The Temple of Ylzadora
The Temple of Ylzadora
[1.1] And lo, the name of the First who served her is forgotten; his face is dust, and his voice is no more heard among men.
[1.2] Yet the legends remain, like smoke that lingereth after fire; and from these we behold the shadow of her beginning.
[1.3] In the days of desolation, when the earth was scorched and the heavens gave no rain, a man wandered alone in a land forsaken.
[1.4] And he came upon a cave cleft in the rock, and he entered in, for the heat of the day burned him sore.
[1.5] Within was coolness, and the scent of water, though none yet he found. And the man, desiring to drink, went deeper.
[1.6] The air grew thick as a veil, and there was power in it. His hairs stood upon his flesh, and a fearsome wonder took him.
[1.7] Then beheld he a gate—ancient, vast, and terrible—with a mark etched thereon: a sign unknowable, save to the soul—the Seal of Ylzadora.
[1.8] With trembling hands he pushed, and the doors gave way. And behold—a chamber broken and mighty, its glory fallen, yet not undone.
[1.9] And there, enthroned amidst the ruin, sat She Who Is Beyond Names. Her gaze was silence, her presence a consuming flame.
[1.10] And the man, forgetting thirst and purpose, fell upon his face. For he had found no stream of water, but the Fountain of All.
[1.11] And he worshipped her there; yea, he tarried long in the dust. Some say he died thus, clasped by the mystery. Others declare he liveth still, sustained by her breath.
[1.12] Wherefore then, ye ask, did her name go forth from that hidden place? Nay, none knoweth. Perhaps the cave is no place, but a veil—a riddle, not a ruin.
[1.13] Yet in time, her worship spread like a whisper in the dark. Not with trumpet, nor with scroll, but in secret, heart to heart.
[1.14] And many men have given their lives to her, dwelling alone, speaking not, watching, waiting. These are the silent pillars of her shrine.
[1.15] But among women there arise a few who draw nigh to her light with unveiled face. These are the Daughters of Ylzadora, vessels of her fire, bearers of her flesh.
[1.16] They move as she willeth, and where they tread, her purpose awakens. Yea, they are as stars fallen to the world, shining with hidden flame.
[1.17] And likewise the men, when they are called, rise as her sword. Not for glory, nor for gain, but for the will of She Who Is.
[1.18] Thus hath she endured, though thrones perish and empires fade. For her temple is not built with hands, but in the hearts of the willing.