Closed New Beginnings [S'Essy]

[Nira'lia]

1st Summer 515 AV The Temple of All Gods “Thank you,” Nira’lia whispered under her breath. Her eyes were close as she sent her words to her godesses. It was noon and the temple didn’t have many people in it, save for a few who were speaking privately to their gods and goddesses. She sat on an oak pew, focusing her energy to the words that she hoped Avalis and Rak’keli could hear. “Rak’keli, thank you for allowing Madame Irine to permit me to be a healer instead of a knight… I know I would be much better use to the city this way.” It had been a few years since she had arrived in Syliras to be bound to the knighthood, and under Irine Braklin’s patronage, she had trained. And she had never been good at it, never became accustomed to the friendly duels; because each time her opponent or some other squire gained a wound, there was turmoil in her core. Irine Braklin also had Rak’keli’s mark, and Nira’lia admired her so for being able to reach her status as a Sergeant Knight amidst the challeges. The mark caused her to obsessively want to help out each injured person, which was very difficult for a squire in training. Nira’lia had tried very hard to get past this, convincing herself that Irine had been able to do it. This past few seasons though, she found that most of her time had been spent in the Soothing Waters instead, helping out as a healer. If only she had not been forced into this situation—if only circumstances had not put her in the position to be unable to leave the city and the knight’s eyes. Finally, after seasons of asking for guidance, she had finally gathered the courage to speak to Irine. And Irine had allowed her quit suiredom and work as a healer for the knighthood, on one condition: that she never leave the city unless with explicit permission, and not tell a soul about the secrets that she knew. The smile had spread across Nira’lia’s face instantly and the first thing she did was rush to the temple to thank her goddesses. The Konti stood up and dusted her skirt. There was a twinkle in her eye, one that had been lost for many seasons now. With a smile, she exited the temple and made her way towards the Soothing Waters, to let them know that she was now allowed to be a full-time healer for the Knights. The Soothing Waters was not exactly a clinic, but most of those who needed healing came there, including the Knights that she would be attending to, and also the city’s best healers. She soon saw the Soothing Waters. It was down the street, its doors inviting her to enter.