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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Isida Kep'Tukari" data-source="post: 1232244" data-attributes="member: 4441">*Rekash nods, and sits on the low wall next to Nessa.*"The Mistress of Disease favors those that follow Her will, as well as those that offer respect to Her and Her priests," she says, giving Nessa a sidelong glance.  "Why do you fight your own church?  One who has devoted their entire life to prayer and contemplation of one's god hardly seems the type to go against her church's best interests."  She pauses for a moment to let the comment sink in, then continues as if she hadn't spoken the last comment at all.  "I do well enough.  There are many new illnesses brewing in the Hollow, and much work for my sisters and I to do.  New poisons too I think.  I've seen some odd things... odd people have been brought to the temple, strange symptoms.  New assassin or poisoner in town, no doubt.  Hard times are coming."*Norin, many of the people you speak seem to be hardened and unwilling to really listen to you, but you do find a few that seem to take your words to heart.  Many have not had a kind word in a long time, and your kindness seems to help them, at least in spirit.  During one of your trips back to Honor's Shield, one of the priestesses waves you over to the boy missing a foot.*"Brel?" she says softly, putting a few pillows behind the child so he can sit up.  Even in the short time since you've brought him in, the priests have cleaned him and dressed him in fresh clothes, and tended to his wounds.  The boy looks to be no older than ten, thin to the point of being gaunt, and slightly flushed with fever.  "Brel, this is Saint Norin.  You wanted to know his name, and here he is.  I need you to tell him what you told me."*The boy swallows a few times, gathering his courage, then bursts into tears.  Hugging the lad to her, the priestess murmurs over his sobbing.*"He lost his parents to fever when his was five, and was taken care of by some of the older beggars and ne'er-do-wells for a while, learning to be a beggar.  But a few months ago they were struck down by some strange fever, something that destroys the mind, though he was spared.  He says that 'The Beggar King' took a liking to him, but every time I try to get him to say more about this King he can't go on.  Shhh, sweetling, it's ok..." she says, stroking the lad's short hair.  "We've heard rumors of this Beggar King for a while.  Terrible things, more like nightmares and rumors that real knowledge.  I think he's just..."  She breaks off and comforts the child until he slowly manages to uncurl from her and go to sleep.  She pulls Norin away from the bed to talk to him in private."There have been rumors of some kind of Beggar King for years, but I think it's just a kind of smoke screen for some unsavory types to abuse anyone they want to.  Be careful out there, Saint Norin."*Sebastian, as you sob against the wall in the alleyways, your sorrow is interrupted by a light touch on your arm.  Looking up you see a young girl with luminous white hair, wearing pale blue and white robes with a pendent of a unicorn head with a tiny shepherd's crook dangling below.*"Are you lost?" she asks, her blue eyes bright.  Sebastian, you recognize the holy symbol, it's the symbol of Alnaria, the goddess of innocence and children.  What one of her holy children is doing out here at this time of night is anyone's guess.*Lyssia and Darren, as darkness falls, the Dancing Phoenix begins to fill to capacity.  Lyssia recognizes Beauty, along with a large portion of what must be Sune's clergy, while the High Revelmistress and nearly the entire temple of Liira catch Darren's eye.  Not to mention the many other people, most of them young and looking to have a wonderful time.  Several other bards have played tonight, but now an expectant hush comes over the audience as the magical lighting in the Phoenix focuses on the stage, catching hidden prisms and making the place dance with rainbows.  To a great upswelling of applause, Brightfire saunters onto the stage.**She's a voluptuous woman with cerulean blue skin, and long dark pink hair.  Her gown, a few shades lighter than her skin, is cut to emphasize her form.  Smiling brightly, she launches into an aria, each note out of her mouth creating a solid structure of rainbow light over the dance floor.  This is what Brightfire is known for.  These music-formed light-sculptures can linger for weeks, as a reminder of her passage.**Backed by an ensemble of over a dozen talented musicians, Brightfire begins to sing a bright and upbeat song, sending most of the crowd hunting for their partners to dance with.  There's quite a press of people here tonight, many of them pressing close to the stage to see the talented bard.  Subtely a few peacekeepers ring the stage to prevent the overzealous from climbing on top.*</blockquote>

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