[This roleplay is rated Mature for any of the following reasons, in moderation or excess: swearing, violence, sexual themes, alcohol or drug use or abuse, and things that do not fit these limitations. Reader discretion is advised.]
Balanced Roots
In the peaceful town of Devaduta, the only town for miles was the raging storm. Lightning shattered the earth and thunder's call sounded throughout the whole town, making it impossible to sleep. However, at this late hour, it seemed no one else was awake. This was a trait of this quaint old town: no matter what was going on, the people never seemed bothered.
Kay'zha had never understood that. He'd moved to Devaduta some five years ago, after learning that the previous priest had passed away of the Plague. After so long, the twenty-seven-year-old was sure he would never adopt the tranquility that always enveloped the town. While his town slept, he was awake with a pounding headache.
He didn't have the opportunity to relax. The priest never allowed himself to rest when there was work to be done. Despite the storm and the moon shining outside, the priest was busying himself with clearing away the candles from the ritual that night. Part of his duties as priest involved performing healings for people. He, of course, could not heal; Kay'zha called upon the powers of the White Spirit, Albia. Albia, for some reason, had chosen Kay'zha long ago to be her human bridge.
That was why Kay'zha had become a priest. Religion had never been a passion of his, or even an interest, but he was the only man that he knew of that could use the powers of Albia. He had free communications with her, and so he used her abilities to help people. He didn't enjoy it, but it was what Albia asked of him.
Albia, however, did not work alone. While people erected churches to honor the White Spirit, cults also met to honor the Black Spirit. This spirit, Ater, was Albia's equal and opposite. Where Albia was seen as the benevolent deity that protected and guided humankind, Ater was seen as the being that controlled sin. His name was whispered like a cuss among people so bold, and in some areas, just saying his name was enough for a death sentence. People feared Ater as much as they hated him.
That was why Kay'zha never told anyone of his connection to both spirits. He was the bridge between them, good and evil, Albia and Ater. In the face of the people, he worshiped only Albia, but in private, he needed to satiate the Black Spirit as well.
As he cleared away the day's tools, Kay'zha let out a sigh. It had been a long day, and he knew it was going to be an even longer night. He looked out the window of his chapel, at the world illuminated by lights from the heavens. He liked the monotony of Devaduta, the routine of his boring life, but an ever-present fear lingered within him. With both spirits having control of his body at will, he could only think of the troubles he would get into, or what sorts of troubles would come to him.
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