Issue 1 Downtime

Isabel was in a secluded part of the hedge maze. She wasn't drinking this time, instead she'd set a small statue of Brigit on a convenient flat rock and was sitting cross legged in front of it, her lips moving in silent prayer.

(open)

It didn't take long for someone to notice. Of course that someone knew better than to interrupt prayer and so Nailah just quietly landed a little ways away from Isabel and waited.

Eventually, Isabel finished and stood up, stretching a little.

Nailah politely clears her throat. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to disturb you, but I couldn't help but notice you flying over."

"Its ok." Isabel said " was I bugging you?"

"Oh not at all. I was just curious what you were doing."

"I was just praying." Isabel replied, gesturing at the image "To Brigit. I'm a Pagan."

Nailah quirks an eyebrow and tries to hide an amused smile.

"The Exalted One, hmm? How did that come about? If you don't mind me asking."

"I was feeling like I needed some direction, something or someone to guide me, and She seemed like a good fit."

"Please, don't think you have to justify it. Least of all to me. It's an interesting choice though."

"I guess." Isabel said "I'm a healer, and I like to write, so it seemed pretty obvious."

"Not necessarily what I would have expected. Though I suppose she is known for her keening." she smiles faintly.

"What do you mean?" Isabel asked

"Well she is the goddess of poetry, but I wouldn't have expected a goth to worship the Fiery Arrow, is all."

"You have to have light to make shadow."

"That's a very simple way of looking at it, but I suppose it's not wrong. And don't let me question your choice of patron deity. May she elate your spirit." she smiles and does a slight bow towards Isabel.

"Thank you." Isabel said, still not sure if Nailah was making fun of her or not.

She was amused, but by something entirely different.

"I mean it. I'm the last who should make fun of these things."

"Why is that?"

"Do you have a moment? I want to show you something."

"Yeah, of course."

And so the two head over towards the lighthouse. Leading Isabel up the stairs Nailah takes her to her room. Opening it she reveals a room that looks like it's been plucked out of a different time. The walls are light brown stones with symbols etched into them. Light is flooding the room from the south facing windows. In the middle of the room is a slightly elevated platform with yet more geometric etchings and a brass bowl. On one side is a desk and book-shelf but even they seem a little out of place for the 21st century. The murals on the other side of the room leaves little doubt that Nailah has turned this room into a small temple for Sekhmet.

"Whoa." Isabel said "Its like a mini-temple."

"It very much is." she nods. "And that's why I have no room to belittle your beliefs."

"Well, you could still think your goddess could beat up my goddess." Isabel joked.

"In a straight fight? I think my girlfriend could beat up your goddess." she chuckles. "But in all seriousness, if something strongly resonates with you then don't let anything stop you. It's not about who is right, who created the world or whether there's one heaven or one hell for everyone."

"Yeah, exactly." Isabel replied "Everyone has to figure out for themselves what gives their life meaning."

"Well, some people feel there's no room in this world for more than one interpretation of the divine."

"Some people are stupid."

"Most people are just scared. Of one thing or another."

"Yeah, I know." Isabel said bitterly "I've been watching the news from America."

"And then there are the ones who exploit that fear." she nods. "Proving them right doesn't exactly help..."

"The whole thing is a mess." Isabel said.

"I'm just glad we could get some of the Institute kids over before this escalated."

"Yeah, I'm worried about the people who stayed, though."

"There's nothing else we can do right now."

"There should be." Isabel said "We should be able to do more than hide."

"You can't force someone to change their mind." she points out. Or at least you shouldn't.

"No, but..I dunno, we could get people out when it all goes to hell."

"Keep in mind that while we're somewhat hidden we can't just do as we please. I do wish there was more we could do but..."