--- Cardinal Pex POV

Strings of something adhere to my face and swiping at them a full-time task. Why didn’t I scream? Is the sticky sensation immediate? Arriving at the unknown, screaming upon arrival probably not wise – am I that aware? My tongue senses the vibrations within the webs and the spiders about me are either mine for a meal or flee.

Continuing my efforts to wipe spider web from my body, grunting sounds reach my ears from beyond the closed door to this cupboard like room. Once free, I listen at the door.

“The pink skinned Priest promised fertility and what better place than his former cottage …” A heavy breath and grunting between several words reach my ears.

“You have already said that, how do you think we ended up in here? And you could have at least provided a bed instead of the floor …” Moan.

“We are making a child …” Grunt. “Our comfort isn’t important …”

“Easy for you to say, you’re on top. You.” Ugh. “Better make sure, Father only grants marriage to the one who gets me with child, so while I do like you …” Moan. “It will mean nothing in his eyes.”

I sigh, being neither maiden nor wife there is no magic to assist the amorous coupling and unless I barge through the door to surprise them the closet is where I must remain. I choose closet and his influence doesn’t punish me for choosing to delay, further I utilise this time to pray for guidance.

--- Aphrodite POV

[God Plane complete. Divine Worship Magic harvesting 100%]

“Thanaron for what do I owe this visit …” My jaw drops and I need to close my mouth.

He deposits a Spirit, leaves and returns with another and so on all the while ignoring my greeting. The Spirits for their part bow before me and then explore the God Plane, my creation, my divine residence …

“Goddess, your God Plane is complete and as such the Spirits of your most devout followers upon death can now reside here …”

I frown.

“You aren’t pleased, Goddess? I thought … what about the company?”

“What of Nasim? Ames? Bellas? Even Swift Spear? Where are they?”

Thanaron ponders my question while my other guests scamper about exploring … my view is all-seeing on my God Plane, yet not all hearing as they work their mouths, I assume cheering and yelping in celebration as no spoken words or sounds reach my ears. Do I need to lip read? “I demand to hear!”

[Enabling Ruler God eavesdropping … Failure. Insufficient Divine Worship Magic.]

Humph! Good that it is possible, bad that I can’t for now, I guess I did expend a great deal of my Worshipper’s Magic in building the God Plane …

“After considerable thought and a quick visit to the Spirit Plane …”

Thanaron left and returned?

“The other Gods are convinced they must gather enough Divine Worship Magic from their followers to not only enter your God Plane but also create their ideal ‘home’ upon it …”

They are of my Pantheon, so I can’t begrudge them joining me, although I don’t wish them to adjust what I have created, they must add their own. “Yes, augment, not overwrite.”

[Warning, Lessor Gods and Goddesses will be required to gather a greater amount of Divine Worship Magic as they must add to the God Plane and then create. Given what they have added, the Lessor Gods and Goddesses will be able to set parameters over their additions like the Ruler God does. If the God Plane remains unlocked by the Ruler God, Lessor Gods and Goddesses have the option to create upon the God Plane as prepared by the Ruler God and therefore be subject to the Ruler God’s parameter settings. God Plane locked by Ruler God Y/N?]

I will N. Reading between the lines this doesn’t stop any other God from adding to the God Plane by expending a great amount of Divine Worship Magic, although due to cost, most I think would create upon my original God Plane. Which means I must expand or have multiple neighbours for eternity.

“Goddess?”

This is new … direct communication.

“Goddess?”

[Accept Divine Intervention Plea from Cardinal Pex. Y/N? Note: Acceptance allows you to immediately acquire Divine Worship Magic from your loyal and devout worshipper, the maximum will render the worshipper Soul frail, the minimum will restrict the amount of Divine Aid you can provide. A worshipper cannot call upon Divine Intervention again until their Soul recovers.]

While I have a sudden need for Divine Worship Magic, I choose the minimum to at least maintain direct communication – I can’t believe a Cardinal would be in any physical danger, so she must be seeking advice.

[Divine Worship Magic transferred …]

“Cardinal Pex your Goddess greets you!”

“Goddess you must excommunicate me … I am fallen …”

Why does she rush for the dramatic? My first question is obvious …

--- Alba, Priestess of Aphrodite POV

[… Worship Hierarchy of Goddess Aphrodite incomplete. Vacancy: Arch Priest.]

“Priestess Alba … are you alright?” asks Initiate Cyran.

I shake my head, trying to regain my focus. I know, sense without an Arch Priest the worship of Aphrodite weakens with each passing moment. Does this mean Arch Priest Allene is dead? From the Initiates casual behaviour, she remains unaware, is this state of loss for Priests and higher in the hierarchy solely?

Her tail wraps around my legs, although not constricting. Her arms wrap around my shoulders. This weight landing upon me, a surprise. The Initiate, her Snake Kin body larger and heavier than mine searches for support … my knees buckle and both of us roll in the fresh lush green grass of the Temple of Fabia. Tears spring forth from her eyes.

“The Goddess’ blessing is distant Priestess … what has happened?” she hisses, tongue rapidly licking about.

Wiping her eyes, I ensure my hands remain on her snakeskin cheeks. They feel more skin-like, soft leather rather than scale or shell, the wonder distracts me as I think, my touch distracts her.

“Soft Priestess.” Her face flushes bright orange.

My hands explore her skin further, the radiating warmth … deeper orange and then I realise my inappropriate curiosity and withdraw my hands.

“Please accept my apology Initiate … while not an adequate excuse I am new to this body and your skin feels much different than what looking at it would suggest …”

A drawn-out exhaling hiss issues from between her small sharp teeth, tongue lounging out the side of her mouth. Eyes opening, she says, “You are a Priestess of our Goddess and I wish to advance … your attention … is welcome. Explore to your heart’s content, I beg you.” Her scales flush bright orange and I see I must clear up this misunderstanding.

“The comfort given is as Priestess to Initiate, not personal in nature or inference, you understand?”

Her head kinks to one side.

“I know you are intimately inquisitive my Priestess.”

Her tongue extends hypnotically tracing from my ear lobe to my jawline before I come to my senses and snap my head back. Her long forked tongue pursues and completes the tracing of my jaw and around to my other ear. Lying beside each other her physical size will always dominate. I jump to my feet in half panic, certainly without any degree of decorum!

“You misunderstand Initiate. I am not your comfort. The Goddess will return to you shortly, I assure you!”

Please anoint an Arch Priest, I wish to myself. The Initiate slithers upwards upon her tail to match my height. She explores towards me with her tongue, forked, sensual and her black eyes, like deep lightless beacons, draw me in.

[Worship Hierarchy of Goddess Aphrodite restored. Arch Priest Alasse elected.]

Her tongue snaps back into her mouth as she stares skywards. “I apologise for my behaviour Priestess. The deep utter loneliness …” She sinks into several moments of self-reflection and then her eyes are upon me. “I beg for your forgiveness,” she says, dropping her head.

“No need,” I reply. “Everything is as it should be.”

The colour of her snakeskin relaxes, not vibrant or bright, not dull, a pleasant orange. “Do we hurry now to wish Arch Priestess Alasse well before she travels?”

“Yes, Initiate.”

--- Cardinal Pex POV

“Why do you believe you should be excommunicated?” asks my Goddess.

I try to form the word thoughts accusing the hideous former Arch Priest Allene and they simply disperse …

“Cardinal?”

“Forgive me, Goddess, I can’t seem to form the words I would use to otherwise plead my case … my will is … my will seems … my will could be con …” The last few words stir a doom within me and my head twitches involuntarily. I have found the outer border of my freedom.

“You are confused Cardinal,” says my Goddess. “Meditation and self-reflection are warranted. Find a safe place, consecrate this in my name and Worship. I will hear your plea.”

The comfort of my Goddess leaves me. Returning to the present, the grunting and moaning remind me I am on the other side of a door to hopeful impregnation. I decide this is one situation where I can provide guidance.

I smash through the doorway, destroying the door and wall on either side with my tail. The two pale white bodies immediately acknowledge my presence by pausing their fornication, faces towards me, mouths open.

“Know this cabin, while a former Priest’s residence isn’t consecrated to the Goddess Aphrodite. Know that even upon, consecrated ground the female needs to be a virgin or married to benefit from the Goddess’ blessing, therefore your efforts are your own as will be your probable failure.”

The infertility of the Frost Giant race well known and one of the lures the former Arch Priest used to gather them into the worship of Aphrodite. The female I notice, at least rushes to gather clothing about her while I speak, the male lounges back … displaying?

“Who are you?” whispers the female, her light blue eyebrows and hair braiding complementing the almost gloss white complexion of her face. Beast Kin, she certainly isn’t.

“A Priestess of Aphrodite,” I reply. “Tell your father you wish to become an Initiate of Aphrodite and then find a husband. I would recommend one with a kind heart, the reputation of a selfless lover and given your conversation I am certain you would have found one by now …”

“He is the ugliest though,” she retorts.

“I am not ugly!”

We both glance at the male Frost Giant and then return to our conversation.

“Ugly or untidy? Perhaps lacking in self-confidence? Identify what is ugly about him, perhaps these are simply surface things which can be corrected by a supportive partner and potential future wife.”

“My mother tells me ‘the woman who thinks she can change a man after marriage is delusional’ and then she curses my father’s name to which my father bellows in great laughter.”

The snickering of the male grows loud enough to draw our ire and we both death-stare him to silence.

“Give him a year and a day before marriage to prove his love. Remember love is devotion to each other with sharing, balance and equality to name a few ideals. One partner giving themselves entirely to the other without receiving the same dedication isn’t proof of love but exploitation.”

A deep bellowing laughter drowns out my words of advice, I stare at the male while the female finishes dressing.

He wipes laughter tears from his eyes, then shakes his head. “A woman supports the wishes and will of her husband, no more and no less Priestess.”

“I wish you well on your lonely journey …”

A door unlatches and the female hovers, ready to exit. “Thank you, Priestess, I go to appraise my future husband and inform my father of my plans, gaining my mother’s support first of course.”

The light floods in as she leaves and then is no more. His foot stamps and I tolerate the blinding view as my head swings back to him, he stands in long leather pants, the ends tucked into fur-lined boots.

“You think I can’t find a wife? I will be lonely for all my days?” He tenses his shoulder and arms muscles while hefting his huge axe.

Does he compensate somehow? “I am certain you will marry. Except you will make all the decisions, take on all the responsibility and she will I am sure applaud you.”

He nods and grunts. “As it should be.”

“Would not two, who support each other and share in the decision making be better? Share responsibility, celebrate the joys, be there to console and lift each other during the sorrows …”

“What you speak of … impossible, folly. A woman does her best supporting her husband from the quiet, no more.”

“As you believe, our debate is over as I must visit the Temple of Aphrodite.” In haste, I slither to the door.

Behind me a stomping of a boot. “Wait, I am almost dressed … blast this boot …”

I smile quietly to myself as I greet the sunlight, my skin warming regardless of the cold breeze and snow flurries seeking to steal what I bask in.

---

“Welcome Cardinal!”

The Temple Priestess, short for a Frost Giant, yet held in high honour by the attendants of the Temple immediately recognises my rank and instantly all in the Temple are on edge. They line up in the high ceiling central worshipping hall, heads bowed. The Priestess though holds her own, her welcome confident and respectful.

I shake. Snowflakes fall from me. “I apologise.”

“Frost Giants don’t feel the cold Cardinal, so we don’t … well our clothing and such are for identity and any fires we light are for the warmth of the heart, camaraderie, family and the like. I hope you understand?”

“Yes. An oversight perhaps, sending a Snake Kin to the mountains … a decision made by the living and not the divine.” I smile, although uncertain if this translates …

The Priestess invites me to inspect her Temple functionaries. After I inspect the first two Initiates they bow and dart away. For the next two, I watch the Priestess from the corner of my eye as much as I devote my attention to greeting the next two. The Priestess communicates to them … some combination of hand signal and head movement …

Our eyes meet.

She asks, her voice calm and steady, “How does a Snake Kin Cardinal journey into the Mountains without overly suffering?”

My hands grasp each other before my belly button. “The Goddess works in mysterious ways …” I offer and then smile.

The introductions continue until the last, then all disperse, I am certain afterwards they return to their duties. Her hand extends in the direction of a passageway running off the central hallway and I trust in her directions. We approach a double door, both sides open and before me a raging fire contained by a fireplace greets me, the glowing warmth reaching into every freezing crevice of my body as I slither forward. From either side are offers of fur-lined garments, which I accept.

I swivel about and embrace each of the four Initiates in the room whispering a thank-you to each. The delay afforded by the “inspection” ensuring the preparations could be completed of course.

“We are busy trying to adapt a garment for your tail Cardinal, until then please accept this room as your residence for as long as you stay,” says the Priestess.

“Thank …” My tongue slips across my lips quivering … fried pork? Here? “You.” My eyes immediately focus on the tray floating towards me, the Frost Giant Initiate carrying the delicacy noted and yet ignored.

“We have this right then?”

I barely hear her words, managing a slow nod as the tray hovers before me. I delicately choose two pieces. Containing my urge to smash through the entire tray, a difficult contest between will and gluttonous urge.

A double clap echoes throughout the room and the Initiates bow to both of us and leave in haste. The tray resides within reach on a low side table as I relax amongst the soft furs on a wooden lounge.

“We will leave you to enjoy your feast, Cardinal.”

The doors to the room close before I realise. I am alone with the aroma of delicious. The fried pork calls to me, yet I resist and maintain a steady pace selecting and devouring. Savouring the delight longer due to my restraint and the happier I become.

---

Bang. Bang. Bang.

My eyes blink open. The door? Someone is knocking on the door.

Bang.

I arise. “Enter!”

“Cardinal we are ready for you now,” says an Initiate while bowing with reverence.

Ready for me? I slither to the door and the Initiate waves me forward into the central worshipping hall. I assume, by the number of attendants, the entire population of the Temple lines the walls. The Priestess stands behind Aphrodite’s altar, her kind face displaying a wide welcoming smile. Lacking any further instructions, I approach the Priestess. She raises her hands, closing her eyes while allowing her head to drift back.

Divine magic surrounds me, swirling, penetrating my being. Do they attack me? Yet this magic doesn’t seem to harm … and then those in the Temple release a collective sigh.

“You are not yet cleansed Cardinal. Please allow us time to chant and prepare …”

Dumbfounded I can only nod.

I wait.

The Priestess raises her hands …

Divine magic descends upon me once more. Without pause, the Priestess casts another Divine magic spell.

“Thanks be to the Goddess you are cleansed Cardinal Pex.”

I collapse with relief.

---

Furs and warmth are the first sensations I note as I wake.

“Apologies Cardinal, I have stoked the fire and inadvertently broken your sleep.”

The Frost Giant Initiate a male, his words spoken in a hushed tone and with sincerity.

“How long have I slept?” My stomach grumbles, my eyes flash towards my visitor and I notice the tiniest of smirks.

“A day and a night … I will bring you some food Cardinal.”

I nod and curl back up into the furs and bask in the warmth of the roaring fireplace.

Shortly after fried pork brings me out of my slumber, yet I control my partaking of the meal.

“Our Goddess sent a Spirit messenger, Cardinal, alerting us to your unknown condition, your loss of will.”

I pause my eating and stare. I am free!

I almost yell, “Former Arch Priest Allene is a traitor, he manipulated us all.” Speaking those words, absolute proof and I hug the Priestess.

Returning my embrace, she whispers, “Sorcery Cardinal Pex. While you slept upon arrival my Adepts and I cast [Soul Sight] to assess and discovered two pieces of Sorcery, one bound to your skin, and another bound to your soul. Beyond that basic knowledge, we discovered little else. Our guess was one to command and the other to control. Both cast with an extreme amount of magical power, hence our channelling the entire Temple to [Dismiss Magic] both.”

Releasing our embrace, I reply, “I will be forever grateful.”

She shakes her head. “We are both servants of our Goddess although, for you, your journey is only beginning I fear.”

I slither beside the Priestess, who I realise is walking me out of the Temple.

“Yes, once Allene’s agent I am now his bane, and I must destroy him somehow.”

At the entrance of the Temple, the Priestess places her hand upon my arm.

“I have a gift for you.” She places a ring upon my finger. “Attune the Spirit within, he is actually the messenger the Goddess sent to us and she believes he can help.”

I turn the ring around my finger, there is a warmth and a presence within. I will consider attuning when I am alone, and we can properly introduce ourselves without interruption.

The Priestess continues, “Please visit the Blacksmith, we believe you will appreciate a special piece of armour.” She finishes with a chuckling grin while placing a reassuring hand on my shoulder. I stare and assess for a moment before accepting. When I arrive, I can always refuse the offer.

I descend the shallow, although wide steps from the Temple to the village path, now a dirty slush of soil and snow. My tail plunges onto the disgusting thoroughfare and following the Priestess’ directions I shortly arrive at the Blacksmith; I stare at the steep narrow steps. I scan about and all the shops seem to be raised off the ground, I assume to avoid the slush of snowmelt.

I reach out to a support post.

“Wait!”

My eyes follow the source of the caller. A youth, pale white skin, no facial hair, yet developing muscles from hard toil glistening with sweat. He darts back behind a bench and strides forward carrying a wide plank and kneels to position the impromptu ramp which I make use of.

“Welcome Cardinal Pex to our humble Blacksmith,” he says. He then scurries back into the shop.

My presence seems to gather the interest of the few passers-by. I edge into the shop to limit any casual observation facing the path to determine if I am successful or not. A clinking and clanking now draws my eyes back to the shop interior, the youth in the company of a huge muscular Frost Giant, the family resemblance obvious. Over his shoulder a curious piece of metal.

“You honour us Cardinal and hope what we have is pleasing to wear as well as pleasing to the eye.”

I smile. “The Priestess didn’t advise me on what you have prepared but my trust in her judgement is complete, therefore my trust in your craft is also certain.”

---

“You like what they have done?” The voice of my accuser somewhat bemusing and ridiculing. Not for the first time.

“Why are you here?” I ask, breaking my silence.

“I believe our discussion didn’t conclude properly.”

I stop. The village now well behind us and my sliding trail and his footfalls clear in the snow revealing our point of origin. My uninvited companion joining me on the edge of the village in haste until he caught up with me. Ignoring his enquiries to this point not effective in dissuading him from escorting me any further.

“What position do you believe a wife should hold?”

He swings his Axe from the rest position upon his shoulder and leans on the upright shaft. “From the quiet, supporting her husband and obeying me without dissent.”

“My Goddess and I disagree. This is absolute, there is no negotiation. We are done, so I wish you a good day and I must be about my business.” I once again resume my journey.

The breaking of the snow crust alerts me. He still follows.

“For Snake Kin that could be the truth. For Frost Giant, there is a tradition in which the males are superior, and the females aren’t. With time I will demonstrate this truth to you.”

I hold my tongue … my mistake answering him the first time.

“Is it comfortable? It looks to be … the fur and leather covering waterproof, the curve of the plate metal providing a base …”

Such a brief description for the masterpiece I wear … I almost unleash a barrage of insults upon his criticism and quickly realise his game. The multiple white bearskins provide the waterproofing as they wrap around my tail completely, while multiple steel plates along the length allow a wear surface as I slither upon the snowfield.