"Oh, I'm so sorry to hear that." David looked to her with sympathy. "That must have been very difficult for you. We are both lucky we have brothers to help us when we get into difficult mindsets." He reached out and placed his hand on her arm, to offer comfort.
"It isn't exactly like what you went through. I did not whip myself. But- it's the idea that virtuous living is not possible when you crave bodily passion. Casting off all temptations for earthly pleasure and instead focusing on your calling to God. There is a kind of ecstasy, when you're beyond hungry, beyond cold or wet or tired, when you can push aside the physical discomfort and find that core of His Light within you... it's like my soul is winning a battle against my innate base humanity. No possessions, no meat, no alcohol, and certainly no sex. No... fun." He gave Aderyn a small smile. "Used to be there were thousands of hermit monks, of many denominations, starving their bodies to feed their spirits. But people don't think that way so much anymore."