With or Without You

Caiside had poured hours into research on the Gods, and while he had learned much, none of it was what he had wanted. He had been humiliated, for no good reason, and there was no recourse. Even he was clever enough to know when his point wouldn’t be made, and when he should drop it. Or at least, put it on the back burner. Caiside was not one to forget anything he perceived as a slight, after all. Despite his lack of a plan, he found himself walking the path to the wild shrine again, a basket of offerings on his hip. He would not be so naive as to offer anything important of himself again, but the fruits and candle he had traded for should still make a fine offering to whomever answered his prayers. Caiside took a moment to look over the stone circle, his hands tightening into fists as he saw the tree that still bore his shape in it. With a flush now colouring his face, he began to set up, his back to the evidence of his last divine encounter. First, he laid out a small mat, the candle going in the centre of it, while his offerings, fresh flowers and some old stores of fruit, were arranged around it. Again, he stripped to his waist, leaving the candle unlit while he arranged his body in a pose of prayer. ”I have learned from my previous mistakes.” Caiside suppressed the flinch that came with the word mistake, keeping his voice even and his face calm. ”I seek those who do not shy away from power. Those who would like their will done by mortal hands. I would like the chance to prove myself, and to earn my place, my power, as I have done before.” His prayer said, all he could do was wait, and hope for a response. Caiside You know how it goes, this story’s been told again and again A love, pure and light, that makes stars align Well that’s not the case here