The Altar
Now that I know about the altar, I can't help but notice the entrance as I pass it.
Curious, I come to a stop and peer down a hidden path.
The 𝒏𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒙 is just visible through the trees, beyond which I can see the beginning of a stone staircase.
Author
Narthex infers to the name given to the entrances of early Christian churches.
Ruth
(They say that the 𝒏𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒙 marks the threshold between the spiritual and mundane...)
Ruth
(...And that once you step through, you've departed the physical realm.)
A sudden breeze rustles the trees, and I feel a shiver run through me.
After another moment's indecision, I release a breath and step off the road.
At the foot of the 𝒏𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒙, I join hands and close my eyes, in oblivion for a few moments. Then I walk through to the stairs and beyond.
Author
Cathedral/Church/Altar
Author
all of the places share something in common.
It's only a short climb to the altar.
The worshipper's path, travels through the sacred forest where the altar is situated.
I make sure to stay to the side, because the centre is reserved for 𝑷𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒕𝒐𝒎𝒔.
The first thing I notice is the quite.
Ruth
(İt's totally empty...)
Ruth
(Something tells me nobody's prayed here in a while...)
Ruth
(So much for the "famous and busy" local church, huh...)
Ruth
(Seems like Hana and Mei were just having a little fun with me.)
Goosebumps prickle across my forearms, and the back of my neck.
Although, the area is deserted, İ feel strangely conspicuous, almost as if someone is watching me...
The only noise is the occasional rustling of the branches and my footsteps on the dusty stone path.
As expected, my only answer is silence.
The altar sits in perfect stillness, streaked with shafts of golden light.
It looks as natural as it's surroundings- like a seed that grew here, rather than a man-made edifice.
Author
edifice - an impressive structure built upon staunch beliefs.
Even the air seems undisturbed , like no-one's visited for centuries.
To the left of the main approach, İ spy the 𝒄𝒂𝒏𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒖𝒔, a simple rock fountain beneath a plain wood pavilion.
Author
Cantharus: This is where worshippers wash their hands and mouth in ritual purification before approaching the altar.
I step towards it to clean myself, but the basin is dry and dusty.
Ruth
(No one's been here in ages, have they?)
Looking back at the main building, my gaze is drawn to the two statues flanking the approach.
Ruth
(A 𝒌𝒊𝒕𝒔𝒖𝒏𝒆 fox and 𝒌𝒐𝒎𝒂𝒊𝒏𝒖 werewolf, guardians who protect the 𝒅𝒆𝒊𝒕𝒚 from evil.)
Ruth
(I don't think I've ever seen them together before .)
Their carved stone faces are mottled and mossy with age.
Ruth
(Well, since I am here, I might as well pray.)
But as I near the main building, I discover the door isn't opening and budging. Iearn the door to the innermost altar is closed.
Ruth
(That's not exactly, welcoming...)
Ruth
(Still...better than nothing...)
The old wooden floorboards creak noisily as I step up to the offering box.
Comments