Chương 22: Chapter Twenty One: Time to Choose

Murmurs ensued as the temple acolytes lined up in front of me. Each had different styles, some in court dress and others in draped casual wear that showed off their chests The only reason I can tell the difference between the templars and the other groups are the medallions proudly hanging from their clothes. Some beamed at me while other look off indifferently to the side where the enthusiastic crowd peddled their goods. Booze and everything in between. Where's everyone else?

That's one way to clear a room, after a moment of indecision I asked, "Why are the templars the only ones lining up for both jobs?" Freesia cuts straight to the point as if it's second nature, "Temple acolytes aren't just followers of their patron god or goddess, they're also recognized scholars. Granted they all specialize in areas of knowledge that pertain to their path. But they are a rather erudite force."

"So it's likely that my tutor will be from a temple." Since they're the equivalent of college graduates or professors. Her half smile never fades, "Yes."

"Can I ask you a question?" I stamped down the urge to raise my hand.

"Of course." Even her lips don't appear to be moving as her gaze barely moves with the line.

"What happens if I am baptized by an acolyte from one religion but later decide to follow another religion?" It probably won't be up to me today to choose no matter what they say. Even if I have the privilege my options are limited by my circumstances. Freesia ponders on the head scratcher before answering with certainty, "That's a very good question. One of three things could happen."

Hands always clasped in front, she raises three fingers where I can see and puts down two, "First, you could be abandoned by your original god and adopted by your chosen god." The second flicks upward, "Second, you could be a follower of both if they are on friendly terms with one another." All three raise, "Third, you could be abandoned by your original god and then rejected by your chosen god." I'm quick to hop on the bandwagon of a seemingly innocent query, "What happens if the third scenario occurs?"

"You become godless, which is…" She struggles to put it in a way I'm guessing is child appropriate.

"Bad. No one wants to be godless." I've probably hit the ceiling there, "What's a baptism like?" Her stance relaxed, "An acolyte will drench you in water, say a prayer, and wait for your goddess or god to notice you. Then you'll receive a brand of sorts." Her shoulders roll back a little as the line starts moving. What?

"Notice you? Can a God do that? Aren't they busy?" It's a lame excuse but seriously. Aren't deities supposed to be lying on the clouds, feasting on golden eggs, and being worshipped from afar.

"Of course." The bout of hypertension slows. Then Fressia boops me on the nose teasingly, "But they take time to notice precious little babies being baptized." Cue the Heart Attack sandwhich. Penguin! We're screwed! [No, we're not. As long as you choose an acolyte below level one hundred.] What does that mean? How does that help me? I'm ready to throw in the towel about now. [Baptism is a skill like any other. Once you reach level one hundred you can baptize someone and guarantee they'll be seen by a god. If you're below that level however, that chance plummets.] My mind races. We're counting on the skill failing? That's why they have to be below level one hundred. [Mhm.] Then won't the baptism fail? [Yes.] Then I'll be godless. What if it doesn't fail? Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit. [Even if a god looks through an acolyte's eyes at you. They'll only be able to see what the acolyte sees and your telekinetic skill will still affect them.] Okay. Okay. This is doable.

So I can make this work, right? [Yes. Just try not to pick a God that's known for being perceptive.] I don't know any gods. How will I know? [Just ask me or the Queen. Now focus I need to scan them.]"My name is Anna and I'm from the Temple of Andromeda. My first reason as to why I should baptize you is because your father picked me originally." I blinked, a brief flicker of blue shone in my irises and disappeared into the darkness. Where is the coward?

Not particularly interested in her opening statement I scanned the crowd for him. Still being politely lectured by his parents. Erichean sat at the same table playing with a placemat and halfheartedly entertaining those who flew close. Overall he seemed bored. Maybe he senses the open stare and turned from them to start focusing on me. Once he saw I was looking his way he waved at me. Then he turned and said something to his mother who had turned to stone in the midst of another boring night.

Then he rounded the table and started walking towards me. Yay.

"My second reason is that I have decades of experience raising, baptizing, and teaching young girls. My third reason as to why you should choose me is because my goddess's favor is crucial to your future." That caught my attention."My what? Why is that?"

"My goddess is in charge of divine favor and is well versed in being mindful of men." She says proudly with a hint of smugness. Mindful? Like yoga? That took a turn. She's not saying what I think she's saying is she? [Andromeda is often associated with the following. A unique aptitude for survival. Beauty and the common trope of a damsel in distress. Her name can be interpreted to mean being mindful of her husband.] [She's a suitable candidate if you want her?] No. Absolutely not.

This is the most sexist thing ever. Mindful of her husband? I'd rather pluck my eyebrows with pliers and a wrench.

"I'll consider it. Next!" No, I won't. That woman pouts and leaves the line. Behind her is a long endless queue of similar people. Erichean arrives just in time.

"I'm here. That's a lot of turnout, Ria. Are you happy?" He looks so pretty. An orchid lace backless shirt and high waisted black pants accentuates his best features. His golden hair has been curled to perfection and I can even see sparkles in them. He looks stunning. While I'm dressed in a teddy bears stolen clothes.

"No. Most of them want to teach me how to be a good wife or something. It's not fair. Who's your god Erichean?" I bet it's something cool.

"Helios. I was baptized under him." He never changed his loyalty then. I remember that one, "He's the god of the sun right?" Eric hums in confirmation.

"He suits you." The corner of his eyes crinkle with amusement, "Thank you." I love his smile and his laugh. How can anyone be this perfect?

"You're welcome. Anyway I need a favor." His knowing smile reveals pointed teeth, "Sure. What is it?"

"Can you help me weed out some of these people for me?" Bringing my hands to pray that he takes up the thankless task with puppy eyes. Don't refuse"I would be honored, Ria." He gives a little salute and steps closer to keep the conversation quiet, "Who are you looking for?"

"Um. Not a homemaker. No damsels in distress. No love gods. I want someone cool."

"Well if I take that very literally there's always Khione, Skaði, and Marzanna. A few other good fits would be Nyx, Hecate, Nemesis, and Artemis."

"Are any of their acolytes here?"

"Let me look." Erichean steps away to go check the line for acolytes from those temples. In the meantime Niathe takes the opportunity to talk up her patron goddess.

"Nyx is a wonderful choice, Ria. Not to mention I am a champion of her main temple." I know. I've heard this a million times.

"Is she nice like you?" I bait. Maybe she senses the trap and her hackles raise a little.

"Sure."

"Then I'll pass." I don't need two overbearing absentee parents. I don't even like the first one that much.

"…" It's too quiet now. Shwing What's that sound of metal? I turned around to see what that crazy woman was doing now.

"What are you doing?!" She whipped out a sword from nowhere. Was it hiding in her ass? Oh my god! Growling in dissatisfaction and disappointment, "Spare the rod. Spoil the child." She lunged for me and I was saved narrowly by the ever silently but always listening, Freesia. Oh my god! You psycho! Freesia protected me by placing me on her hip and tried to mediate between me and the weirdo behind us." Now now. Let's not get too excited." Niathe gritted out, "She's asking for it and you know it."

The pommel of the sword raised a little and I knew she was still preparing to fight a toddler.

"All in due time." Freesia promised. Whiplash, I raised my head hard enough to inspire stars in my vision, "Excuse me?" Erichean came back right then to break the standstill." I found a few!" Abandoning the runaway train to crazy town I turned away from them and faked excitement, "Really?! Which ones?" He counts on both hands and begins his social documentary, "I found Morgan from the Temple of Khione. Atliok from the temple of Skaði. Fey from the Temple of Marzanna."

He takes a deep breath and continues, "Oriole from the Temple of Themis and Nemesis. Shania from the Temple of Hecate. Daniela from the Temple of Artemis. Oh and three different acolytes from the Nyx Temple." He makes a point to look past me and at the culprit. That's so many, can you process that? [Yes. Processing… Suitable candidates that are under leveled. Morgan, Fey, Oriole, Shania, and Efret.] Now, who do you think I should choose?

[All of the above candidates are from temples known for being quite perceptive. However only three of them have paths that can potentially offer you the most opportunities for growth without discovery] Which ones? Keeping an eye on the outside world and nodding perfunctorily to hide the inner turmoil. [Hecate, Nemesis, and Nyx.] Why not Artemis? [She's too perceptive and her brother was a victim of the Godkillers. Her followers are specially trained and tasked to find you. Her Temple is too dangerous.] Alright then that leaves the three major goddesses, I interrupt Eric, "What do you think of Hecate, Nemesis, and Nyx?" Erichean gives thought to his answer before speaking.

"They're all wonderful, powerful choices." Sounds like fluffer to save your life.

"However in relation to you. I can only think of Hecate or Nyx as a good fit. Hecate on one hand is not only a goddess of witchcraft but also of wealth." He mocks still not over my fondness of vulgar coins, "Which you seem to value dearly."

"Are you calling me greedy?" He ignored my plight and continued.

"Nemesis might be too jealous of a path for you but Nyx." He raises his chin towards her, "Your mother would know better than me but she is one of the most caring Goddesses of our time. I think you would benefit greatly from her kindness."

"What if I did something horrible and everyone hated me. Would she hate and abandon me too?" If I'm going to build a relationship with someone I might as well know who I'm getting into bed with. Is she going to smite me on sight or do I have a chance of survival?

"I'm not sure." He answers honestly with a shrug.