As I set my sight on the church I’m left in awe, the white building is radiating light to its surroundings which is fitting as in Ghoere the main religion is the Oracles of Radiance, who believe that while there is multiple gods Zyrren, the god of light, is the one true god above all else which doesn’t really fit in with my beliefs having see the sovereigns of the universe but I’m not going to judge.

Upon entering the church a kind looking young man is quick to approach, standing just as tall as Rafael with gentle features and a bright complexion he is very welcoming on first approach.

“Hello young master your back so soon I’m afraid the head priest won’t be able to heal you again today it’s already taken quite a bit out of him”

“haha no I’m perfectly fine now thanks to the head priest, I’ve just come to give my thanks and, well, look around I’ve never been to church before so I’m a bit intrigued by this place”

“hmm well then young master why don’t you follow me”

As I follow the young priest I take in the sights around me I know the Oracles of Radiance is the biggest religion in the country but I struggle to see any depictions of their god. The only symbol I see is right in the dead centre of the church.

A blinding light almost acting as a pillar holding up the building surrounded by priests and the like. I haven't learnt much about this religion or any of them to be exact but that's because they’re courses to learn further down the line. But still there are a few questions that I need answered.

“Why are there no statues here?”

“Hmm, why would there be statues of a god that only about 5 people in the whole world have seen? It is every believer's goal and duty to serve their god and meet them some day. It undermines the process if just anybody can lay their eyes on their image, even the non-believers.”

“Wha-”

“Now save your questions for the head priest, I’m sure he’ll be more than happy to answer all your questions”

I see he’s led me to a small door in the back of the church, I say my thanks to the priest then head in.

Upon entering I’m greeted with the subtle scent of incense, looking around I see the room is dimly lit and even then the only light that is entering is the sun light, the walls are filled with books and at an aged desk there is an old man sitting behind.

He looks small and frail sitting behind the desk, dressed in white garms with a silver lining, he’s quite eye-catching in this lighting, his hair is all grey although his skin isn’t that wrinkled, his eyes are a shining silver and it feels like there's a subtle glow in there. looking at his hands I can see small scars there and on his left hand a thread of silver beads is being gripped tightly.

“So to what do I owe the please of our young lords visit”

His voice is tired and listless, quite the opposite of what you’d expect from a high priest.

“I’ve come to give my thanks. If it wasn’t for you I would’ve been in that bed for months.”

“No, even if I didn't help you wouldn’t have been in that bed for more than a week.”

“Even if that's the case I still feel obligated to say my thanks”

“So you're only doing it out of your obligation then?”

This old man has quite the way with words even now with his expressionless face I can see that he’s enjoying this. Steeling myself I continue with this conversation, moving forward to take a seat in front of him.

“No, I’m doing this because I’m genuinely thankful and I know that if it wasn’t for you I would have been injured for longer and that's a fact, but I’m also here out of curiosity.”

In response to this he leans forward in his chair and gestures for me to continue.

“I want to know about the Oracles of Radiance. Religion is in my studies but it’s not a topic for another 5 years. I'm miles ahead of my schedule and the fact that It’s the main religion of our country intrigues me.”

“Hmm nothing more than curiosity then, sigh child just wait for your tutors to teach you, your family are firm believers in Miien anyway I doubt you will switch to Zyrren. The gods are fickle and in this small corner of the world the decisions we make will have little effect on their ruling.

We, the Oracles, have been around since before this country was made and the country before that, this church Itself has seen many different city lords, with many different beliefs. But in the end we remain steadfast in our faith. But still Zyrren remains silent to my devotions and faith. That's the true test to my beliefs: live a long life and still believe, young master, I could teach you the history of our religion and every other religion out there but you're too young to understand the meaning behind the tales.”

His eyes feel more focused now than when I first entered the room. He's truly looking at me now and in turn I’m hanging on every word he says.

“Come to me again not when you want to learn history because anybody can tell you that, It's a waste of this old man's time, but come when you want advice then I will see you whenever but until then it’s been a pleasure.”

“Yes Head Priest…”

“It’s Head Priest Charlie”

“Thank you, I’ll be back”, saying my piece I swiftly left not wanting to waste anymore time here as I imagine father will want a word with me when I get back.

Heading back through the temple I once again look around wondering if the temple is just as grandiose in the comminor district, I’ll make sure to look around another day

“Rafael, am I selfish?”

“Young master you’re a child you’re allowed to be selfish”

Hmm if only that was true looking at my attendant I see a pair of caring eyes directed my way but we’ve only known each other for 1 week so how much of that gaze is fake.

“I’m tired let's hurry back”