<strong>The Beauty of Nature</strong><br/>"Mr. Stanis, is that what you think I get up to all day?" She had a big tickled smile as Helia was arriving. "Falling to my knees and leaving everything to the gods? Oh, hello." She came forward to meet Helia, en route to the temple entrance. "The Temple of Casta is beautiful, isn't it? I'm sure the priests wouldn't mind if you make use of the facilities while you're here. We meet over the interfaith dialog every other week, and they make a wonderful spiced coffee. Such fascinating stories- oh, but I shouldn't tell."<br/><br/>It was bittersweet to be stepping out of the pleasure temple already, but she looked fondly out on the distant shapes of Amberdale's farms and towers. "I'm going to return to the Sanctum of Light. If you would please bring the sap to me there, it may save many lives. And, of course, you will both have your blessing." She consulted Helia, then Stanis. Did they not know what a blessing was? "A divine benediction, for good luck and good health. Sadly, I can't offer you any coin, but who could put a price on such a thing?"<br/><br/>There were old paths, leading into the forest all around the Temple of Casta. Once there had been audacious nature trails laid by city priests who though the woods tamed. Those old markers had been swallowed whole, and the trails broken apart by changing seasons. In places the path was more treacherous than trees, as landslide had deposited whole new hills and sinkholes had opened up pits between nicely laid stones. Sister Melody did not say so, but she was happy not to be going in. There was good reason the birds preferred to roost atop the Temple of Casta.