Role

Chapter 2

But on this day, unlike any before, the young intern acolyte standing behind
her, partially obscured by a curtain and skittish with the frenetic energy of
youth, slipped and bumped Melememelem. Everything sped up and simultaneously
slowed down for Melememelem, making her on the one hand unable to do anything
but on the other painfully aware of what happened, as though she could watch
the one second over a full hour. Just like that the chalice of red wine
hurtled toward the woman and her mate. Just like that they were covered in
blood red wine. Just like that the heavy gold goblet slammed into the woman's
head, crumpling her like a house of cards in a strong wind. And just like that
Melememelem's lofty goals were shattered, her future set in permanent mediocrity
at best.

Forever marked by the failure - hers to bear, fault or not - she could never
attain the things she had dreamed of, the things she deserves. Within hours
she was transferred, to the prison shrine. Tending prisoners and slaves.
She was shunned now, friend to none, worthless to their own plans whatever
they might be. Hardly much time passed at all before her entire being was
consumed with envy. Replaying the incident over and over in her head,
each time somehow ending differently and with her in triumph rather than
disgrace, she only returned to the present even angrier. More jealous of those
over whom she knows she should hold sway. She wants their wealth. She wants
their power. Most of all she wants their prestige, their station. She wants
to be first. Knowing it will now never happen in Teth Azaleth, she steels
herself and departs, determined that with a new start she can rise to the top,
where she belongs.