Zaphyre listened to the elegantly dressed Seraph of Hate, Xilania Nevagon, who stood at the altar of the cathedral. Candles burned brightly and the incense wafted throughout the shadowy interior of the Spires of Innoruuk, the main cathedral of Tier’Dal worship in Neriak. The cathedral wasn’t always this crowded. Tonight was special. Someone was going to die.

After the customary chanting and prayer to the evil god, Innoruuk, the congregation sat down and watched as Xilania took the ceremonial dagger and plunged it into the chest of the half-elf who had been given in sacrifice. No one cried or showed any horror over the ritual. Zaphyre sat quietly, her head bowed reverently as she listened with her eyes closed. Her slender bluish hands held the prayer book that rested on her lap. As the service continued, the fury priestess silently hid any feeling of compassion over what had just occurred.

“Let this female be a warning to you all here today!” Xilania raised her hand to show the bloody dagger to the worshipers. “This female thought herself a follower of the true faith. She thought she could be one of us despite her race and origin. She tried her best to be of service to us, the children of Innoruuk, now she lies lifeless because she fell in love with one of our males. He was wise to turn her in as quickly as he did. For this, he will go unpunished and we will honor him for being so loyal to our lord, the Prince of Hate. PRAISE INNORUUK!”

Thus was the commitment of every Tier’Dal, male and female, to live free of love and in strict obedience to the laws of Neriak. Tier’Dal society and religion shunned any notion of it, warning that it was an intolerable weakness. Zaphyre was raised to believe that any true follower of the Dark Lord, Innoruuk, would take the necessary steps to avoid such feelings. Debauchery and seduction were perfectly acceptable for such acts delighted the Prince of Hate. Those that survived such cruelty were usually cold-hearted and impervious to compassion.

Not all Tier’Dals were so committed in avoiding love, however. Leaving their families and guilds behind, many converted and abided in the city of the light races, Qeynos. Some struggled to control their feelings whenever desire crept into their hearts and the allure of certain acquaintances brought about forbidden feelings and emotions. Many dealt with the problem privately in order to remain in Neriak, many like Zaphyre. As a priestess of Innoruuk it was crucial that she always, at least, appeared devoted and full of hate.