Arialla frowned a little. As a priestess, she found the idea of not showing the gods proper respect -- through one's dress, through one's manner -- a bit distasteful. But then she shouldn't judge the customs of this new land. If their gods had never requested it, then it must be all right. And, after all, Arialla had sometimes wondered herself if the gods actually required all the pomp and circumstance of temple life, or if it served more to make mortals feel better about their relationship with the gods, more secure.
"I've generally found the gods to be more receptive to devout, heartfelt prayers than outward trappings," Arialla offered, speaking aloud the conclusion of her train of thought. Apollo had granted her greatest prayer before she became a priestess, simply because she honored him in her heart -- in fact, it was that blessing that had led her town to elect her as priestess. "Not that they don't enjoy due respect, but all the shows of worship will ring false if they hide an empty heart."
Then Arialla smiled; the thought of visiting a bakery raised her spirits. The food here wouldn't be much like home, she suspected, but still, sweets always helped her mood. She noted that Sam seemed a bit hesitant about his relationship with Amalia; she didn't want to pry, but: "I'm sorry to hear that you and your half-sister don't get along. I'll be sure to seek her out; thank you."
"I've generally found the gods to be more receptive to devout, heartfelt prayers than outward trappings," Arialla offered, speaking aloud the conclusion of her train of thought. Apollo had granted her greatest prayer before she became a priestess, simply because she honored him in her heart -- in fact, it was that blessing that had led her town to elect her as priestess. "Not that they don't enjoy due respect, but all the shows of worship will ring false if they hide an empty heart."
Then Arialla smiled; the thought of visiting a bakery raised her spirits. The food here wouldn't be much like home, she suspected, but still, sweets always helped her mood. She noted that Sam seemed a bit hesitant about his relationship with Amalia; she didn't want to pry, but: "I'm sorry to hear that you and your half-sister don't get along. I'll be sure to seek her out; thank you."
