Yes

It felt only right to accept the priest's invitation, and so Xalendra smiled as she stepped forth, gazing up at his welcoming visage past the edge of her hood. “I could use a reprieve, thank you.”

He gave an earnest nod as he ushered her through the simple door and into the dim space beyond. “Our Sanctuary is yours to enjoy, Sister.”

The princess looked about as her eyes quickly adjusted. It was a simple place, dark curtains on the walls and a couple bare wooden pews angles inward in the room ahead. Candles burned in the corners and in one elaborate golden chandelier above, while across the room there sat an altar surrounded by torches and people in robes much like the priest's.

As she came closer she noticed among the robed figures knelt a girl who looked to be in prayer, her hood fallen back to show her solemn face, eyes closed and hands clasped. Everyone was quiet as she prayed, facing the stone altar upon which lay a bowl.

“We're seeing to one ritual at the moment,” the priest whispered, looking at Xalendra as he stopped beside her. “Take a seat, if you like, and observe.”

Xalendra did just that, sitting in the front pew as the priest elected to stand in the aisle. The prayer went on for a moment longer before the girl moved her hands to lift the bowl before her, bringing it to her lips gently. She sipped from it, and set it back just as carefully, while the congregation looked on.

Soon the girl rose in a slow and steady manner, taking a deep breath as she stood. Her head tipped back, and she seemed to shiver as she exhaled. One of the robed figures beside her took her by the arm and led her away from the altar and through a door toward the back of the Sanctuary.

Before the princes knew it, the others had turned their attention to her. Some approached, one extending a hand, and the Priest looked down at her with his still smile.

“Welcome, Sister,” one of the hooded figures spoke. Others echoed the greeting, and she felt they expected her to stand, so she did. “We are ready.”

She glanced at the Priest uncertainly. “Ready?”

“For the next initiate. It is a very fulfilling ritual. One that brings the spirit closer to eternity.” He put a hand on her shoulder as he spoke, and her own hand was taken by another of the congregation, guiding her to the altar. “We were hoping to have one more tonight. Are you willing to partake?” His bright eyes remained on her.

Xalendra glanced between the shadowed faces around her, stammering as she came to a stop in their midst. Her desultory focus landed on the altar, seeing the little bowl was filled with a lambent liquid. She had never heard of such a ritual, but surely it must be rather benign, as most ceremonies are.

“I suppose...” she began, and then she felt the hands pressuring her downward, so she knelt acquiescently. She clasped her hands, eyeing the saucer and doubting the pale drink within. Then the princess licked her lips as she closed her eyes, and found the only prayer coming to mind was one of hope that the drink was palatable.

As the previous girl did, Xalendra lifted the saucer to her lips, and sipped the contents. Right away she found it was much more... pungent than she expected...