Church of the God of Blessings

The following weekend, on their first day off together, Meru and Zale had breakfast out. With an empty fridge and cabinets, shopping was also in order. Though it irked him, Meru didn't allow him to do any of the lifting. He was unable to.

After they'd stocked the house, and Meru was satisfied with both the organization and the contents, saying, "It's not perfect, but whatever. We don't have time to fiddle with this all day," they loaded the car with Meru's offerings and went to the closest alter.

The parking for the grand, spired building was scare. Cars had packed into the lot and would undoubtedly cause traffic hell later. Meru drove to the reserved places meant for hunters and other important affiliates. Zale was relieved, glad he'd only have to walk a short distance after their whole morning escapade.

"I really should have parked further away so you could get the exercise," Meru joked.

"Please, spare me. Can you pop the trunk," Zale asked, getting out of the car.

She popped the trunk, and Zale attempted to hoist the metal box from the back. The contents jostled slightly, but the box didn't budge. He was too weak. "I'll get it, babe. Don't worry."

Though her touch on his shoulder and gentle words were nothing but kind and caring, Zale groaned. He looked at his hands and squeezed them several times, feeling their withered strength with a sigh. "Give it time," she reminded him, easily lifting the box out of the trunk.

Zale closed the trunk, and they made their way into the church of The God of Blessings together. The interior was a clash of wealth and abject poverty. Zale's eyes couldn't avoid taking it all in.

The building had been constructed of marble and hardwoods. The quality masonry and carpentry done by big name professionals was a testament to the wealth garnered by the church. Adorning the walls were elaborate, lush tapestries and murals depicting interpretations of God and various heroes throughout history. The ceilings rose high, and the walls, pillars, and rafters were illuminated with bulbs placed to mimic old sconces.

Zale could only imagine the money poured into this one, school-sized building. However, The gap between the facility and its occupants was glaring.

Unwealthy people crammed into the building. They filled the pews, lined up behind minor alters, and wrapped around every available wall. They would be camped in the middle of the room as well, were it not for the priests maintaining order.

Some of the people who packed the hall were young men and women trying to make offerings at the minor altars set up around the building. Others were homeless beggars, orphans, and destitute souls, hoping someone would give them money or anything else to help them. Only a lucky few had been given enough to wait in line like the others, praying they'd be blessed for their devotion after months of saving and begging.

Stagnant desperation filled the air alongside the stench of incense and unbathed bodies. Every person in the lines had been saving to afford the crystals or monster cores used as prayer offerings. However, even the lowest grade crystals cost upwards of a hundred dollars per square inch. Those who couldn't afford an offering that day sat in the pews or gathered against the walls, begging silently in hopes of their own miracles.

This was a sight, a feeling, a lifestyle that Zale was painfully familiar with.