Matarelha's Journal

15th Sorhima of the 66th Year of the Reign of Sorha XXIII

Lady Faivalkhari is still, after one year of my tutelage, a bit on the shy side. Slowly, however, she has made steady progress.

Today, her older brother Polhenma, the magistrate of Khan¹, visited the capital² and brought with him his retinue. Instead of shutting herself in her room, Fai, on her own volition, greeted him and accompanied him during her ceremony³.

I am sure she will eventually be freed from her fear of intimacy of even the familiar sort.

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16th Sorhima of the 66th Year of the Reign of Sorha XXIII

How is it that the world of the Ansa is so different from the rest of society? Are the walls of the palace imbued with the magics of the Gods of Old⁴ that even the air itself transmutes into an atmosphere suitable to the Ansa’s desires? How are we, the Ahurikishki priesthood so fortunate so as to be allowed to breathe the same air? Especially when seemingly more worthy people are barred from these halls? The Akkibati who fight to protect our land, the Provobati who craft our wares and build our homes, the Ponsabati who grow our food—all of them who prove their worth day-by-day than we who serve in our position of luxury.

Even one such as I, once a mere tool for the satisfaction of your lords’ carnal desires⁵, are elevated, where similar workers who serve men and women of worth, are branded Harsi. My simple proximity to the heirs of the Great Ahuriyata grant me this distinction that would otherwise be derided.

How lucky am I? That I may be selected by the priesthood to pursue scholarship in a field of study, and one of my own choosing? That I may, only a mere months after the completion of my studies, serve at the pleasure of one of the Ansa of the courts as a steward of their exalted child? Then only six months to the day, that I’ve been entrusted with the care of the daughter of my Prince!

17th Sorhima of the 66th Year of the Reign of Sorha XXIII

Spring had come somewhat late this year, but it is now definitely in full form. The snow had all but melted, he trees are crowned once more with leaves, the animals are out and about, feeding themselves after a long winter.

On this beautiful day, I would have felt bad if I locked Fai in a dark lecture room. So I had moved our lecture outdoors today. It was a more impromptu lesson, instead of the one that I had planned. It seemed appropriate for me to tailor my lesson to the setting.

We went to the peach orchard to discuss the change of the seasons, and the natural processes associated with them. Since we are currently experiencing this change, I started with the transition of winter to spring. She seemed to have enjoyed the lesson very much! Her demeanor had definitely shifted from her more brooding, reserved self, to a more cheerful and bright one. We went through each plant and their properties. Each tree and their health. It seemed her joviality was infectious. I swear, the leaves seem to have become greener in her presence!

We went back to the palatial residence⁶, exhausted but, in my opinion, quite fulfilled. I believe I will want to do more of these—perhaps even twice a week, if the weather allows.

18th Sorhima of the 66th Year of the Reign of Sorha XXIII

The Lunar Festival⁷ is in twelve days, and the preparations are in full swing! High-priest Chian had asked me to begin preparing Faivalhhari for her role as the Spring Lord⁸—the first prince that taught farming to the Provobati.

The ink on the page changed shade from a deep crimson to one with a pinkish hue But of course, my inkpot ran out at the most inopportune moment. This is a slightly different shade than the one I was using unfortunately…

To continue, the Ansa’s first role in the Lunar Festival is a milestone in their special place along the Starlit Path⁹. She, and by she, I mean Fai, and taken her role very seriously. As soon as I have told her about it, she quickly took to study. Currently, we are dissecting the first three stanzas of Lansa I’s address to her people:

You who are hungry, rejoice!
Your hunger will be sated
Our Father hath mandated
He had took heed
His wisdom He bestows to all
Harken, for his words are sacred

Gather all you men of soil
For you might be put to toil
You are akin to the ripe fruit
Whose seed will spread the fertile land

Your worth will be proven
For you are the Ponsabati
The men of plenty
And you will feed His men!

She is well on her way to her successful first foray into here deific duties.

19th Sorhima of the 66th year of the reign of Sorha XXIII

Perhaps I was hearing things, but was Fai reading the first Turhi’s call to the Ponsabati in the Tongue of the Ancients? When I pointed it out, she said she didn’t know what I was talking about. I ought to have paid more attention to my classical/literature curriculum.

20th of Sorhima of the 66th year of the reign of Sorha XXIII

Chian, the high-priest of Kolha, supervised today’s lesson and it somewhat made Fai quite anxious. She kept on stuttering and forgetting lines she’d already put to heart. I had to be a bit creative with my handling of the situation. Fai’s biggest insecurity is her heterochromia. I have tried to assure her that the very first of her ancestors had yellow eyes, and that hers were the first of any Ansa for close to a millenia. That it was a sign of something great in her future! She did not take it quite well, as any teenaged person marred with self-doubt.

So the solution happened to be tinted glasses, of the sort that the court magicians use in their exhibitions. Surprisingly, it worked very very well. She had a huge confidence boost from the glasses and was able to impress Chian. I must not allow her to rely on the glasses too much. Instead of being able to stand on her own merits, she might hold onto them like a crutch. I have to help her boost her confidence enough somehow. Hopefully before the Lunar Festival.

21st of Sorhima of the 66th year of the reign of Sorha XXIII

Despite the proximity of the Lunar Festival in the calendar, it would not do if my ward, Faivalkhari, was beset by fatigue due to overwork. So I have allowed her to take the day off as would be usual for a Sunday. Of course, this gives me time for myself as well.

It had been a long while since I had a free Sunday, hasn’t it? Ever since she accepted this posting, well, accepted might be the wrong word. I’ve been appointed to it, happy as I am with the appointment. Well, ever since I have been appointed to it, my weekends have been dedicated to preparing lesson plans, or exercises. It’s nice to just have time on my hands for personal leisure. It was nice, yes, but I didn’t know what I wanted to do with the time anymore. I had to wrack my brain to actually figure out what to do. So I figured I would visit my mother in the Great Monastery at Atarasha, about 3 hours from the palace by horse. I would need permission from the high-priest, however. But considering yesterday’s results, I had confidence that I would be granted my request.

I understand that it’s rare for an Ahurikishki of my age and stature to still be close to his mother, but she had done so very much for me, and given up more than I could ever imagine to ensure my life would be so comfortable that I am more than obligated to act in such a way. But that isn’t why I am so fond of my mother. She is just so full of joy that it’s infectious. Any person would be drawn in and would be able to be forever without her. Fai could learn a thing or two from her—forgive me, ill of me to suggest that a piece of the essence of creation can learn from her own creation, but our gods are limited by their earthly form that when they are teenagers, they act like the rest of humanity’s teenagers. Unsure, defensive, filled with thoughts they cannot yet direct.

In any case, I had, as soon as I could, asked for the high priest’s permission to leave the palace. It was granted with a caveat. I was told to bring a package to the Head Abbott of the monastery. Package not to be opened, not to be given to anyone else, just given to the Head Abbot himself. Some secret between old people. Far from me to deny the high-priest a simple favor such as that. I made the preparations as soon as I had the clearance.

Once the carriage arrived, I was on my way to the Grand Monastery. It isn’t my first time, of course. I had visited my mother many a time already. It would be the first time I visit during preparations for a major festival though. It definitely felt different. A large number of Provobati merchants, tailors and carpenters flooded the gates, Konti Kirsharti in tow, carrying their wares into the Monastery grounds, as the craftspeople spun them into beautiful tableaus and altars that the Ansa would be using for their prayers. Ponsabati horticulturists were adorning every inch with marigolds, jasmines, and various orchids. Spice harversters placed their bags of turmeric, paprika, and all sorts of fragrances that give praise to the great diversity of Lord Yatahari’s creation. The Akkibati guard all ensure that all are what they seem and who they say they are. Of course, that meant that I was thoroughly searched as well. It would not do if any of the Divine Masochist separatists were to infiltrate the monastery at all. Any sort of violence during the Lunar Festival would be inauspicious.

The Akkibati first did not appreciate the fact that I was carrying a package whose contents I did not know. After I had authenticated myself, and that the package is indeed from the Prince’s high-priest herself, they let me in without further question.

When I got to the Pleasure House, my mother was out doing her duty. Knowing my mother, she would be taking her time, so I had to wait a while. (Just as well, I was able to finish the short errand that Chian wanted me to complete. I headed to the central pavilion to deliver the package. The Head Abbot was speaking with the head of security when I arrived. He promptly left as I arrived. We did the customary formal greetings before I presented the package. He took it with thanks, then hid it before engaging in some polite, yet pleasant banter. Which meant, unfortunately, that it was devoid of meaningful content. I excused myself and went back to the Presume House in hopes that my mother is done with her obligations.

With some relief, I saw my mother right away who greeted me warmly. We talked for hours on end about the Festival, about Fai, about the state of the princedom and about her place here in the Great Monastery. She was, apparently, a favorite of the 6th daughter of Kolha XVIII and had served her regularly. It is interesting to note that even if Seserave did not join her siblings in rebellion 20 years ago, she did believe in the cause they fought. She often complained to mother after several acts that Kolha would’ve been better off in open rebellion against the homeland, and that the current prince would realize it as well as they have. She just feared that by then it would be too late. I hope that such worrisome things do not come to pass before Fai is ready, though. She still has more to learn. The concerning rumors about the king’s health, I pray, are exaggerated.

After all that, we had a private dinner in her chambers. We had a lovely duck with lotus served to us, with a light herb salad. The herb, of course, had been blanched with alkalines to dull most of its effects, then flavored with a tarragon vinaigrette. A lovely dinner, to be sure. We reminisced about events vague to my memory. Times before mother was forced into the monastery for the sake of a peaceful transition of the priesthood. What I know, however, was that I was allowed to stay in the palace as a result of my mother’s dealings.

After the dinner, we said our goodbyes. She gave me a small bottle of a red liquid. She said a trader from Columty gave it to her, and that it had potent properties that so defied the realm of possibility, that it would likely just be some spiced wine. I graciously accepted anyway. Then I was off. Back to the palace, ready to face tomorrow’s responsibilities.

22nd Sorhima of the 66th year of the reign of Sorha XVIII

Today, one of Fai’s sisters joined us during training. Chariharti was just as reserved and quiet as she was six months ago—and is still in some respects these days, to be honest—but it really is uncharacteristic of many Ansa I’ve met over the years. Even those I have had a hand in training. These two do not have an air of natural… arrogance that most people who happen to be gods can be. Others may find it ungod-like, but I do find it refreshing myself. They do need some guidance to help them with their confidence. Fai does have me to help her actualize her potential to be a god. Chariharti will only turn 12 in the 5th Sorhima. She would only receive her mentor in two years. She is still taught to speak and read by a house tutor with other little Ansa.

Anyway, the two had been somewhat familiar with each other due to being sisters for one. But it seems like they warmed more as former classmates in primary education. It is such a peculiarity of Ansa society that filial piety to their siblings is almost nonexistent. The very competitive nature of the Tonoreyata Primogeniture keeps them from being more connected. I wonder if the Great Ahuriyata, in His infinite wisdom, intended it as many scholars and philosophers suppose. If anyone reads this borderline heresy, I may actually be put to death, or thrown into the House of Harsi. I do not mean it that way however. I question the interpretation. Are people with power truly less prone to conspiring to gain power if they mistrust their siblings? I do not believe so. Our own history disproves this. What we know of Ansan regional politics also is a good argument against. It would be heresy, in my opinion, if our Grand Lord did not foresee the events that have taken place. There must be some other reason for the Tonoreyata.

This is all to say that I wish these two may become friends.

23rd Sorhima of the 66th year of the reign of Sorha XVIII

It’s about a week left before the Lunar Festival begins and Fai’s role as the god of plenty, Tunhi I. So now we are continuing on working on her stage presence. Her confidence is still quite lacking in many regards, but it is improving, and she seems to be really trying hard recently, especially on getting her performance just right. There was something about her purpose that is just admirable. She seems to have some… inspiration, I want to say? Does she want to show off to her mother?

24th Sorhima of the 66th year of the reign of Sorha XVIII

The first dress rehearsal for the festival rites starts today and I found Fai sneaking around in the Higher Ansa chamber before it started. When I saw her, she seemed flustered and out of sorts. I don’t know if she saw me, or heard me calling to her, but she ran past me. Did she have tears in her eyes?

I was in the Chambers to present myself to the Prince. Although she ought to already have the itinerary for the festivities, since her high-priest had prepared most of what would be happening. But forms must be followed, and so I must present Fai’s parts in all of it. So I went on about the day including her portions.

25th Sorhima of the 66th year of the reign of Sorha XVIII

I have recently come across a recipe for a type of indelible ink called an Oak Gall Ink from a couple of potted documents I’ve been asked to rearrange in the archives by an old friend of mine who requested for help. And by recently, I mean close to a year now. I have had so little time for myself recently that I had not tried it.

We have had the fortunate pleasure of leaving the palace today that I was able to, instead, purchase a bottle of this lovely ink from a Nuran merchant. I would assume that this ink, which I am writing this document with, would prove to be of much better quality than if I myself would’ve mixed it. It is a lovely pure color that darkens as it dries. It anyhow, it is quite magical, to my eyes.

We have come to the site of the Lunar Festival’s traditional celebratory temple here in Kolha: the Father’s Campground. The supposed site of the Great One’s pavilion during the final campaign to capture what had become Kolha’s capital city.

Sisters Faivalkhari and Chariharti had come to the temple together, chaperoned by yours truly, and escorted by a pair of their mother’s Akkibati honor guard. Yesterday, the dress rehearsal at the palace was quite successful, and so none were anticipating issues. Now that I look at my previous entry. I seem to have cut it short. (I forgot to fill it in!). Of course, the slightly different arrangement on the actual venue was enough to confuse people and create minor issues. All of them likely resolvable by tomorrow, once people adopt to the new stage.

As for Fai, she seems very determined to get things right, and performed admirably. She anticipated the changes and acted appropriately. She’d enunciated well and with variation, passion. I could not have asked for a better performance. I am so proud of her progress.

However, her behavior outside of the Lunar Festival is quite different too. She seems to be distracted outside of her practice. As I watch her looking into the residences, and staring as if expecting something or someone to show up.

26th Sorhima of the 66th year of the reign of Sorha XVIII

4 more days until the Festival (another abrupt ink, well, pen change) begins and we are ready. It’s quite exciting isn’t it, though? The commoners certainly think so. It’s quite rare for them to experience something from their gods, much less have their gods perform for them at all.

Provobati merchants, artisans, and craftsmen start to bring their equipment, their materials and some of their completed wares for sale upon the arrival of the visitors entering the temple grounds. Akkibati guard from both the Great Monastery and the Khare stand by every ingress and egress point, some are on patrol all over the place to ensure that any troublemakers that may have slipped in through the inevitable gaps are caught and stopped before they could cause significant harm.

In particular, Divine Masachist separatists have been causing a significant and disruptive amount of damage in the Kolhan countryside. It’s been discovered that they might attack the capital during the festivities. There is even some evidence that they are being bankrolled by Suman Purchansa. Security is very tight and because of all of these issues.

Today, we are still going through a series of rehearsals, including a dress and make-up one. I might not strictly be necessary in today’s events, but I like to be supportive of my wards. Fai is not so fragile anymore but I still want to be there for her for motivation and support. Also, the amphitheatre is quite cool and relaxing on a nice spring day like this one. I definitely would not mind sitting down there at all.

I’m not quite sure where my mind is at the moment. I wrote the last paragraph as if it hadn’t happened yet. Those all happened earlier today of course. I have these disconcerting lapses of a sense of time still, but I definitely no longer have large tracts of my memory anymore. Not since that time three years ago. Even then that was a one-off since Fai left from Citylord Perenelha’s service. I do not remember a whole lot of my time there anymore, but the end of my time there, was confusing at best.

That was quite a tangent.

I then did just what I said I did in the former paragraph: I brought this portable pen I was able to purchase from one of those merchants I was talking about. It’s a wonderful invention which stores the ink in a reservoir within the barrel. Instead of a reed, an analogue forged from gold is placed on the tip.

The writing is smooth, without the typical scratch of a peacock feather, or some other quill. The mechanism is quite ingenious, actually. The body is turned into a nice cylindrical shape from some matured amber. Another is turned into some kind of shroud that can be twisted to seal the pen in order to protect the “reed” from damage. Inside the “barrel,” there is a small pouch of gut that can hold the ink. You can pour some ink with a needle of brass. You then attach the section where the “reed” is mounted, let the ink flow through the channels carved into some hard wax by sealing it downwards. Now as it flows through, into the “reed”, you can write!

It was quite convenient. In fact, I am using it writing with it even right now. You’d think it was magical, the way it works! Anyone who saw me asked where the inkwell was!

In any case, during this entire rehearsal, the high-priest’s attendant Shiranaya sat next to me. This year, she reminded me that the king would be visiting the Lunar Festival in Kolha. However, he would be unable to make it due to his illness. I told her, of course, that we have been told this already, and have not been expecting the king at all during the preparations, then why mention the fact again?

She then went on a rage, saying that she did not want to leave Kolha at all, and that the king was not young at his 66th year. And then she calmed down, composed herself, and left. It perplexed me to no end. We were definitely not close. Sure, we had been acquainted for as long as I’ve been alive, but we’ve never been in each other’s confidence. Why did she choose to rant in front of me?

Fai, after the rehearsal, said that she was tired, and wanted to bathe in the hot spring alone today. She then straight to her chambers right after. I let her do as she pleased. She did well today.

27th Sorhima of the 66th year of the reign of Sorha XVIII

These new pens are really enjoyable to me. The “reed,” or nib, as the craftsman called it, holds a line more consistently, and does not need replacement constantly. The man actually is able to grind the tip of the nib in different ways, with different thicknesses and shapes, which have implications on the page based on writing style and angle. It makes for interesting line variation. I am enjoying the experience immensely. Perhaps I might improve upon my calligraphy.

Three days left until the Lunar Festival, and many of the provincial Ansa are arriving. For some reason Fai had begun showing undue interest in every new arrival, but is disappointed upon seeing the face of each individual. She is looking for someone, expecting their arrival, but sad to see someone else in their stead. I wonder who it is she is looking for, and if we could, perhaps arrange an acceptable match? It is not my place, for sure, but I do prefer that she matches with someone she cares for, if at all possible. It might be possible, since our prince, Fai’s mother, has little interest in political games others make quite some sport of. There might be a good chance for her to marry whoever she wishes, especially as she would be unmarched.

Nothing of particular note regarding rehearsals, however. Only to say that they are on track for a grand performance. Tomorrow would be of note, for sure, as the Ant Magicians would begin pyrotechnic rehearsals.

28th Sorhima of the 66th year of the reign of Sorha XVIII

The Great One has deigned to save us today! From a mishap owing to some mistaken mix of black powder, the explosion that was to be the centrepiece of the performance burned a large part of the stage. Many of the performers have been caught in the blaze. Miraculously, no one was hurt. Least of all, our very own Faivalkhari. In fact, she had been helping those who seemed to have been the closest to the blast. As I ran to the stage to get her out of the way, she was already doing the same for many others. They appear to have been hurt at first until she holds their arms to carry them. For some reason I see both her eyes glow a bright yellow-white, speckles reflecting the flames around her. She looked the most divine god I have ever seen!

By instinct, I had believed it was the safest in the area surrounding Fai. Those I had hoped, I brought there. Then, as the Akkibati had arrived to douse the flames, the area around Fai was unburnt, the people with nary a scratch, as the healers assured them. Then she passed out. There was something important that happened that day. Fai had, perhaps, demonstrated why we venerate our Ansa Ahuriyata.

29th Sorhima of the 66th year of the reign of Sorha XVIII

I am still taking stock of the events of yesterday’s events. The explosion that had happened on stage during the last dress rehearsal had the entire royal family and the Ansa court rocked to their core. Security around the Great Monastery had increased tenfold to find and root out potential terrorists. None had taken credit for the explosion as of yet, but the primary suspects are members of the Knights of Kalassarian Paladins, a particularly violent separatist group from the Kalissan Hills near the Kalamban border. They have been agitating recently, hijacking among caravans and for collection carriages, as well as pushing for the creation of a separate kingdom from within the territories with a population of Orthodox Masochists. Hopefully, we’ll know about this stuff by tomorrow, before the opening ceremony begins.

I still don’t know how to take the entire set of events yesterday. Did I just imagine the things that I saw? That Fai’s eyes glowed both a golden yellow? That she had been the one to close the wounds of those who might have been hurt? For a moment, I thought that the Great One himself had stopped the blaze. Fai recovered just a few hours after these events. She doesn’t seem to remember anything from yesterday’s events. Well, anything that might be considered miraculous, anyway.

She maintains that she can continue with tomorrow’s performance, and wishes me to quickly run her through the entire performance before she takes the rest of the day off to recover. Meanwhile, the stage is hurriedly being reworked to ensure that there are no traces of damage once the people come in.

30th Sorhima of the 66th year of the reign of Sorha XVIII. The Day of the Lunar Festival

Magnificent! Today’s events have gone off without a hitch! Not only did the people love the preparations done on the side-attractions, they have been enthralled by the troupe’s wonderful performance. Fai in particular was the epitome of grace and confidence. She, for the moment on stage, was the first Tunhi herself. The way she bore herself, the way she talked, the way she elocuted the address to the first of the Ponsa—she cannot be denied the title of Godhead at that very moment.

Of course, I got ahead of myself. Today was a special day, and deserves to be recorded in more detail, including some background on things that could have gone wrong if certain actions weren’t taken. Let’s start from the beginning of the day.

Unlike a typical morning, I am not the one in charge of morning preparations. It was the attendant Shiranaya who had also been charged with handling the coordination between the different Ansa delegations. She knocked on Fai’s door as I joined the bathing entourage. I caught one of them staring at me, then she snickered for some inexplicable reason. By then, Fai opened the door to let us all into the chamber. We went through the motions of ceremony while Fai again whispers “why is this necessary again?” to which I merely smiled and told her “we’ve discussed this many times before.” She just pouts and says “well, I still think it’s annoying. Tomorrow, as soon as I’m done with all this, I’m forbidding this long form prayer.” She recently found out that she could. For the sake of the attendants’ faith and practice, however, we’ll try to convince her otherwise.

Of course, as is typical for her, she got bashful as soon as the bathing attendants wheeled her toward the bath. She allows only female bathers and dressing attendants and does her camisole and loin cloth herself. It isn’t so unusual, really, just among Ansa. During this time, I had a floating feeling that I was forgetting something, but I couldn’t put my finger on it. Just thought to log it, in case I remember it later.

After the primping and polishing, she was spirited into the Prince’s receiving room, where the other Ansa are already waiting. Among them, the most notable are the Prince herself, her children—Fai’s siblings, and some members of the Gyan court. A Kolhan delegation was supposed to join as well, but the King’s sudden illness probably took utmost priority that none of the other delegates thought it in poor taste to travel until he recovers.

Fai was ushered in before her younger sisters. Each Ansa was flanked by their attendants. These were Jana and Huala who both bowed in reverence to the small convocation of the pantheon in their presence. What’s odd is that, as we lifted our heads, Fai’s face seems to have flashed with a vicious glare. But when was it directed, exactly? I cautiously scanned the room as the… anger? On her face was marked by passivity. Her yellow eye still somehow, was filled with emotion.

High Priest Chianpasha addressed the room as she began the traditional explanation on the importance of this festival, and their role in this event. How the Ansa represent the first Tunhi, function as the Great Ahuriyata’s envy. Something about Chian had always discomforted me somehow. Today, as she was going through all that, it seems like I finally have some insight into why. She was as cold as she described events of reverence, as if her years have beaten out the passion in her belief. And I know for a fact that her “passions” can still be so expressive even at her age. She was a frequent visitor in the Pleasure House when I was still in that line of work. Still, with someone so passionate, her presence was so demanding that she could not be ignored.

1st Tunhima of the 66th year of the reign of Sorha

I did not really expect to write an entry today because today is a mostly uneventful one. Fai didn’t really want to do anything interesting after the excitement of the past few days. Fai definitely needed today’s respite.

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Footnotes

1. Khan is one of the provinces within the Principality of Kolha ↩

2. The capital of Kolha Bulwark Against the Infidels ↩

3. Lady Faivalkhari’s coming of age ceremony on the first Lunar Festival following her 13th birthday. ↩

4. Gods of Old refers to the Great Ahuriyata along with the original twelve Ansa Ahuriyata, who were said to possess magic. ↩

5. Younger Ahurikishki may be selected to serve as Priests of Pleasure, in an Ansa’s PLeasure Chambers. Matarelha used to work in one in the Kolhan Capital. ↩

6. A palatial residence refers to a building, or a group of buildings in an Ansan Palace Complex, which houses the more junior Ansa. ↩

7. Festival during the first New Moon of new New Year, ushering the arrival of Spring ↩

8. Spring Lord refers to Prince Lansa I, traditionally held as the one who the Great Ahuriyata charged to train the first Ponsabati ↩

9. the Starlit Path is group of Sudras of the Great Ahuriyata that are considered guides on living a righteous life. ↩