Sacred Flames

As the two women ventured deeper into the temple, the quality of the air would subtly begin to change, as it became heavier and slightly more humid. A gentle sound, like water rushing over stones, would start softly, then grow to a pleasant hum. The smoke coming from the torch would begin to smell sweetly, like incense, and it would billow out in a confusing and swirling cloud around them. Combined, it had a somnolent effect, causing drowsiness steal upon them. Stopping seemed like a good idea. Rest here, it seemed to say, in a whisper just quiet enough that they couldn't really hear it. Stay a while. Let your cares fall away.