Closed The Smallest of Gifts

[Perplexity]

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“There is very little that the Goddess of the Sun doesn’t see. It is said that she sees everything her light touches. Though you might not give thanks to her by word, if thanks is given in your heart then I’m sure she knows it.” Their walk took them down West Street. The normally bustling business district of the city was a little quieter than usual. The respective merchants were just now opening their shops. Some waved and greeted each other. Some ushered in couriers with message from special patrons or wagons carrying goods to restock their wares. It would not be long before the Old Quarter and West Street itself were buzzing with activity. As they walked a few of the entrepreneurs waved calling out to Jason in greeting. He would turn his head in their direction offering a wave as best he could.

“Just follow this road now. You’ll know the Ancient Quarter by the presence of Wave Guards walking around the streets. You really can’t miss them.” The exasperation in his voice was tangible. Whatever opinions Jason held about the Wave Guard it was obvious they weren’t exactly pleasant ones.

“Do you mind very much if I ask about the father?” His head quirked in curiosity. “My own father is a very busy man. He doesn’t have much time for me or his other children. Not that it matters. We’re all adults now and that seems to only have made him more distant. But I suppose that is the role of fathers, yes? To work that the roof be kept over our heads. My mother isn’t much different. She’s just as busy keeping the house in order.”

The young man shrugged his shoulders, his mood slightly dampened. The idea of a close knit family seemed a foreign thing to him.

“It is why I turn to Syna. She gave me warmth and comfort when my world was plunged into darkness.”

[S'Essy]

His sentence was very comforting to her. Although she wasn't really sure if her thanks was given in her heart to the Goddess of Sun. After all she didn't really know much about her back then. But something she was sure, she was thankful now and she would be thankful from that moment. The people were getting busier and busier around the city. Shops were opening, costumers were coming. All the cheerful talks were getting louder and louder. She saw some people greeting Jason and he did his very best to return those with waving. Nothing surprising, he lived in the city and knew the people around even if by only voice. S'Essy also gave her share and said hello to the people.

She was following the road as he told her so. Ancient Quarter... so that's what the place was called where the University lied. She was also looking around for the Guards. His mentioning about them was rather odd though, his tone changed a bit. He didn't sound really satisfied by them. She couldn't tell why though. Pulren was a really nice and kind person to her, although she had to admit he was the only Wave Guard she knew. Once again, she felt it was better not to ask. Though she was really curious what was wrong with them.

His next questions was surprising and also confusing. Before she could answer, he explained his curiosity. A busy man who didn't care and also a busy mother. Surely not the most fun family for him. And Jason also didn't really said anything about his siblings, probably he didn't have any good relationships with them either. This also explained why he turned to Syna. "Well... She gave you a new world to see and enjoy. Not literal sight of course." Just like for her the Sea, she had it always.

"Well.. I'm not sure what do you mean by the father. Well if you mean my own father well... complicated." Again, her memories about Mura. But also her recent encounter with her mortal father came to her mind. "My mother raised all alone, that's common for us in Mura. But I always felt like Laviku as my true Father. He was always there for me, not someone who I only worship to. No he is more, he is THE father to me, who I love. But, I also met with my mortal father. He had quite an interesting life and it's fine that way." As it should be and she was glad she could see him at least once. One mystery solved for her.

But happier memories about her lover came to her mind. "On the other hand, the father of my child... How to put it?" She wanted to find the best words for it but the Konti realized it wasn't really possible. "I just love him. We have a long history way back. He might be wild too sometimes, like Leth but his heart is in the right place and he is like that because he wanna do good. And I love him for it." And they had a little life to take care of now, she was curious what kind of a father he would be. He knew he also had some issues with his father.

After her little speech, she noticed some of the Wave Guards he mentioned, walking around. It was just like in Syliras with knights. "I guess we are in the Ancient Quarter. Your home is close now?"

[Perplexity]

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Jason laughed at S’Essy’s mention of the gift that he’d been given from Syna. It was true. He did see the world differently than others.

“This is true. Gifts are given in the smallest of ways, more than I think some people realize.” He remained quiet as the Konti explained the nature of her child’s father. A smile touched his face at the correlation she used between Leth and Syna. It was an interesting thought. Jason quirked his head upwards as they entered the Ancient Quarter of Zeltiva.

“You can always tell when you enter the Ancient Quarter. It’s quieter here than in the rest of the city. Everything goes at its own measured pace. No one is in a rush. No one is caught up in the bustle that you find in the rest of the city. People are slower here because they are ingrained in the belief that they live above the world, not as a part of it.” The guards that patrolled glanced in Jason and S’Essy’s direction. They didn’t bother either of them. Indeed, a pair of them moved aside for the two strolling along their way with a humble nod to S’Essy and a verbal acknowledgement to Jason.

“We should be coming up on my home now.” To their right stood the high walls of a truly impressive estate. Guards stood at the iron gate with stoic expressions while others patrolled the walls themselves. Behind the gate was what could only be described as a garden, beautiful in its diversity, and busy with the diligent albeit quiet work of many hands. Toward the rear beyond the gardens stood an elaborate house that was no doubt as impressive on the inside as it was on the outside. One of the guards at the gate whistled upon spotting Jason. There was a corresponding whistle from behind the wall and the heavy iron bars of the gate began to swing open. Jason brought them both to a stop in front of that gate turning to face S’Essy.

“I would invite you inside but my father is not fond of surprise visitors.” He stepped forward his hand finding S’Essy’s shoulder. He gave the Konti a gentle hug before stepping back.

“Thank you for the walk and the enjoyable conversation, S’Essy. It was…nice. It was different than the normal monotony of my days which is a gift I will remember. For now though, I must be off. I am certain my sister is worried. She doesn’t like for me to wander for too long.” Jason bowed in a gentlemanly fashion to the Healer. He turned to enter the grounds of the estate but paused before he entered the gates.

“Might I recommend that you visit the Priskil’s Spire? This early in the morning, I’m told Syna’s light brushes against the white walls of the tower making them shine. I saw it a few times myself as a boy. I would have to agree that it was a wonder to behold.” With a nod the young man turned. Immediately upon stepping through the gate two guards from behind the walls stepped up beside him escorting him up the path. The iron gates swung closed with the guardsmen resuming their posts in silence.

[S'Essy]

He was right about it, she was looking around. A very fancy place, as Jason was also. Many more Wave Guards than usual also. It was very different from the city. S'Essy just didn't feel she quite fit in there. "Yeah... I can see that much." She said with a bit confusion. And her confusion only grew when the guards moved aside and nodded towards them. Like they were rulers or some important people there. S'Essy nodded back with a big surprise. Who was Jason? Her curiosity was growing but she didn't dare to ask. Instead she was just joking. "What is it, are you the Monarch of this Quarter?"

He mentioned they were there and as she looked to her right, there was only a huge wall. But what kind? It wasn't just an ordinary house or an inn she was staying in. "His Highness" had a beautiful house with beautiful garden, with a big gate. She was with a nobility?! No wonder there were guards around, they had to keep it safe and that beautiful. S'Essy's breath stopped for a tick. Still tried not to make a big deal out of it, not to ruin it for him. But for the Gods, that was just beyond her.

They stopped by the gates where they opened it for him. S'Essy was still staring at herself. She was blinking and wondering who was he. She only woke up, when she heard his voice and the felt his touch which was followed by a hug. Another surprise. She hugged him back tightly, smiling but still confused by everything. "It's fine darling. I'm not sure if I'm in a prope--- just your welcome." She didn't wanna say, she didn't think she looked proper enough to even enter anyway. "I'm glad, I could lighten your day, you enlightened me certainly. Maybe we will meet again. Thank you, Jason!"

She let him go and turned around to go back. But she turned around as he said one last thing. Visit Priskil's Spire... Priskil, Priskil. She was that Goddess, her lover was talking about. Another Goddess she didn't know so well. That reminded her. "I will head there then! Thank you again! And Jason. I can see, you have some coin to spare. Try to talk to your father and your family and visit Mura. Go and search for the Opal Temple, I'm sure the healers there can help you somehow or any of your family members if they need it. Rak'keli's healers are always there to aid anyone, just like me. Good day!" And with her final words she would turn around and search for the Spire.

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It took her quite a lot of time to find it. First she was lost in Zeltiva and had to ask where that spire was. A young lady was kind enough to tell her it was at the Old Quarter. She thanked her and tried to head there but then she realized, she had no idea where was the Old Quarter either. So asked another person, who told her how to go there. After 20 chimes she finally found that Quarter and also she saw the spire. She looked up at the tall building. Just like Jason described. Syna's light brushed against the white walls and they were shining brightly. Beautiful sight, she even had to look away a bit, not to her hurt her eyes. "I wonder why I have never bothered to thank You for a lot of things, Syna." She whispered in Kontinese.

[Perplexity]

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“You might not have praised me with your words but your heart sang praise enough, gentle S’Essy.” Beside S’Essy there stood an immaculate woman. He hair shone golden, small wisps drifting in the playful wind. She wore a simple white gown with a golden sash about her waist, her poise and posture suggesting that she were forever going through the steps of a beautiful dance. Her eyes were bright, filled with an eternal kindness that radiated revelation and joy. Her form was not entirely tangible however. She drifted between the physical world following columns of sunlight. There was no telling when or where the woman had come from. It was simply that one moment she wasn’t there and within the blink of an eye she stood as if she had been beside the Konti the whole time. Perhaps she had…

Several people going in and out of the Spire stopped dead in their tracks, eyes going wide at the unmistakable appearance of a goddess. Her mere presence brought warmth to the world around her and a rejuvenation of energy simply by meeting her gaze. Syna came to stand in front of S’Essy. She smiled at the daughter of Avalis. Simple though that gesture might have been it was filled with a benevolent divine grace.

“Not every prayer is made with words. Come.” Her voice was strong sounding musical as if the goddess were on the verge of song. With a single wave of her hand she ushered S’Essy along the path leading up to the Spire and around it. Though she vanished where no sunlight shone in the shadow of the Spire, her ethereal form quickly reappeared in the light. She guided the healer to a spot just beyond the dovecote where the two of them might speak away from the people making their way to the Spire to conduct business.

“Tell me what you see in the world, S’Essy. Tell me what you don’t.” The goddess studied the Konti’s face carefully. She was searching for something but what that might have been, a mortal mind could scarcely guess at.

[S'Essy]

Suddenly a woman were speaking to her, an unfamiliar voice to S'Essy. But it was impossible she knew her name. S'Essy turned her head to the direction where the woman was talking. The figure appeared from nowhere, she didn't see her at that moment. The Konti's eyes widened, her breath stopped for a moment and her smile vanished for that moment. She was a beautiful woman, she didn't believe she has seen such beauty before. She was so bright like the Sun's light, the Healer had to narrow her eyes a bit to see her clearly. But it was strange, like she was there but at the same time she wasn't. She was gracing with Syna's light.

Because She was Syna, the goddess herself. Her eyes showed only kindness, from Her joy, energy, warmth and divine power were radiating. S'Essy's suddenly felt weak, her body felt empty, she even forgot that she was carrying a baby inside of her. It was just weightless. She wasn't afraid, around the Sun Goddess she couldn't feel fear, but joy and warmth and she was awed by her appearance. Feelings, emotions were twisting in her and she couldn't even think, her thoughts were twisting in her head. What should she do? What should she say? Should she even talk to her? Was she allowed to do so? She didn't move, her eyes fixed on the Goddess.

A simple smile from her, the Sun was smiling at her! She couldn't not smile back at her. It was Her! Finally the information reached S'Essy and even she understood its meaning...at least a bit. A mortal could never understand Gods completely. She moved her head around, other people noticed Syna too. They didn't move either, and it seemed Syna enjoyed the attention. The attention She gave to the world everyday. She spoke to her again, S'Essy were registering the words again and followed the Goddess as she waves her hand as a gesture for the Konti.

Syna wanted to walk with S'Essy. It was so hard to believe. She felt like she was in a dream, she couldn't hide her joy. She was walking beside the Goddess, who disappeared where the Her light didn't touch the surface, it was an odd things for S'Essy but made sense. Syna found a spot where they could be in private and people continue their everyday life around the Spire. She was asked to tell what she saw and what she didn't as the Goddess was observing her. S'Essy's face felt warmth probably because Syna was so warm... or because she was a bit nervous.

"I... I..." She opened her mouth and she hardly found her voice again. She took a deep breath and tried again." I see a lot things, yet I don't see much, my bright Goddess! " She was glad she could freely speak in Kontinese. "I see people, places, cultures, love, fight, injury and so much more. I see people's joy when I heal them, which is beautiful. I see people's sorrow and sadness, there is no beauty in that. But that's part of life and I'm glad I have my eyes to see it. I can see my Father's waters, I can see my favorite color, sea blue. I can see my lover's face! And I will be able to see my baby's face. " She said it, her voice was shaking at times but got more courage to speak with the goddess. "But I can't see everything, I can only see what's before my eyes."

[Perplexity]

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“Then your eyes are open to more than what most choose to see.” The Sun Goddess looked over the Konti with a kind smile seemingly satisfied with her answer. “So many walk the world paying heed only to what is in front of them. They do not seek to see beyond the narrow path of their own lives.”

Syna reached forward brushing her fingers over the Healer’s eyes. In that gesture a great and wondrous joy welled up inside of S’Essy. The urge to dance, to sing, to fill the world with beauty and laughter, to rejoice in the simple act of living.

“Stay along the path that you have walked so well, S’Essy. You bring joy to those who wallow in sadness. You make calm those who lose themselves to their anger. Every day you go out of your way to uplift the hearts, bodies and minds of others. You help them to see that though they might think themselves alone, they live in a world filled with people simply waiting to take them by the hand.” Syna came to stand directly in front of the Konti. Her hands framed S’Essy’s face as the goddess pressed a kiss to her forehead. With a smile she regarded the mother to be.

“When you find yourself wrapped in daylight, when I stand proudly in the sky, call to me and I shall open your eyes to the world in new ways.” When next S’Essy blinked, the ethereal form of the goddess had vanished. The echo of her voice danced across the Healer’s reverie.

“Help others to see the joy that shines in the world, S’Essy.” And with that the Sun Goddess was gone though as S’Essy stood there, with the sunlight washing over her, Syna could be felt.

[S'Essy]

She was staring right back at the Goddess, who had a satisfied and kind look on her face. She had to admit, it was nice to hear Her words, that she was open and she was not like the some people who walk without true sight. But she was feeling sorry for them also, because there are those who couldn't do anything about it.

And as the Healer was busy with her thoughts, Syna reached to her eyes which caught her by surprise. The next she knew that suddenly the feelings she felt because of the Sun Goddess got more intense inside of her. Warmth and joy was building up inside of her so much, there was a strange urge inside of her to let them out and share them with everyone around her. Her mouth moved on her own and formed a very big smile, maybe even let out a soft laughter. It was the Goddess's power.

On her left eye a stylized orb appeared and along with it new knowledge. She had been blessed! S'Essy was still lost of words, couldn't know what to say. Why she? How? Was it a dream? No, it wasn't and for her other questions, she had to find her answer on her own. And it seemed the Goddess found the words instead of her, surely She see through the Konti's heart. The Goddess just reassured her path, bring joy, enjoy life, save others.

Her day full of surprise already, but this was probably the biggest for her, as Syna gently holding her face to lean to the Konti's forehead to give it a kiss, like a mother to her daughter. A kiss of a goddess! A moment she would never forget. Her whole body was still weak, yet she couldn't feel happier. She only nodded with a smile to her. She got a new power, a new sight. And as soon with an echo Syna disappeared.

But not entirely, S'Essy was standing there, as the Sun was touching her. She was still there, she could feel their bond. S'Essy had never enjoyed the Syna's light touching her skin that much before than that moment. She had to share her joy, help others to find it... Yes... Yes she wanted to go back to her lover, she wanted to share it with him first! She had to tell Markus! When finally she got her strength back to walk, she left the Priskil's Spire, heading home to find her lover.

OOCTell me if I assumed much, just the lore said the gnosis appears only on one eye. Hope you don't mind I picked which one! If so I'll delete it!

[Perplexity]

You have played well, but the game is at an end.

You have been bested. Beaten. Checkmate!

However, here is a consolation prize: a wealth of Experience and Lores! If you have any questions or concerns regarding this grade, please do not hesitate to send me a PM. I'll be more than happy to assist you!

 

SEssy

XP

• Investigation | +3 EXP
  Storytelling | +5 EXP
  Persuasion | +2 EXP
  Tracking | +2 EXP
  Philosophy | +2 EXP
  Rhetoric | +1 EXP

LORES

• Jason: Worshipper of Syna
  Jason: Blind
  Jason: Son of a Wealthy Family in Zeltiva
  Syna: Goddess of the Sun, Joy, Energy and Sight
  Oath to Syna: To Spread Joy In The World
  Leth: God of the Moon
  Story: Leth and Syna’s Love
  Location: Priskil’s Spire

MISCELLANEOUS

• +L1 Inavalti Gnosis

Until Our Next Match,
-Perplexity, DS of Zeltiva
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