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<blockquote data-quote="Nonlethal Force" data-source="post: 2937277" data-attributes="member: 35788"><p>Semeion looked startled. <span style="color: Plum">“A faint magical aura? And it is fading?”</span></p><p></p><p>The healer looked to Semeion as the spell he used to ascertain Charis’ possibility of conception faded from between him and Charis. <span style="color: Lime">“Yes, sir. I saw a faint magical aura and it was nearly gone – barely noticeable.”</span></p><p></p><p>Semeion looked even more puzzled as he pondered the healer’s assertion. <span style="color: Plum">“Have you any idea if the magic came from a divine source or an arcane source? Because her healing powers come from her worship – much like your own.”</span></p><p></p><p>The healer shook his head from side to side in a negative response. <span style="color: Lime">“I’ve no way of knowing, sir. The magic was barely noticeable as it was. To think of getting an image of what kind of magic would be nearly impossible.”</span></p><p></p><p>Rhema interjected, hoping to break Semeion’s seemingly endless loop of confusion regarding the magical source. <span style="color: PaleGreen">“Can you guarantee us that there is nothing wrong with her should she find rest from her attack? There is nothing seriously wrong with her that would cause her condition to diminish?”</span></p><p></p><p>The healer nodded towards Rhema. <span style="color: Lime">“I can assure you, ma’am. There is absolutely nothing wrong with her. There is no reason that she should be spontaneously wounding herself and passing out. The cause certainly is external because internally she has no sign of infection and her aura is now completely normal with passing of the magical effect.”</span></p><p></p><p>Ischarus pulled out a small pouch and flipped a few gold coins onto the table beside Charis’ head. <span style="color: LightBlue">“This temple is dedicated to the god that I worship. I would be remiss in entering here and not leaving a piece of myself behind for the continuation of your influence in Fingerdale and the surrounding regions. Would this donation go far in furthering your cause in exchange for her healing?”</span></p><p></p><p>The healer smiled politely and ignored the gold. <span style="color: Lime">“Sir, you need not pay for the services. I can heal her and the personal codes of our shared deity mandate that I do so. You may keep your gold. Our goal is not merchandizing our divinely given talents. I cannot buy my gifts from the heavens and I should not be expected to charge you for giving to you what I have freely received from above.”</span></p><p></p><p>Ischarus smiled broadly at the healer. <span style="color: LightBlue">“I understand your position. Since you answered sincerely and with virtue, then let me add on to my donation above what would be expected for the service. In this way you will know that I donate not in exchange for your services but rather because we do serve a mighty god who is worthy of bringing influence to the surrounding areas.”</span></p><p></p><p>The healer bowed low and added, <span style="color: Lime">“Your donation will not be refused, my lord. She will be healed as I speak. Bondras-tol Shintar”</span></p><p></p><p>Charis blinked as the light from the room poured into her newly opened eyes. <span style="color: Orange">“Wha … Where am I?”</span></p><p></p><p>Rhema stood beside her quickly and grabbed her hand. <span style="color: PaleGreen">“You fainted when you read the magic, Charis. You are with friends, in a temple. The healer is here with you.”</span></p><p></p><p>Charis obviously didn’t remember hitting the ground hard as they entered Fingerdale. <span style="color: Orange">“I … fainted?”</span></p><p></p><p>Semeion rushed to her other side as she spoke again. He grabbed Charis’ other hand. <span style="color: Plum">“Yes, Charis. You fainted right under the gates. Ischarus was thankfully able to convince everyone that you had a horrible plague so that they not only didn’t ask questions but also got out of our way as we rushed you to the temple. They say that you are fine, now. And they say that whatever is affecting you is coming from outside of you.”</span></p><p></p><p>The healer interjected before Charis could ask another question. <span style="color: Lime">“Charis, my name is Barrachius. I am the healer that has been assigned to you. I understand that you have been struggling with a new ability to read magic? I also understand that it is the times when you read magical writing that bring these spells upon you.”</span></p><p></p><p>Charis replied with a great deal of confusion in her voice. It was quite obvious that she had not yet regained her clarity of thought. <span style="color: Orange">“Yeah. I guess that’s true. They’d know better than me, I suppose.”</span> </p><p></p><p>The healer replied, <span style="color: Lime">“I’d like to run a simple test on you if you don’t mind.”</span></p><p></p><p>Charis smiled. Her hesitation showed through her expression. <span style="color: Orange">“Uh, sure, I suppose that would be alright. Do I have to do anything and will it hurt?”</span></p><p></p><p>The healer smiled as Charis looked into his eyes and he replied in honesty. <span style="color: Lime">“I’ll only ask you to read something. And if I am correct, it shouldn’t hurt at all.”</span></p><p></p><p>Charis nodded in agreement. The healer extended his left arm out over Charis so that his long and loose fitting sleeve hung down from his arm and rested across her abdomen. With a mischievous smile upon his face he spoke a few simple arcane words. <span style="color: Lime">“Thizzle-pendrath”</span></p><p></p><p>The healer’s right index finger began to instantly glow with a lime green light, allowing him to touch his sleeve and leave a magical mark. When he was done, he looked to Charis and continued to speak through his mischievous smile. <span style="color: Lime">“Can you read this, Charis?”</span></p><p></p><p>Charis shook her head, unable to read the magical writing now inscribed and glowing upon the sleeve. She and everyone else in the room could see plain as day that there was writing upon the sleeve of the healer, but it was impossible to decipher.</p><p></p><p>The healer continued his experiment by addressing Charis’ abilities. <span style="color: Lime">“Now, if you would be so kind as to activate your ability as you did earlier so that you could read the magic words inscribed upon the wall of our fair city.”</span></p><p></p><p>Charis paused for a split second and looked to Semeion as if unsure of what to do. Semeion smiled and encouraged her to activate this new ability. Without the fear inside about where this ability was coming from he was much more confident. <span style="color: Plum">“Go ahead, Charis. We’ll be right here to support you. If anything happens to you, we have a healer here that will be able to rescue you.”</span></p><p></p><p>Semeion squeezed her hand slightly and Charis returned the squeeze with a significantly stronger grip inspired by fear of the unknown. In her mind she recalled the same principles that she had leaned upon when had read the magic wall earlier in the day. Her lips mouthed the same words as she had spoken earlier in the day. <span style="color: Orange">“Thizzle-sooth.”</span> </p><p></p><p>The words could barely be heard above her own breath. Suddenly, Charis saw the lime green writing shift and move so that it made sense to her own eyes. The magical writing shifted so that it matched the language of her people. She read what the message on the healer’s arm said. <span style="color: Orange">“Cured!”</span></p><p></p><p>It took a moment for it all to sink in. Barracchius smiled and lightly laughed at Charis as she relayed the simple message. <span style="color: Lime">“And how do you feel?”</span></p><p></p><p>Charis paused for a moment and her eyes darted wildly back and forth as she ran through a quick mental check of how her body felt at this moment. <span style="color: Orange">“I feel … normal.”</span></p><p></p><p>Barrachius’ face exposed a large grin as the healer looked down upon his patient. <span style="color: Lime">“It is as I said earlier, then. It is as I expected. Her illness is not inside; it is coming from somewhere on the outside. Something or someone is affecting her without being noticed. When she is removed from the adverse effect her ability to read the magical writing works perfectly. If this is true then the key to curing this girl is not in finding a cure for the inside but rather finding the source of the conflict outside. Find the conflict, and you’ll know how to cure her.”</span></p><p></p><p>Semeion and Rhema graciously thanked the healer several times as they readied Charis to leave the temple. She clung to Ischarus the first few steps since Ischarus was by far the strongest member of the adventuring party. However, before she had taken too many steps Charis was walking with confidence. She released Ischarus’ arm as they left the healing room and approached the door to the outside stairway and pillars of the temple.</p><p></p><p>As the door opened, Charis squinted in the face of the bright light. Her eyes had grown accustomed to the filtered light of the temple, but the full sun caused her to lift up her hand to her eyes and shade them as she squinted. As she found herself slowly getting used to the bright light once more she also found herself staring into the people on the street. This view from the temple’s steps was all new ground since when she had entered this temple she was unconscious. As she scanned the crowd, she stopped suddenly on a face staring back at her from across the street.</p><p></p><p>Charis muttered quietly, more to herself than anyone else. <span style="color: Orange">“I know that face.”</span></p><p></p><p>Semeion questioned Charis’ expression since he was unable to hear the mutterings of Charis. <span style="color: Plum">“What?”</span></p><p></p><p>Charis reasserted her position more firmly. <span style="color: Orange">“I know that man.”</span> Charis’ hand raised to point out the face that she had recognized to Semeion and the others. As her hand rose, the man at whom she pointed broke into a run down the street towards the gate where Charis had originally fallen.</p><p></p><p>Rhema had been following Semeion’s and Charis’ conversation and as she followed Charis’ point out across the street she too saw the man break into a run away from the party. She quickly started into a run and yelled to the others behind her. <span style="color: PaleGreen">“Semeion, stay with Charis and protect her! Ischarus, follow me!”</span></p><p></p><p>Ischarus had missed the conversation but knew enough to follow Rhema when she beckoned. It wasn’t hard to follow her line of sight to the man fleeing from their direction. Rhema was able to handle herself; but if nothing else Ischarus would enjoy the show. He grinned as he descended the steps in pursuit.</p><p></p><p>As they descended the steps of the altar and onto the street, Semeion heard Charis utter a single name. <span style="color: Orange">“Grick.”</span></p><p></p><p>[Sblock=Color-Free Speech Section]</p><p>Semeion looked startled. “A faint magical aura? And it is fading?”</p><p></p><p>The healer looked to Semeion as the spell he used to ascertain Charis’ possibility of conception faded from between him and Charis. “Yes, sir. I saw a faint magical aura and it was nearly gone – barely noticeable.”</p><p></p><p>Semeion looked even more puzzled as he pondered the healer’s assertion. “Have you any idea if the magic came from a divine source or an arcane source? Because her healing powers come from her worship – much like your own.”</p><p></p><p>The healer shook his head from side to side in a negative response. “I’ve no way of knowing, sir. The magic was barely noticeable as it was. To think of getting an image of what kind of magic would be nearly impossible.”</p><p></p><p>Rhema interjected, hoping to break Semeion’s seemingly endless loop of confusion regarding the magical source. “Can you guarantee us that there is nothing wrong with her should she find rest from her attack? There is nothing seriously wrong with her that would cause her condition to diminish?”</p><p></p><p>The healer nodded towards Rhema. “I can assure you, ma’am. There is absolutely nothing wrong with her. There is no reason that she should be spontaneously wounding herself and passing out. The cause certainly is external because internally she has no sign of infection and her aura is now completely normal with passing of the magical effect.”</p><p></p><p>Ischarus pulled out a small pouch and flipped a few gold coins onto the table beside Charis’ head. “This temple is dedicated to the god that I worship. I would be remiss in entering here and not leaving a piece of myself behind for the continuation of your influence in Fingerdale and the surrounding regions. Would this donation go far in furthering your cause in exchange for her healing?”</p><p></p><p>The healer smiled politely and ignored the gold. “Sir, you need not pay for the services. I can heal her and the personal codes of our shared deity mandate that I do so. You may keep your gold. Our goal is not merchandizing our divinely given talents. I cannot buy my gifts from the heavens and I should not be expected to charge you for giving to you what I have freely received from above.”</p><p></p><p>Ischarus smiled broadly at the healer. “I understand your position. Since you answered sincerely and with virtue, then let me add on to my donation above what would be expected for the service. In this way you will know that I donate not in exchange for your services but rather because we do serve a mighty god who is worthy of bringing influence to the surrounding areas.”</p><p></p><p>The healer bowed low and added, “Your donation will not be refused, my lord. She will be healed as I speak. Bondras-tol Shintar”</p><p></p><p>Charis blinked as the light from the room poured into her newly opened eyes. “Wha … Where am I?”</p><p></p><p>Rhema stood beside her quickly and grabbed her hand. “You fainted when you read the magic, Charis. You are with friends, in a temple. The healer is here with you.”</p><p></p><p>Charis obviously didn’t remember hitting the ground hard as they entered Fingerdale. “I … fainted?”</p><p></p><p>Semeion rushed to her other side as she spoke again. He grabbed Charis’ other hand. “Yes, Charis. You fainted right under the gates. Ischarus was thankfully able to convince everyone that you had a horrible plague so that they not only didn’t ask questions but also got out of our way as we rushed you to the temple. They say that you are fine, now. And they say that whatever is affecting you is coming from outside of you.”</p><p></p><p>The healer interjected before Charis could ask another question. “Charis, my name is Barrachius. I am the healer that has been assigned to you. I understand that you have been struggling with a new ability to read magic? I also understand that it is the times when you read magical writing that bring these spells upon you.”</p><p></p><p>Charis replied with a great deal of confusion in her voice. It was quite obvious that she had not yet regained her clarity of thought. “Yeah. I guess that’s true. They’d know better than me, I suppose.” </p><p></p><p>The healer replied, “I’d like to run a simple test on you if you don’t mind.”</p><p></p><p>Charis smiled. Her hesitation showed through her expression. “Uh, sure, I suppose that would be alright. Do I have to do anything and will it hurt?”</p><p></p><p>The healer smiled as Charis looked into his eyes and he replied in honesty. “I’ll only ask you to read something. And if I am correct, it shouldn’t hurt at all.”</p><p></p><p>Charis nodded in agreement. The healer extended his left arm out over Charis so that his long and loose fitting sleeve hung down from his arm and rested across her abdomen. With a mischievous smile upon his face he spoke a few simple arcane words. “Thizzle-pendrath”</p><p></p><p>The healer’s right index finger began to instantly glow with a lime green light, allowing him to touch his sleeve and leave a magical mark. When he was done, he looked to Charis and continued to speak through his mischievous smile. “Can you read this, Charis?”</p><p></p><p>Charis shook her head, unable to read the magical writing now inscribed and glowing upon the sleeve. She and everyone else in the room could see plain as day that there was writing upon the sleeve of the healer, but it was impossible to decipher.</p><p></p><p>The healer continued his experiment by addressing Charis’ abilities. “Now, if you would be so kind as to activate your ability as you did earlier so that you could read the magic words inscribed upon the wall of our fair city.”</p><p></p><p>Charis paused for a split second and looked to Semeion as if unsure of what to do. Semeion smiled and encouraged her to activate this new ability. Without the fear inside about where this ability was coming from he was much more confident. “Go ahead, Charis. We’ll be right here to support you. If anything happens to you, we have a healer here that will be able to rescue you.”</p><p></p><p>Semeion squeezed her hand slightly and Charis returned the squeeze with a significantly stronger grip inspired by fear of the unknown. In her mind she recalled the same principles that she had leaned upon when had read the magic wall earlier in the day. Her lips mouthed the same words as she had spoken earlier in the day. “Thizzle-sooth.” </p><p></p><p>The words could barely be heard above her own breath. Suddenly, Charis saw the lime green writing shift and move so that it made sense to her own eyes. The magical writing shifted so that it matched the language of her people. She read what the message on the healer’s arm said. “Cured!”</p><p></p><p>It took a moment for it all to sink in. Barracchius smiled and lightly laughed at Charis as she relayed the simple message. “And how do you feel?”</p><p></p><p>Charis paused for a moment and her eyes darted wildly back and forth as she ran through a quick mental check of how her body felt at this moment. “I feel … normal.”</p><p></p><p>Barrachius’ face exposed a large grin as the healer looked down upon his patient. “It is as I said earlier, then. It is as I expected. Her illness is not inside; it is coming from somewhere on the outside. Something or someone is affecting her without being noticed. When she is removed from the adverse effect her ability to read the magical writing works perfectly. If this is true then the key to curing this girl is not in finding a cure for the inside but rather finding the source of the conflict outside. Find the conflict, and you’ll know how to cure her.”</p><p></p><p>Semeion and Rhema graciously thanked the healer several times as they readied Charis to leave the temple. She clung to Ischarus the first few steps since Ischarus was by far the strongest member of the adventuring party. However, before she had taken too many steps Charis was walking with confidence. She released Ischarus’ arm as they left the healing room and approached the door to the outside stairway and pillars of the temple.</p><p></p><p>As the door opened, Charis squinted in the face of the bright light. Her eyes had grown accustomed to the filtered light of the temple, but the full sun caused her to lift up her hand to her eyes and shade them as she squinted. As she found herself slowly getting used to the bright light once more she also found herself staring into the people on the street. This view from the temple’s steps was all new ground since when she had entered this temple she was unconscious. As she scanned the crowd, she stopped suddenly on a face staring back at her from across the street.</p><p></p><p>Charis muttered quietly, more to herself than anyone else. “I know that face.”</p><p></p><p>Semeion questioned Charis’ expression since he was unable to hear the mutterings of Charis. “What?”</p><p></p><p>Charis reasserted her position more firmly. “I know that man.” Charis’ hand raised to point out the face that she had recognized to Semeion and the others. As her hand rose, the man at whom she pointed broke into a run down the street towards the gate where Charis had originally fallen.</p><p></p><p>Rhema had been following Semeion’s and Charis’ conversation and as she followed Charis’ point out across the street she too saw the man break into a run away from the party. She quickly started into a run and yelled to the others behind her. “Semeion, stay with Charis and protect her! Ischarus, follow me!”</p><p></p><p>Ischarus had missed the conversation but knew enough to follow Rhema when she beckoned. It wasn’t hard to follow her line of sight to the man fleeing from their direction. Rhema was able to handle herself; but if nothing else Ischarus would enjoy the show. He grinned as he descended the steps in pursuit.</p><p></p><p>As they descended the steps of the altar and onto the street, Semeion heard Charis utter a single name. “Grick.”[/Sblock]</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Nonlethal Force, post: 2937277, member: 35788"] Semeion looked startled. [Color=Plum]“A faint magical aura? And it is fading?”[/Color] The healer looked to Semeion as the spell he used to ascertain Charis’ possibility of conception faded from between him and Charis. [Color=Lime]“Yes, sir. I saw a faint magical aura and it was nearly gone – barely noticeable.”[/Color] Semeion looked even more puzzled as he pondered the healer’s assertion. [Color=Plum]“Have you any idea if the magic came from a divine source or an arcane source? Because her healing powers come from her worship – much like your own.”[/Color] The healer shook his head from side to side in a negative response. [Color=Lime]“I’ve no way of knowing, sir. The magic was barely noticeable as it was. To think of getting an image of what kind of magic would be nearly impossible.”[/Color] Rhema interjected, hoping to break Semeion’s seemingly endless loop of confusion regarding the magical source. [Color=PaleGreen]“Can you guarantee us that there is nothing wrong with her should she find rest from her attack? There is nothing seriously wrong with her that would cause her condition to diminish?”[/Color] The healer nodded towards Rhema. [Color=Lime]“I can assure you, ma’am. There is absolutely nothing wrong with her. There is no reason that she should be spontaneously wounding herself and passing out. The cause certainly is external because internally she has no sign of infection and her aura is now completely normal with passing of the magical effect.”[/Color] Ischarus pulled out a small pouch and flipped a few gold coins onto the table beside Charis’ head. [Color=LightBlue]“This temple is dedicated to the god that I worship. I would be remiss in entering here and not leaving a piece of myself behind for the continuation of your influence in Fingerdale and the surrounding regions. Would this donation go far in furthering your cause in exchange for her healing?”[/Color] The healer smiled politely and ignored the gold. [Color=Lime]“Sir, you need not pay for the services. I can heal her and the personal codes of our shared deity mandate that I do so. You may keep your gold. Our goal is not merchandizing our divinely given talents. I cannot buy my gifts from the heavens and I should not be expected to charge you for giving to you what I have freely received from above.”[/Color] Ischarus smiled broadly at the healer. [Color=LightBlue]“I understand your position. Since you answered sincerely and with virtue, then let me add on to my donation above what would be expected for the service. In this way you will know that I donate not in exchange for your services but rather because we do serve a mighty god who is worthy of bringing influence to the surrounding areas.”[/Color] The healer bowed low and added, [Color=Lime]“Your donation will not be refused, my lord. She will be healed as I speak. Bondras-tol Shintar”[/Color] Charis blinked as the light from the room poured into her newly opened eyes. [Color=Orange]“Wha … Where am I?”[/Color] Rhema stood beside her quickly and grabbed her hand. [Color=PaleGreen]“You fainted when you read the magic, Charis. You are with friends, in a temple. The healer is here with you.”[/Color] Charis obviously didn’t remember hitting the ground hard as they entered Fingerdale. [Color=Orange]“I … fainted?”[/Color] Semeion rushed to her other side as she spoke again. He grabbed Charis’ other hand. [Color=Plum]“Yes, Charis. You fainted right under the gates. Ischarus was thankfully able to convince everyone that you had a horrible plague so that they not only didn’t ask questions but also got out of our way as we rushed you to the temple. They say that you are fine, now. And they say that whatever is affecting you is coming from outside of you.”[/Color] The healer interjected before Charis could ask another question. [Color=Lime]“Charis, my name is Barrachius. I am the healer that has been assigned to you. I understand that you have been struggling with a new ability to read magic? I also understand that it is the times when you read magical writing that bring these spells upon you.”[/Color] Charis replied with a great deal of confusion in her voice. It was quite obvious that she had not yet regained her clarity of thought. [Color=Orange]“Yeah. I guess that’s true. They’d know better than me, I suppose.”[/Color] The healer replied, [Color=Lime]“I’d like to run a simple test on you if you don’t mind.”[/Color] Charis smiled. Her hesitation showed through her expression. [Color=Orange]“Uh, sure, I suppose that would be alright. Do I have to do anything and will it hurt?”[/Color] The healer smiled as Charis looked into his eyes and he replied in honesty. [Color=Lime]“I’ll only ask you to read something. And if I am correct, it shouldn’t hurt at all.”[/Color] Charis nodded in agreement. The healer extended his left arm out over Charis so that his long and loose fitting sleeve hung down from his arm and rested across her abdomen. With a mischievous smile upon his face he spoke a few simple arcane words. [Color=Lime]“Thizzle-pendrath”[/Color] The healer’s right index finger began to instantly glow with a lime green light, allowing him to touch his sleeve and leave a magical mark. When he was done, he looked to Charis and continued to speak through his mischievous smile. [Color=Lime]“Can you read this, Charis?”[/Color] Charis shook her head, unable to read the magical writing now inscribed and glowing upon the sleeve. She and everyone else in the room could see plain as day that there was writing upon the sleeve of the healer, but it was impossible to decipher. The healer continued his experiment by addressing Charis’ abilities. [Color=Lime]“Now, if you would be so kind as to activate your ability as you did earlier so that you could read the magic words inscribed upon the wall of our fair city.”[/Color] Charis paused for a split second and looked to Semeion as if unsure of what to do. Semeion smiled and encouraged her to activate this new ability. Without the fear inside about where this ability was coming from he was much more confident. [Color=Plum]“Go ahead, Charis. We’ll be right here to support you. If anything happens to you, we have a healer here that will be able to rescue you.”[/Color] Semeion squeezed her hand slightly and Charis returned the squeeze with a significantly stronger grip inspired by fear of the unknown. In her mind she recalled the same principles that she had leaned upon when had read the magic wall earlier in the day. Her lips mouthed the same words as she had spoken earlier in the day. [Color=Orange]“Thizzle-sooth.”[/Color] The words could barely be heard above her own breath. Suddenly, Charis saw the lime green writing shift and move so that it made sense to her own eyes. The magical writing shifted so that it matched the language of her people. She read what the message on the healer’s arm said. [Color=Orange]“Cured!”[/Color] It took a moment for it all to sink in. Barracchius smiled and lightly laughed at Charis as she relayed the simple message. [Color=Lime]“And how do you feel?”[/Color] Charis paused for a moment and her eyes darted wildly back and forth as she ran through a quick mental check of how her body felt at this moment. [Color=Orange]“I feel … normal.”[/Color] Barrachius’ face exposed a large grin as the healer looked down upon his patient. [Color=Lime]“It is as I said earlier, then. It is as I expected. Her illness is not inside; it is coming from somewhere on the outside. Something or someone is affecting her without being noticed. When she is removed from the adverse effect her ability to read the magical writing works perfectly. If this is true then the key to curing this girl is not in finding a cure for the inside but rather finding the source of the conflict outside. Find the conflict, and you’ll know how to cure her.”[/Color] Semeion and Rhema graciously thanked the healer several times as they readied Charis to leave the temple. She clung to Ischarus the first few steps since Ischarus was by far the strongest member of the adventuring party. However, before she had taken too many steps Charis was walking with confidence. She released Ischarus’ arm as they left the healing room and approached the door to the outside stairway and pillars of the temple. As the door opened, Charis squinted in the face of the bright light. Her eyes had grown accustomed to the filtered light of the temple, but the full sun caused her to lift up her hand to her eyes and shade them as she squinted. As she found herself slowly getting used to the bright light once more she also found herself staring into the people on the street. This view from the temple’s steps was all new ground since when she had entered this temple she was unconscious. As she scanned the crowd, she stopped suddenly on a face staring back at her from across the street. Charis muttered quietly, more to herself than anyone else. [Color=Orange]“I know that face.”[/Color] Semeion questioned Charis’ expression since he was unable to hear the mutterings of Charis. [Color=Plum]“What?”[/Color] Charis reasserted her position more firmly. [Color=Orange]“I know that man.”[/Color] Charis’ hand raised to point out the face that she had recognized to Semeion and the others. As her hand rose, the man at whom she pointed broke into a run down the street towards the gate where Charis had originally fallen. Rhema had been following Semeion’s and Charis’ conversation and as she followed Charis’ point out across the street she too saw the man break into a run away from the party. She quickly started into a run and yelled to the others behind her. [Color=PaleGreen]“Semeion, stay with Charis and protect her! Ischarus, follow me!”[/Color] Ischarus had missed the conversation but knew enough to follow Rhema when she beckoned. It wasn’t hard to follow her line of sight to the man fleeing from their direction. Rhema was able to handle herself; but if nothing else Ischarus would enjoy the show. He grinned as he descended the steps in pursuit. As they descended the steps of the altar and onto the street, Semeion heard Charis utter a single name. [Color=Orange]“Grick.”[/Color] [Sblock=Color-Free Speech Section] Semeion looked startled. “A faint magical aura? And it is fading?” The healer looked to Semeion as the spell he used to ascertain Charis’ possibility of conception faded from between him and Charis. “Yes, sir. I saw a faint magical aura and it was nearly gone – barely noticeable.” Semeion looked even more puzzled as he pondered the healer’s assertion. “Have you any idea if the magic came from a divine source or an arcane source? Because her healing powers come from her worship – much like your own.” The healer shook his head from side to side in a negative response. “I’ve no way of knowing, sir. The magic was barely noticeable as it was. To think of getting an image of what kind of magic would be nearly impossible.” Rhema interjected, hoping to break Semeion’s seemingly endless loop of confusion regarding the magical source. “Can you guarantee us that there is nothing wrong with her should she find rest from her attack? There is nothing seriously wrong with her that would cause her condition to diminish?” The healer nodded towards Rhema. “I can assure you, ma’am. There is absolutely nothing wrong with her. There is no reason that she should be spontaneously wounding herself and passing out. The cause certainly is external because internally she has no sign of infection and her aura is now completely normal with passing of the magical effect.” Ischarus pulled out a small pouch and flipped a few gold coins onto the table beside Charis’ head. “This temple is dedicated to the god that I worship. I would be remiss in entering here and not leaving a piece of myself behind for the continuation of your influence in Fingerdale and the surrounding regions. Would this donation go far in furthering your cause in exchange for her healing?” The healer smiled politely and ignored the gold. “Sir, you need not pay for the services. I can heal her and the personal codes of our shared deity mandate that I do so. You may keep your gold. Our goal is not merchandizing our divinely given talents. I cannot buy my gifts from the heavens and I should not be expected to charge you for giving to you what I have freely received from above.” Ischarus smiled broadly at the healer. “I understand your position. Since you answered sincerely and with virtue, then let me add on to my donation above what would be expected for the service. In this way you will know that I donate not in exchange for your services but rather because we do serve a mighty god who is worthy of bringing influence to the surrounding areas.” The healer bowed low and added, “Your donation will not be refused, my lord. She will be healed as I speak. Bondras-tol Shintar” Charis blinked as the light from the room poured into her newly opened eyes. “Wha … Where am I?” Rhema stood beside her quickly and grabbed her hand. “You fainted when you read the magic, Charis. You are with friends, in a temple. The healer is here with you.” Charis obviously didn’t remember hitting the ground hard as they entered Fingerdale. “I … fainted?” Semeion rushed to her other side as she spoke again. He grabbed Charis’ other hand. “Yes, Charis. You fainted right under the gates. Ischarus was thankfully able to convince everyone that you had a horrible plague so that they not only didn’t ask questions but also got out of our way as we rushed you to the temple. They say that you are fine, now. And they say that whatever is affecting you is coming from outside of you.” The healer interjected before Charis could ask another question. “Charis, my name is Barrachius. I am the healer that has been assigned to you. I understand that you have been struggling with a new ability to read magic? I also understand that it is the times when you read magical writing that bring these spells upon you.” Charis replied with a great deal of confusion in her voice. It was quite obvious that she had not yet regained her clarity of thought. “Yeah. I guess that’s true. They’d know better than me, I suppose.” The healer replied, “I’d like to run a simple test on you if you don’t mind.” Charis smiled. Her hesitation showed through her expression. “Uh, sure, I suppose that would be alright. Do I have to do anything and will it hurt?” The healer smiled as Charis looked into his eyes and he replied in honesty. “I’ll only ask you to read something. And if I am correct, it shouldn’t hurt at all.” Charis nodded in agreement. The healer extended his left arm out over Charis so that his long and loose fitting sleeve hung down from his arm and rested across her abdomen. With a mischievous smile upon his face he spoke a few simple arcane words. “Thizzle-pendrath” The healer’s right index finger began to instantly glow with a lime green light, allowing him to touch his sleeve and leave a magical mark. When he was done, he looked to Charis and continued to speak through his mischievous smile. “Can you read this, Charis?” Charis shook her head, unable to read the magical writing now inscribed and glowing upon the sleeve. She and everyone else in the room could see plain as day that there was writing upon the sleeve of the healer, but it was impossible to decipher. The healer continued his experiment by addressing Charis’ abilities. “Now, if you would be so kind as to activate your ability as you did earlier so that you could read the magic words inscribed upon the wall of our fair city.” Charis paused for a split second and looked to Semeion as if unsure of what to do. Semeion smiled and encouraged her to activate this new ability. Without the fear inside about where this ability was coming from he was much more confident. “Go ahead, Charis. We’ll be right here to support you. If anything happens to you, we have a healer here that will be able to rescue you.” Semeion squeezed her hand slightly and Charis returned the squeeze with a significantly stronger grip inspired by fear of the unknown. In her mind she recalled the same principles that she had leaned upon when had read the magic wall earlier in the day. Her lips mouthed the same words as she had spoken earlier in the day. “Thizzle-sooth.” The words could barely be heard above her own breath. Suddenly, Charis saw the lime green writing shift and move so that it made sense to her own eyes. The magical writing shifted so that it matched the language of her people. She read what the message on the healer’s arm said. “Cured!” It took a moment for it all to sink in. Barracchius smiled and lightly laughed at Charis as she relayed the simple message. “And how do you feel?” Charis paused for a moment and her eyes darted wildly back and forth as she ran through a quick mental check of how her body felt at this moment. “I feel … normal.” Barrachius’ face exposed a large grin as the healer looked down upon his patient. “It is as I said earlier, then. It is as I expected. Her illness is not inside; it is coming from somewhere on the outside. Something or someone is affecting her without being noticed. When she is removed from the adverse effect her ability to read the magical writing works perfectly. If this is true then the key to curing this girl is not in finding a cure for the inside but rather finding the source of the conflict outside. Find the conflict, and you’ll know how to cure her.” Semeion and Rhema graciously thanked the healer several times as they readied Charis to leave the temple. She clung to Ischarus the first few steps since Ischarus was by far the strongest member of the adventuring party. However, before she had taken too many steps Charis was walking with confidence. She released Ischarus’ arm as they left the healing room and approached the door to the outside stairway and pillars of the temple. As the door opened, Charis squinted in the face of the bright light. Her eyes had grown accustomed to the filtered light of the temple, but the full sun caused her to lift up her hand to her eyes and shade them as she squinted. As she found herself slowly getting used to the bright light once more she also found herself staring into the people on the street. This view from the temple’s steps was all new ground since when she had entered this temple she was unconscious. As she scanned the crowd, she stopped suddenly on a face staring back at her from across the street. Charis muttered quietly, more to herself than anyone else. “I know that face.” Semeion questioned Charis’ expression since he was unable to hear the mutterings of Charis. “What?” Charis reasserted her position more firmly. “I know that man.” Charis’ hand raised to point out the face that she had recognized to Semeion and the others. As her hand rose, the man at whom she pointed broke into a run down the street towards the gate where Charis had originally fallen. Rhema had been following Semeion’s and Charis’ conversation and as she followed Charis’ point out across the street she too saw the man break into a run away from the party. She quickly started into a run and yelled to the others behind her. “Semeion, stay with Charis and protect her! Ischarus, follow me!” Ischarus had missed the conversation but knew enough to follow Rhema when she beckoned. It wasn’t hard to follow her line of sight to the man fleeing from their direction. Rhema was able to handle herself; but if nothing else Ischarus would enjoy the show. He grinned as he descended the steps in pursuit. As they descended the steps of the altar and onto the street, Semeion heard Charis utter a single name. “Grick.”[/Sblock] [/QUOTE]
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