Come walk with me down Prophet's Alley's way,

Where the faithful gather, night and day.

Each god and goddess claims a sacred space,

A realm to preach their unique, divine grace.

Skadi's followers, in a clearing, convene,

Their bows resound, nature's rhythms serene.

Arrows fly, in harmony with nature's voice,

Teaching ways that in the wild rejoice.

Ariadne's vineyard, lush and evergreen,

Where wine flows rich, like a tranquil stream.

Blessing earth, sun, and the nurturing rain,

Toasting to the bounty, a fruitful gain.

Hera's shop, a place of secrets veiled,

Where potions brew and ancient spells are hailed.

With mystic arts, they mend and they aid,

Teaching those in need the magician's trade.

Artur's temple, stands proud and tall,

Where brave souls answer honor's valiant call.

Swords and shields, they wield with might,

Defending what's just, in valor's light.

Valkas's temple, shrouded in dark night's cloak,

Followers practicing spells, an enigmatic spoke.

Their power's weight, with fear imbued,

Challengers vanish, where shadows intrude.

Igor's tavern, boisterous and bold,

Where the fierce and mighty stories unfold.

With strength and fury, their passions untamed,

Challengers soon find themselves maimed.

Soter's chapel, warm, bathed in light,

Followers offering hope, shining bright.

Love and compassion in their hearts reside,

Uplifting the lost, mending wounds inside.

Taliesin's music hall, where songs take flight,

Followers seeking solace through the night.

With sweet melodies, tales spun anew,

Comforting those who've paid life's due.

Antioch's shop, filled with laughter's cheer,

Followers spreading joy, drawing hearts near.

Mischief and mayhem, their delightful creed,

Teaching life's value, beyond all greed.

Prophet's Alley, a place of faith, they stand,

Followers from diverse beliefs, hand in hand.

Unique in their ways, yet bound by hope's belief,

Together they dwell, in faith, love, and relief.

Harahel walked through Prophets Alley, her eyes scanning the crowds of people who were milling about. She was on a mission to find Antioch, and she knew that this was the place to start. She was dressed in a loose tunic with billowy pants, her hair pulled back in a tight braid. Her eyes were sharp, and her expression was one of determination.

As she walked, she saw the religious leaders of each of the nine gods preaching to their congregations. The High Prophet of the Hunt stood tall with her bow and arrow, Skadi followers surrounding her, listening intently to her words. The Grand Vintner of the Vineyard was pouring wine for her followers, who were laughing and enjoying themselves. Heraes' lot was abandoned, as were Valkas’s, save for an unhinged old man screaming, “The Dark Lord will rise again!”

Harahel's path through the mass of people was illuminated by the Barbaric chieftain, his muscles stretching as he swung his giant sword, and Igors supporters erupting in applause. She saw a priest and priestess of Soter, preaching about redemption through the power of their God's love.

And then, she saw the fool, standing on a small stage, surrounded by Antioch's followers, all of them laughing and smiling at his jokes and tricks. Harahel felt a pang of anger. Remembering their encounters these last few days, she wonders if Antioch sent him to spy on her.

She walked up to the stage, her eyes fixed on the fool. He saw her approach, his eyes widening in surprise. "My lady," he said, his voice laced with a mixture of surprise and nervousness. "Have come you for Antioch's help?"

Harahel stepped up onto the stage, coming face to face with the fool. "I have come for Taliesin," she said her voice firm. "Whom your coward of a God has kidnapped!"

The fool's eyes widened, and he took a step back. "What? That's crazy. He would never do something like that. He loves his brother."

Harahel shook her head. "He is jealous of his brother," she said. "He has held a grudge against Taliesin ever since….."Harahel pauses.

The fool looked at her, his eyes narrowing. "Ever since what?" he said. ” Come now, I love good gossip.”

Harahel stepped forward, her eyes filled with rage. "I want to see Antioch," she said.

The fool's expression grew serious. "Ah, I see. That's a tall order, my dear. Antioch is not known for his willingness to come when beckoned."

Harahel clenched her fists. "I have to try," she said firmly. "Taliesin's life is in danger, and I will do whatever it takes to save him."

The fool regarded her for a moment, his eyes studying her. Then he nodded. "Very well, my dear. At midnight, come to Valkas's abandoned temple. If it is his will, he may grace you with presents. “I will be there.” She said, “and if he is a God worthy of the lowly praise of a rat. He will be there too.” With that, she turned away from the fool and began walking through the bustling Prophets Alley once more.

Later that afternoon, Harahel found herself standing outside the Theater of Taliesin. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation as she entered the familiar building. The air was thick with the scent of incense, and the sounds of musicians tuning their instruments and actors rehearsing their lines filled the space.

Harahel's eyes sought out Celia among the senior disciples. She approached Celia with a determined stride, her heart pounding with urgency. "Celia," she began, her voice urgent. "I have reason to believe that Antioch is responsible for Taliesin's disappearance."

Celia listened to Harahel's account with a furrowed brow, her expression showed both skepticism and concern. "Harahel, I understand your worries, but you must understand that Antioch and Taliesin are brothers," Celia said, her voice gentle. "Their relationship is complex, but I find it hard to believe that Antioch would resort to such extreme measures."

Harahel's frustration mounted as she tried to convey the urgency of the situation. "Celia, I've seen it in my dreams," she insisted. "Taliesin is in danger, and I believe that Antioch is responsible."

Celia sighed, her eyes searching Harahel's face. "Dreams are powerful, but they can also be misleading," she said. "The elder disciples have sensed no disturbance in the energies surrounding Taliesin. He is not in immediate danger."

Harahel's shoulders slumped in defeat, her desperation warring with Celia's measured words. "But I know what I saw," she said, her voice quieter now. "I can't just ignore it."

Celia's gaze softened as she regarded Harahel. "I understand that you're deeply concerned, and I don't mean to dismiss your feelings. But sometimes, our fears can shape our perceptions in ways we don't realize."

Harahel's frustration mingled with a sense of helplessness. She wanted desperately to find a way to save Taliesin, but Celia's words were planting doubt in her mind. "I just can't shake the feeling that something is wrong," she admitted, her voice laden with worry.

Celia reached out and placed a reassuring hand on Harahel's shoulder. "I know that you care deeply for Taliesin," she said. "Perhaps it would help to take your mind off things for a while. Why don't you come back to the theater tonight? We're having a gathering of bards to play music and write songs. It might be a good opportunity to find solace in your art and connect with fellow believers."

Harahel hesitated, torn between her determination to uncover the truth and the need for a reprieve from her worries. "I'll consider it," she said finally, a small smile playing at the corners of her lips. "Thank you, Celia."

Celia's smile was warm and understanding. "Remember, Harahel, you're not alone in this. We all share your concern for Taliesin's well-being."

As Harahel walked away from the theater, her thoughts were a whirlwind of conflicting emotions. Celia's invitation had planted a seed of doubt in her mind, and she found herself torn between confronting Antioch and seeking solace in music. She knew that going to Valkas's abandoned temple would be a risky move, but her heart told her that she couldn't ignore the urgency she had felt.