Rite of Passage

Waves of anxiety crash over you as you enter the small temple dedicated to the fertility goddess Laima. The temple is the largest structure in your village, but until today you've not been permitted to enter. Every male upon entering adulthood must present themselves to the alter of the great goddess. As the legend goes, those that Laima deems worthy will be fruitful and their descendants will outnumber the stars. Your friends told you that sometimes when a young man enters the temple for the first time, they are never seen again. They said they failed the ritual and were annihilated as punishment; you've heard others say the ritual revealed their divinity and could not return the normal life of mortal. You figure as long as you can avoid being annihilated, your introduction into manhood would be considered a success.

The heavy entry door closes behind you with an ominous thoom as you make your way into the main hall centered with a huge golden statue of Laima. "Hello?", your voice echos through the sanctuary. After a moment of silence, an enormous figure enters the sanctuary from the room to your left. The intimidating figure stands more than twice your height and wears a long black cloak with a hood shadowing her eyes. After taking a moment to look you over, the robed figure stated with a soothing voice, "I am Damara, Priestess of Laima. It will be my pleasure to be your guide through the Ritual of Virility. Please follow me."

You feel yourself drawn to Damara and begin walking in her direction with no hesitation. Whatever anxieties you felt upon entering seem to have melted away.