As Ayrie watched, the monster devoured beasts and spoke to people, presumably granting them permissions or powers for their sacrifices. Things were somewhat easy for her to understand until the man brought the elf. [i]'He's not going to...'[/i] She breathed a sigh a relief when the monster didn't eat the woman, but he had a saddened look on his face as the man was lead into the temple. Next, a woman brought a dwarf up.

This time, Ayrie had to fight the urge to vomit as the monster grabbed the dwarf and ate it, messily tearing into it as it screamed. She began to silently pray for her own safety and resilience, hoping she wouldn't betray her true feelings. She felt a kind hand touch her shoulder and looked up to see Markus behind her, his kind eyes offering her a retreat without shame. 

"Come with me my dear, lets get you some water and air that isn't so crowded." He grabbed her hand and lead her back towards the back of the temple, where there were refreshments for sale and fewer people milling around.

"What is going on up there?" Ayrie asked after they got some drinks and sat down. She was taking deep breaths and trying to calm her nerves. "Why is it eating people? Why not just stick to the animals?"

"They are criminals, one and all, and Gluttony does not abide the crimes they have commited. It doesn't pay for them to rot in jail forever either, so he instead uses them as sacrifices, allowing their victims to ask for small favors in return." Markus looked at her, carefully measuring her response.

"I see... It's just... Frightening to see." She said, trying to come to grips with it.

"It's hard for many the first time they see the festival, but once you come to terms with the reason for it it becomes easier to witness." He said. "I'm surprised you didn't vomit right then and there, as many have been known to do."