Contemplation

After leaving Wim, being not overly concerned about him showing up at the camp, Islana continued her walk around the town.

She thought better about stopping for too long really any place as the men were still making her feel like a piece of meat. Any place, that was, except the shrine.

The young woman took a moment to pray for the safety of her friends and the Ash Hooves before really looking around. The shrine was small, yet surprisingly peaceful, as no one else was in here.

The last time Islana had been in a shrine had been the day Jiyn had been attacked. At first the young woman had actively avoided that place, feeling it would stir up too many memories. Then life became more active and she hadn't had the time, at least that's what Islana had told herself.

It wasn't that the redhead was the type to spend a great deal of time in shrines but that was different than not going on purpose.

This wasn't that shrine, no memories attached to it, just a makeshift building for people to worship in.

Islana had been raised with the same beliefs but not so much with the buildings. Her family almost never went into town, and they didn't have a shrine at their house. Worship was done outside or in their home, if the weather wasn't cooperating, using altars of their own design.

A part of Islana wondered if that was actually allowed, she had always assumed it was but maybe not. It was probably better than taking a child who could be accused of witchcraft to an actual shrine.

Islana was here for another reason, beyond prayers for safety. She needed an answer that no one could give her, maybe, here was a place to contemplate on it. Pray on it?

Part of her wanted to just take River and ride out into the wilderness some place and think there. The hunteress felt more at peace among the animals and nature than in almost any building. However, she was perhaps being a little more cautious, having just arrived in town.

Was there a good way to pray on the question if Islana Annora should be "killed off" to be made over as someone new? Doubtful.

This area would be the perfect place to have her die but then how could she stay with her friends? The young woman couldn't figure out a way to make that happen. Was that selfish of her?

Part of her still had an instinct to just run. Not even in any particularly clear danger at the moment but it was still a part of her thoughts, one Islana had been working hard to stop jumping to as there was no need for it, any longer. No, not running not this time but faking her death was a type of running, wasn't it?

Bounty hunter, cult member, maybe even someone, outside of her group, accidentally finding out about her gift and turning her over to the inquisition, Islana had a bad feeling, something or someone was going to catch up with her.

It would seem paranoid, if the feeling wasn't so justified.

Some guidance here would be nice. Islana thought.

No answer. Of course not. She didn't even know what she expected but anything would be better than nothing.

There really wasn't an answer, was there? Alexis and Boyce had both said they'd support her either way. So,this decision was entirely on her. If Islana went with the plan, whether or not it worked, on her. If the young woman didn't go with the plan and got caught, on her.

A deep sigh came from her. It would need more thought, but how long could she take to decide? The one thing Islana was certain of, if she had to go back to Lord Vasant, she wouldn't survive it.