Church of Ilmater RP

[selhan]

Retribution



Vengeance, retaliation, retribution, revenge are four deceitful brothers. They are vile, beguiling demons promising justifiable compensation to pained souls for their losses. Yet in truth they craftily fester away all else of worth remaining. One of the most wretched and cowardly sin a person can commit, is to punish someone for their own mistakes or for the consequences of their own actions. To harm another or others by shifting blame that is rightly yours; to me is the lowest thing a person can do.

"... Its amazing how a couple of people can ruin things fer everyone else.."
*I like the way she thinks*

"Maybe....depends cause yer got to look at the situation..Bugger..gotta stay in this bloody place.."

"Thought I'd give ye a visit ta cheer ye up. give ye reason ta get better and all that"
*I really like the way she thinks*

Visits from the day prior was comforting, but in the back of the bartender's mind was non other than the tavern. He had grown attached learning the prefer drink of men and women. He had missed the discussions and conversations with patrons. Laying sickly in bed, coughing or vomiting's blood was not on his to do list.

"How did I end up in this bloody situation?"
*Because like the orc blood said, your a fool. Your concern for these people is why you suffer now*

"I merely just needed to check on them, and my minstrel.."
*The consequence is now yours to bare, if the elves and the pirates engage in a war, you will lose patrons*

"Ain't bloody see why they would hate all the elves, the Shore' got bloody elven pirates."
*It's the High Captains business not yours*

"So much unfinish business."
*That's what happens when you allow yourself to care. You waste time in meeting the Devil*

"He can wait"
*It might be too late*

"I never signed shite"
*A deal is a deal*

"Bah I got two more days in here."
*Then suffer*

In it's purest form, an act of retribution provides symmetry. The rendering payment of crimes against the innocent. But a danger on retaliation lies on the furthering cycle of violence. Still, it's a risk that must be met.

"And the greater offense, is to allow the guilty go unpunished."

[selhan]

Mystery Encounters



"...did you just act based on your nature? Didn't think you had it in you?"

"..all depends how one looks at it. Rose is my money maker in the Goblet. Had to ensure she was alright."

"What got you in here was being careless or not seeing the sickness for what it was until it was too late. Or both. Caring is natural. There are few people that do not care of anything at all in this world. Most people care about something, regardless of their nature."

"....How am I not surprised that rum is what you are missing. Though the alcohol in it could be beneficial,..."

"...I spent a good deal of time trying to run a good bar,..."

"Is it wrong for the elves to seek vengeance?...That is how the world works."

"..Oh its not wrong, hells I fully understand if they do..."

"Ain't have no elf friends..not in a long time..I don't deal with elves. Nor do I bother them. Well there's Lyn but I hardly know her. Oh then there's Netanya, but most elves don't even like her"

*She sighs then and reaches for the hood. She pulls it down for a lengthy moment before she pulls it back.*

"Well well.." *He lays back down from his propped position and chuckles* "Hmmph! The gods are not kind at all..."



The Gods were not kind surely, a new patron, a new customer. I had already remember what she drinks..the mystery lady that orders Ale but doesn't drink the Ale. But she enjoyed the goblet of juice. I always had juice in stock for another elf, one of the pirates in the Shore who doesn't do with the alcohol. She was the Captains woman. A moon elf if I recall properly. Interesting, wonder how she would feel after hearing about the large scale sacrifice of elves to the Bitch Queen.
Wonder how the Captain feels about it. Life on the Shore was good, and fun, guess we will have to see what happens with the storm to come.



"At the least for now, I had me rum.."

*He takes a deep swig from the bottle of Rum*

"Now that's savvy"



*After the long swig he corks the bottle he tucks it in a nearby bedroll*

[RoseMiriel]

* Rose stops by the sick ppl in the temple appearing suddenly out of the shadows probably waited for the door to open sneaky her! Face covered in extra cootie protection she gave them left over food from the mage fair! * “We had a lich with rainbow balls at the mage fair! I didn’t get to sing my song for him sadly but it turns out he’s called The Shadow King! And no joke my song is about the Shadow King!!!! I soo wish I sung it for him!”

“Wanna hear it wanna?!”

*Netanya would wake up and loudly groan in pain as the lavender haired lunatic elf emerged from the shadows shouting with excitment. Had she the slightest stamina she would have attempted to raise protest before the lunatic elf bellowed her song but it would have been in vain because Rosemary would have done it anyway*

* she is right Rose didn’t wait but a blink! *

* makes a Illusion of herself that hides in the shadows*

Laa laa lalala
Laa laa lalala
Laa laa lalala
Lalaaa laaaalaaaa

Spread fear to my enemies
With song of serenity
My arrow they'll never see
Tonight too-night

Pew pew!

*the illusion aims up and shoots energy arrows into the sky*

Arrows flying through the sky
Hitting evil in the eye
Now is their time to die
Tonight too-night

Pew pew!


*the illusionary energy arrows rain down doing no harm*

Laa laa lalala
Laa laa lalala
Laa laa lalala
Lalaaa laaaalaaaa

Here comes the shadow king
Darkness with him he does bring
Whispers of the end they sing
Tonight too-night

*makes a illusion of a shadowy lich like figure, whispering sounds all around*

Flee before the unholy death
Guard your soul from his theft
Because deadly is his breath
Tonight too-night

*the shadowy figure burps with a green only slightly stinky cloud*

Laa laa lalala
Laa laa lalala
Laa laa lalala*gag*
Lalaaa laaaalaaaa
*pretends to pass out*

* curtsies * “thank you thank you! I’m sure that would have been my last show but most remembered!”

*Netanya looks for a rope and a appraises how much weight the cross beams in the ceiling can support*

* pats the three on the forehead and leaves them little get well cards! Mathilda’s smells of lemon, Rose’s ((sis)) smells of Roses obviously, and Netty’s smells like wet dog! She skips off though definitely not as cheery as normal!*

[selhan]

Suffer No More

The fifth day had finally arrived. One of the known bartenders of the Broken Goblet stepped out of the bath and took one of the nearby towels to dry off his body. Soon pulling out a pair of clothes from his travel pack, he began dressing. It wasn't the normal fancy outfit nor his adventure gear, but something that would be in-between yet provide him a great many protection. After all, he didn't know what to expect on his travel back to the Shore'. The possibility of a quad of angry elves is a possibility. And regardless if they were elves, there's always going to be someone who may want to shoot first and ask questions later.

After being fully clothed and all his belongings packed to include his stashed rum, he rolled his bed neatly and left a note ontop of it, it would only read "Karai". From there he anxiously proceeded down stairs to check on the others. If they had remain in their quarters still, he would greet them and inform them that he was going to get some food before heading off back to Goblet. If none of his patrons or the lady of House Divine was present, he would only give their beds a quick glance before heading to met with Sister Karin of the Temple of Ilmater to order food.

Once his food would arrive, he would waste no time in indulging into his meal. Periodically he would side glance at the dark skinned guard, and once the moment was clear, he would sneak a swig of rum he had in his bag to help wash down the food, all the while twitching his nose and glaring at the guard if he seemed to stare too long. A deep sigh would escape his lips for finally something solid to put down in his belly after five days of soups.

Once he had finished his meal, he left some coins upon the table then stood from his seat and grabbed his belongings and made for the front door. As he stepped out of the Temple of Ilmater, he reached back to pull his hood forth, to help conceal his face and to help protect his head from the weather. At this point, the mere thought of being sick again and to be without his rum and woman would only makes him suck air through his teeth in a tsk, with the obvious expression of his dislike of the thought. Still..he admits within his heart, he did have some interesting conversations and encounters within his five day stay at the Temple.

"Receive my most humble respects... How do you feel?"
"Considering having to stay within a temple for a few days...suffering..but I am feeling little better than yesterday"
*She offers him a wooden mug, with an herbal infusion.*
"Tea?.."
"An infusion, yes. It shall help with the fever, and the coughing."
*Blinks*
*She picks a small pot from her basket, the fresh balm releasing the scent of the forest.* "Do you wish to apply it, or do you wish me to do it?"
"Er..prehaps better me...wouldnt want to cause a scene ..."
"Why would it cause a scene?"
"Oh nothing for your humbled ears Priestess..Apologies that you must suffer to care for me.."
"A larger massage can help, along the cheeks and chest."
"L-like ..this..?"

------------------------------

"... oh .. why hello darhling" *coughs*
"Hi Matron...how do you fair this day? "
"... a bit better darhling the Sisters' Care has improved my condition certainly."
"I feel better..but I consider that due to sleeping on the floor next to your bed" *A chuckle that resulted in a cough*
"..."... "I surely hope you *coughs* "jest ..."
"I promise I didnt peak nor touched if thats what your affraid of."
"... if you want to get vomited on *coughs* darhling then that's how you get vomited on .."
"...Is your mind clear ? Or do I considered your words yesterday but dream talk?"
".. uhh .. what?"
"My betrothed has arrived" *He mimic's* "Was what you did say upon my arrival..."

-------------------------------


The bartender walked through the dark streets of Baldur's with a smirk upon his face while thinking of some of the mischief and mishaps that had happened within the Temple of Ilmater. For those where just some of the interesting or fun conversations and encounters he had. A grin on his face grew wide. If anyone was to ever ask the bartender of the Broken Goblet, if relaxing still for five days in the temple was worth it, he would tell you..

"I felt very still an' empty, like ol' way the eye of a storm must be feelin,
yer know right?..like movin' dully along in the middle of the surroundin' hullabaloo.
But among my stillness was a pounding heart.
But I was miserable without me rum.
But thanks fer my patrons and fellow co-workers, they made sure I wasnt lonely.
And I left just in time, was startin to hear some la la laa shite that was givin me a bloody headache!"



"I love ma patrons...their soo..."
"Savvy."

[Deragnost]

"It's just to get some fame and reknown! I just want to be famous in Baldur's Gate and across the Sword Coast! I just want to clean up my name!"
How many "I just" she had to use to justify herself? How many more times she had to use those words to justify her nature was to help others, to give a smile thanks to her song, to people who didn't really care about her work - if not to keep her for themselves, out of greed or jealousy or fear? To jail her in a different kind of prison. She decided, no more. No more justifications for staying true to her own nature. She is herself, and if others didn't like what she did - well, it just meant they weren't meant to be friends or whatever they considered themselves.
Those thoughts roamed in her mind, while she walked through the Wide. She smiled kindly to the merchants as she bought some fruits - enough to feed at least fourty adults. After paying, she asked to deliver it to the Orphanage for the event she was organizing with Sister Ashenie for all the kids and younglings.

She was content, because this would have been a lovely event: for all of them. Perhaps she would have been able to inspire many other kids as she was inspired at their age when she met that minstrel in the streets. Maybe she would have inspired new generations of bards with this event - or maybe not. Maybe she would have just shown them the delights of music. And on that note, pun not intended, she remembered of something also equally important. She immediately left the Wide, knowing fully well where to go where she could have found what she needed. She passed the East Gates, walking in the Outer City - waving to some of the locals she knew, by now. When she finally reached Blunt, the merchant for adventurers, she had to wait her turn to collect what she needed for the event.

"I'll take five of each of those musical intruments! I hope that's enough..."
She considered it for a moment before changing her mind.
"You know what? I'll take six for each of those instruments you have available, and send them all to the Temple of Ilmater. Also, do you have what I asked last time?"
She took all the time she needed, checking if the instruments were ideal for children and if they were well-tuned. Content with the purchase, she would have strolled away happily, pocketing the "request" in a small satchel. And then, it was finally time. She took her place, setting her hat next to her. While she waited for the first group of children - the youngest - her mind wandered. Would she have been able to entertain them? Would they have liked her songs? Would she have bored them? Maybe she should have chosen a different outfit? Oh Gods, did she forget to adjust her makeup? What about her bang - was it in order? A bit of anxiety clenched the grip upon the aasimar's heart, but then when she saw the children - after she saw their innocence... everything faded away, replaced by only certainty and knowing she was exactly in the right spot.

The spot she was meant to be in. There's satisfaction in finding purpose, and her eyes just for a moment glowed by the strong emotion she was feeling, while she smiled to the children.
"Hi, everyone! My name is Rose Wintertal - and these songs are for you. Enjoy the fresh fruit! And after the songs, we'll play all together, for the insturments have been brought to have fun today and... also whenever you'd like to, for they are a donation to the Orphanage and the Temple!"
Then she would have started playing the songs she agreed with Ashenie.

Wake up, wake up
It's already the morn
Wake up, wake up
A new today is born
Wether you are a blacksmith
Or a bard with hands swift
Today is a grand day to be lived in here!
Wake up, wake up
It's already the morn
Wake up, wake up
A new today is born
Wether you are a sailor
Or perhaps even the mayor
Today is a grand day to be lived in here!

What lies ahead?
What lies behind me?
This path I tread,
Where it leads, what will I find here?
A voice guides me,
So loud and clear.
ake a chance, and we will find them...
So close... so far...
So stoke your fire,
I feel a start
inside my soul.
Inside my heart
Lives a warrior, fierce and bold.
I'll find my answers ---
The seeds they sowed.
Take a chance, and we will find them
So close... so far...
That voice inside my heart.

A new day dawns, we smile
For good fortune is ours
In the great desert we are one.

We are strong, we are proud
Hear our song, we shout it out
Warriors, the Bedine Tribes.

Together, we stand and fight
We are brave, we have might
Disappear into the night
Warriors, the Bedine Tribes
Together, we stand and fight.

Through the cruel winds and hot, blazing sun
Sandstorms twisting, our harsh world barren
Bedine survive where travellers fall
The toughest climate for the strongest of all

We are strong, we are proud
Hear our song, we shout it out
We are strong, we are proud
Hear our song, we shout it out
Together, we stand and fight.

Undefeated, never beaten
Thieves and fighters, the uniters
Strong defenders, we remember
We stand - for our Tribe!

Undefeated, never beaten
Thieves and fighters, the uniters
Strong defenders, we remember
We stand - for our Tribe!

Where are you, girl from Skuld?
Dusty paths cross my way
For you just roots from the world
Walking west on that day

Are you well in your heart?
Did you find what you lost?
I will know for my part
I won't know what it cost

Starring in the sky, Alabaster dreams
Odd chance for you and I, Alabaster daydreams...

I moved on so I thought
I settled down and found my place
Still I dreamed of what you caught
Something true in your grace

Now I lay here by the lake
Thinking 'bout you what's at stake
Let me ask this on Flamerule
Do you recall, do you recall
That single moment in Flamerule?

Starring in the sky
Alabaster dreams
Odd chance for you and I
Alabaster daydreams.
Starring in the sky
Alabaster dreams
Odd chance for you and I
Alabaster daydreams ---
Alabaster daydreams.

At the end of the songs, she would have then assisted all the willing children to try and play all the instruments they desired to play: wether it was the lute, the drum, the harp or the flute. She'd do her best to give her a good time, and when the time was over with the group of the youngest - she would have entertained even the group with older kids, reaching a certain age. She would have entertained them in the same way, with the same songs and the same activities she offered to the younger group - with just one exception, a single different song. Indeed a story you wouldn't believe.

Hear at this bard, This story you'll believe...
Ignore the guard, promise I won't deceive
Listen the bard, truth only you'll perceive
A real, true story I shall conceive.

I was in town, from sewers goblin came
They stole the crown, the guards were in disarray
Their pants were brown, when the city was set aflame.
A real true story I shall conceive.
True. A real true story. True.

A group of heroes, down in the sewers they went
A lot of pillows, with them they brought content
'cause the goblins had problems with sleep.
This group of heroes, these pillows indeed they bring
And in great disbelief, the crown remains with the king
And lucky they were, for they paid the pillows with golden rings...
Happy they were not, So the heroes decided to start a riot!

Here take this!
Here take that!
Here take this!
Here take that!
Here take this!
Here take that!
Here take this!
That's my foot!
No please don't tell my king!
Here take this!
Here take that!
No please don't tell my king!

So those heroes, with shame they tasted defeat
And so the guards, doomed, to the goblins they'd kneel
The goblin king approached with his speech...
The goblin king said...

I just want to sleep, alright:
Take back your crown and shut up at night!
I just want to sleep, alright:
Take back your crown and shut up at night!

At the end of the soirée, gifted to the kids of the Orphanage, Rose would have approached Ashenie and thanked her for this beautiful opportunity for the children - and perhaps for herself, too. She couldn't deny she grew because of this event, and her self-respect grew even further. There's nothing more... righteous, to do what you're meant to do, and to be free to do it whenever you like it. Without anyone holding you back, without the people telling you what you can or you cannot do or say. She would have opened the small pouch she pocketed earlier at Blunt's, and she fished out silver pins for each of the kids if the Ilmateri allowed, as a gift. It was indeed a silver pin representing the symbol of Milil with a writing engraved.

«Follow your passions.»

[InGame]

The air was temperate this particular winter morning. A mild wind blew from the south. The sky was clear and there was no snowfall or rain.The merchants of The Wide all were just setting up buzzing around their tents and booths, getting all ready for another day of commerce. Next to a one particular tent of a local famer a graying old man in earthly robe stood and waited patiently. A content smile graced his face as he gently held his wooden amulet around his neck. As sun slowly rose to meet the day he muttered under his breath while admiring it.

"Thank you for this day."

At that instant a farmer strolled past the man wishing a good morning, breaking his focus of the moment. The old man did not anger, but rather happily placed his hand on the farmers shoulder with a smile and laughter. The two exchanged pleasantries and a brief warm small talk. After it the farmer gave the old man a bag. He peered into it and the content seemed to make him happy. He would trade the farmer a jingling small bag in turn and then leave him to attend to the customers of the day with a blessing.

"The Great Mother bless your day with warmth, life and a line of customers."

The priest then made his way with a fast phase towards the Heapside. The streets were still rather empty as the city was just waking up. Once he had Mercy's Orphanage on sight he slowed down to catch his breath. He walked past the front door and into the small garden next to it. There he made sure everythig was prepared. A few bags of fertile soil he had brought there a day earlier. A dozen or so pots were stacked against the wall, ready to be filled. A bucket of water with a ladle. Everything was set and intact and not a moment too soon. Next thing he could hear the chidlren, all properly clothed for the season, coming down to the garden as instructed and guided by servants of the Broken God. Once they had them all settled down and seated in front of the priest, Kervel smiled warmly, cleared his throat and spoke to get everyone's attention.

"Good morning everyone! I'm Kervel Greencrest. Today I'm going to talk to you about cycle of life. A miracle of my goddess, Chauntea. Once I've told you about it, everyone gets to plant their very own and unique plant in one of these pots."

The man gestured to the materials he had brought by the nearby wall and studied the kids expression.

"Like these magnificent appletrees you have in the garden here, or other plants that simple rest this time of the year. All life, be it a plant or person, is a gift by the goddesss of life. Cycle of life is one of most important things in the world. Throughout the seasons life simply changes shape. In the spring everything is sown and born anew, during the summer everything blossoms with growth, come autum the gift and seeds of life are ready to be gathered, come winter the gifts of harvest of life keeps us going. And then the cycle repeats itself. Everlasting circle of The Great Mother."

The graying priest would then take a pot and a patch of soil he had prepared for himself, solemnly starting to demostrate the process for the children gathered around him with obvious and grand gestures.

"This pot and soil are the world and earth. A foundation of all growing things.

He puts some dirt into the pot, pressing it gently but not too firmly. Then puts his hand into the bag he bought from the farmer at The Wide, pulling a random seed and showing it to his crowd. The priest places it into the pot and covers it with some more soil.

"This seeds is life itself. Plant it, give it time and care. Nurture it well and it will grow to be a unique and important part of this world. Much like each and everyone of you is going to grow important and be a unique in their own way. A vital part of the cycle of life.

As he explained himself the old priest grabbed the ladle and watered the newly planted seed with the water from the bucket. He then holds his his pot on one hand and smiles to those gathered. He gestures towards the wall with his other hand.

"This one is mine. Now everyone can go and grab themselves a pot and begin planting. Do not be afraid to ask if you have questions. Once you have everything come to me and you can choose a seed from this bag. You will only know what plant it is after you give it the proper care it deserves! Come spring I'm sure you can move it to grow here in the garden. For now keep your pots inside where it is warm, byt the window, and remember to water them.

For the rest of the lesson Kervel and those of the Broken God attending manages the chaos that ensues. Controlling it to the best of their ability. The priest makes sure everyone does as he intructed and happily answers any questions involved, both from the children and staff alike. Afterwards he goes to thank Sister Ashenie for the opportunity and wishes everyone blessings of his goddess, before turning to clean up the site with a content smile gracing his face.

Post approved by DM Spartacus

[Ashenie]

In the quiet coldness of the first tendays of Deepwinter, dolls and small pieces of cloth have been delivered in the Sanctuary of the Broken God, finding their ways between the hands of the caretakers. Intended for the children, the young are offered larges creates to search in, and find a stuffed doll to play with. A few words from the caretakers of the Orphanage come to explain that a collective of various people cared enough to gift them with toys. To those who ask, more explations and names are given, and tales about feys and gifts from the wonderful wild, are shared.

It is said that the dolls are left in the upper floor of the Orphanage, for every child to search in the crates and find a new treasure to cherish.

Validated by DM Soulcatcher

[xLegionx05]

A fairly tall man donned in a suit of full plate and having strange glowing, blue eyes approaches the temple of Illmater. The priest at the altar notices his medallion of Tyr and recognizes him as a brother of Tyr. Phandalus hands him a scroll and humbly asks the priest to deliver this message to one of the leaders of the Church of the Triad.

[Ashenie]

Upon the boards and near the tables in the Sanctuary of Ilmater, a written message was left. Ashenie, as Sister of the Faith, sometimes takes time to talk and question about its content with the wounded, the hungry, and the faithful.

Fate of the Commons' Courtesy

With the announcement of the Council of Four to decide about the fate of the stipend, it is the wish of the Shrine of the Suffering to gather thoughts and opinions from the people. Dutifully transcribed into a report destined to be presented during the meeting, any feedback, wish, hope or suggestion is warmly welcome.

We would also like to offer help and support, if only by voicing their concerns, to the families of the people mudered, maimed or attacked after claiming the stipend. They shall be in our small shrine most welcome.

Do not hesitate to find Sister Ashenie and to share your words, or thoughts, directly,

Mercy's Grace

[InGame]

A trio makes it way slowly from Manoborn district towards the Heapside. A gray haired priest of Chauntea, accompanied by a clingly older cattledog, is carrying a single packed crate with him. Right behind the pair a large armored half-orc follows, carrying a few more of similar packed crates with ease. They enter The Shrine of The Suffering and leave the crates for the staff there. The priest shares a few words with them before handing them a letter. It is addressed to Sister Ashenie and bears Symbol of Chauntea and Heraldy of House Vale. The trio then returns from where they came.

// PM sent

[Titania_1]

The church's door could be heard creaking open. A quick shuffle, the sound of something metallic being placed on the table, then the sound of the door quickly being shut again, all in the span of a few seconds.

If one were to look in the front area of the church, a bowl of fruit has been tipped over, with some fruit missing from the bowl. An object has been placed on the dining table. Upon closer inspection, it looks to be a brass lantern that has been wrapped in rags, with a hemp cord tied around the middle to keep the rags together like clothing. There is an opening in the rags near the top that looks to be a carefully-fingerpainted smiley face on the glass with a mixture of mud and charcoal. Light-colored yellowish horse hair frames the face and is tucked under the surrounding rags. Despite the lantern's crude assembly, it seems to hold a likeness to Ashenie.

[Fire Wolf]

The badly burnt genasi who had been staying in the infirmary was taken away by Oth and Avintae of House Darius, in the hopes of finding healing for him at the shrine of Eldath which they teleported away to.

Much time passed, and the genasi returned, fully healed and refreshed, offering thanks to the sisters of the temple and gathering his large collection of gifts and belongings that had been brought over time to his bedside table.

Clearing out the space, he then offered assistance cleaning the bedding he had used, in preparation for future patients, before leaving once more with joy and gratitude.

[zhazz]

2nd of Ches, 1359 DR

Adrian Baker arrives at the orphanage, seeking Sister Ashenie of Ilmater. With him he carries a large satchel containing donations to the orphanage. Donations in the form of painting and drawing supplies.

When the satchel is opened it will reveal the following contents: A dozen paint brushes of various sizes; two dozen pens of various thickness and color; two crates of bottled paints; and two tubes full of ready-to-use paper to draw or paint upon.

After the donations are delivered, Adrian spends some time with Sister Ashenie talking about the children and how they fare. Eventually the conversation turn to a different topic, and the two eventually leave for the Church of Ilmater on a joint errand.

Arriving at the Church of Ilmater they make their way to the Ossuary below the shrine. There they spend some time speaking of the soulless woman held in stasis. After a while Sister Ashenie leaves, while Adrian remains. Over the next few hours a small workshop is set up in the Ossuary. A workshop wherein Adrian experiments with paints and techniques to properly capture the woman's likeness in portrait form.

Over the next few days Adrian will visit the Ossuary for several hours per day as he works on a portrait that can be mass copied for wanted posters to help identify the unknown woman.

[Ashenie]

Drawn was not yet coloring the skies when two inconscious bodies were taken back to the Shrine of Ilmater by what seems to be a private milicia, or a contingent of foreign soldiers. Tended by Sister Rachel as soon as they are brought, Sister Ashenie and a man going by the name of Cassian find a painful wake in the infirmary.

The rumor spreads that they were ambushed and attacked near the birdge over the Chiontar, guarded by the soldiers of the Radiant Heart, by many priests of the Lady of Loss, who would have claimed to find them for an execution. While they tried to bring Cassian down, Sister Ashenie, vowed to peace, is said to have been withdrawn during the fight, praying for healing and mercy to come, and for hope to light the sky. A patroll of House Stillwater, as mysterious as it sounds, would have avoided worse outcome. The name of the House is cherished and spoken with gratitude by the Sister.

The trembling, weakened Ilmatari Sister has then made her way to the chapel and prayed, in hope to "Turn this suffering into Healing power for the Broken God and His Mercy". Clinging onto the hopes awakened by Saint Merielle Silene, she pledged penance in honor to the man who have endured the wrath of the Lady of Loss. It is said that, despite pressures and pain, she remained praying all night, only to leave peacefully in the morrow.

Walking weakly, with ashen symbols to cover her hands, she seems to struggle to breath, and stand, at most times. Though the damages from the attack do not seem visible, the pain seems lingering. It is said that she considers it with a peaceful approach, unwilling to yield under darkness, and still believing that those who harm must have been suffering immensely, and for so long lost in the shadows. Words of compassion seem to be cherished, even for She who hides in darkness.

[Deragnost]

A few years back...

---

«Remember, my sweetest daughter: do always follow your passions.»
«I'm your only daughter...»
«Very funny, Spitfire. But do you understand what I'm saying? Never, ever, follow something that isn't your path, always follow your own - no matter where it brings.»
The sweet, seven-years old girl - with bright light-blue eyes and red hair, grinned toward her father.
«Yes! I understand! I shall never bend to other people's whims, and I'll follow what I feel is right thing to do! I'll become the greatest minstrel this Coast has ever seen! Now, where's my sweet roll?»
The father laughed.

«Fine, fine: I'll buy you one. Do me a favor, though, Rose. Never lose your innocence.»
The girl grinned.
«I don't intend to, not even for all the sweet rolls in the world!»

---

Today...

A woman was seen entering the Church of Ilmater. A woman that rarely passes by, if not for leaving an occasional flower on the altar. This time, however, she smiled and asked to be escorted down in the lower ossuary. There was a determined look in her eyes, while she brought a purple flower in her hands. When she was left alone, she began to pray. It wasn't a prayer to Milil or Sune or Selune like she always did. It was a different kind of prayer: a plea for mercy, not for her own soul, but for someone else's.

«Saint Jasper, Saint Marielle, please heed my plead. Six months have passed, since I couldn't allow the innocence of that boy named Kip to flourish. I had my chance when I was a kid, I learned what it meant to follow our own passions. But Kip never did: he had to grow up all by himself, trying to cure his own family in the only way he knew. And because of my own negligence, he is no more. I forgave myself for that mistake, but I did not forget so that I won't repeat it.
Saint Jasper, Saint Marielle, please save and protect Kip's soul if you haven't already. And if you did, please let him know that he's always in my thoughts. So let it be.»

After that prayer, Rose could have sworn she saw a different light above the statue. Was it just her own imagination? Was it some sort of divine sign? Was it her own faith? Or maybe a game of lights? She will probably never know the truth, but one thing was certain: she would have never forgotten the young adult that lost his life too soon. After leaving the purple rose to the shrine, she would have left the ossuary with a lighter heart.

[Special thanks to DM Ink for that mission of 6 months ago, where Rose received the biggest torture ever. Although I'm not sure anyone should thank for that, but you know what I mean!]