Yuta waited as his father arranged with the carriage driver to take their luggage to the inn. Together, they entered the temple, the air heavy with the scent of incense and the echo of whispered prayers.

Inside, the temple was a sanctuary of flickering candlelight and hushed reverence. The high priestess stood at the altar, her regal presence commanding the attention of all who entered.

As Yuta gaze fixed upon the high priestess, a sense of familiarity tugged at the corner of his mind. She was not the same high priestess who had visited their home, yet there was something about her that stirred a memory within Yuta's consciousness.

Yuta and his family took their seats as the ceremony began. The temple was filled with a sense of reverence as the high priestess stood at the altar, her presence commanding the attention of all who were present. Her voice, resonant and filled with authority, filled the temple as she spoke:

"Beloved disciples of Soter, today we gather to welcome new missionaries into our fold. These brave souls have answered the call to spread the light of our faith to the farthest reaches of the world, to bring hope and salvation to those who dwell in darkness.”

Yuta's gaze remained fixed upon the high priestess, his mind wrestling with the elusive memory that danced just beyond his grasp.

“Let us offer our prayers and blessings for their journey ahead, that they may be guided by the wisdom of Soter and strengthened by the purity of their hearts. May they walk with courage and conviction, knowing that they carry within them the light of divine grace.”

Yuta's eyes scanned the gathering of future missionaries until they landed on Aria, seated amongst them with a serene expression adorning her features.

“As they embark on this sacred mission, let us remember that we are all called to be beacons of hope in a world beset by shadows. Let us lift each other up in times of need and let us always strive to embody Soter’s light in all that we do.”

As the high priestess continued her invocation, Yuta's mind churned with a sudden realization. The memory he had been grappling with finally crystallized in his mind, like a piece of a puzzle slotting into place.

The high priestess was none other than the same woman who had visited their village with the mysterious man who had given Yuta the coin.

“May Soter bless and protect our new missionaries on their journey, and may their efforts be met with success and fulfillment. Let us now join together in prayer, as we offer our support and blessings for their noble undertaking."

"O Soter, divine protector and beacon of light,

Guide our hearts and minds in the path that is right.

As we embark on this journey, uncertain and bold,

Grant us strength and courage, that our faith may unfold.

Bless our steps as we tread the unknown,

Through valleys deep and mountains overthrown.

May your wisdom be our compass, your love our guide,

As we journey forth, side by side.

Protect us from darkness, from doubt and despair,

Fill us with hope, with your presence so rare.

Grant us the words to spread your divine grace,

And lead us to those who seek your embrace.

For we are but vessels, vessels of light,

Shining bright in the depths of the night.

With each step we take, with each word we share,

May your love and your mercy be known everywhere.

So bless us, O Soter, with your holy light,

And guide us through the darkness of the night.

For we are your servants, forever true,

In service to you, in all that we do.

Amen.

As the echoes of the prayer faded into the hallowed halls of the temple, the high priestess closed the ceremony.

"Thank you all for joining us today," she said to the congregation. "I invite you to return tomorrow, where you may bid farewell to the missionaries before they depart on their sacred mission."

Yuta watched as Aria and the rest of the missionaries stood up, their movements synchronized as they followed the high priestess out of the room.

As Yuta and his family rose to leave, a sense of urgency gripped him. He leaned in close to his mother, his voice barely above a whisper.

"Mother," he began, "I believe that the high priestess... she's the same woman who came to our village with the man who was looking for the hermit's cave."

"Yuta, don't be foolish," his mother replied, her voice tinged with admonishment. "You mustn't let your imagination run wild with such notions."

"But Mother, I'm certain of it," Yuta insisted, his heart racing with conviction. "I remember her face, her voice. It's all too familiar."

His father interjected with a calm voice. "Perhaps it's just a coincidence, Yuta," he offered. "Let us not dwell on such matters now. We have much to prepare for Aria's departure."

Reluctantly, Yuta nodded, conceding to his father's wishes. As they made their way toward the temple's exit, Yuta couldn't shake the feeling of unease that lingered in the pit of his stomach.

Before they could step out into the sunlight, a priestess approached them, her gentle demeanor offering a sense of comfort amidst the turmoil of their thoughts.

"Greetings," the priestess said, her voice soft and reassuring. "I understand how difficult it can be for the parents of a missionary. If you'd like, I could set aside some time to talk and pray with you."

"That would be greatly appreciated," Yuta’s mother said, gratitude evident in her voice. "Thank you for your kindness."

The priestess returned her smile. "Of course," she replied. "Follow me, and we'll find a quiet place to talk."

"Mother," Yuta interjected, his voice tinged with uncertainty, "may I go to the inn instead?”

His mother's brow furrowed with concern. "Yuta, I don't want you wandering the city alone," she replied.

Before Yuta could protest further, a soothing female voice spoke from behind him, interrupting their conversation.

"If you'd like, I could accompany him," the voice said, its gentle timbre laced with kindness.

Yuta turned to see a woman clad in a nun's habit standing behind him, her expression warm and inviting. She radiated a sense of calm and reassurance that immediately put Yuta at ease.

At the sight of the nun, the priestess's demeanor shifted. With a graceful movement, she knelt before the nun, her expression one of reverence and respect.

"Mother Superior," she said, her voice filled with deference.

Yuta’s mother paused, her expression hesitant. "If it wouldn't trouble you," she began.

Mother Superior responded with a warm smile, her eyes reflecting a depth of understanding. "Of course not," she said graciously. "It would be my pleasure. Come, young man, let us make our way to the inn."

With a nod of agreement, Yuta followed the nun out of the temple, a sense of curiosity mingling with the apprehension that churned in his stomach.

As they walked through the busy streets, Yuta found himself filled with questions.

"Mother Superior," Yuta began tentatively, "how well do you know the high priestess?"

 "Not too well, my child," she replied, her voice calm and reassuring.

Yuta's curiosity deepened at her response, but he sensed a reluctance in Mother Superior's demeanor, as if she were guarding some secret knowledge.

"Mother Superior," Yuta began again, his curiosity piqued, "would a high priestess ever wear regular clothes to travel?

Mother Superior's expression softened, her eyes searching Yuta's face for clues to his thoughts. "It would be highly unusual for a high priestess to forsake her ceremonial attire, especially during official duties or travels," she replied.

Yuta nodded, his mind racing with possibilities. "That's what I thought," he murmured.

Mother Superior regarded him with a gentle smile, sensing the turmoil within him. "What is on your mind, child?" she asked.

Yuta mulled over his thoughts for a moment before deciding to confide in Mother Superior. "I have reason to believe that the high priestess visited my village, but she wasn't dressed in her ceremonial attire.” He said, “She came with a man, and they were searching for a hermit's cave."

Mother Superior's expression remained calm, but a flicker of interest sparked in her eyes. "I see," she replied. "And did they find what they were looking for?"

"I'm not entirely sure," he recounted, "I guided them to its location on a map, and afterward, the man handed me a coin before they departed."

"Do you still have the coin?" she inquired.

Yuta nodded, reaching into his pocket to retrieve the small token. With trembling fingers, he handed it to Mother Superior, who examined it closely.

"This coin," she began, "bears the mark of Antioch, a symbol only a disciple of his would possess."

Yuta's disappointment was palpable as he responded, "Well, I suppose it's unlikely a high priestess would be traveling with a disciple of Antioch, isn't it?"

Mother Superior's smile was gentle as she replied, "Stranger things have been known to happen."

As they walked towards the inn, Yuta couldn't shake the feeling of unease that lingered in his mind. With each step, he felt the weight of unanswered questions pressing down on him.

"Mother Superior," Yuta began tentatively, breaking the silence that had settled between them, "there's something else I need to tell you."

Mother Superior turned to him, her gaze filled with gentle curiosity. "Of course, my child," she said. "You may speak freely."

Yuta took a deep breath, gathering his thoughts before he spoke. "It's about my sister, Aria," he started, the words tumbling out in a rush of emotion.

Mother Superior listened intently as Yuta recounted the trials and tribulations that had led to Aria's transformation into a missionary for Soter. He spoke of her struggles, her nightmares, and her newfound devotion to the faith that had once seemed so distant to her.

"As she delved deeper into her studies, I watched her become someone I hardly recognized," Yuta continued, his voice tinged with sadness. "She was consumed by her mission, her zeal for spreading the light of Soter overshadowing everything else."

Mother Superior nodded, her expression a blend of empathy and understanding. "It's not uncommon for those who have faced darkness to seek solace in the light," she said softly. "Your sister has been through a great deal, and her journey towards healing will take time."

Yuta nodded, a weight lifting from his shoulders as he shared his burdens with Mother Superior. "I just wish I could understand why she's chosen this path," he admitted, his voice tinged with longing.

Mother Superior placed a comforting hand on Yuta's shoulder, her touch a source of reassurance in the midst of his uncertainty. "We may not always understand the reasons behind the choices others make," she said gently, "but we can trust that they are guided by Soters wisdom, even when it leads them down unfamiliar paths."

As they made their way towards the inn, Yuta found comfort in Mother Superior's words, her gentle guidance easing the burden of his thoughts.

"Take, for instance, the path that led us here," she said, gesturing towards the inn ahead. "When we started, I anticipated a simple stroll with a kind young man. But as it turns out, this journey has unfolded into something far greater."

Curious, Yuta looked at her, waiting for elaboration. "What do you mean?" he inquired.

Mother Superior smiled enigmatically, her eyes holding a depth of wisdom beyond their years. "Let's just say that Soter has revealed much to me during this particular journey," she replied cryptically, leaving Yuta to ponder her words as they approached their destination.

Mother Superior's enigmatic smile lingered as she gently patted Yuta's hand. "You will be in my prayers, Yuta," she said softly before turning to walk away, her figure gradually disappearing into the crowed streets of Whitfield.

With a nod of farewell to the departing Mother Superior, he turned his attention towards the inn.

Taking a deep breath, Yuta pushed open the heavy wooden door and stepped into the cozy interior of the inn. The air was filled with the comforting aroma of freshly baked bread and simmering stew, and the sound of laughter and conversation echoed off the walls.

Yuta glanced around, taking in the quaint charm of the inn's common room. Tables were filled with travelers swapping stories over hearty meals, while a group of musicians played a lively tune in the corner. It was a scene of warmth and camaraderie, a welcome respite from the uncertainties that weighed heavy on Yuta's mind.

As he made his way through the crowd, Yuta spotted an empty table near the fireplace and quickly claimed it as his own. Settling into the wooden chair, he let out a sigh of relief, the flickering flames casting a soothing glow over the room.

As Yuta sat at the table, he absentmindedly reached into his pocket and retrieved the coin that had been given to him by the mysterious man. It felt cool against his fingertips as he turned it over, the intricate design catching the flickering light of the fire.

Lost in thought, Yuta didn't notice the curious glances of the other patrons in the inn, their eyes drawn to the gleaming coin in his hand. But then, from somewhere behind him, a voice spoke up.

"I couldn't help but notice that coin," the voice said. "I had one just like it once."

Startled, Yuta turned to see who had spoken. Standing behind him was a man who gave him the coin.