<div class="floatright">(https://elliquiy.com/elluiki/images/5/5e/Zeldana.jpg)</div><br/>Zeldana took in the hot spring with blessed reverence. She walked quietly to its edge and sank to her knees placing her hands in the water, closing her eyes and whispering a prayer of thanks. She was thankful that the spring had not dried up and that the Goddess had helped her to find the way there. She could see the beautiful lilac blossoms of the lavender and in closing her eyes, she inhaled their heavenly scent. She knew that Roga wanted to swim here- who wouldn't . What he did not realize was for her- it was almost a necessity. It had been many moons since she had made her way to the sacred place. immersing herself in it's calming waters would invigorate her and give her strength and energy to continue with the ministrations of the sick and those needing her help.<br/><br/>Without a word, she took off her fur coat. She unlaced her bodice and let her gown slip from her shoulders. she next bent and slipped out of her shoes. She pulled the drawstring on her slim pants and let them fall to the ground. Last, she shrugged out of her camisole.  She unbound her hair and let the blackish strands fly free around her body. They tickled at her naked skin and she laughed softly. This was a sacred place for her, a place as warm and loving as was her home. Here she could feel the spirits of her mother and grandmother and great, great grandmother. It was here she could feel the strongest power of the goddess. She spread her hands out wide on each side of her body and looked up to the heavens.<br/><br/>"Thank you, Goddess Mother, for allowing us to reach your sacred spring. Allow us to bathe in the essence of your love and carry us on to complete our journey."<br/><br/>Zeldana did not look at Roga nor was she embarrassed about her nakedness. She was doing service to her Goddess and there was nothing shameful nor degrading about that. The cold began to prick at her skin. She placed her hands together above her head and with one swift and graceful leap, she entered the water, disappearing beneath its clear blue mirror.