Meriel

Meriel Dialogue

Note: Umra, pronounced OOM-rah

In Umra’s temple there are carvings all over the walls. Carvings of the sun, and the moon in its different phases, of stars, flames, candles, every representation of light you can imagine. These symbols are supposed to demonstrate what our goddess does for us, she moves the shadows aside and shows us things for what they are. Personally, I prefer the moon as her emblem, because I think of her as a beacon of light made all the brighter for the darkness around her. But others argue it should be the sun, because she burns brighter than any other light there is. For me this is a reminder that the truth exists differently for each of us. You and I can witness the same event in the same light and reach different conclusions, and neither of us has to be wrong.

So you see, I know there many ways of looking at a thing. But no matter how I look at our present dilemma, I cannot make sense of it. My faith has never undergone a test like this. As Heralds we learn that there is no darkness Umra’s power cannot pierce, no shadow so deep she won’t dispel it. But the shadowcur serves the darkness. Umra commands the light. So why aren’t our prayers helping? Why does our magic fail every time?

We haven’t saved even one of the demon’s victims. And the suffering is too much to bear. There must be a purpose here I’m missing, some truth I can’t see yet. I’ve prayed for guidance, but Umra is silent. I’m looking for the light, but darkness is in the way.