Role

Chapter 30

I looked back at the androsphinx one more time from inside of the shrine, and
with a deep breath I closed the door behind me. I greeted those who resided
there, tasted of the apricots, and made my way to the melted altar. I knew it
from the stories of Lady Azorinne, and I knew its significance. Shortly
thereafter, Dohri appeared.

I hope I am not disturbing anything, said the Elder Prophet. Do you have time
for something? It is just a small ritual.

I nodded and the snow began to fall.

Dohri said to me, Take your boots off.

She held a delicate glass pitcher in outstretched hands before her, quietly
intoning a blessing over it. The delicate glass pitcher seems to shimmer and
glow for a brief moment. She then took my feet into her hands and rested them
on her knees. I blushed and she smiled at me before pouring the blessed water
from her pitcher over my feet slowly. It felt lovely, and as I drifted off in
my mind and my eyes closed, a servant of Lady Azorinne, Anaimhe the Clement
arrived. Dohri was humming quietly as she gently massaged the water over one
foot and then the other.

What did I miss? She asked.

Dohri exclaimed Oh, somewhat startled. I smiled at Anaimhe and said, Dohri
is... performing a ritual?

Just something for her change, Dohri responded. And with that she poured the
rest of her pitcher out slowly onto my feet. She then took out a large thick
cloth from her bag to wipe and dry them. Finishing her her work, she leaned
down to gently place a single kiss on the top of each foot.