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<blockquote data-quote="Delemental" data-source="post: 4689468" data-attributes="member: 5203"><p><strong>Divine Gifts</strong></p><p></p><p>Grandfather finished his tale, and looked around at his young audience. “So, was it worth the wait, young ones?”</p><p></p><p> Several cheers went up, though one older boy in the back moaned that he’d wanted Kaliel to fight the elemental.</p><p></p><p> “Well, as Zanka said, not every problem is solved through battle,” Grandfather told him.</p><p></p><p> “I think that the next story shows that as well, Grandfather,” said Grandmother, poking her head out of the small window. “It’s still early – perhaps you should tell that one.”</p><p></p><p> “I’ll decide what to tell them and when, woman!” he said, shaking the end up the rolled-up scroll at her. Chuckling to herself, Grandmother retreated back into the house.</p><p></p><p> “Now, where were we?” Grandfather asked, turning back to his audience. “Ah, yes. I’d decided to tel you the next story, as it’s still early, and it’s a good example of the fact that not every problem is solved with violence…”</p><p></p><p style="text-align: center">☼ ☼ ☼</p><p></p><p> Far to the East, across the Silver River from the forests of the Black Chase, there lay a small kingdom known as Lagan. This small land was known best for producing a goodly portion of the silver ore that was used by the Confederation of Rivers for their coinage, and the ports of its capital city, Lynnisbrook, were always busy with the comings and goings of the ore barges from Nexus. The ruler of Lagan was Lady Rinalta, who, though very young, was well-loved and well-respected by her people. This respect also extended to the people of the Linowan Nation who lived to the north, who gave her the name ‘Lady Silver’ and out of respect, had agreed not to raid the towns of Lagan or prey upon its citizens.</p><p></p><p> One day, however, Lady Rinalta fell ill from a strange disease that the local healers were unable to cure. Even healers hired from the Guild were powerless as the disease began to ravage her body, until she was weak and bedridden. Lady Silver held but one final hope as her strength began to wane; there were rumors that deeper in the forest lay something known as the Divine Gift to End Suffering, which was rumored to be able to heal any injury and cure any disease. Many were sent to find this Divine Gift, but either returned empty-handed, or did not return at all.</p><p></p><p> As the Lady’s condition worsened, ambassadors from the Realm arrived. They suggested that upon her death, the Linowan would no longer feel bound to honor their promise, and would begin raiding Lagan. The nation was poorly defended, they reasoned; though a part of the Confederation of Rivers, they were too small and remote to warrant the attention of Lookshy, what with more pressing concerns brewing to the south. The Realm ambassadors offered to negotiate with Queen Arkasi of the Linowan to ensure peace, and to send a garrison to help protect Lynnisbrook – with the blessing of Lady Rinalta, of course. But Lady Rinalta was unswayed. She reaffirmed her commitment to the Confederation and rebuffed the Realm. The ambassadors withdrew, willing to be patient.</p><p></p><p> Later that night, sleep eluded Lady Rinalta. She sat up in her bed, only to realize that someone was with her, sitting at the edge of her bed, inside the layers of translucent material that draped her bed. The figure, a man, was dressed in dark clothing and wore a mask.</p><p></p><p> “Whoever you are,” she said, “you have wasted your time. What little I had of value has been spent on healers and foolish ventures. If you have come to ravish me, I lack the strength to resist or cry for help, but I am so ravaged by this disease that you will gain little pleasure from it.”</p><p></p><p> “I have not come for jade, or for pleasures of the flesh,” the man said. “Though I may change my mind when you are well again.”</p><p></p><p> She chuckled despite herself. “Once, I might have entertained such improper thoughts myself, but the truth is that such things are beyond my reach now, and soon all my mortal needs will be left behind.”</p><p></p><p> “What of this Divine Gift you seek to cure you?”</p><p></p><p> “None have been able to find it,” Lady Silver sighed.</p><p></p><p> “I have heard tales of your plight, and this object you seek,” the man said. “I will find it for you, for it may be a challenge worthy of my skills.”</p><p></p><p> “I have nothing to offer you in payment,” Rinalta told the masked stranger.</p><p></p><p> “As I said, I have not come for jade.” The man told Lady Silver his price.</p><p></p><p> “You ask much,” she said. “My people may not bend their knee to the Scarlet Empress, but that does not mean that their beliefs are so different from those of the Blessed Isle.”</p><p></p><p> “Beliefs can change,” the man said. “If they are given the opportunity.”</p><p></p><p> “Very well,” Lady Rinalta agreed. “I agree to your price. Now, leave me. I grow tired at last.”</p><p></p><p> Resplendent Ghost of Midnight stood as Lady Silver slipped into sleep, and silently moved out through the window.</p><p></p><p style="text-align: center">۞</p><p></p><p> Many days later and many leagues distant, the forest spirit Sunlight Pierces the Canopy languished within his temple, basking in the worship and adoration of his priestesses. His gaze fell upon his head priestess, a nubile young woman named Liandra. She had come seeking the village of Petgrana to find a cure for her betrothed’s strange ailment. Sunlight Pierces the Canopy had allowed her to find the village, and the healers in the village gifted her with knowledge; not only of the cure for her betrothed, but also that his ‘strange ailment’ was in reality quite common among those who worked in or frequented brothels. Liandra chose to remain in Petgrana. </p><p></p><p> The spirit was roused from his reverie when he sensed a presence approaching the area of the village. It was only one person, which it itself was odd as most who came seeking Petgrana came in small groups. He reached out with the eyes and ears of the forest under his command, but strangely, could sense nothing else about this intruder.</p><p></p><p> Within moments, Sunlight Pierces the Canopy was at the site of the incursion, but he sensed nothing present. Suddenly, he felt another intrusion into his domain, this one many paces away. He rushed there, only to again find nothing, and then feel the same presence in another place.</p><p></p><p> He paused to consider the nature of his enemy. He knew that he was dealing with only one being, though he was unable to sense anything more about them. He could tell that this entity moved with far more speed and agility that any mere mortal. He was clearly dealing with someone with skill and power, possibly a rival spirit or a God-Blood, or even one of the Exalted. Sunlight Pierces the Canopy remained still, and waited. Again and again he sensed quick incursions into his domain, as though someone were testing his defenses in multiple places. They were clever, but not clever enough – Sunlight Pierces the Canopy soon determined a pattern to the probing. He manifested where the next attack would come, and waited.</p><p></p><p> The trees rustled as something moved, and the spirit struck. The forest seemed to explode as branches whipped furiously and vines flew in to tear and strangle. When it was over, all that remained were a few scraps of flesh and armor that had once belonged to someone from the Empire.</p><p></p><p> Sunlight Pierces the Canopy had not sensed the lone figure who had slipped by during the height of the spirit’s attack, a dark, hooded figure that left no trace if its passage. So pleased was the spirit with its own cleverness that by the time he thought to check his domain again, Ghost was already in Petgrana, having assumed the role of a simple pilgrim.</p><p></p><p> For days Ghost searched the village for the Divine Gift to End Suffering, avoiding detection through a combination of skill, fortune, and his Solar abilities. His information had been infallible; he knew that the Gift lay within this hidden village, and the presence of a powerful guardian spirit only confirmed what he knew. But the inhabitants of Petrgrana fell mostly into two categories; those who were ill, and those who were treating them. He learned that the town’s patron spirit only allowed those deemed worthy into Petgrana. Few in the village held real power, save for the spirit’s handful of priestesses, who administered the town, and a reclusive individual named Ayama, apparently the village’s most gifted healer. Ghost had observed Ayama, and though impressed with her knowledge of medicine, saw nothing to justify the near reverence the other villagers had for her.</p><p></p><p> There was little of value in the village, and certainly nothing being protected to the extent that Ghost felt something as powerful as the Divine Gift would be. He had even searched the temple of the forest spirit, which had once been the home of an exiled Dragon-Blood Dynast, but to no avail. He questioned some in the village, not mentioning the Divine Gift by name so as not to arouse suspicion, but no one seemed to know where this artifact might be. He even went as far as to seduce one of the spirit’s priestesses, to no avail. Finally, he concluded that there were only two beings in the village who might know the location of the Divine Gift. Ghost knew he could not reveal himself to the forest spirit, who would likely grow enraged that Ghost had eluded him and become violent. This left only one choice.</p><p></p><p style="text-align: center">۞</p><p></p><p> The morning found Ayama sitting with her son Rutendo, eating a simple breakfast. The time passed in silence, for Ayama was troubled. She had slept poorly these past nights, plagued by dreams that mirrored the vision she had received from the Unconquered Sun. She knew there was a message for her in these dreams, telling her she should be doing more to aid those in need, but what more could she do? She felt she had no one to turn to for answers. Her mentor was dead, as was her husband, and her son had his own responsibilities. Sunlight Pierces the Canopy would only try to use her troubled spirit to convert her. The only one who would understand what she faced as an Exalt was long gone, and even if he were there, he would be more likely to try to slay her as an Anathema than to offer counsel.</p><p></p><p> After a time, Rutendo rose and offered his farewells, for he and others from the village were going on a great hunt in preparation for the coming winter. He departed, leaving Ayama alone with her thoughts. She closed her eyes, meditating to try and bring herself some enlightenment.</p><p></p><p> Several minutes passed before Ayama realized that she was no longer alone. She opened her eyes and saw a man kneeling across from her, where her son had once sat. The man had red hair, and brilliant violet eyes, and looked as though he might be descended from one of the forest tribes to the north, though he dressed like someone from a city. He looked vaguely familiar, as though he had been in Petgrana for a few days. He had procured himself a bowl and filled it with rice from her pot, and was quietly eating. She was surprised that she had not heard him enter, much less sit down a few feet from her and serve himself breakfast. Her senses had become much more acute since her Exaltation, and little escaped her notice. She briefly wondered if this was a Dragon-Blood assassin from the Realm, but since he was making no moves to kill her, she decided she would play along.</p><p></p><p> “I regret that I have no fish left for you,” Ayama said. “My son had quite the appetite, I fear.”</p><p></p><p> “You need not apologize,” the man said. “Your son will need his strength for the hunt. I did not wish to disturb you, and you do not seem the type to refuse a meal to a visitor.”</p><p></p><p> “And who might that visitor be?”</p><p></p><p> “I am Resplendent Ghost of Midnight,” he replied, “and I have come because I am seeking something of great value.”</p><p></p><p> “We have little of value here,” Ayama said. “We are but a simple village of healers.”</p><p></p><p> “A simple village that is hidden from the eyes of the outside world, and protected from intrusion by a powerful forest spirit,” Ghost observed.</p><p></p><p> “Though not as well protected as Sunlight Pierces the Canopy would like to think, apparently.”</p><p></p><p> Ghost smiled. “We all have our talents. Yours is healing, mine is being in places I am not supposed to be in.”</p><p></p><p> “I can see that,” Ayama said. “Very well, what is it you seek?”</p><p></p><p> “Many days northwest of here there is a city whose ruler is good and just, but she suffers from an ailment that no healer can cure. Her early death will have unfortunate consequences for the region, perhaps even the entire Confederation of Rivers. She has heard rumor of an object known as the Divine Gift to End Suffering, which could cure her. She has sent others to find this artifact, but to no avail. Now I have come. I know that the Divine Gift is somewhere in or near this village, and I suspect that either you or the forest spirit knows its location. I came to you first because I fear that Sunlight Pierces the canopy will be… less hospitable to me.”</p><p></p><p> Ayama smiled at Ghost. “And you thought that, if I did know where this artifact was, that I might simply give it to you?”</p><p></p><p> He returned the smile. “Actually, I had planned to remove it without anyone’s knowledge. This approach is somewhat unfamiliar territory for me.”</p><p></p><p> “At least you are an honest thief,” she laughed. “And I can do no less than mirror that honesty. I know what it is you seek, but unfortunately it is not something you can carry away from here. For you see, I am the Divine Gift to End Suffering.”</p><p></p><p> “You?” Ghost asked, astounded.</p><p></p><p> “It is not a title I choose to bandy about freely,” Ayama admitted, “but it is mine nonetheless.”</p><p></p><p> “I admit to some puzzlement,” Ghost said. “I have seen your work, and you are skilled, but nothing suggests that your methods are any more effective than the healers in any other city.”</p><p></p><p> “It is not the method, but the Will behind it that matters.” Ayama focused for a moment, and suddenly her caste mark flared to life, a brilliant golden-white circle. “As your host, I feel it only fair to warn you that everyone who lives here knows who and what I am, and so declaring me Anathema before the village will not avail you.” She paused, ready to act if this Ghost became violent. What she did not expect was for him to start laughing.</p><p></p><p> “And why would I call you that, Pillar of the Sun?” he chuckled. “That would be insulting to us both.” Ayama gasped as a caste-mark flared up on Ghost’s forehead, an empty circle of golden light tinged with purple.</p><p></p><p> “You are a Solar as well?” she asked. “I had not expected to meet another of my kind.”</p><p></p><p> “And I had not expected that the Divine Gift would be able to walk itself out of the forest,” Ghost replied. “Come, there is still time to catch your son before he departs to say your goodbyes.”</p><p></p><p> Ayama drew back. “I… I cannot leave here. These people…”</p><p></p><p> Ghost scoffed. “You are one of the Chosen of the Unconquered Sun!” he berated her. “No one can tell you where you may or may not go! These people have been taught well and can carry on without you. But there are others who need you, and since all of Creation cannot come here, you must go to them. Or did you plan to simply sit here until the Wyld Hunt came for you? Remaining unseen is the role of my caste, Ayama, not yours.”</p><p></p><p> She considered his words. It was true that many in Petgrana were skilled healers, and her own unique abilities were called upon only rarely. And it would certainly be harder for V’neef Odaask to find her if she was to depart, and it would be safer for the rest of the village as well. But more than anything, one phrase echoed in her mind - <em>since all of Creation cannot come here, you must go to them.</em></p><p></p><p> Ayama bowed. “I must go to my son,” she said. “Will you do me the courtesy of washing up and gathering my belongings?”</p><p></p><p style="text-align: center">۞</p><p></p><p> Several weeks later, Ghost and Ayama sat with Lady Rinalta in a large ampitheater, as preparations were underway for a play to be performed in honor of the miraculous recovery of Lady Silver.</p><p></p><p> The citizens of Petgrana had been saddened to see Ayama go, but understood her reasons. Only Sunlight Pierces the Canopy remained petulant as she said her goodbyes, and his mood darkened further when Ghost joined her on the way out of the forest.</p><p></p><p> The disease had proven difficult, but in the end Ayama prevailed. She discovered that the disease had been augmented by sorcery, and when she informed Ghost of this, he raised his suspicion that the Realm might have plotted all along to eliminate Lady Silver so that they could gain another toehold into Confederation territory. Ghost was hailed as the one who found the Divine Gift, though he took credit under the assumed name of Chuzei Tendo, for the name 'Resplendent Ghost of Midnight' was destined to garner an entirely different reputation. The true nature of the Gift was kept secret so that none would ask too many questions.</p><p></p><p> “What performance will we see?” Ayama asked as the torches on stage were being lit.</p><p></p><p> “They are playing <em>Seven Roads to the Mountain</em>,” Ghost replied.</p><p></p><p> “I am unfamiliar with that play.”</p><p></p><p> “I am not surprised,” said Lady Rinalta. “Its performance has been banned in the Scarlet Empire and its territories, and even in more liberated lands it has proven controversial.”</p><p></p><p> “Why?” Ayama asked.</p><p></p><p> “The story itself is a fairly typical romance,” Ghost explained. “There are, admittedly, many plays which are far better at telling that kind of story. But this one is unique because one of the supporting characters, the patron of the male lead, is a Solar Exalt. The play is most decidedly non-judgmental about this fact.”</p><p></p><p> Ayama’s eyes widened slightly. “I understand why this play would create such strife,” she replied. “But then why show it here? Will many not react with anger, and question your motivations, Lady?”</p><p></p><p> Lady Silver remained silent, but Resplendent Ghost of Midnight smiled. “It is a price she clearly feels is worth paying.”</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Delemental, post: 4689468, member: 5203"] [b]Divine Gifts[/b] Grandfather finished his tale, and looked around at his young audience. “So, was it worth the wait, young ones?” Several cheers went up, though one older boy in the back moaned that he’d wanted Kaliel to fight the elemental. “Well, as Zanka said, not every problem is solved through battle,” Grandfather told him. “I think that the next story shows that as well, Grandfather,” said Grandmother, poking her head out of the small window. “It’s still early – perhaps you should tell that one.” “I’ll decide what to tell them and when, woman!” he said, shaking the end up the rolled-up scroll at her. Chuckling to herself, Grandmother retreated back into the house. “Now, where were we?” Grandfather asked, turning back to his audience. “Ah, yes. I’d decided to tel you the next story, as it’s still early, and it’s a good example of the fact that not every problem is solved with violence…” [center]☼ ☼ ☼[/center] Far to the East, across the Silver River from the forests of the Black Chase, there lay a small kingdom known as Lagan. This small land was known best for producing a goodly portion of the silver ore that was used by the Confederation of Rivers for their coinage, and the ports of its capital city, Lynnisbrook, were always busy with the comings and goings of the ore barges from Nexus. The ruler of Lagan was Lady Rinalta, who, though very young, was well-loved and well-respected by her people. This respect also extended to the people of the Linowan Nation who lived to the north, who gave her the name ‘Lady Silver’ and out of respect, had agreed not to raid the towns of Lagan or prey upon its citizens. One day, however, Lady Rinalta fell ill from a strange disease that the local healers were unable to cure. Even healers hired from the Guild were powerless as the disease began to ravage her body, until she was weak and bedridden. Lady Silver held but one final hope as her strength began to wane; there were rumors that deeper in the forest lay something known as the Divine Gift to End Suffering, which was rumored to be able to heal any injury and cure any disease. Many were sent to find this Divine Gift, but either returned empty-handed, or did not return at all. As the Lady’s condition worsened, ambassadors from the Realm arrived. They suggested that upon her death, the Linowan would no longer feel bound to honor their promise, and would begin raiding Lagan. The nation was poorly defended, they reasoned; though a part of the Confederation of Rivers, they were too small and remote to warrant the attention of Lookshy, what with more pressing concerns brewing to the south. The Realm ambassadors offered to negotiate with Queen Arkasi of the Linowan to ensure peace, and to send a garrison to help protect Lynnisbrook – with the blessing of Lady Rinalta, of course. But Lady Rinalta was unswayed. She reaffirmed her commitment to the Confederation and rebuffed the Realm. The ambassadors withdrew, willing to be patient. Later that night, sleep eluded Lady Rinalta. She sat up in her bed, only to realize that someone was with her, sitting at the edge of her bed, inside the layers of translucent material that draped her bed. The figure, a man, was dressed in dark clothing and wore a mask. “Whoever you are,” she said, “you have wasted your time. What little I had of value has been spent on healers and foolish ventures. If you have come to ravish me, I lack the strength to resist or cry for help, but I am so ravaged by this disease that you will gain little pleasure from it.” “I have not come for jade, or for pleasures of the flesh,” the man said. “Though I may change my mind when you are well again.” She chuckled despite herself. “Once, I might have entertained such improper thoughts myself, but the truth is that such things are beyond my reach now, and soon all my mortal needs will be left behind.” “What of this Divine Gift you seek to cure you?” “None have been able to find it,” Lady Silver sighed. “I have heard tales of your plight, and this object you seek,” the man said. “I will find it for you, for it may be a challenge worthy of my skills.” “I have nothing to offer you in payment,” Rinalta told the masked stranger. “As I said, I have not come for jade.” The man told Lady Silver his price. “You ask much,” she said. “My people may not bend their knee to the Scarlet Empress, but that does not mean that their beliefs are so different from those of the Blessed Isle.” “Beliefs can change,” the man said. “If they are given the opportunity.” “Very well,” Lady Rinalta agreed. “I agree to your price. Now, leave me. I grow tired at last.” Resplendent Ghost of Midnight stood as Lady Silver slipped into sleep, and silently moved out through the window. [center]۞[/center] Many days later and many leagues distant, the forest spirit Sunlight Pierces the Canopy languished within his temple, basking in the worship and adoration of his priestesses. His gaze fell upon his head priestess, a nubile young woman named Liandra. She had come seeking the village of Petgrana to find a cure for her betrothed’s strange ailment. Sunlight Pierces the Canopy had allowed her to find the village, and the healers in the village gifted her with knowledge; not only of the cure for her betrothed, but also that his ‘strange ailment’ was in reality quite common among those who worked in or frequented brothels. Liandra chose to remain in Petgrana. The spirit was roused from his reverie when he sensed a presence approaching the area of the village. It was only one person, which it itself was odd as most who came seeking Petgrana came in small groups. He reached out with the eyes and ears of the forest under his command, but strangely, could sense nothing else about this intruder. Within moments, Sunlight Pierces the Canopy was at the site of the incursion, but he sensed nothing present. Suddenly, he felt another intrusion into his domain, this one many paces away. He rushed there, only to again find nothing, and then feel the same presence in another place. He paused to consider the nature of his enemy. He knew that he was dealing with only one being, though he was unable to sense anything more about them. He could tell that this entity moved with far more speed and agility that any mere mortal. He was clearly dealing with someone with skill and power, possibly a rival spirit or a God-Blood, or even one of the Exalted. Sunlight Pierces the Canopy remained still, and waited. Again and again he sensed quick incursions into his domain, as though someone were testing his defenses in multiple places. They were clever, but not clever enough – Sunlight Pierces the Canopy soon determined a pattern to the probing. He manifested where the next attack would come, and waited. The trees rustled as something moved, and the spirit struck. The forest seemed to explode as branches whipped furiously and vines flew in to tear and strangle. When it was over, all that remained were a few scraps of flesh and armor that had once belonged to someone from the Empire. Sunlight Pierces the Canopy had not sensed the lone figure who had slipped by during the height of the spirit’s attack, a dark, hooded figure that left no trace if its passage. So pleased was the spirit with its own cleverness that by the time he thought to check his domain again, Ghost was already in Petgrana, having assumed the role of a simple pilgrim. For days Ghost searched the village for the Divine Gift to End Suffering, avoiding detection through a combination of skill, fortune, and his Solar abilities. His information had been infallible; he knew that the Gift lay within this hidden village, and the presence of a powerful guardian spirit only confirmed what he knew. But the inhabitants of Petrgrana fell mostly into two categories; those who were ill, and those who were treating them. He learned that the town’s patron spirit only allowed those deemed worthy into Petgrana. Few in the village held real power, save for the spirit’s handful of priestesses, who administered the town, and a reclusive individual named Ayama, apparently the village’s most gifted healer. Ghost had observed Ayama, and though impressed with her knowledge of medicine, saw nothing to justify the near reverence the other villagers had for her. There was little of value in the village, and certainly nothing being protected to the extent that Ghost felt something as powerful as the Divine Gift would be. He had even searched the temple of the forest spirit, which had once been the home of an exiled Dragon-Blood Dynast, but to no avail. He questioned some in the village, not mentioning the Divine Gift by name so as not to arouse suspicion, but no one seemed to know where this artifact might be. He even went as far as to seduce one of the spirit’s priestesses, to no avail. Finally, he concluded that there were only two beings in the village who might know the location of the Divine Gift. Ghost knew he could not reveal himself to the forest spirit, who would likely grow enraged that Ghost had eluded him and become violent. This left only one choice. [center]۞[/center] The morning found Ayama sitting with her son Rutendo, eating a simple breakfast. The time passed in silence, for Ayama was troubled. She had slept poorly these past nights, plagued by dreams that mirrored the vision she had received from the Unconquered Sun. She knew there was a message for her in these dreams, telling her she should be doing more to aid those in need, but what more could she do? She felt she had no one to turn to for answers. Her mentor was dead, as was her husband, and her son had his own responsibilities. Sunlight Pierces the Canopy would only try to use her troubled spirit to convert her. The only one who would understand what she faced as an Exalt was long gone, and even if he were there, he would be more likely to try to slay her as an Anathema than to offer counsel. After a time, Rutendo rose and offered his farewells, for he and others from the village were going on a great hunt in preparation for the coming winter. He departed, leaving Ayama alone with her thoughts. She closed her eyes, meditating to try and bring herself some enlightenment. Several minutes passed before Ayama realized that she was no longer alone. She opened her eyes and saw a man kneeling across from her, where her son had once sat. The man had red hair, and brilliant violet eyes, and looked as though he might be descended from one of the forest tribes to the north, though he dressed like someone from a city. He looked vaguely familiar, as though he had been in Petgrana for a few days. He had procured himself a bowl and filled it with rice from her pot, and was quietly eating. She was surprised that she had not heard him enter, much less sit down a few feet from her and serve himself breakfast. Her senses had become much more acute since her Exaltation, and little escaped her notice. She briefly wondered if this was a Dragon-Blood assassin from the Realm, but since he was making no moves to kill her, she decided she would play along. “I regret that I have no fish left for you,” Ayama said. “My son had quite the appetite, I fear.” “You need not apologize,” the man said. “Your son will need his strength for the hunt. I did not wish to disturb you, and you do not seem the type to refuse a meal to a visitor.” “And who might that visitor be?” “I am Resplendent Ghost of Midnight,” he replied, “and I have come because I am seeking something of great value.” “We have little of value here,” Ayama said. “We are but a simple village of healers.” “A simple village that is hidden from the eyes of the outside world, and protected from intrusion by a powerful forest spirit,” Ghost observed. “Though not as well protected as Sunlight Pierces the Canopy would like to think, apparently.” Ghost smiled. “We all have our talents. Yours is healing, mine is being in places I am not supposed to be in.” “I can see that,” Ayama said. “Very well, what is it you seek?” “Many days northwest of here there is a city whose ruler is good and just, but she suffers from an ailment that no healer can cure. Her early death will have unfortunate consequences for the region, perhaps even the entire Confederation of Rivers. She has heard rumor of an object known as the Divine Gift to End Suffering, which could cure her. She has sent others to find this artifact, but to no avail. Now I have come. I know that the Divine Gift is somewhere in or near this village, and I suspect that either you or the forest spirit knows its location. I came to you first because I fear that Sunlight Pierces the canopy will be… less hospitable to me.” Ayama smiled at Ghost. “And you thought that, if I did know where this artifact was, that I might simply give it to you?” He returned the smile. “Actually, I had planned to remove it without anyone’s knowledge. This approach is somewhat unfamiliar territory for me.” “At least you are an honest thief,” she laughed. “And I can do no less than mirror that honesty. I know what it is you seek, but unfortunately it is not something you can carry away from here. For you see, I am the Divine Gift to End Suffering.” “You?” Ghost asked, astounded. “It is not a title I choose to bandy about freely,” Ayama admitted, “but it is mine nonetheless.” “I admit to some puzzlement,” Ghost said. “I have seen your work, and you are skilled, but nothing suggests that your methods are any more effective than the healers in any other city.” “It is not the method, but the Will behind it that matters.” Ayama focused for a moment, and suddenly her caste mark flared to life, a brilliant golden-white circle. “As your host, I feel it only fair to warn you that everyone who lives here knows who and what I am, and so declaring me Anathema before the village will not avail you.” She paused, ready to act if this Ghost became violent. What she did not expect was for him to start laughing. “And why would I call you that, Pillar of the Sun?” he chuckled. “That would be insulting to us both.” Ayama gasped as a caste-mark flared up on Ghost’s forehead, an empty circle of golden light tinged with purple. “You are a Solar as well?” she asked. “I had not expected to meet another of my kind.” “And I had not expected that the Divine Gift would be able to walk itself out of the forest,” Ghost replied. “Come, there is still time to catch your son before he departs to say your goodbyes.” Ayama drew back. “I… I cannot leave here. These people…” Ghost scoffed. “You are one of the Chosen of the Unconquered Sun!” he berated her. “No one can tell you where you may or may not go! These people have been taught well and can carry on without you. But there are others who need you, and since all of Creation cannot come here, you must go to them. Or did you plan to simply sit here until the Wyld Hunt came for you? Remaining unseen is the role of my caste, Ayama, not yours.” She considered his words. It was true that many in Petgrana were skilled healers, and her own unique abilities were called upon only rarely. And it would certainly be harder for V’neef Odaask to find her if she was to depart, and it would be safer for the rest of the village as well. But more than anything, one phrase echoed in her mind - [i]since all of Creation cannot come here, you must go to them.[/i] Ayama bowed. “I must go to my son,” she said. “Will you do me the courtesy of washing up and gathering my belongings?” [center]۞[/center] Several weeks later, Ghost and Ayama sat with Lady Rinalta in a large ampitheater, as preparations were underway for a play to be performed in honor of the miraculous recovery of Lady Silver. The citizens of Petgrana had been saddened to see Ayama go, but understood her reasons. Only Sunlight Pierces the Canopy remained petulant as she said her goodbyes, and his mood darkened further when Ghost joined her on the way out of the forest. The disease had proven difficult, but in the end Ayama prevailed. She discovered that the disease had been augmented by sorcery, and when she informed Ghost of this, he raised his suspicion that the Realm might have plotted all along to eliminate Lady Silver so that they could gain another toehold into Confederation territory. Ghost was hailed as the one who found the Divine Gift, though he took credit under the assumed name of Chuzei Tendo, for the name 'Resplendent Ghost of Midnight' was destined to garner an entirely different reputation. The true nature of the Gift was kept secret so that none would ask too many questions. “What performance will we see?” Ayama asked as the torches on stage were being lit. “They are playing [i]Seven Roads to the Mountain[/i],” Ghost replied. “I am unfamiliar with that play.” “I am not surprised,” said Lady Rinalta. “Its performance has been banned in the Scarlet Empire and its territories, and even in more liberated lands it has proven controversial.” “Why?” Ayama asked. “The story itself is a fairly typical romance,” Ghost explained. “There are, admittedly, many plays which are far better at telling that kind of story. But this one is unique because one of the supporting characters, the patron of the male lead, is a Solar Exalt. The play is most decidedly non-judgmental about this fact.” Ayama’s eyes widened slightly. “I understand why this play would create such strife,” she replied. “But then why show it here? Will many not react with anger, and question your motivations, Lady?” Lady Silver remained silent, but Resplendent Ghost of Midnight smiled. “It is a price she clearly feels is worth paying.” [/QUOTE]
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