A young priestess has to face the darkness and death she has been running from and go on a dangerous quest, with a stern, but brave Paladin at her side. 

Alva stepped into the water, her naked feet finding rocks and pebbles, the hum of her sister priestesses filling the air behind her. She waded deeper, her robe floating around her like snow, like a touch of winter among the colors of summer, among green, blue and a sapphire sky. She felt a magic tingle all around her, as though invisible forces had been awakened and had come to see her step into her new life, her chosen path as a priestess. 

She looked out on the rising sun, filling the lake with fire, and lifted her hands to the heavens, calling upon the blessing of the god, the great father, and then cupping her hands with water, drinking, filling her soul with the goddess. She let water drip over her hair before submerging herself as the sun lifted into the sky, symbolizing her life dedicated to the goddess, to the great mother of all. She rose to the surface feeling different, new, as though she had been washed clean, as though she was as white as snow. 

Slowly she turned, facing the small crowd on the shore, letting their song fill her. She sang also, softly, as she waded back to land, water dripping from her hair and face and arms.  Adrienne, the high priestess, met her, smiling, dressed in royal blue, in a gown glittering as though starlight had been caught in it. 

She bade her to kneel, and Alva sank down on the rocky beach, bowing her head, folding her arms over her chest in reverence to the great god and goddess. 

She felt a wreath of white flowers being placed on her head, and she looked up at the words of the high priestess, shivering, dripping wet, but filled with joy. She had prepared for this day for so long, and now it was finally here, and yet there was one more thing to left before she could call herself a priestess, a daughter of the goddess: - the oath. 

"Do you swear, Alva Whiteshield, to give up your own will, to follow that of the goddess. Do you swear to uphold truth and honor, and love, even in challenging times? Do you swear to protect this temple, the light, and everything good and beautiful in the world? "

Alva hesitated, for a moment, surprising herself. She knew this was what she wanted, had wanted for years now. But the burden of the high priestess’ words suddenly weighted on her, and she wondered if a time would come when she’d regret making the oath, when she’d find it too difficult to do what was asked of her? She felt the presence of the goddess, and she suddenly felt like crying. Love washed through her and she was again reminded of why she had chosen this path, and she nodded, trembling, smiling through her tears. 

"Yes. I swear it." A joyous cry rose from the other priestesses, and Adrienne smiled warmly, knowingly, taking her hands in her own, lifting her to her feet. 

"Then Alva, dear sister. Welcome to the service of the goddess. "