No need to match length! 617

Where to start was the ultimate question that reigned in the Jinne’s mind. Converting from Wahrer to Jinne wasn’t as cumbersome as she thought it would be. Wahrer in the Dahlian language meant something along the lines of a hunter. While every Luperci possessed basic instinct of hunting (for it was in their survival genes), Alae never looked at herself as truly strategic when it came to coordinating hunts. Jinne, on the other hand, was the ‘Beloved of God’ and of the highest spiritual rank in Ichika. Tremendously honored and grateful to receive a prestige position in Ichika, the Sidhe surely wouldn’t fail her new title and practice. It was only but the perfect placement, and now Alae could really begin to execute her practices with a more official title.

After their first meal ceremony before the next morning where they would set out to explore the regions of Ichika, Alae hauled along her satchels that clinked audibly with the jars of dried herb and incense that were encapsulated within them. Even since the arrival, it appeared Kael had taken a profound interest in the new surroundings himself, as the snowy owl couldn’t keep him perched upon her shoulders; he needed to fly into his new habitat, to explore the branches and canopies to where he would find himself looming. For this, Alae decided to follow the path that Kael flew. The weather was growing increasingly warmer in this particular afternoon, seemingly as the two companions ascended the Halcyon Mountain range. While the air was crisp, at the same time it was beginning to become winded from the increase in elevation. Kael destined to fly higher, and while it was taking somewhat of Alae’s breath away from her, the Sidhe persisted forth.

Coming to a point where there were peculiar structures in the distance, Kael noticed this as well, and flew forth. They were thought of as nothing but human remains from centuries ago until a towering statue among a flight of steps caught Alae’s eyes in inquisitiveness. The four corners of the roof appeared to be slightly turned upward, and the closer they approached, the more strange familiarity struck the Sidhe. Such statues and patterns were remembered in her teachings from her grandmother when she was very young, and close enough where she could see the great statue overlooking the grand staircase that led up to the shrine, Alae dropped all three satchel bags, the jars within them sounding like several might have shattered against some. Alae couldn’t care if they all shattered.

Looking down upon her was no other than Siddhartha Buddha himself.

Whether it was fate, or even Kael (who soared farther ahead, and landed on the edge of one of the upturned fixtures of the roof), it led her to a hidden sanctuary of awakening. Siddhartha was the universal symbol for the very meditation and yoga she practiced, and couldn’t believe a sanctuary had been hidden here throughout the centuries. Rubbing her eyes once, twice, three times, and then blinking rapidly, Alae couldn’t believe what was before her. She read about these in ancient books, and only dreamed to visit such a sanctuary when she was older. Needn’t wait anymore in her life to do so, a sacred Buddhist sanctuary, at the peak of Ichika, was at her paws. Chills instantly ran through her arms and raised her guard hairs. If this was destiny, then Kael must have known all along; about Dahlia, about this, somehow. Perched he sat, almost as if smitten with his discovery.

Alae could do nothing but stare agape at the entrance, almost afraid to even ascend the stone staircase. It was the most beautiful thing her eyes have ever seen, and for once was completely moved in shock.