The cathedral stood quietly in darkness.  Though equally invisible without light, it stood taller and with more agency, more regal pride than the constructions that jealously circled its majestic pointed arches and glared vindictive at the soaring obelisks that raised this house of God to heaven.

In total silence, the sun’s fiery-gold crown began to rise from the edge of the world.

Now illuminated, the monument revealed its gentle hues.  Quiet transitions of cool and warm greys formed delicate tracery around vibrant stained glass windows.  Touches of red ochre and earthy oranges reflected their final ode to God.

And the interplay of shadow began.

Outside, the carvings and structure of the cathedral danced with layers of light and dark across blind arcades, under pointed arches, hiding and searching in corbel tables and hanging beneath stone moulding that faded across beveled edges at various angles.

Inside, it was light that intruded, darting from the side aisle across into the nave arcade.  It sidled up against columns that it dared not cross.  It was transformed, made into royal blue or regal gold, or the passionate, sacrificial crimson by the stained glass mosaic.