Once the mortal lover of the God of Despair, ill fortune took Clara’s life while she was still young, at the hand of a scorned suitor. Her lover, in sorrow, wept upon her body, and his tears gave life to her spirit. She arose a goddess, gentle and kind, until she saw the pain in her lover’s eyes and she was filled with a divine rage. Upon the steps of her lover’s alter, she slew her murderer, bathing her hands in the blood of vengeance.
DEITY OF: Rivers; Bardic Revelry; Vengeance.
ASSOCIATED WITH: The soft touch of freshwater against your feet. A gentle breeze through your hair. Trauma survivors. Jubilant dancing and joyful ballads. Warsongs and rebellion. The sweet taste of clean springwater. Roaring waterfalls and swelling waves. Soulful ballads under the moonlight. The clenching pain in your stomach at the sight of a hated foe. The heartache of a lost love.
SACRED PLANTS: Lavender. Dianthus. Birdsfoot trefoil. Mourning bride. Oats. Green rushes. Adonis. Willow trees. Pale lilies.
SACRED STONES/GEMS: Aventurine. Garnet. Lolite. Black opal. Chrysocolla.
SACRED ANIMALS: Swans. Mice. Sunset moths. Foxes. Cats.
COLORS: Lavender. Auburn. Sky blue. Deep crimson. Royal purple. Indigo.
FOOD: Piping hot mint tea. Chewy brown sugar cookies spiked with warm ginger and cinnamon. Mulled whiskey with clove and allspice. Freshly baked bread pudding, filled with currants and candied orange. Delicious, sun-sweetened dark berries warmed with vanilla.
SCENTS: Pure, herbal fragrance of wild lavender from the hills. The earthy scent that comes after a heavy rain, enhanced and sweetened by rose petals and rich jasmine.The fragrance of a clove-studded winter apple entwined with juicy black plums, candied mulberries, and cinnamon sticks. A magnolia floral bouquet with touches of rose and violet, exotic woods and mosses.
ACCEPTED OFFERINGS: Depending on which part of the goddess a worshiper intends to appeal to; malevolent or benevolent; different offerings must be brought before the shrine.
FOR BARDIC REVELRY: The altar must be built before a waterfall, made of willow wood, anointed with lavender and jasmine oils. In the center, a single white candle must be lit, with a smoldering herbal bouquet nearby in an abalone shell to cleanse the air. They who deign to appeal to the Goddess must be true of heart and be devoted entirely to their craft.
They shall start by offering the Goddess a hot cup of freshly brewed mint tea, as the aroma will appeal to Her benevolent nature. Sweets and baked goods, such as cookies and fresh bread will also draw Her attention. If She accepts the offering, She will appear from the water. They must take care not to touch Her, lest they draw the wrath of Her lover, the God of Despair. For future offerings, worshipers may bring silver jewelry set with lolite, chrysocola, or aventurine; well worn musical instruments, handwritten music, and bouquets of flowers, tied with silk ribbons.
If She is pleased with the gifts, She will bestow Her divine knowledge upon them and they shall know the songs of the Gods.
FOR REVENGE: The altar must be built in the home, away from prying eyes, and be built of willow wood, anointed with clove and musk, and adorned with trefoil and mourning bride. At the center, three blood-red candles must be lit in a triangular formation. A dagger must be present, its blade stained black with soot. Only those who have been truly wronged may call upon Her for guidance towards vengeance, those who seek to harm only through malice shall suffer Her divine wrath.
They shall first offer Her a cup of mulled whiskey, warmed over a fire. The scent of spices will awaken Her more devious nature. Chocolates, meats, and wines will also draw forth Her malevolence. They must then pierce their fingertip with the soot-stained blade and allow a single drop of their blood to fall before the altar, whilst reciting thus;
She fallen by cruel fate’s hand
All begun, begot by blood
By my blood, do right this wrong
They must then extinguish the candles and leave. If She grants them an audience, She will light the candles the following night and alert them with a mournful song. They shall approach the altar humbly, for those who seek revenge through arrogance shall face their own punishment. She shall appear as She was at Her mortal death - bathed in blood and sorrow. The worshiper must offer Her a gift as solace to help Her detach from the past, such as a beloved toy or trinket. If the offering is accepted, She will sit before the altar with them and listen to their plight. They must not touch Her, lest they invoke Her lover’s wrath.
Over the next week, She will visit them and confirm their decision. On the seventh night, at the stroke of midnight, they must offer Her a token of their target - a scrap of clothing, a ring, a lucky coin, a vial of blood - and bid Her a goodnight. The next morning, they shall lay a final offering of black opal and garnet upon the altar; and go about their business as usual. That night, they shall greet Her with a cup of mint tea and accept as She gifts them with the divine strength to wreak their vengeance.