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The Forested City of Xotika – Home to the Pious Elves
A Cathedral Amongst the Trees
The churches and government buildings were the only permanent architecture in the Xotika forest. Elves lived in harmony with nature, choosing instead to construct tents and other temporary living spaces among the trees and boulders throughout the forest. Humility was a core tenet of Apolite faith, so the elves avoided living in luxurious accommodations like the other peoples of Kyriakora. With faith-promoting missionary service built into the expectations of all of Apola’s followers, elves were to keep themselves ready at all times to move to another location and bring the light with them.
The melody of birds chirping and squirrels rustling through the undergrowth calmed Mercury’s nerves as he walked the dirt trail from the church to his own leather tent. He stepped off the trail to let a couple of elven women on the trail pass by. They were conversing about which of the stories from Apola’s teachings were their favorite. Mercury listened long enough to feel comforted by the discussion, but his mind went back to the meeting with the Holy Mother when he returned to walking on the path. Should we question Apola’s guiding light? Her question rang in his head. Mercury knew he had to shake this doubt.
Entering his tent, he pulled out the small yellow book filled with Apola’s teachings. He pulled out the letter he had folded inside, signed by the Highest Holy Mother herself. He took a moment to feel the cool, damp forest air on his skin. His coffee-colored fingers slid into the yellowing paper, unfolding it to read it again.
My dear child Mercury,
The Goddess thanks you for being among the first men to volunteer to serve the Church of Apola in the role of a missionary. Your faith and dedication to service have provided an opportunity to illuminate others on the path to eternal salvation, and you will be rewarded greatly for your willingness to serve.
It is with great honor that we, the Council of Lightbearers, have received revelation to call you to serve in the human city of Kefalayo here on the continent of Kyriakora. Upon completion of your missionary training in Xotika, you will report to the Holy Mother in Kefalayo who will provide you the guiding light for this mission. She will be your beacon as you seek to bring the light to all those in your area.
It is your responsibility to establish a humble residence upon your arrival. The Holy Mother may provide guidance in suitable accommodations, but ensure you bring enough gold to cover your necessities for your stay. Additionally, ensure you always wear Apola’s emblem on you to ensure everyone can recognize Her light in you.
We pray that your journey may be safe, your work may be fulfilling, and your presence may be a beacon to all those who come into contact with you, that they may be led to the light of Apola.
In Her holy name, Goddessspeed,
The Highest Holy Mother of the Church of Apola
Mercury closed the letter. His belongings had been packed the day before. In the morning, he would break down his tent, attach it to his bag, and start the journey Kefalayo. He counted on any doubts in his mind being wiped away when he was spreading Apola’s light.
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