Kallista walked the temple with her friend, Gygaea, a woman she has admired for many years. For a long, Kallista believed she was unworthy as High Priestess and pushed for Gygaea to have the position, but like the others she turned her down. Gygaea was the first to tell Kallista that it was her fate to lead the sisters, and to derail fate would be a bad omen as well as a disrespect to their Lady. Like Gygaea, Kallista was a star among the sisters, she has adopted all the roles and excelled in them all, and her faith in Artemis was unparalleled. It was a not discussion for Kallista to become High Priestess, but it took some convincing for herself. Kallista would confide in Gygaea of her uncertainties and the peace ceremony was a like thick fog in her mind, and it was too thick for her to navigate on her own.


The peace ceremony meant a lot of things, but to the sisters of the Cypress sisterhood it meant that their doors would be open to women and men alike. The women were not of Kallista’s concerns, but it was the men were to attend – many of them being soldiers. Attitudes among the sisters shared a consensus of mistrust and pure disagreement. Kallista completely understood everyone’s desire to deny the temple as being the source of the festivities, but she also saw it as an opportunity for everyone. Gygaea also shared Kallista’s beliefs, and like Kallista she also grew up in a regime of the sisterhood that was more… Misandristic. Many of the priestesses were against it all, but from conversations had with Gygaea it was the High Priestess’s ultimate decision.


The dark-haired beauty walked a slow pace with her friend as she conversed, “We are fortunate that today’s events have started less than expected… The sisters also seem to be enjoying themselves, but of course I am sure it is only an impersonation of enjoyment.” Gygaea smiled at Kallista’s words as she shared, “You know them well. If Artemis has taught us anything, then it would be how to survive in a man’s world.” Kallista nodded her head in agreement as she looked about, “Indeed so,” Kallista said with light amusement. Kallista and Gygaea walked past a marbled pillar into the main hall of the temple, before finding the exit. In the main hall, Kallista could easily hear the commotion on the outside, and that alone made her want to remain on the inside. Generally, the temple was quiet, so to say at the least, Kallista was not used to the change of events.


Within the main hall, Kallista seen a woman enter the temple with a wrapped offering as she approached the dais that sat in front of the matured Cypress tree. Kallista and Gygaea watched from the side of the hall as the woman gave honor to their goddess. A small smile etched on Kallista’s expression as she awaited the woman to finish her prayers. Kallista turned to Gygaea, “It seems our Lady has found a follower, Gygaea. Allow me.” At that moment, Kallista left her friend’s side to gracefully approach that of the temple’s guest. Kallista eyed the ivory based urn, the golden depiction of their Lady was well crafted, and she was sure that it would please the goddess. Once the woman was done, Kallista spoke up with a polite smile, “I am sure our Lady is pleased by your offering,” the High Priestess continued, “Please accept my gratitude in honor of the Lady Artemis, and a welcome as the High Priestess of Her temple."