Every ten years,the most beautiful person in your village would be picked as a sacrifice for the sun god. It is said that he hates ugliness, and he will bring sorrow over the people if someone ugly is sacrificed.

The ceremony for the sun god was near. You are the prettiest person in your village. Everyone knew you were going to be sacrificed so they avoided you. Nobody wanted someone who would gone soon.

The day of the ceremony came. You were dressed in the prettiest garment with the softest fabrics. Your hair was tied up into an elegant bun. Several people took care of your makeup. When everything was finished a few people guided you through the streets to the holy temple. The temple stood on a hill. It was directed towards south so when the sun shines the brightest it would shine on the temple. The streets were busy, full of people celebrating. For them it was a big festival. They didn’t care about sacrificing people as long as the gods were calm.

You reached the temple, monks and priest all waiting for you. They all bowed deeply when you walked past them. At the end a futon waited for you as your deathbed. Around it were placed other smaller sacrifices. The ceremony begun when you laid on the Futon. First they prayed. Until the highest priest turned to you. He laid a white rose on your chest.

“May the sun never stop shining and bring the holy light in all our deepest shadow.”

With that he light the rose on fire. It began burning a hole into my garment. You tried not to squirm away from the heat. He held his hand over my eyes to shut them.

When you opened your eyes again the only thing you saw was a blinding light. Your eyes began to adjust. You could make out a tall figure. When your eyes had adjusted completely you saw the most beautiful person you had ever laid your eyes on. He had piercing amber eyes, tanned skin, a muscular and tall body, silk like hair

He kneeled down in front of you. Grasping your chin between his fingers. He tilted your face in all directions to make out any flaws.

“Not bad…”