Thieves at Heart by Tristan J. Tarwater

Author:Tristan J. Tarwater [Tarwater, Tristan J.]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Publisher: BackThatElfUp
Published: 2011-03-08T21:00:00+00:00

The wine was sweet and spiced. Tavera didn't really like it but she was supposed to drink the whole bowl of it. Old Gam smiled at her and brushed her hair out of her face, hazel eyes sparkling at the girl who was now a woman. “How is it?” Old Gam asked, her curly hair framing her round face. They were standing at the altar after vespers. All the others had departed for drinks or home and the two of them had lagged behind to receive first rites. The priestess had poured the bowl of wine and gave it to Tavera, saying a prayer over the girl and anointing her with water from the sacred chalice. Tavera always wanted the temples' chalice for herself but she knew such a wish was bordering on blasphemy. She had mentioned it to Derk and all joviality had drained from his face, and she had spent all of their meal apologizing. She still wanted them, one of them. This one was made out of some white stone, probably alabaster and it had been carved to be perfectly round and smooth, the phases of the moon and inscriptions raised on the luxurious surface. Different temples had different styles of bowls and chalices, all of them beautiful. Most households had one set in the house somewhere. Gam's was set over her door, for protection. The priestess waited as she drank from the bowl, her grey eyes smiling as she gazed down at the newest woman of the Valley. The wine was thick on Tavera's tongue, warm on the back of her throat and hot in her belly, snaking around where there was a slight ache. What she really wanted to do was sleep but Old Gam had insisted on prying Tavera away from Derk, shooing him away to see Jezlen and taking her out for food and gifts.

Tavera finally drained the bowl and she could swear some of it had made it to her head. Her brain felt as if it were swimming in her skull and she swayed slightly on her feet, holding the bowl out for Old Gam to take. The priestess smiled with her mouth though her words were cool as ever, like cool water in summer. “Now you have imbibed the Wine of the Beloved Woman. May the desire that grows in you now lead you to happiness. May you grow in strength, wisdom and beauty so that you may be a help to yourself and those that may call upon you. May the Goddess shine upon you always, Her glory illuminating your successes and comforting you in your troubles. May you wield your womanhood with the pride and power that it deserves.” The priestess anointed her again, splashing the holy water onto the girl before she nodded to Gam and soundlessly took her leave of them, Old Gam saying her thanks before they both turned and left, their footsteps echoing in the empty temple.

Tavera looked down at the bracelet Gam had

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