On the Run

Location: Secularia / Streets

Time: Y1503 - 39th day of the Fire Moon

On the outskirts of Secularia, a farmer was on his knees, begging. In front of him, menacing figures clad in black. They wore the symbol of the church of Gloria.

"Please! I didn't know they were wanted criminals! Have Mercy!!" (Farmer)

"Ignorance is no excuse for sin, commoner. Those who shelters evil shall receive the same punishment as the evil they shelters. may Gloria's warmth cleanse your sins." (Inquisitor Kaven)

(Inquisitor Sebra)

Showing no hint of piety, the Inquisitors burned the barn to the ground. And with it everything that farmer possessed. Family, animals and worldly possessions. The hunt for continues.

--------------------------------

Location: Secularia / Outskirts

Two hooded figures were leaving Secularia in a hurry, heading north.

"I don't get it! How do they keep finding us! I haven't slept in three days!" (Codename Claw)

*tired voice* "I don't know, Claw. Maybe the walls of the Temple of Gloria really are cursed. And whatever that curse is, it's beyond my skills to remove it." (Codename Eye)

"Brain did say to cross the walls only as last resort..." (Claw)

"I was the only one who crossed. You should leave me behind." (Eye)

"I lost Heart. I lost Brain. I lost Rahk and Kelt! I'm not losing you!" (Claw)

"The inquisitors are relentless. They will never stop chasing us." (Eye)

"Than we will never stop running!" (Claw)

"They are burning down every place we hide in! They kill everyone that shelters us! We are running out of options!" (Eye)

"Then we should find a ship. Leave the continent." (Claw)

"Crossing the Red Sea?!? That's suicidal!" (Eye)

"I'll would rather take over Sea Monsters than the Inquisitors. Monsters can only kill you, after all." (Claw)

"..." (Eye)

Coming to an agreement, the two hooded figures kept moving north. They would try to avoid roads and villages as much as possible.

Piety

Location: Victoria / Cathedral Of Gloria

Time: Y1503 - 48th day of the Fire Moon

The Gloria's temple complex was enclosed by thick enchanted walls. Behind them, the members of the church lived their lives in a cloister.

The public face of the Church of Gloria that the citizen could see was a glorious cathedral located just outside the walls of the Temple Complex. It was second only to the Royal Palace in size. One of the most beautiful and grad places in the city.

Every day, hundreds of people donated heavy sums to the Church to be healed by the Healers of Gloria. The greater the donation, the greater the affliction that could be removed. Poor people sometimes paid by gifting one of their children. Rarely people were turned away.

Amongst the faithful, an unremarkable old woman entered the glorious cathedral. She gave an heavy coin to a Sister. Then, she was led past the benches where people were kneeling in prayer to one of the healing rooms.

"What illness afflicts you, faithful one?" (Sister Jerica)

This healer was a Fair Skin woman in her late thirties. She was chubby and had red hairs that reached her shoulders. Her face was round and puffy.

"I hit a statue of gold and silver with my big toe. The pain is killing me." (Old Lady)

"Gold and Silver? I see. lay down, while I heal your foot." (Jerica)

(Jerica)

[They are going to send the Gifted One to the temple of Alba. Forty-third day of the Harvest moon. The day may yet change. The caravan will be heavily guarded] (Jerica)

...

"My big toe no longer hurts! Thank you, Sister." (Old Lady)

"Be careful not to hurt yourself while travelling again, faithful one." (Jerica)

The unremarkable old lady left the cathedral with an smile painted on her face.

Birthday

Location: Gloria's Temple / Common hall

Time: Y1503 - 14th day of the Harvest Moon

Being an Initiate for the temple is hard work. I'm just a three years old little girl, and I have duties to do. Every day! This time I was sent to clean up the tales in the common hall.

That place can hold two thousand people! And I can barely reach the tables! I'll have help, but sometimes the church is draconian in handing out duties.

*open door* *enter* (Liara)

""Happy birthday, Liara!"" (Everyone)

[A surprise party!] (Gamer Me)

I'm doumbfonded, Mother walks toward me and picks me up.

"Today, is the fourteenth day of the fire moon. Three years ago, you were gifted to the temple, and entrusted to me. I love you, my sweet child!" *kiss* (Serina)

But... Last year they didnt...

"Last year you could barely talk, but look how far you have come! Weaving magic, discovering new techniques, fending off evil. I'm proud of you Liara." (Serina)

*teary eyes* (Liara)

"Thomen was tormenting us all, but you freed us! Thanks, Liara!" (Kara)

""Thank you!"" (Children)

The kids from the school came.

"You are always working hard, you'll grow to be a duitiful Sister." (Healer Trainee Eureka)

The healer trainees. I taught them my collimating technique. After my slip of tongue they started calling it too.

"I went all out to prepare a cake for you! That's what sister Bella would have wanted. Eat up!" (Head Cook Hera)

The new head cook. Bella died, she was harsh on me, but she meant well. i miss her.

"I'm much stronger, thanks to you. I'll protect you in turn, I swear. Little friend." *smile* (Stella)

"You took out that assassin, they were tough as nails! Good thing you are on our side!" (Feldris)

Knights from the Order. So many have come.

""Happy birthday, Liara!!!"" (Everyone)

So many have come. I can see birthday parties in the others Me memories. But as I thought, experiencing one myself is totally different. I never had a birthday in my old world.

*sniff* *cry* (Liara)

So this is how it feels to belong somewhere. This is the best day ever.

Training

Location: Gloria's Temple / Training Grounds

Time: Y1503 - 17th day of the Harvest Moon

I'm still on duty in the training grounds. Today, Feldris is teaching me how to use a bow. That's new, no one amongst the others me ever held one, not even for sport. Soldier Me used to automatic rifles.

[I'm sorry they didn't teach us useless archaic weapons.] (Soldier Me)

[Bow have their place even in a modern world. They are powerful and silent.] (Bookworm Me)

[And it takes forever to master them. That time was better spent training in, you know, modern warfare?] (Soldier Me)

"Now, pull back the string." (Scout Feldris)

*nggggg* (Liara)

"Pull!" (Feldris)

*let go* *heavy breath* (Liara)

"Well, I guess it's too early for you. You can't even pull a training bow." (Feldris)

I'm a three year old girl, you dimwit! like my thin frail arms could ever pull a bow. I can barely hold the damn thing!

"For now, let's just train your muscle strength. In other words, you can keep carrying arrows and training tools like before." *grin* (Feldris)

This is totally child abuse.

News

Location: Gloria's Temple / Serina's Chamber

Time: Y1503 - 17th day of the Harvest Moon

I'm beat! My muscles are sore.

[This is bad. Your body is still developing. Training at such a young age will have the opposite effect. From now on, you are forbidden to train like this. Doctor's Orders.] (Doctor Me)

He is right of course. But being trapped in such a weak body is problematic.

[If this was a game, I would cast a spell to strengthen the body, you know?] (Gamer Me)

Is this possible?

[Uhm... Yes! In this world, animals can use magic too. It's not like we do it, they use it to be stronger or to sharpen their claws. I remember the teacher talking about it, once.] (Science Me)

Like a fantasy world!

[Not really. Magic here is just another natural phenomenon. Like electricity is part of the world, and the Electric Eel adapted to stun small fishes using electroshocks. Some animals here adapted to use magic.] (Science Me)

Well, how does this help us?

[If animals use magic to be stronger, nothing forbids us to do the same! Let's ask Meridia, later.] (Science Me)

*enter* "Hello, Liara! I'm back!" (Serina)

*run* "Mother!" *hug* (Liara)

She has to work even more now that she is Head Healer. I feel sorry for her.

"Liara, there is something I need to tell you." (Serina)

Mother got all serious. i hope it's nothing bad.

"Soon, we will move out, we will leave Victoria." (Serina)

"But why???" (Liara)

I want to see more of the world, but here started to feel like home.

"No particular reason. We Sisters often move from one temple to another. We go where we are needed. But don't worry, I'll be with you!" *smile* (Serina)

That's the only thing that matter. Home is where Mother is. I'll miss the others, though. I started to make friends, here.

"Moving out can be dangerous. We'll protect you, but I'd like you to prepare yourself. Can you do that for me? Also, I'll take you somewhere to learn about artifacts, soon." (Serina)

Finally! i really want to know how artifact are made. Meridia said it was too soon for me to learn.

"I'll do my best, Mother!" *hug* (Liara)

[Liara. Let's develop some new barriers and spells. If the soldiers fail in their task, it will be up to you, to protect Serina.] (Soldier Me)

Yes. I'd like a way to detect when dangers arrive.

[Leave it to me! I have many ideas I want to try out!] (Science Me)

Sanctuary

Location: Victoria / Green Sanctuary

Time: Y1503 - 21st day of the Harvest Moon

The base of operation of the Cult of Fertility in Victoria was quite a unique place to be in. In there, there are not buildings and roads, but grassy hills, small lakes and sanctuaries.

Back then a fire consumed the housing district there, and instead of rebuilding it, the Citizens planted grass and flowers to commemorate their dead. Over the years the place developed in what can be seen today. A patch of green inside the walls of the great city of Victoria.

Amongst the many people that came here every day to celebrate life and fertility, there was a large Dark Skin woman, towering at two meters in height. She entered one of the largest sanctuaries.

"Green Fairy. Did you ask for my presence?" (Leonora)

"Yes, my child. I was informed that you are part of a belligerent sect. You are killing many people. Is it true?" (Green Fairy)

The Green Fairy was the spiritual leader of the Cult of Fertility. A beautiful Dark Skin woman of average height and on the chubby side. That said, the cult is not monolithic and there are many currents of thought in it. Some are pacifist. Others not so much.

"You celebrate life your way. I celebrate it mine. I have my reasons." (Leonora)

"Yes. Each of my children has it's own reasons to be here." (Green Fairy)

Celebrating life by spreading death was hypocritical, to say the least. Still, every organization needed someone to do the dirty work. The Green Fairy simply had to close her eyes and claim she is not responsible for the actions of her children.

"What do you want? I am a busy woman. I don't have time to mate all day long. Unlike you." (Leonora)

"I just wanted to see one of my children. Ah! I remember you had a report for me, Helena?" (Green Fairy)

"Yes. It seems is going to be moved from Victoria to Alba. Half a moon from now." (Helena)

"Thanks for your report. If this information was to spread, our more... belligerent members might think of doing something bad. Let's all hope this does not happen." (Green Fairy)

"..." *leave* (Leonora)

Every organization needs someone to do the dirty work.

Craftsmen

Location: Victoria / Streets

Time: Y1503 - 26th day of the Fire Moon

I'm finally walking outside the temple! It would be perfect if it wasn't for the guards that are accompanying us. We are even wearing long cloaks to mask our identity. I look like an high ranking official visiting the city. The people in the streets part ways for us.

I would have liked to go incognito, and experience Victoria like a tourist. Talk with people, try local food, watch streets plays.

[The church is not going to take any chances. I'm surprised they even let us out.] (Soldier Me)

[We are going to a craftsman. his might be the breakthrough we need to finally unlock !] (Science Me)

I hope so.

"Are you liking our little excursion, Liara?" (Serina)

"Yes, but I'd like it better if it was only the two of us." (Liara)

[That's not fair, Liara. She cannot take you out like this. You are only making mother feel bad for nothing.] (Doctor Me)

He is right. As usual. Taking it out on mother was wrong. Now I feel bad.

"I can't wait to see the workshop!" (Liara)

"Yes! That's where we are going! You are going to meet a friend of Meridia!" (Serina)

"He is not my friend. Just..." (Meridia)

"Meridia, he even came to visit you back then. He cares for you. Doesn't that make him a friend?" (Serina)

Uhm... That's news. Now that I think about it, Meridia doesn't get along with the other Sisters. She pretty much only talk with me and Serina.

[This is just speculation, but I think that's because she was in a position of power. Many Sisters were envious of her skills. Being up there can be lonely, and when she lost what the others wanted, she was left alone.] (Doctor Me)

That's depressing. Let's change topic.

The building around us are made of stones and are two stories tall. The road is paved, and there are draining channels. The roof are flat. Never once I have seen snow.

This place is on the warmer side, but strangely there is not much difference between seasons. During summer is hot, but not unbearably so. And the winter is not really cold. And it's quite arid. It rains no more than a week or two in a year.

While we walk, the city-scape changes. We passed from a place full of stores, to a what seems like an industrial zone. Not many can read, so the shops signs are figures. Inns have a stylized bed for example.

"This is the craftsmen district. The most skilled artisans can be found here. People all over the continent come here to commission works." (Meridia)

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Location: Victoria / Faber's Workshop

After a while, we reach a large building. On the wooden sign there is a chain of rings. The front has a very large wooden door, maybe five meters wide, and a smaller person sized wooden door on the side.

"This is Faber's workshop. A... An old friend of mine." (Meridia)

The guards wait outside, while the three of us enters from the small wooden door. Serina and Meridia lift their hoods, I follow suit.

"You are Sisters from the church of Gloria. Follow me, I'll lead you to my Master." (Lenbor)

A muscular young man comes to pick us up. Isn't he the one who represented the Craftsmen during the year's eve? And is Mother staring at him? He won't become my father, won't he?

[I wonder if Sisters are forbidden from having a relationships...] (Explorer Me)

[I think so. If they could, we would have seen something going on, by now.] (Doctor me)

[Maybe they are very discrete about it?] (Bookworm Me)

I don't care, one way or the other. This workshop, on the other hand, is impressive! Lenbor lead us to a set of stair and a balcony. From here I can see the whole workshop from above.

The inside is mostly hollow, the ceiling is sustained by metal beams. At the root of the beams there are large furnaces made of black stone. Metalsmiths are beating, forging and refining metals. There are wooden working benches everywhere. Craftsman are working on their unfinished products. There must be fifty people working in here!

It's like a small factory.

The balcony lead to a small wooden office. We enter the small wooden door. Wow! It's hot in here! There is a small furnace, a bench with loads of tools, and an old man wholly focused on his work.

"Master. Sisters of Gloria are here." (Lenbor)

*glance* "Uhm... Meridia? You may leave, Lenbor." (Faber)

"You have a good apprentice, old friend. I have something for you. I no longer need it." (Meridia)

*grab pouch* "I knew I hadn't seen the last of you! Welcome back, Meridia." *grin* (Faber)

Meridia gave that old man a small pouch. I wonder what this was all about.

"Is this the fabled girl your Church discovered? Hard to believe that display a few moons back came from such a small body." (Faber)

Display?

[The rankings? You weaved a gigantic representation of Gloria. It was like one hundred meters tall. Ring any bells?] (Doctor me)

Oh... That.

"I would like for you to teach her about the artifacts and how they are made." (Meridia)

"To a little girl??? And what about your ancilla?" (Faber)

"Serina is now the Head healer. I no longer have an ancilla. She is just~ (Meridia)

"A friend." *smile* (Serina)

Meridia was taken aback by Mother's remark. I swear she would be crying if she could.

"Well, you know how it works. I can't just show my arts to every brat that knocks at my door." (Faber)

The old man take a bowl full of trinkets from his bench. He empty the content on his table! Now I see why this room is such a mess. He take a pouch from his belt, and empty the content on the bowl. There are several wooden balls in there.

"Little girl, if you pick the right ball, I'll teach you. Otherwise I'll kick you out of here." (Faber)

I look at Mother and Meridia. They are looking away. I won't get any help from them?

"How do I know which one is the one you want?" (Liara)

"If you can't even understand that, just get out! I don't have time to waste on challenged brats!" (Faber)

He is one grumpy old man, I give him that. And he is getting on my nerves. Others Me! help me out!

[[Gladly!]] (All Me)

Considering how grumpy he is, this test is not fair. Chance are that if I touch a ball, that's my choice. And I fail.

Therefore i must choose from a distance. Obviously it has something to do with artifacts. I have to activate them without touching them? I can activate simple artifacts, like the signalling artifact I used during the assassination attempt.

I fidget my fingers around a bit and weave a few magic threads. I direct them to touch the balls. With my magic sight I can see patterns waved over the balls. All of them are enchanted? Are you kidding me?!? I hoped I had to find the enchanted one...

Well, I'll have to activate their enchantment by pouring magic in them and see what they do? I guess?

(Wooden Ball)

This ball draw a simple shape in the air. A red hammer.

(Wooden Ball)

This one draw a green bow.

(Wooden Ball)

(Wooden Ball)

(Wooden Ball)

An anvil, a ring, a rod.

(Wooden Ball)

(Wooden Ball)

(Wooden Ball)

A sword, a shield... And a farming tool, I guess?

[I have no idea what he wants from us...] (Doctor Me)

[Some kind of riddle?] (Bookworm Me)

[I'm good at this kind of things, but I have no idea either.] (Gamer Me)

"I'm waiting, Little Girl. What will it be?" (Faber)

Should I pick nothing?

Should I pick anything?

Is there an hidden pattern i am missing?

Is this about picking my favourite?

[Just pick one. Without knowing what he wants, we can't discriminate between right and wrong.] (Doctor me)

"This?" (Liara)

"Why did you pick that?" (Faber)

".. There are many shapes. I like the green bow the most." (Liara)

"Leave. Now!" (Faber)

Figures. If you didn't want to teach me from the start, you just had to say it.

"Keep the ball. A little girl like you should play with toys. Leave the grown up stuffs to us." (Faber)

"Let's go, Liara." (Serina)

Grumpy old man. Now I get why he and Meridia get along. Birds of a feather.