[Quest] A Blind Man's Faith (Nira'lia)

[Paragon]

Rak'keli smiled. She was one of the softer deities, and especially loving of the Konti. She studied Nira'lia for a moment, but she knew very quickly the young woman's resolve was true and strong. She acted out of a true desire to help, not selfishly as many mortals did. "When the man looked to the sky, he somehow connected to our world. I think Sarin is a most interesting being. I cannot tell you what it is he saw exactly, but know it was a momentous moment - know it was the source of the storm that ravaged your lands." The Goddess ruffled her hair, but it shone with a sheen not possible for a human or a Konti. It had a lustre that only the divine could hold. Nira'lia would find herself now standing in the darkness, feeling as if there were a plane of solid ground beneath her. She no longer swam, though there were still no visible walls or floor in this dark place of shining stars. "If it is true that you want Sarin cured, I can help you. You will act as my conduit, and through you I will cure him of his blindness. Think carefully on this though Konti. If you choose this course of action you will forever be marked by me. You will not be able to cure the blind with the mark, but you will forever show your faith in me, and you will be able to cure small mortal ailments. What say you, my beautiful daughter?"

[Nira'lia]

'The source... of the storm?' The confusion and curiosity was evident on the Konti's face, but she pushed these away. It seemed silly to push information out of a Goddess. If Rak'keli thought she was deserving of more information, she wouldn't need to ask for it. Gasping, Nira'lia felt the ground materialize underneath her feet. It was a shock to her, but she reminded herself to be courageous in this odd place. The presence and the voice of the Goddess provided her with comfort. Amidst the puzzlement, the ethereality of the situation made her feel a type of happiness she couldn't name. She let Rak'keli's word sink in. Her eyes widened when she realized what the Goddess was telling her. Rak'keli was offering her blessing! Nira'lia couldn't feel happier. Her eyes twinkled with joy and she nodded fervently. She had always been devout to Rak'keli, along with Avalis and Laviku. More importantly, she was giving the opportunity to heal Sarin! While the thought of being able to cure minor ailments with Rak'keli's mark was indeed very appealing to her, Sarin was first in her mind right at this moment. "Yes, beloved Rak'keli," she said. "It would be a great honor to accept your mark, and Sarin... he's going to be cured... yes, please!"

[Paragon]

The Konti looked uneasy for a moment, but she softened. Rak'keli watched carefully, noting every change in the girl's facial expression. When a solid foundation came for the mortal, she seemed to take it in her stride, even after a momentary lapse. Her reply came quickly and hurriedly, but it held a strength all the same. Rak'keli smiled, before laughing softly. "I can see that is what you want child. Stand still, Nira'lia." Rak'keli moved gracefully towards Nira'lia, and as she moved closer, her arms were outstretched. Her hands cupped the Konti's face, before moving to her shoulders. The touch was otherwordly, cold and warmth filling the Konti's body at the same time, and a radiant light filling everything else. She would convulse momentarily, and then stare into the eyes of the Goddess. "Go. You channel my power momentarily. Go, and cure the man of his blindness." As the sigil many called Gnosis formed upon Nira'lia's body, she was thrown out into the darkness once again, hurtling and hurtling until she burst back into life in Sarin's cottage, finding herself on the floor. The light still filled her. Her hands were warm. She had to act quickly. OOCYou may choose whether Rak'keli left her mark upon Nira'lia's face or shoulders.

[Nira'lia]

Nira'lia had never been this close to a Goddess before. While she had Avalis's first mark, she had been born with it. Thus, this situation was completely new to her, and very ethereal. It was a feeling like no other as coldness and warmth met her skin and bones. She felt her body react to the Goddess's touch, her whole mind in a daze as she attempted to take in the experience. A twisted, swirling sigil of a winged serpent appeared on her right shoulder. It shimmered beautifully in an opal tint. She soon found herself in Sarin's cottage once more. The change in surroundings was so abrupt, the experience so surreal, that it took her a few seconds to recompose herself. The Konti looked down at her hands and felt a tingle in them... they were warm. Nira'lia's eyes quickly went to Sarin. Hurriedly, she rushed over to him, her expression filled with concern. She was scared that the warmth would vanish before she did her task. "Sir Sarin!" she exclaimed before reaching out to him. The Konti placed her hands on the side of his face. She closed her eyes in a serious prayer, channelling the power that Rak'keli had temporarily blessed her with to help this poor man. "Dear Rak'keli has answered our prayers, Mister Sarin..." she said in a whisper, her whole being concentrated on healing his blindness. She felt a surge within her as she felt Rak'keli's power course through her and to the man.

[Paragon]

As the conduit of the Goddess she had just been marked by, power flowed through Nira'lia's hands. It was like a prismatic light, white but arcing into colour as it passed between her and Sarin. The man convulsed for a moment, but something compelled Nira'lia to hold on steadfast. Slowly but surely the warmth seeped from her hands until they had returned to a normal temperature. She was startled when Sarin collapsed back onto the bed, eyes closed and body still. Feeling the last dredges of power leave the vestiges of her body, the Konti slumped back, feeling the mark on her shoulder pulse, then retract. For a moment she feared nothing had happened. Hanna still hadn't returned, but she looked to the ground in defeat, fingers touching her shoulder with wonder. And then Sarin gasped, jolting up from the bed. He stared upwards, and Nira'lia couldn't see his face. Her breath caught for a moment. Then he turned, and his eyes were no longer those terrible white orbs of emptiness. "Th.... thank you, Konti. Thank you." He grabbed her hands, holding them tightly in gratitude. "I have little to give, but know that I owe you immensely... I cannot thank you enough." Nira'lia was her usual modest self, naming Rak'keli as the man's saviour. Hanna returned soon far, and the Konti stayed with the family for a few hours, eating a meagre supper with them. Hanna was beaming, and a new life had enriched Sarin. When Nira'lia finally left, she closed the front door and looked up to the starry sky, whispering a prayer to Rak'keli. Then she touched her shoulder again, knowing a remnant of the Goddess' power still remained. --- Adventurer's Loot Nira'lia's Loot : Nira'lia Skill XP Reward Medicine +2 Investigation +3 Observation +2 Socialisation +2 Lore: Conduit of Rak'keli, Vision: A Fiery Awakening, Compelled to Cure Items or Consequences: + 1 Gnosis Mark of Healing, courtesy of Rak'keli Well done, I hope you enjoyed this thread as much as I did! I will update your Storyteller Secrets in earnest - if you have ANY questions or concerns about this grading, don't hesitate to PM me.