Shifts in Perspective

"Humans don't share the same experience we have with the goddess," Marnthe began.

A select group of merfolk and sirens could directly talk to the goddess anytime. She also dealt directly with transgressors, immediately punishing anyone who broke the rules if there weren't any mandated authorities present to implement sanctions on her behalf.

"For most beliefs here, punishments like being sent to a terrible place only happen after they die," Marnthe explained.

"Is that terrible place the 'hell' that Serena mentioned?"

"Yes."

"How terrible is it?"

"I heard its a place with lots of flames."

"The Realm of Embers where fire spirits live? I thought humans can't travel to the Realm of the Ancients!"

"It's a different place where humans are tortured."

"Okay, but it doesn't happen while they're alive? How is that painful when they're dead?"