A Sigh for the Dark Mother [[ M+ Warning. Mature]

[Courtney]

"Well then let that child destroy herself,"
Ni-Terat's words were harsh and then she was gone.

Eilantha observed the woman before her, but in her eyes she now saw naught but a child, punishing herself for foolish deeds.
"Elizabeth Ashforge, all sins unto this moment are being forgiven by the Dark Mother, the Mother of All,"
The words were not the rasping tongue of the Mother, but they were beautiful yet commanding. It left no room for argument.

[Ashforge]

"Destroying to preserve."

After awhile, Elizabeth had said that and begun adjusting the white material on her shoulders. Ni-Terat seemed to be somewhat close-minded. Perhaps a simple woman, even if she were a goddess, could not accurately understand the perseverance it took to adhere to something so contrary to what her body wanted. Pain is scary, death is scary; face pain and death for every misdeed and you are not likely to commit them again. Scars are memories, learning tools.

Every time you destroy yourself, you are preserving good and justice that is associated with your name. People respect the person who fears and adheres to punishment. But no one else will do the deed for fear of looking cruel. So, it is the job of the person who committed the crime. A lesser person, one who wished to be free of sins without raising a hand, would beg the gods for forgiveness instead of doing what really needed to be done.

But, at this moment, Banur was not insulted and if sins were forgiven at this moment, there was no need to punish.

"I am humbled," Elizabeth replied, "and, perhaps, a bit bothered because that frees up so much time in my schedule today with nothing to do."