The Sheppard
Caia is the goddess of natural death, ancestors and peace. Her symbol is a golden burial wreath. Caia is revered by those who wish their dead to be watched over or those seeking to reach out to their ancestors. Those who Caia is asked to watch over are protected from Mara. She is one of the Sisters, along with Mara. She is known as the Shepherd of Souls, and embodies the concept of rebirth. She is said to live in a pristine white mausoleum.
Related Lore:
"I have a very difficult question for you, Zakaba Amanaele," you say.
Any question worth asking is difficult," says Zakaba Amanaela. "How can I help you?"
"Well," you say, "I am curious about the Sisters."
"Ah yes, the Sisters," says Zakaba Amanaele, "one of the most enigmatic deities known to Telon…"
"So is the Sister one diety then?" you ask. "That is my question. Are they… one… or two?"
"You will probably not be happy when I say that the Sisters is both," says Zakaba Amanaele.
"No, you're right," you say. "I was hoping it would be one or the other."
Zakaba Amanaele shrugs and says, "Unfortunately, the Sisters is not that simple, but then, neither is our relationship with death."
"On the one hand, we all fear it, and revile those who bring it to people we know and care about," says Zakaba Amanaele. "That is where Mara comes in. The Festering. The Fetid Reaper."
"On the other hand," says Zakaba Amanaele, "In order to reconcile with death, we must also understand it as a process of rebirth, of cleansing and rebirth, and of the possibility of the soul's continued existence. That is where Caia comes in. The placid. The Shepherd of Souls."
"So are they just both different names we give to the same god?" you ask. "And use one or the other depending on how we are dealing with it?"
"No," says Zakaba Amenaele, "It is said that in their home plane, Caia lives in a pristine white mausoleum, and Mara lives in a decayed crypt of grave stone. Two distinct people, but though distinct they may be, they are not seen apart."
"So…" you say, "Two beings who are joined?"
"That is probably the best way to think of it," says Zakaba Amanaele with a mildly apologetic tone."
"Lacking one, the full realm of death would not be overseen," says Zakaba Amanaele. "We could not have only the violent decay of Mara, nor the peaceful comfort of Caia," says Zakaba Amanaele. "As much as the latter might be nice."
You nod and say, "Death is multifaceted, and so are they."
Zakaba Amanele smiles and nods.
~ Consult the Wise, Zakaba Amanaele of Khal