Nestled in a sheltered valley where ancient hills embrace a meandering river, Alethia is a sacred village that has grown around the dwelling of the Oracle. The settlement rises in gentle tiers along the valley slopes, its white-washed buildings and stone temples overlooking the dwindling waters of the once-mighty river below, now reduced in places to little more than a stream.
At the heart of the village stands the Oracle's sanctuary, positioned where two branches of the river converge. This beautiful temple complex features Ionic columns and intricate stone carvings that tell the story of the waters' journey. Unlike the grand oracular temples of the past, this sanctuary maintains a more intimate scale, reflecting the Oracle's preference for personal connection over spectacle. Sacred laurel trees grow in its courtyard, their roots reaching toward the underground springs.
The village is built on a series of ancient terraces, originally carved by the river in more abundant times. These natural levels now host gardens and buildings, connected by stone stairways and walkways that wind like the river below. Many houses feature small channels that guide rainwater down to collection basins, a practice born from years of watching the river's slow decline.
The village's buildings show a harmonious blend of function and beauty: - Stone foundations incorporate the natural rock of the valley - Whitewashed walls reflect the intense sun of inland summers - Terra cotta roof tiles channel rainwater to communal cisterns - Covered porticos and pergolas offer respite from the heat - Small gardens maximize the use of precious water
A dedicated group of scholars and priests, known as the Keepers, maintain both the sanctuary and the complex system of water management that sustains the village. They wear simple white robes with deep blue trim, representing the precious waters that give life to their home.
Life in Alethia moves to the gentle rhythm of sacred duties: - Dawn begins with ritual cleansing using precious river water - Morning hours see the tending of the water-efficient gardens - Midday brings rest as the valley traps the inland heat - Evenings are marked by the soft chiming of temple bells - Nights are kept quiet for contemplation and dreams
Today, Alethia faces the challenge of maintaining its spiritual traditions while adapting to the river's gradual decline. The village has become a model of water conservation, with ancient wisdom and modern necessity combining to preserve every precious drop. Despite these challenges, it remains a serene center of prophetic wisdom, drawing those who seek guidance from across the land.
- Water is treated as sacred, with specific rituals for its use and conservation - Visitors must participate in water-gathering ceremonies before their audience - Local residents maintain drought-resistant sacred herb gardens - The village observes periods of complete silence when the river runs lowest - Dreams about water are considered especially significant and are carefully recorded - Seasonal festivals mark the river's changing levels