For Love of Knowledge (Daern)
Jun 22, 2013 21:43:33 GMT
Post by Halaevia Baratheon on Jun 22, 2013 21:43:33 GMT
Sunlight spilled down from the high windows, flooding the room at the back of the temple which now served as Halaevia's study. Her books and scrolls were laid out on the square stone table at the center, with more still tidily arranged on shelves. In one corner of the room stood a tall brazier, now unlit. It was near midday, there was light and heat enough; careful design had seen to that.
The temple was complete. To Halaevia's mind, all traces of the sept it had once been were covered over, forgotten. One might approach from the outside, pass the twin obelisks engraved with words of prayer, ascend the few steps to the white arch of the portico, cross the threshold, parting the curtain, heavy red brocade, and then find oneself in a space set apart. No ritual of consecration had yet been performed, and yet there was already something holy in it, the central altar, the great fire that did not go out, attended by its brethren: smaller hearths, rows of waiting candles standing like sentries, hanging censers wafting sweet incense.
Then there were the round columns that supported the great vault above, and those windows - all those windows! It was to be a place of light, she had said, over and over, as she had set out her ideas to the artisans who were to realize them. They had not disappointed her. By day the interior was bright and welcoming, and at night, with the fires all lit, it was nothing short of awe-inspiring, transformed and transformative. There was a dais from which she might speak, she and the priest who was to come after her. It might not have been much akin to the temple from which he came, but she was confident that it would not disappoint.
Most of her waking hours now were spent within these walls. Towards the back of the temple was another doorway, another red curtain, and behind this was private, the study and the storerooms. Halaevia had assistance with the upkeep of the temple, of course, but there were some tasks, such as the lighting of the fires themselves, that she would not entrust to any unbeliever.
At this time of the day, however, there was little to be done, and so she had arranged to meet with Maester Daern. She had only sent for her books on his account, although now that she had them she was glad of them. She spoke with him often now; he seemed to her a good and honest man. Even had she not considered it her duty to strive to bring him to the Light, she suspected that she would have wanted to seek out his company. He was a friend, so far as she was capable of friendship here. He was someone she might trust, if not completely, then further than most.
And he wanted to learn! This delighted her; to find someone with whom she could have long conversations about the things that really mattered. Sitting at her table, she eagerly awaited his arrival.
The temple was complete. To Halaevia's mind, all traces of the sept it had once been were covered over, forgotten. One might approach from the outside, pass the twin obelisks engraved with words of prayer, ascend the few steps to the white arch of the portico, cross the threshold, parting the curtain, heavy red brocade, and then find oneself in a space set apart. No ritual of consecration had yet been performed, and yet there was already something holy in it, the central altar, the great fire that did not go out, attended by its brethren: smaller hearths, rows of waiting candles standing like sentries, hanging censers wafting sweet incense.
Then there were the round columns that supported the great vault above, and those windows - all those windows! It was to be a place of light, she had said, over and over, as she had set out her ideas to the artisans who were to realize them. They had not disappointed her. By day the interior was bright and welcoming, and at night, with the fires all lit, it was nothing short of awe-inspiring, transformed and transformative. There was a dais from which she might speak, she and the priest who was to come after her. It might not have been much akin to the temple from which he came, but she was confident that it would not disappoint.
Most of her waking hours now were spent within these walls. Towards the back of the temple was another doorway, another red curtain, and behind this was private, the study and the storerooms. Halaevia had assistance with the upkeep of the temple, of course, but there were some tasks, such as the lighting of the fires themselves, that she would not entrust to any unbeliever.
At this time of the day, however, there was little to be done, and so she had arranged to meet with Maester Daern. She had only sent for her books on his account, although now that she had them she was glad of them. She spoke with him often now; he seemed to her a good and honest man. Even had she not considered it her duty to strive to bring him to the Light, she suspected that she would have wanted to seek out his company. He was a friend, so far as she was capable of friendship here. He was someone she might trust, if not completely, then further than most.
And he wanted to learn! This delighted her; to find someone with whom she could have long conversations about the things that really mattered. Sitting at her table, she eagerly awaited his arrival.
))