The Gates of Horn and Ivory - 2.1 The Healings of Epidaurus

It was almost midnight when the goddesses and their suite reached the temple, where they were welcomed in complete silence by the priests, who took them to the Thollos and retreated respectfully, content with the privilege of watching the ceremony.

Persephone parted the veil between worlds, allowing the denizens of her kingdom safe passage to the land of the living.

“Merry meet, Asclepius,” she welcomed the famed doctor with a smile.

“I carry glad tidings from your husband, mistress, and all his love. I will be happy to return and reassure him you are well.”

“What dreams you bring, my friend? Will the afflicted receive welcome news?”

“I bring healing for some, and comfort for others, and news from the ones they have loved in this world. The portal between worlds is open and we await your command, my queen.”

With that, he bowed deeply and moved to her side, to control the flow of healing dreams to the patients, who were fast asleep, curled up on the stone floors of the temple.

“Who is coming forth to seek guidance?” She uttered the first words of the ritual.

“It’s Attalus, goddess, son of Cassander.”

“And what is your need?”

The sleeping soul gave her the full measure of his ailments, while Asclepius listened keenly, occasionally nodding.

When the patient was done talking, the doctor thought deeply, then scribbled a recipe for medicine in light, on a parchment made of air, and handed it to the sleeping soul, to remember upon awakening.

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