would not befall the horrors of her last temple.

Her voice softened, never having been loud before. The music of her voice was intimate and gentle. “When we stand together as equals, especially in public, I cannot bow my knees to you, Quen`tur. I know you have respect for me, but I need reassurance that you will not take offense when I cannot give in to every whim of my body. People have started perceiving Ishtar as weak, and that was before I was elevated to High Priestess. If I bow knee to you where others can see, then they will see Ishtar as submissive to Uvelcra. And if she is submissive to one god, why not them all?” A soft sigh passed her lips. Things were already starting to get complicated. Oh for the days she didn’t have to consider all the politics, and she could just worship as the spirit moved her. The doubt that ever resided in her stirred. If she could not stand up here, she might as well resign before someone who would hurt the temple had a chance. Her goal was to rebuild the temple, not let it be destroyed.

[Sorgram]

The black scaled drak looked her over again. Inwardly, he was pleased with her and felt she would succeed and make a good priestess for ther temple. Perhaps soon, she would hear this from him and her confidence would be boosted. Perhaps. At the moment, he had given her his answers, they answered all of her questions and he needed to say no more. When she mulled it over, she would see he had told her in his own way exactly what she was going to hear from him and would know its meaning. Never was he one to state specifically what was on his mind. Never did he give a straight answer, born of chaos, lived of chaos. His nature it was and so would remain. She would know his answer or not. It had been given.

Perhaps, he was in a good mood, but hiding it well. He was about to ask her one question more, before she would pay penance for past misdeeds.

'When have I ever demanded that you kneel and subjugate yourself to me in public?'

Another answer was given with a question. His anger at her entrance had not abated, only shifted now to other passions. His whisper was so low, he grinned mischieviously as his hand left her cheek and slid into her hair, jerking down. The door to his office was slowly closing as his other hand urged it to close.

'Next time, knock.' The promise was in his voice, it was that venomous sweet sound of what was to come. The door closed with a booming echo that ran through out the mountain.

[Keaira]

Deep down she knew the answers to all her questions. But for once she would like to get a straight answer from him. The longer the silence held, the more certain she was that he wouldn’t tell her in simple language. She was a bit humbled by his question to her. He had never done that, and she didn’t think he ever would. At least she saw that now. But despite the fact she was kicking her own ass mentally, she wasn’t about to let him know that. At least not right now.

Of course all of her careful responses went out the window as his hand gathered in her red tresses, pulling them down. The fight was over. She’d done her cock-walk and puffed her feathers up. Without a second thought she smoothly fell to her knees. Her face was uplifted towards his, her green eyes glittering and already starting to fill with pleasure.

She felt that boom echo through her body. There was a finality to it. After a moment she swallowed, her voice soft. “Would you like me to exit, and re-enter properly, Quen`tur?”

[Sorgram]

Smirking, he would squat beside her.

'I will just make sure that when I spread your ass your head is against the door.'

Pulling her head forward, he pushed it down towards the floor and studied her back as well as the art that was on it. Noticing that gemstone addition, he grinned.

'Sleeping on a bed of gems now? Not enough discomfort in your life? Tell me the story of how you cam by that. I find that I am interested.'

Placing his sharpened nails along her spine, he would drag them upwards, reminding himself of her form and feel. She would be there a full twenty four hours, so he went slow.

[Keaira]

Her eyes were weary as he knelt next to her. She knew her mouth had gotten ahead of her mouth. Sometimes the sarcasm just got away from her. A shiver passed through her body at his retort. It could have been a lot worse. But anything he chose she would probably enjoy.

A gasp escaped as his hand pushed her down, her body folding easily to his will. Her body writhed and another gasp slipped past her lips as his nails scraped up her spine. Goosebumps erupted over her soft skin, and the tattoo on her back started to come to life. The ink darkened as it did anytime she received an offering, but the ink also began to flow and grow out from her. It was a connection between them, one she truly didn’t understand, but accepted. The thorns that formed across her skin pricked, focusing her mind.

Her voice was shaky and soft when she finally unstuck her tongue from the roof of her mouth. “Stormbringer came to the temple to speak with me about the temple and the goings on.” Truthfully there hadn’t been much talking, but that wasn’t so important. “While we were giving offering to Ishtar, she came down to join us..” Her voice grew in strength, wonder tinting her words. “It was amazing.. I’d never felt so much pleasure, or been so challenged in my life.” She paused a moment, memory surfacing, tightening her already tight loins. “After my offering had been given, she touched my back.. I’ve never felt such pain and pleasure at once.. It was amazing. The blood welled where she’d touched me, and then it hardened into the gem. She said there is no need for someone between Mother and Daughter, and there would no longer be. The gem is a direct connection to her. I can feel her like never before. I know if I ask, she’ll answer.” She took a deep breath, the motion catching the light, bloody shards of light dancing over her back. “That is how I received the gem, and became the Temple Head.”