The priestess herself wears a simple skirt and blouse combination, white on top, black on bottom to represent the Goddesses. She smiles as she looks down at the congregation. “I see we have some new members in the audience with us today. Why don’t we start with a refresher for their benefit?”

I sink a little lower in my seat. That’s what this day was missing: being singled out.

“In the beginning, there were two sisters born into the vast universe. The first was called Ebanarra and the second, Tasminya. While their looks were identical, their spirits were as opposite as night and day. But they both shared a fondness for creation.

“Ebanarra made the stars, while Tasminya formed the moons. When they created worlds together, Ebanarra would make the land, the plants, and the skies. Tasminya, the waters, animals, and winds. Together, they made the first woman, who gave birth to the human race.

“Ebanarra was always careful and meticulous with her creations, nurturing them, guiding them, watching them grow. While Tasminya was a little more reckless, not striving for perfection, but uniqueness. She rarely stayed to care for her creations, more interested in what they would make of themselves.

“Today, we give thanks to the Sisters for every good thing in our lives, and we pray to them both when we’re in need.”

I relax somewhat in the telling. Everything in Thersa is new and requires adjustment, but it’s nice to be met with something familiar. The Goddesses are the same here as they are back home.

“The Goddesses have set an example for us since the beginning,” the priestess says. “We should show care and love for this world and the people in it. The church accepts donations for the poor and less fortunate. Those who can’t afford to give of their income are encouraged to share their time. The priestesses at the orphanage can always use more helping hands.

“Be kind to all, despite our differences. Pray for those who wrong you. Ask the Sisters to help change their hearts.”

I can honestly say it never occurred to me to pray for Kymora. I suppose it couldn’t hurt.

“Do these things and there will be a place reserved in the Sisters’ heavens for you. A place where there is no pain nor fear nor strife.”

There is so much comfort to be taken in the Sisters’ teachings. That’s why I haven’t managed to give up on them yet. I believe we should all be kind to everyone and do our part to help others. I want to believe there is an existence after this one where I don’t have to feel scared or anxious anymore.

I’m almost glad I was forced to attend today’s service. The comfort of it is a balm to my troubled heart.

“And of course,” the priestess continues in the same gentle voice, “above all else, we must eradicate magic at all costs.”

That has me snapping my neck up.

“We do not know when it first came into existence—magic predates the written word—but it swept over this world like a disease, infecting some while blessedly sparing others. We do not know its origin, but we suspect it came from the land. From digging minerals out of the earth, churning the soil for crops, burying the dead. Somewhere, the magic sprang forth, and those who became corrupted permanently destroyed their bloodlines, passing the taint down from generation to generation.”