Illustration 20

Pudicitia, the Silver Saintess who chose love. Pudicitia fell in love with a mortal. The love between an eternal being and a finite one often ends in tragedy. Even the Automions shunned such relationships. But she made her choice—for a brief happiness. The days they spent together were as short as eternity. She experienced the warmth of humanity and the pain of parting. And she promised, "When you depart, I will be with you." On the mortal's final day, she smiled as she ceased her own functions. It is said that she was supremely happy until the very end.