The Book of Ruth is named for the Moabite woman who commits herself to the Israelite people by an oath to her mother-in-law Naomi and becomes the great-grandmother of David by marriage to Boaz of Bethlehem. Thus she is an ancestor in the messianic line that leads to Jesus.

The book portrays the love and loyalty of human beings in working their way through tragic circumstances to participation in the community of the faithful people of God. The key is responsible and loving decision-making: Ruth’s loyalty, her generosity and her willingness to take risks for the sake of righteousness set in motion a chain of beneficial events, while behind the scenes God blesses each step in the developing drama. Ruth is so frequently designated “the Moabite” in the book that the audience of the story is constantly reminded of the universality of the embrace of salvation.


The beauty of the story’s construction, its use of dialogue (nearly two thirds of the text), and the sheer drama of its content mark it as one of the classic short stories of world literature. Based on the recollection of an historical figure, a story is developed which grips its audience with profound insight into divine and human relationships. The story is presented from a point some time after the course of events, as is indicated by the explanation of an obscure custom in. Wherever and whenever it was told, its claim of God’s universal concern for humankind and the attractiveness of caring human responsibility shines forth.

4 men of extraordinary births. 1 pirate. 1 manwhore. 2 princes. Where shall her ice heart melt? 

In this power-ravenous era, is love allowed? Or destined to be used. 

"Ruth, you are only mine and when you leave my side, I will kill all whom you cherish, mark my words." 

"Ruth, please don't leave me, please hold on to my hands." 

"Ruth, what am I in your heart?" 

"Ruth. stop looking at those reports and focus on me!" 

Ruthless Lasombra, the one with great powers and hair of two colours. One with exceptional roots from millions of years ago, where shall her attention be retained? 

Attention Retention.
Hihi! Still updating, please do save and vote if you enjoy!!

Everyone was laughing, who would not laugh at such a comical scene?!

Even the teachers present were not able to hold it in. The person they looked up to.. had a fake beard... before they were thinking of growing a beard of their own but now they would rather not have a beard seeing that a scene like this could happen to them also.

The beard is quite addictive.

"SILENCE!" The old man screamed at the top of his voice.

His face was deeply flustered as he started to speak in the mic.
"You all have failed my test, all of you! Your internal marks will be graded zero. The test was to see if you all will laugh and everyone one of you laughed." 

He shook his head in pity.

Rael stared at him, rolling his eyes, while everyone present was brooding on the fact that their internal marks will be zero for the month which meant they won't get and school points from the school.

'Just how much can he bullshit? I am sure nobody here buys it.'

He turned around to look at the people nearby him and was stunned by them all.
"These dumbos actually believe him?!"

He shook his head in pity and started to pay attention to the old man who was now explaining many other things.

"All first year's will be provided with a certain amount of money to buy all your commodities. All of it will be sponsored by the school as you have all lost your belongings.

You will have to also buy everything needed for the Survival Assessment along with the belongings.

After you are done we will send all first year's to another school because we can't accommodate you all. You all will go directly for the assessment from the respective school." 

The old man ended his explanation and turned around to run away from the student's eyes. He had already embarrassed himself enough.

"Coward! The beard was weak." Rael scoffed as he turned away ready to leave.


As he was leaving he found someone standing in front of him like an immovable pillar.

He observed the brown-haired woman, she was Lucifer who had reverted back to her teacher disguise, even Rael hadn't seen her true form except for Puck.

"Where had you been?" She asked strictly.

"Huh? What do you mean?.. I have been here all along?" Rael retorted, he had indeed been there since the beginning.

"I didn't feel your signature energy when I teleported everyone," Lucifer said as she crossed her arms making her assets look larger.

"Haha.... oh that... I was actually in the second year's territory with my second year friends..." 

She raised her eyebrows, she knew that he didn't have any friends excluding his roommates, he hadn't even bothered to interact with everyone in his dorm.

"Oh is that so? Mind telling me one of them?" She said sarcastically.


"Okay forget about what I said earlier... I was in a café, eating fries and drinking coffee alone, thinking of making a farm and maybe communicating with the animals in it..." Rael spoke not daring to look at her in the eye.

Lucy stared at him in disbelief before giggling. She pulled him by the ear and held his two cheeks with her hands.

"I have never seen such a gullible guy like you.... why don't you come to my place later, come with your belongings, you can stay over for the time being.. your dorm is destroyed anyway plus you will be a bit less lonely won't you?" 

She said the last line winking, before running away with a huge blush on her face.

He stared at her running figure in a daze before smiling wryly. He shrugged his shoulders and sighed.
"So troublesome."

~
Later that day I was heading to various shops to buy all the commodities he needed.

I couldn't help but blush when I thought of the scene which took place in front of me.

Is she hinting towards me?

Shaking my head I focused on buying what I needed.

As I finished buying all the stuff needed I stored them all in a space inventory belonging to Tommy.

While walking towards the school I met up with some first years from my class.

They were in a hurry and seemed jolly talking to each other.

"Where are we going?" I asked one of the three classmates.

The first classmate called Corin shrugged, "I don't know it seems that some third years have called all first year's to gather near the basement.

"Huh? Why is that?" I frowned.

"We don't know I think we will know when we will reach." A guy names Rindo answered.

I nodded and started to follow the group.

Upon reaching the basement, I saw a very gruesome scene revealing in front of me.

In front of me, Boaz was hung to a cross, with nails pinned to his limbs, it was a scene relatable to what happened to Jesus.

The third-year were snickering while mocking Boaz. Surprisingly, Ruth was also there and he was pinned down.

A third-year kicked Ruth's face as he looked at him with disgust.
"You dared to try and save your brother!"

He glared at Ruth as he ordered his men.
"Cut all his body parts and then let it regrow and repeat the same process like a loop."

He smiled evilly as he turned around to look at Boaz.
"Now that charming face that you have.... how dare you to steal the heart of my fiance." 

He punched Boaz's face again and again until it was disfigured.

Boaz hadn't even tried to seduce the fiance of the Glutomny Prince. It was just he caught her attention unknowingly, he didn't know that she had a fiance and that too a prince of gluttony, then later he made her his girlfriend.

Everything was going until he the gluttony prince came to know about the matter.

He was a raping bastard but was also very possessive who looked at everyone as his playthings, he was enraged when he found out someone had taken his toy away.

All this happen two years ago and from that day he decided to make it a tradition to beat up Boaz on a certain day. He would show it to all the first years so he could engrave in their mind to never so against him.

Kill two birds with one stone.

I was a bit shocked and surprised when I saw Ruth the brother of Boaz standing up for him. From what I had heard and thought was that Ruth hated Boaz.

Ruth could never hate Boaz no matter what, despite all his tries to do so.

Blood will always be thicker than water.

Rage erupted in my heart as I stared at the gluttony brat.

He was going to die a death so gruesome that even if he begged to the gods even they nor the devil could ever save him.

Calm down calm down!

I calmed myself, I was almost going to spread the blood lust that I have cultivated for a million years.

Now wasn't the time to kill him. I would give him the worst death ever, he would die from the hands of Boaz itself.

Shifting my gaze from the gluttony prince, 'Bukkad', I stared at the crucified guy.

Pitiful and Pathetic.

That's all I could muster.

"Everyone... I will be distributing these stones to you all... you have to throw it on the man in front." Bukkad said while grinning evilly. Boaz was his favorite plaything.

The senior students came and started to distribute the stones.

I inspected the stones and frowned deeply.

This bastard was giving pure Mythril stones.

If the guy was vulnerable then the person could have his or her mana veins ruined and crippled.

That's what was happening to Boaz, slowly his being deteriorating.

"So who would like to go first?" Bukkad asked with an amused smile.

Nobody dared to step forward, it was too indemon, also if they stepped forward then they would attract attention becoming an instant target.

"What no one?" The prince asked shouting feeling angry by every passing second.

Seeing that no one was stepping forward, I stepped forward.

This was a chance.

It was an opportunity.


"Hoh?" What's your name pretty boy?" Bukkad asked annoyed.

"Ira Oberon at your service." I bowed courteously.

"Hahaha, at least you have a spine! Very well let us see you doing your best. I will gift you whatever you desire for being the one in many to step forward." Bukkad proudly announce.

"You have my thanks..... fatso..." I spoke with disdain and muttering the word loud enough for everyone to hear.

 Clutching the stone in my hand, it started to bleed due to the blood flowing from my palms because of holding it too hard.

Disguise?

What a fucking joke.

What was even the point of disguising and using a fake name, it was anyway going to be revealed soon that I am a Greed Prince.

I then threw the Mythril stone in the direction of Bukkad.

The inevitable is inevitable.

Splash!

Blood splattered upon the floor dyeing it with the color red.















Drifting across the abyss was the soul of a celestial. 

Immensely loved by the universe yet bound by the chains of nihility, he was never able to leave his ruling realm due to constraints.

Time passed, moments became days, days became years and years became eons. 

Did he even exist? He didn't know the answer to that. 

Suddenly a bright light apeared in the abysmal darkness, he was overjoyed thinking that he might not have been alone. 

To his dismay, it was not another residue soul but instead a single page with letters incomprehensible. 

Upon reading the page, great pain struck his astral self shattering it and merging with the page. The pain was so great that he lost consciousness. 

Upon waking up, he noticed he was no longer in the void.

~

In his first life he was the King of Fairies, in his second life he was a normal human in a parallel world.

His arrogance and narcissism had toned down quite a bit due to becoming a powerless being.

Still he didn't give up hope!

He was finally able to become a world renowned pianist.

And a secret doctor in the underword, using his expert acupuncture techniques.

Many thought that he was a chunnibyo because of how he talked, he ignored them all.

Many women threw themselves at him, but he rejected them all.

Even though he had become human he refused to even look at a human girl.

Ugly! That's how they looked to him.

Him, who had seen world shaking beauties couldn't even bare to look at human women.

Hence many people thought he was gay and sent gay people to him to curry favor with.

Result?

He killed the bastards!

In the end, his second life was like a joke.

Choking on cup noodles his life came at an abrupt end.

But the end is a start of another beginning.

And this beginning would be the best one ever.

...
..
.

One thing is certain, beauties from all the realms, be it the Celestial or the Godly! All would fall in love with him! The Almighty Stepfather!

~

This is a light read, not comedy nor too serious.

~

https://discord.gg/JertH4aQJw

An account of the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah, the son of David, the son of Abraham.

Abraham was the father of Isaac, and Isaac the father of Jacob, and Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers, and Judah the father of Perez and Zerah by Tamar, and Perez the father of Hezron, and Hezron the father of Aram, and Aram the father of Aminadab, and Aminadab the father of Nahshon, and Nahshon the father of Salmon, and Salmon the father of Boaz by Rahab, and Boaz the father of Obed by Ruth, and Obed the father of Jesse, and Jesse the father of King David.

And David was the father of Solomon by the wife of Uriah, and Solomon the father of Rehoboam, and Rehoboam the father of Abijah, and Abijah the father of Asaph, and Asaph the father of Jehoshaphat, and Jehoshaphat the father of Joram, and Joram the father of Uzziah, and Uzziah the father of Jotham, and Jotham the father of Ahaz, and Ahaz the father of Hezekiah, and Hezekiah the father of Manasseh, and Manasseh the father of Amos, and Amos the father of Josiah, and Josiah the father of Jechoniah and his brothers, at the time of the deportation to Babylon.

And after the deportation to Babylon: Jechoniah was the father of Salathiel, and Salathiel the father of Zerubbabel, and Zerubbabel the father of Abiud, and Abiud the father of Eliakim, and Eliakim the father of Azor, and Azor the father of Zadok, and Zadok the father of Achim, and Achim the father of Eliud, and Eliud the father of Eleazar, and Eleazar the father of Matthan, and Matthan the father of Jacob, and Jacob the father of Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom Jesus was born, who is called the Messiah.

So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations; and from David to the deportation to Babylon, fourteen generations; and from the deportation to Babylon to the Messiah, fourteen generations.

The position of the Gospel according to Matthew as the first of the four gospels in the New Testament reflects both the view that it was the first to be written, a view that goes back to the late second century A.D., and the esteem in which it was held by the church; no other was so frequently quoted in the noncanonical literature of earliest Christianity. Although the majority of scholars now reject the opinion about the time of its composition, the high estimation of this work remains. The reason for that becomes clear upon study of the way in which Matthew presents his story of Jesus, the demands of Christian discipleship, and the breaking-in of the new and final age through the ministry but particularly through the death and resurrection of Jesus.
The gospel begins with a narrative prologue, the first part of which is a genealogy of Jesus starting with Abraham, the father of Israel. Yet at the beginning of that genealogy Jesus is designated as “the son of David, the son of Abraham”. The kingly ancestor who lived about a thousand years after Abraham is named first, for this is the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the Messiah, the royal anointed one. In the first of the episodes of the infancy narrative that follow the genealogy, the mystery of Jesus’ person is declared. He is conceived of a virgin by the power of the Spirit of God. The first of the gospel’s fulfillment citations, whose purpose it is to show that he was the one to whom the prophecies of Israel were pointing, occurs here: he shall be named Emmanuel, for in him God is with us.
The announcement of the birth of this newborn king of the Jews greatly troubles not only King Herod but all Jerusalem, yet the Gentile magi are overjoyed to find him and offer him their homage and their gifts. Thus his ultimate rejection by the mass of his own people and his acceptance by the Gentile nations is foreshadowed. He must be taken to Egypt to escape the murderous plan of Herod. By his sojourn there and his subsequent return after the king’s death he relives the Exodus experience of Israel. The words of the Lord spoken through the prophet Hosea, “Out of Egypt I called my son,” are fulfilled in him; if Israel was God’s son, Jesus is so in a way far surpassing the dignity of that nation, as his marvelous birth and the unfolding of his story show. Back in the land of Israel, he must be taken to Nazareth in Galilee because of the danger to his life in Judea, where Herod’s son Archelaus is now ruling. The sufferings of Jesus in the infancy narrative anticipate those of his passion, and if his life is spared in spite of the dangers, it is because his destiny is finally to give it on the cross as “a ransom for many”. Thus the word of the angel will be fulfilled, “…he will save his people from their sins”.
In Matthew begins his account of the ministry of Jesus, introducing it by the preparatory preaching of John the Baptist, the baptism of Jesus that culminates in God’s proclaiming him his “beloved Son”, and the temptation in which he proves his true sonship by his victory over the devil’s attempt to deflect him from the way of obedience to the Father. The central message of Jesus’ preaching is the coming of the kingdom of heaven and the need for repentance, a complete change of heart and conduct, on the part of those who are to receive this great gift of God Galilee is the setting for most of his ministry; he leaves there for Judea only and his ministry in Jerusalem, the goal of his journey, is limited to a few days.
In this extensive material there are five great discourses of Jesus, each concluding with the formula “When Jesus finished these words” or one closely similar. These are an important structure of the gospel. In every case the discourse is preceded by a narrative section, each narrative and discourse together constituting a “book” of the gospel. The discourses are, respectively, the “Sermon on the Mount”, the missionary discourse, the parable discourse, the “church

The Genealogy of Jesus Christ
1 An account of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the Son of David, the Son of Abraham:
2 Abraham fathered Isaac,
Isaac fathered Jacob, 
Jacob fathered Judah and his brothers, 
3 Judah fathered Perez and Zerah by Tamar, 
Perez father Hezron,
Hezron fathered Aram,
4 Aram fathered Amminadab,
Amminadab fathered Nahshon,
Nahshon fathered Salmon,
5 Salmon fathered Boaz by Rahab,
Boaz fathered Obed by Ruth,
Obed fathered Jesse,
6 and Jesse fathered King David. 
David fathered King Solomon by Uriah's wife,
7 Solomon fathered Rehoboam, 
Rehoboam fathered Abijah,
Abijah fathered Asa,
8 Asa fathered Jehoshaphat,
Jehoshaphat fathered Joram,
Joram fathered Uzziah,
9 Uzziah fathered Jotham,
Jotham fathered Ahaz,
Ahaz fathered Hezekiah,
10 Hezekiah fathered Manasseh,
Manasseh fathered Amon,
Amon fathered Josiah,
11 and Josiah fathered Jeconiah and his brothers at the time of the exile to Babylon. 
12 After the exile to Babylon 
Jeconiah fathered Shealtiel,
Shealtiel fathered Zerubbabel,
13 Zerubbabel fathered Abiud,
Abiud fathered Eliakim,
Eliakim fathered Azor,
14 Azor fathered Zadok,
Zadok fathered Achim,
Achim fathered Eliud, 
15 Eliud fathered Eleazar,
Eleazar fathered Matthan,
Matthan fathered Jacob, 
16 and Jacob fathered Joseph the husband of Mary, who gave birth to Jesus who is called the Christ. 

17 So all the generations from Abraham to David were fourteen generations; and from David until the exiled to Babylon, fourteen generations; and from the exiled to Babylon until Christ, fourteen generations.

18 the birth of Jesus Christ came about this way: After his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, it was discovered before they came together that she was pregnant from the Holy Spirit. 19 So her husband Joseph, being a righteous man, and not wanting to disgrace her publicly, decided to divorce her secretly.
20 But  after he had considered these things, and angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, son of David, don't be afraid to take Mary as your wife, because what has been conceived and her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 she will give birth to a son, and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins." 
22 now all this took place to for fill what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet: 
23 See the version will become pregnant and give birth to a son, and they will name him Immanuel,
Which is translated "God is with us."
24 when Joseph woke up, he did as the Lord's angel had commanded him. He married her 25 but did not have any sexual relations with her until she gave birth to a son. And he named him Jesus.

Have you ever wondered about God? Have you wondered about who created the universe? Have you wondered why you were created/born? Have you wondered who Jesus Christ is? Have you wondered about what life is? Have you been searching, but don't know what you are searching for? The Bible is what I believe is the Truth for Jesus said, "For God so loved the world in this way: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life." -John 3:16



This is not owned by me, but by the Creator of the stars, skies, seas, and everything in and around them.

Ruth 3
 
3:
 
1 Then Naomi her mother in law said unto her, My daughter, shall I not seek rest for thee, that it may be well with thee?
 
3:
 
2 And now is not Boaz of our kindred, with whose maidens thou wast? Behold, he winnoweth barley to night in the threshingfloor.
 
3 Wash thyself therefore, and anoint thee, and put thy raiment upon thee, and get thee down to the floor: but make not thyself known unto the man, until he shall have done eating and drinking.
 
4 And it shall be, when he lieth down, that thou shalt mark the place where he shall lie, and thou shalt go in, and uncover his feet, and lay thee down; and he will tell thee what thou shalt do.
 
5 And she said unto her, All that thou sayest unto me I will do.
 
6 And she went down unto the floor, and did according to all that her mother in law bade her.
 
7 And when Boaz had eaten and drunk, and his heart was merry, he went to lie down at the end of the heap of corn: and she came softly, and uncovered his feet, and laid her down.
 
8 And it came to pass at midnight, that the man was afraid, and turned himself: and, behold, a woman lay at his feet.
 
9 And he said, Who art thou? And she answered, I am Ruthh thine handmaid: spread therefore thy skirt over thine handmaid; for thou art a near kinsman.
 
10 And he said, Blessed be thou of the LORD, my daughter: for thou hast shewed more kindness in the latter end than at the beginning, inasmuch as thou followedst not young men, whether poor or rich.
 
11 And now, my daughter, fear not; I will do to thee all that thou requirest: for all the city of my people doth know that thou art a virtuous woman.
 
12 And now it is true that I am thy near kinsman: howbeit there is a kinsman nearer than I.
 
13 Tarry this night, and it shall be in the morning, that if he will perform unto thee the part of a kinsman, well; let him do the kinsman's part: but if he will not do the part of a kinsman to thee, then will I do the part of a kinsman to thee, as the LORD liveth: lie down until the morning.
 
14 And she lay at his feet until the morning: and she rose up before one could know another. And he said, Let it not be known that a woman came into the floor.
 
15 Also he said, Bring the vail that thou hast upon thee, and hold it.
And when she held it, he measured six measures of barley, and laid it on her: and she went into the city.

 
16 And when she came to her mother in law, she said, Who art thou, my daughter? And she told her all that the man had done to her.
 
17 And she said, These six measures of barley gave he me; for he said to me, Go not empty unto thy mother in law.
 
18 Then said she, Sit still, my daughter, until thou know how the matter will fall: for the man will not be in rest, until he have finished the thing this day.

AFTER 6 MONTHS

MARY'S HOUSE, JERUSALEM

(It was a beautiful evening. Joseph went to Capernaum for a small job whereas Mary was in her house helping her mother.)

Ann:
Hey!
How do you feel without Joseph here?

Mary:
Feel a little bit lonely.
That doesn't bother me mom.
He does his work and I'm doing mine.

Ann:
What about those couple you both saved?

Mary:
They went to Magdalena.

Ann:
What happened actually?

Mary:
Ruth and Boaz were in love.
But Ruth became a Jew. 
Actually, she was a roman.

Ann:
So, that was the problem!

Mary:
Yeah!
The good thing is no one knows.

Ann:
Yeah!

Mary:
And Mom!
Please don't tell anyone.

Ann:
I won't!
And now bake these bread and give it to Dad.
I'll go buy some things from the shop.

Mary:
Ok, Mom!

(Ann goes to the shop while Mary continuously bakes bread. The room was so silent as she can only hear the sound of the breeze. Her concentration was upon the bread and suddenly she hears a mild voice...)

Voice:
Mary....

(She gets frightened and ...)

Mary:
Well, who is that?

Voice:
Mary..

Mary:
Who is it?

(Suddenly a bright light glows from behind her. Mary turns back and see an angel who wore a white silk cloth, who had a radiant face and majestic wings. Mary got afraid an fall down with fear.)

Gabriel:
Fear not!
I'm Gabriel, messenger of God!

Mary:
Messenger of God?

Gabriel:
Yes!
And I'm here to say a very happy news to you Mary!

Mary:
What is it?

Gabriel:
Hail Mary!
Full of Grace!
Th Lord is with you.
Blessed you are among women.
Blessed is the fruit of your womb Jesus!

Mary:
What?
You say I'll conceive?

Gabriel:
Yes.

Mary:
How is it possible?
I'm a virgin!

Gabriel:
You will carry the light of the world!
The Son of God!
The Chosen Man!!

Mary:
You mean the Messiah?

Gabriel:
Yes.

Mary:
I'm lord's servant. 
Let his will be done!

Gabriel:
Have faith, Mary!
Faith is everything!
The world said Elizabeth is barren!
Though she is barren she is conceived and it has been six months!
For nothing is impossible for God!!!

(And the Angel vanishes...)

Mary:
I..I must tell it to Mom and Dad!!

(Mary rushed towards her Dad and..)

Mary:
Dad!
I want to tell you something.

Joachim:
Tell me daughter!

Mary:
Something happened.

Joachim:
What happened?

Mary:
It...It is something you might not understand.

(Ann enters the house)

Ann:
What is it?

Mary:
An..An angel came to me!

Ann:
Angel?

Mary:
(nods her head)

Ann:
What did he say?

Mary:
That I'll conceive!

Joachim:
That's good!

Mary:
I won't be carrying the child of Joseph, Dad!

Ann:
Then?

Mary:
I'll give birth to the son of God.
I'm God's chosen instrument!

Joachim:
When did it happen?

Mary:
Now!
On the kitchen.

Ann:
Are you sure?

Mary:
It was real, Mom!
And he also told me that Elizabeth is also pregnant and it is been six months!

(Ann and Joachim was surprised)

Joachim:
What a miracle!

Mary:
And it is the beginning, Dad!
And I'm going to Judea tomorrow

Ann:
Why?

Mary:
Elizabeth needs me, Mom.

(Joachim thinks for sometime...)

Joachim:
Go,and be safe!

(And the very next day Mary made her journey towards Judea.)

The outer walls of the High Temple weren't anything grandiose especially compared to Jerusalem itself, they were built of limestone as the rest of the city was, aside from the exceptional vestibules. Three different doorways protruded from the walls, three limestone steps leading up to each one. The doors themselves carved out of cedar and overlaid with gold, each door depicting a different image, one of palm trees, one of blooming cyclamen, and the central door depicted the four faces of the cherubim, the eagle, the ox, the lion and the human with intricate detailing on their wings. Before the sun had begun to set, the doors slowly swung open as the clergy allowed the last round of pilgrims to enter. Each family had the task of choosing a single member to represent them before Yahweh, the eldest son was usually the popular choice and the Ayal family chose no different.
Mazal turned to Dinna with a timid face, "May I chaperone him along?"
Dinna scrunched her nose in distaste, "Do you think you can handle it? Are you really feeling well enough? Don't you prefer to rest on Maya's back?"
Mazal chuckled and caressed her daughter's cheek lovingly, "It might be my last chance to see the High Priest…"
Dinna averted her gaze, "Don't talk like that…"
"Spare an old woman some dignity, let me praise our Lord one last time in His house." Mazal looked ahead to the temple gates with a certain kind of longing, while Lev Ari was growing impatient tugging at her sleeves.
Dinna just nodded solemnly, straightening Lev Ari's clothes and hair, going as far as to lick her fingers to try and tidy up his mass of curls to no avail. Handing over the offerings of quails, tying them to his belt and slowly lowering the plate of bread she had been carrying for the sacrifice.
"As the patriarch of our family, you are going to be our representative for the rites of the three pilgrimages from now on, so make sure to bring honor to the Ayal name, yeah?" She couldn't help but ruffle his hair while saying so, undoing her own work.
Lev Ari nodded earnestly, trying to look serious while having a difficult time containing his excitement, "I-I-I'll make you proud! Praise be!" He stammered a bit, but soon regained his composure.
Hand in hand Mazal and Lev Ari made their way towards the High Temple gates. Lev Ari attempted to walk with a more dignified saunter, trying to imitate how he thought adult men should walk, looking rather ridiculous. Although, as he reached the entry way being greeted by a clergyman, he became a bit flustered while handing over the offering of quails and straightened up. The clergyman smiled encouragingly to him, he was dressed in gray robes, intentionally non distinctive as was customary for clergyman not of the Levi tribe, neither jewellery nor a sigil to represent his original tribe adorned him. Lev Ari froze under the man's gaze, timid to pass the threshold into the great courts of the High Temple, as a mist of foreign fragrances tugged at his feet. The fatigued pilgrims standing behind him and losing their patience staring daggers into his back as Mazal goaded him on and inward.
Pacing along the great courts as the wails and cries of fervent prayers resounded throughout the thickening mist of burning hashish oil and opium. Many pilgrims occupied the great courts, huddling in circles of prayer, their arms reaching out to the sky as tears trailed down their cheeks. Their eyes bloodshot and rolling into the back of their heads falling into a trance. The singing of psalms rose from the inner courts, alluring and haunting through the heavy air. As though summoned upon by a deity, Mazal drifted towards the circles of prayer letting go of Lev Ari's hand and goading him towards the gates of the inner courts. Pulling out a small sachet from her robes, bursting at the seams with coins rather than perfumed leaves, placing more than a handful into a plate of offerings. Mazal pressed a finger over her lips as she allowed herself to be swallowed whole into the crowd, leaving Lev Ari to his whims.
Lev Ari found himself entranced by the singing pulling him onward into the inner courts, the vocals were only of male clergy as women's voices were considered to sow temptations and taint the minds of men. The true beauty and glory of the High Temple revealing itself through the gates of the inner courts. The architecture was Phoenician in style, the limestone replaced with pale granite polished to reflect the skies above and meticulous cornices overhanging the edges of its walls. The doorway to the main chamber was of solid gold punched through with geometric designs of local flora and fauna with velvet red drapes adorned with golden tussles hanging before it. On the porch preceding the doorway to the main chamber erected were the free-standing bronze pillars of Boaz and Jachin, their capitals molded in the shape of pomegranates and their shafts slander and fluted. Boaz on the left symbolizing His strength and Jachin to the right symbolizing His creation. In front of the porch stood the rows of Levites and Cohens reciting psalms for His glory. The Levites dressed in their fine fabrics, adorned with gold and beryl while the Cohens were all dressed entirely in white linen, decorated with hand embroidered hems of golden thread. Either a head scarf or band obscuring their foreheads, and each one had at least one golden jewellery encrusted with the 12 stones of the different tribes, but not a single one was adorned with the breastplate of judgement of the High Priest himself.
Distracted by the visions of earthly delights, Lev Ari opted to take a detour through the inner courts before approaching the sacrificial altar. Advancing slowly towards the Molten Sea, a huge bronze basin, the rim of its cup molded to the likeness of an open lily. Sitting atop twelve oxen facing outwards, the oxen standing on three raised platforms, steaming water overflowing from its edge like a fountain. As he was tracing his fingers along the imagery pressed into the bronze, he started to feel light headed, the unsavory mist taking its toll. Losing his footing and attempting to grab onto the septum ring of the oxen, almost dropping the plate of sacrifice deeming it unworthy if the bread was to be soiled, he suddenly felt himself steadied by strong hands relieving him of the plate as they raised his small figure onto broad metal clad shoulders, out of the saccharine clutches of the fog.
"Praise be, small one, are you alright?" Her voice was deep and matronly, it was so resonant it felt like butter spreading over his eardrums almost lulling him to sleep.
Rubbing his eyes awake and steadying himself over her shoulder as the realization dawned on him, the individual who had come to his aid was non other than the honorable Ruth 'The Eclipsing' BatLidor of Gad, a prominent hero of legend. Ballads written and sung of her brave endeavors and skill of sword. Standing at the dizzying height of 250 cm, bestowed with the Blessing of the Nephilim, clad in an intricately moulded steel full plate. To her waist was tied her legendary weapon, the Anchor of Tanninim, said to be made of the fabled metal Orichalcum, although its sheen was just as silver as steel, the details of a serpent's scales carved into it. He was unable to fathom his luck of running into one of the most renowned heroes of his time, one of the heroes of lore that inspired him to join a Hamsa. He gulped audibly as he looked into her deep blue eyes, her skin tanned with a small mole next to her right eye, her wavy black hair cut short and well kept.
"P-p-praise be! Thank you!" He managed to say, stammering as he was getting flustered under her gaze, taking the sacrificial plate off her hands as he regained his balance in the fresh air.
Ruth's face grew soft as she smiled, patting his head tenderly, "Is this your first pilgrimage to Jerusalem?" Attempting to tidy his curls now, as Dinna did prior, also to no avail.
Lev Ari nodded his head with such enthusiasm he almost dropped the loafs again, making Ruth chuckle.
"Be careful, child. It would be a shame if you could not complete the rites." Her voice such a rich baritone it sent shivers up his spine, "Would you care for some assistance, small one?"
He didn't need her to ask twice, although he felt bashful under her gaze, her overall presence was calming and pleasant. As he gave her his approval, she very gently and gingerly carried him along towards the altar, "What is your name, small one? You are welcome to call me Ruth." She spoke kindly.
"My name is Lev Ari BenAyal of Efraim! A-and of course I know who you are! Ruth The Eclipsing, the bravest and kindest of all the warriors of the Hamsas!" He almost screamed in excitement, but quickly realizing how close he was to her ear he managed to quell his enthusiasm, "Yo-you even have the famous Anchor of Tanninim with you!" Again, almost dropping the plate of loafs as he made a gesture to the weapon at her waist.
Ruth's smile grew wider, "Oh oh! Have we got an aspiring adventurer here? Are you considering taking the Trials of the Covenant when you come of age?"
Lev Ari nodded again, "Exactly, I want to try out for the warrior class! I've already manifested the Blessing of-" Cutting himself off abruptly by placing his free hand over his mouth, he almost let himself slip, Ruth's presence was so comforting and genuine it was easy to forget oneself.
Ruth ignored his confusion gracefully and continued, "You said you are of Efraim?" He confirmed with a nod, "Then you have a long road ahead of you, my sweet. The warrior class is usually made up of either Gad or Simeon, those Blessings are very beneficial for the position, although…" She paused, weighing her words before she continued.
"Although, I can see how the Blessings of Joseph can prove useful on the battlefield. You will have to work harder than most, but being different might serve you well if you do." As she finished her thought, she placed Lev Ari down delicately as they'd arrived next to the ramp of the sacrificial altar.
"Now it is time for you to complete your rites and bring honor to your family in the Lord's eyes." She ruffled his hair again, in a last-ditch effort to tidy it, making an almost inaudible resigned sigh as it proved futile.
"Th-thank you miss Ruth! I-I will do my best…May we meet again, side by side on the battlefield!" He saluted her, and she returned the gesture disappearing into the mist towards the main chamber of the High Temple.
Lev Ari walked up the altar's ramp with his chest high and his face beaming. Following the Cohen's guidance, he fed the bread to the fire while reciting his prayers and completing the rites properly. Bowing his head in reverence to the Cohen before running down the ramp to find his mother.
By this point the sky was tinted rouge and ember, through the heavy and intoxicating fog the silhouettes of the praying pilgrims were difficult to tell apart. Approaching a bystander and yanking at his sleeve only to be rejected with a scowl for pulling him out of a euphoric daydream. Lev Ari started to feel uneasy as anxiety began crawling up his intestines, closing up his esophagus. His surrounding disorienting, as unfamiliar voices rose up from beside him unexpectedly in the form of low groans and wails. He wanted to cry out to his mother, but the mist was closing in on him entangling his tongue, when suddenly he heard her voice as clear as a bell.
"Please…PLEASE! I have the money! Just another handful of years…" Mazal was in the midst of imploring a Cohen while offering him the sachet of coins, the latter was attempting to wave her off as he was ushering away one of the plates of offerings spilling over with an abundance of coin and fine stones.
"Forgive me, but I am not one to meddle with the Lord's plans. If I may recommend to you to read of Psalms for well being. Psalm 102 specifically should aid in relieving your suffering. May He grace you with His presence as you praise His name." The Cohen spoke softly turning away her gold and pleas, but Mazal would not relent tears streaming down her face.
"Hear my prayer, O Lord, and let
my cry come unto thee.
Hide not thy face from me in
the day when I am in trouble; incline
thine ear unto me: in the day when
I call answer me speedily.
For my days are consumed like
smoke, and my bones are burned
as an hearth.
My heart is smitten, and with-
ered like grass; so that I forget to
eat my bread.
By reason of the voice of my
groaning my bones cleave to my
skin.
I am like a pelican of the wilder-
ness: I am like an owl of the desert..." 
She recited softly; her words interrupted by her incessant cough pulling her down onto her knees in weakness as the coins spilled over from her small bag, her fingers still clutching the Cohen's robes.
Lev Ari finally arrived to witness his mother prostrating herself before the Cohen, strings of brown phlegm and spots of blood dripping from her mouth, "Mom! Are you okay?" He leaned down beside her, pushing aside locks of hair from her damp forehead, "Calm down, please…"
Mazal didn't grace him even with a look, focused solely on the Cohen she would not set free, "Will you not pray for me? Will He not listen to you, if you pray for my sake?" Another drop of blood trailed from the edge of her lips down her neck.
The Cohen looked distraught, "I cannot favor you over others and neither will He." Averting his gaze towards Lev Ari now, "Child, where is her husband, so he may help her along on her way?"
Lev Ari looked apprehensive, "He…He passed away." 
Gasps filled the courts. Whispers arose from those present and eavesdropping on the miserable scene still unfolding.
"A widow…?"
"A widow! How despicable…"
"Absolutely disgusting! Rubbing her filthy hands all over the Cohen!"
"How wretched!"
"How selfish…"
The Cohen himself lost a few shades of color from his face. Mazal's expression became dejected as she lowered her head and released her grasp on his robes. Although the Cohen's face carried undertones of sympathy, shame overruled them as he quickly turned away and took his leave without a second glance or word their way.
Lev Ari attempted to huddle closer to his mother, as the judgemental stares of the crowd faded in and out of the fog, quickly dissipating as interest waned as the scene died down. His mother steadied her breathing, wiping her lips of the sickly residue. Slowly collecting the coins which spilled over from her sachet, Lev Ari aiding her in the endeavor. A soft wisp of a smile adorning her lips as she finally turned to face him, "Let us return to Dinna's side, before she starts to worry." 
Lev Ari nodded solemnly, holding back the tears which were gathering at the corners of his eyes. Tucking the sachet away within her robes and using him as support, the pair strived to leave behind the woes of the day at the outer gates of the High Temple, not a word passed between them of the events that occurred. Mazal inquired of the rites of sacrifice and Lev Ari happily obliged her with all the details, sparing not a single one, his heart coveting distraction and relief. Regurgitating the tale just as enthusiastically once again, almost compulsively, as they joined Dinna's side while the latter's eyes grew heavy although her lips widened into a smile. Blabbering continuously only to stop and wonder of the absence of the High Priest, learning from Dinna that rumor has it he had unfortunately been gravely injured this morning and was being tended to by the temple's healers and sages. Mazal hoped they would be blessed with his presence in their next pilgrimage, hopefully in the coming holiday of the Feast of Tabernacles. Dinna whined about the headache this pilgrimage had caused them already and Lev Ari wailed about wanting to perform every single pilgrimage properly from now on as they started on their journey back home.

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