Deneve trekked to the first Sanctum of Fast. It appears the pilgrim’s fast meant no food or drink until they reach the second Sanctum of Obedience. It was extremely dangerous to cross the burning desert without drinking even a drop of water.

Still, many Aalans choose to endure this ordeal to remember Aal’s teaching by suppressing their desires to overcome hardships. In addition, they were to deliver a bag of food for Pilgrims to eat when they get to the Sanctum of Obedience.

Deneve had already realized that the people of Valencia were used to the desert in ways that she was not. She had adapted well, but their entire physiology was more adapted after years of living here. Deneve wasn’t sure she could accomplish this feat just due to her differing biology.

She decided the best way to go about this challenge was to travel at night to minimize water loss. So she pitched a tent during the day at fast and rested as she waited for night to fall. That night she packed up and headed northwest to the Sanctum of Obedience. The trip took about two nights.

Deneve introduced herself to Remi Tara and handed over the food. Remi then delivered a sermon on Aalism.

“Obedience, the first virtue of the Aal’s seven commandments, has its roots in accepting Aal as the only God, a core Aalan teaching. Valencians believe that Aal created the land we live on, and therefore we must obey His law. Sanctums keepers who devote their entire lives to Aal are considered the epitome of Aalan life and revered throughout the kingdom.” She recited.

Once the short sermon was over, Deneve happily started drinking water again. Since traveling at night seemed to work well, she saw no reason to change it. Therefore, she would be traveling at night to each Sanctum from now on.

The next night she was to head to the Sanctum of Abstinence. This Sanctum was on the way to the Oasis. She could stop there to pick up supplies and perhaps see Princess Saya again.

However, when Deneve stopped at the Oasis for supplies, she found that Princess Saya had left the day before Valencia City. So instead of staying the night, she decided to go on ahead. It took only an evening to get to Abstinence. By the time the sun started to rise, she could see the Sanctum growing from the sand.

Deneve reported to the Sanctum Keeper Semica, who explained that Abstinence in Aal’s commandments teaches Aalans to suppress their bodily and mental desires and walk with the Lord. This Tenet overlapped with the fasting commandment. The commandments were teaching the followers always to be vigilant against pursuing extreme physical and mental pleasure.

When Deneve passed on Siriya’s regards, Semica just gave her a wry smile as she thanked her. When Deneve asked what the next Sanctum was. Semica just nodded, pulling several books from a large pack she had sitting beside her.

Aal Mythology – A compilation of all myths about Aal.

The only God of Valencia – A must-read.

Aalan Etiquette: It is written in detail about the seven commandments of Aal and the attitude toward them, which are obedience, Abstinence, sharing, sincerity, humility, purity, and fasting.

Ask Aal – A book from Valencia describing Aal’s greatness through the allegory of one man’s life as a reflection of Aal’s. It teaches Aal’s virtues and morals in response to the man’s countless questions.

Where the Breath of Aal Has Touched – Touched upon by Aal’s breath is an expression used when danger passes by a close call. This book is a collection of the testimony of people who overcame the crisis with their faith in Aal.

“Read these,” Semica advised. “Then pass them on to another who is making the pilgrimage. The Sanctum of Sharing is next. Find Samaya. He will instruct you. I must go. More pilgrims are coming.”
“Thank you, Semica.” Deneve smiled.