A life of peace claimed by those renowned and nameless - changing hope for the masses… But how long will it last, before their veils are stripped away and the walls begin to crumble when the world desire’s its claim?

Cast it away and seek the will to bear the weight of the world. As many did before and will do again - their defiance, and dreams to become reality…

In the early summer morning, the Village of Fesr stirred awake and filled the market in search of wares.

This is taking forever. Gideon thought as the youth tried to squeeze himself through the crowd.

A struggle to say, perhaps the only one to feel the arrival of the new merchants a chore more than a favor. One, in particular, packed the market, showing great fervor, and a master of his profession - a Gnome named Pipim, a rare encounter in a settlement by humans. His stall was crowded at all times in the day, Gideon previously came to see the man - for the fifteen years he had been alive he had not seen another race. To his misfortune but great show, he couldn’t experience more than the sight of the small man. Standing on a higher stage showing strange trinkets, he gently stroked his beard as he spoke, and pointed ears twitch in excitement as he swindled crowds for goods that they did not need.

Finally, he came to his destination - ‘Roset’s Flowers.’

Gideon opened the door silently, and closed it before shouting, “Good morning Rose!”

The old woman reading was startled greatly as the book jumped out of her hand - falling to the floor.

The woman turned in an expression of confusion and annoyance, “Dammit Gideon. It's too early for this.”

The boy only chuckled, “It's never too early for a laugh.”

“I am not.” She picked up her book, unamused.

Gideon shrugged, “Well, one of two ain't bad.”

Rose was about to say something but stopped herself, and shook her head. She proceeded to leave for the back room, “Coming for the flowers, then?”

“Yes,” he replied as he took out a small pouch of coin when she returned with a big sack.

“23 Copper.”

Gideon took out two large, and three small copper pieces.

“Hold it gently, and don’t let it hit the ground. They are bound but the petals will be damaged even with a little bit of stress.”

“Alright,” hearing this again for the third time this week. “Have a good day!”

She gave a small smile, “Now, get.”

Gideon left right after, The back way would work better today.

Away from the square, and to the older site of the timber compounds - there was a long alley of connecting cobblestone. Crates lined the buildings at points but gave enough room for a person through.

The alley was in shadow, and hard to see, so when he passed a few crates he was unaware before he was knocked in the head with a fits-sized rock. Falling to the ground, bleeding from the damaged site.

“Holy- Mabel, you were supposed to trip him, not hit him over the head!” Gideon was in a daze, hearing a muffled voice.

“I know! Quickly get the sack, Mit.” The girl responded, rushing to claim the few copper pieces within the pouch.

Gideon felt jarred, but still could tell where Mit was - his focus heightened as he went for the flowers. Without a thought, he lunged to his feet and threw a punch at Mit’s face. Reeling, the boy fell back, and Gideon took the sack and distanced himself - running to the other end. But another two came from the end of the alley to block his path - Kelgon and Quill, the council's children gathered.

Scamps, were endowed with the responsibility of attaining nobility, and being raised as great figures for the coming generation - at least that is what their parents alleged. Though much of the village understood, at least by the rumors, how they acted - their focus was never their children. Never one with a family, they used their knowledge well, and they made a game out of their tormented.

“Let me pass.” Gideon held his annoyance, he could not barrel through the two and keep the flowers safe.

“Leave the sack,” Quil said.

“This was paid for by Mother Cecille. It is not mine, not yours. Leave me be.” Gideon spoke with a mix of confidence and fear.

“No, it is ours. This and everything else is ours because we allow it to be. Leave it here.” Kelgon taunted.

Gideon's rage sparked, as he held the stems with a tight grip. “Every time, near every week, you torment me and take what you want! I will not give anything to you rats!”

The four felt a distinct disgust by his words, leering - they felt vilified and wronged, taking a slow moment of what was deemed to be their right.

Gideon prepared to lose the flowers but stood a little taller today for the loss of their petals.

A shock underneath them, as to nearly set them off balance. And continued to announce a marching presence of who they all knew.

“What are you doing!” A scornful voice yelled.

An old scruffy man appeared, his eyes seemed droopy and tired of dealing with his current position - he was Samuel, the Village Protector.

The four only looked for a brief moment before they decided to run away to the other side, Kelgon and Quill tried to swipe - knock the sack from his hand. Gideon dodged and swatted their hands away until he was left alone with just himself and Samuel.

“Again, Gideon?” Sighing, sympathetically.

“It's not my fault they just keep doing it.” Trying to calm himself, as he wiped the blood from his face.

Samuel motioned for them to go, “Come on. I'll take you home.”

Along the stone path, they walked, passing a few houses under construction before the bridge - over the waterway.

For 12 years, the village expanded greatly due to the contracted merchants and Nevelia Church. The orphanage, under the care of Nevelia, was more towards the slopes of the village, near the pond and large cliff where a waterfall fell. Being one of the first buildings built, it was a place to cement a purpose within the village of the time.

Many had come from places that they did not wish to be, as the wilds are an even more mysterious and savage place - but this danger was worth their risk. Under the banner of the Laklin kingdom, they would be given support and secrecy of their pilgrimage. In exchange, they would pioneer the borders of the kingdom, officially when the village advances and is baptized will it be recognized. Bestowing the founding rulers with noble titles in a grand ceremony to consummate the joyous event.

They approached their destination, a building two stories tall and extending to the size of three homes. A woman past her prime, but maintained her soft appearance and fitted with a beige robe. Her hair kept bundled as her eyes remained closed - sitting under the overhang, smiling for the warmth of the day.

“Mother Cecille,” Gideon called, she opened her eyes with a soft smile until she saw the dried blood on his face.

She rushed out of her chair to meet them. In a worried tone, “What happened? Are you alright? When did this happen?”

“It's alright. It doesn’t hurt that much.” Lying, but trying to dissuade any further prodding.

Mother Cecille placed her hand on the wound, a manifest of small yellow silk glowed as the pain receded, but the wound wouldn’t heal. Her control weakened until the silk dispersed into particles, drained after the experience.

“A Miracle… quite a long while since I last saw one,” Samuel commented.

“It's not so great I’m afraid… it wouldn’t even count as a Minor Miracle.” Cecille replied as she caught her breath, “Samuel who did this?”

“I think you might already know the answer.”

“Was it those four again?”

“I'm afraid so.”

Cecille gave a great sigh, “Can nothing be done. The children are being tormented here, lord knows they target this one more so than the rest.”

Gideon was a bit surprised to hear - he kept quiet to the number, he knew it was futile to complain. He ran away each time - twisting and turning through different masses of people and alleys to lose them most of the time.

Samuel just shook his head, “I’m sorry. But my influence is not so great on this matter. Though if it were up to me I’d ring their behavior out in the village square, but the council is blinded by their future.”

She felt moved by Samuel's judgment, “I thank you for telling me where your heart lies.”

“The least I could offer, best to hope that these things would be outgrown by the time they have to rise to their chairs.”

“We can only hope.” She gave a slow but sad nod.

Samuel left right after, Gideon handing over the flowers with damaged stems. He was ashamed to bring it back in such a way, but Mother Cecille was unperturbed.

Giving a gentle but weary smile, she said. “Thank you for bringing it back at all. You are a very brave Gideon, but the wound might only be a small price this time.”

“I’m sorry.” He looked down.

Cecille felt powerless but raised his head. “I'll tell you a little secret, can you keep it?” Gideon’s mood instantly brightened and nodded aggressively.

“Soon there will come a Priest, they will be here to see if this village is worth endowing further.”

Gideon was confused, “Why is that important?”

“Well for one, the Priest can heal your wound. They have much greater healing Miracles than I. Second, if they are willing, they assign a greater power than just our influence- they can give you some peace where I cannot.”

“Will you still be here?”

“Of course.”

“Then I’ll be fine either way.” Gideon left the heart-stricken Cecille behind, as he went to go be with the rest - their instruction was starting soon.

***

“Of all the places, this expanse seems a bit ambitious.” Richar, the Paladin half plated wrought-iron armor, a longsword at his side. Carrying a heavy pack on his back, and a very intricate sack - closely guarded, brimming with Aetheric inscriptions.

“I don’t like to question the Order’s judgments, but… this seems to put you at much risk, High Priest Ule.” Theo, the Paladin wearing full plated blue steel armor, a shield on his back, and a short sword at his side.

“Please, the challenge is not so grand but if something does show, I believe in my stewards.” She said, dawning an ornamental yellow-white robe - face covered in a hood that none could see beyond the shadow. A dazzling bracelet on her arm, crafted with a blessed touch - humming with Divinity. “Besides for years I’ve been receiving letters of their growth, they seem to be doing well and nothing seems necessarily out of place from them. Though I do find it strange, with only a former Obsidian rank serving as Protector to be adequate.”

“Should we prepare for the worst?” Theo asked.

“No, but keep a keen sense. I am just visiting a child, though she is far from a child at this point I suppose.” Ule said with a little chuckle.

They traveled far from the Holy Mecca of Quar, and now in the depths of the Yris Woodland - they were on the lookout for any sight of travel. The kingdom only provided a rough location for them to follow, however, by the letter, they knew it to be by a diverted crescent of the Reken Mountain Range.

The sun was still high when they spotted a cliffside and a trail that was marked by crushed grass. Further seeing erected logs and men standing guard in front of the entrance. They were slumped against the wall, before taking a second look at the coming party. Their focus was only to a point, a priest of Nevelia; the goddess of Solitary Care, Nursing, and Swaddle of Mother’s Silk - bearing her sign of a hand wrapped in white silk.

A guard nervously came to them - giving a slight bow, “Great follower of the Divine, how may we be of service.”

“A small congregation of our followers made this place home. We are here on a journey to judge whether there is hope for this new place.” Theo, to the helm of the conversion.

“I- Uh… Am to say that you came to ordain a church.” The guard felt out of his depth.

“That is correct,” Theo.

“Uh… would you please be able to wait. I am to inform—”

“No,” Richar interjected. Pulling out a map, stamped with the insignia of the Laklin Kingdom. “We have been given passage to this settlement, and no one other than the kingdom shall allow it to be rescinded. I suggest moving just out of the way to save yourself from doing something most unwise.”

The guard was shaken and backed off immediately - allowing them entry. But, just as well sent someone to inform the council of their arrival.

Walking through the streets they gained much attention, but there was something that caught Ule’s divine senses.

There is an unsettling force here, weak but… seemed grown. Ule felt a glimpse of it away from their path. We shall see more after.

They arrived without delay and greeted Cecille with open arms as she in turn led the three to the dining room for tea. There were few things around - mostly just the large table and a dozen chairs, a dull interior only lived by the vases of colorful flowers

Ule and her stewards were served, she looked at her aged child with a bit of sorrow but mostly happiness.

“It feels like forever since I said my last goodbye,” Cecille said, sitting down with the rest.

“Oh, yes. I missed seeing you, my child. But I see age has been wonderful to you and life seems much less hazardous.”

Cecille smiled, “In many ways, it is so. But raising the children has been the toughest position I have.”

Ule nodded, “Children are as wonderful as they are naughty.”

“They truly are,” Cecille took a sip of her tea. “I wasn’t expecting your arrival for a few more days. It must have been a hard journey, but I cannot thank you enough Mother Ule.”

Richar seemed stricken with something for a moment, “Its —”

Ule stopped him by covering his mouth, Theo shook his head at his successor, while Cecille looked confused about it.

“Just ignore that my dear,” Ule put her hand down. Richar, knowing, returned to his drink and stared out the window. “It wasn’t as bad as one might think. The Paladins of Nevelia are not so easily beaten.” She gestured to them, “Theo could match a Bronze Grade Adventurer and

Richar an Iron.”

Cecille nearly choked on her drink.

Theo responded, “Your much too kind High Priest Ule.”

“Nonsense, it's just as true.” Ule shook her head slightly.

“A High Priest?” Cecille made a slight gasp and got up to bow, “I am deeply sorry—”

“Please, stop.” Ule cut her off and made her stop the bow. “Just sit back down.”

She complied, a little bit more worried than before.

“You do not need to see me as anything else Cecille. You are my child and a follower of Nevelia, but they are one and the same to me. Both are sacred, but one shall not triumph over the other in manners like this. I want to enjoy seeing my child, rather than be a follower today.”

Her nervousness died down, but her heart felt sullen for a brief moment before disappearing into a warm smile.

“Thank you, Mother Ule,” Cecille replied.

“Thank you, my child.” Ule with a soothing voice.

Theo and Richar left for a while as they headed into the village to stall the council search, leaving the two to talk in peace. Cecille about the life here - her choice of leaving, whether she any longing of the past she once had, she didn’t. Ule, her rise to the position of High Priest - came from a vacancy of the previous holder. She was told that he fell in a battle with the Cult of Oyr, giving his life to the preservation of a city far from here. The news took Cecille aback for a moment, but Ule didn’t want to dwell on it further to spoil the joyful gathering.

“Mother Ule, could I ask for your favor?” Cecille said, looking down - caressing her teacup.

“It's fine enough, I don’t think you would ask anything too absurd.”

She took a deep breath, “I have a child that was hurt quite badly. I can’t offer the healing he would need. Could you see what you can do?”

Ule was touched, I’m glad she could give her heart to something else.

“It would be my duty as a follower of Nevelia, and to my joy of helping the child,” Ule said, with delight.

“I'll bring him down, he’s in his room.”

The rest of the children were out in the village, but Gideon stayed as he had his wounds bandaged over. When Mother Cecille came to get him to meet the Priest he was nervous and just so as he followed her to the dining room.

Gideon came around the corner seeing the figure sipping tea into its dark shadow - he flinched and stood there, staring into the black.

Cecille noticed when she sat down, frowning. “Gideon, it's not proper to greet someone like this.”

“Oh… I am sorry. I’m Gideon.” He gathered himself and sat down beside her, but still stared.

Ule chuckled seeing the curiosity with the child’s eyes, “First time seeing a Shrouded Hood?”

Gideon just nodded, being unfamiliar with exactly what she asked. Ule took off her hood, having large flowing hair that took much of the space. Her ears were long and curled - extending to the side, as her button nose twitched ever so slightly, she was a - Lreohe.

His mouth went ajar, and Cecille looked crossed.

“Manners, Gideon,” Cecille said.

“Uh- What?” Gideon broke out of his stupor.

Ule, “Don’t be too hard on the child. You must not get a lot of others here.”

Cecille sighed, “No… No, we don’t.”

“Well, then don’t be too worried about it. Though let us see to the wound.” Ule got up and came around to sit with them, next to Gideon.

Cecille slowly unwrapped the bandages, Ule put her hand lightly on the wound. A soft silk glow enveloped her hands as she focused her power. The minutes passed as Ule’s face got more trouble, the wound was not healing as quickly as it should.

There was a knock on the door that interrupted the secession.

Ule felt the presence of her stewarts, “It appears that we have to stop for now.”

“Leaving?” Cecille.

“For now, the village’s regime was known to my presence. But we did not comply with their initial wishes of meeting.” Ule got up to leave, putting her hood back on.

“Be careful, they see themselves as young nobles already.”

Ule nodded, “Thank you. But it shouldn’t be an ordeal.”

She left through the door, the Paladins at the wait with a guard to guide them to the Council Hall.

Ule pulled aside Richar for a brief moment. “Go through our records, and find things that could hinder a Healing Miracle.”

Richar froze for a moment - whispering, “High Priest Ule, you don’t think wicked powers have claimed this place as home.”

“I can only hope, but something is looming and we are going to find the source.”

Richar’s face went blank, nodding, “As you wish, I shall begin immediately.”

The four went off, while the two in the orphanage were left conversing.

***

“So she’s a Lreohe?” Gideon asked.

“Half-Lreohe,” Cecille responded.

“I never heard of them before.”

Cecille chuckled, “I’m sure you would have not. I believe most people wouldn’t know of them, as they live very long lives in isolation.”

“How long is long?”

“A Lreohe, maybe 350 years. Mother Ule is Half, so perhaps over 200 years.”

“Wow, Can we live that long?”

“No… we could reach 100 if we are lucky, but at 60 our bodies begin to fall apart and slowly wither away.”

Gideon had a droopy face, “It seems so short.”

Cecille gently rubbed his back, “Would you live longer but do nothing or live short and do something?”

“Mmm… I would like to do something, I think…”

“Yes, humans may have one of the shortest life spans but many great people were born and carried their wishes to the world. They sought their desires and rose to meet the challenge, sometimes… whatever the cost.”

Gideon was in deep thought, What would I want?

“Well, I think that is enough for now. Let’s get you some new bandages, Mother Ule will come later tonight.”

They talked a little more about what Ule was doing, along with her fellow companions that accompanied her on her journey before she sent him off.

Hours passed, and the day became night. Most of the children were in their beds asleep, Gideon still up and waiting - hearing a faint knock at the door.

Ule met Cecille, late at night alone, she was exhausted - seeming haggard by her breath and motion. With her, she carried a thick book wrapped in thick cloth. Ule followed Cecille with soft candle light, to a private work room, a few chairs and a table were set. She went to grab Gideon, leaving Ule to place the book on the half-filled bookshelf and wait for their presence.

“Are you ready?” Ule had her hood off and was ready for Gideon’s treatment.

Gideon simply nodded, as he carefully unwrapped his badges. Ule placed her hand on the wound, a shining cloth wrapped her hand and to her shoulders - hanging over and fluttering with no wind. Ule was in deep concentration as the wound slowly closed, beads of sweat formed on her face - her breath became heavy when she was finished. Gideon touched his head cautiously but felt no pain, he beamed in a wondrous smile.

“Thank you, Priest Ule,” Gideon said, and went to give her a small hug but he was stopped by her before then.

Ule had a weary look, “I think you should rest now.”

Gideon didn’t notice anything, too enamored by the Miracle. “Alright, I can go back now. Good night.”

Gideon gave a goodnight and left, Cecille was going to go check whether he was going to his bed but was stopped by Ule.

“We need to talk, but be calm.” Ule, having a serious expression.

Cecille was slightly taken aback, her heart beat wildly in unease.

***

What do I do with my life? Awoken from his sleep by a ruinous nightmare, Gideon lay in bed as he just drifted in his thoughts.

Living, growing, learning - they were all nice things, but soon he would have to leave. Find his way through the world, because this was not a place he could stay forever.

A sudden thud rose him from his bed, he looked out his window and the height of the two moons.

Shouldn’t everyone be asleep right now? Gideon, curious, slowly opened his door and quietly went down to the stairs from where the sound came.

From the corner of his eye, he saw the room that he was previously in, a light shined through the slight crack in the door. He heard a muffled sob and slowly went along the floorboards till he saw through the crack. A chair had been knocked down, Cecille sat on the floor - crying into her hands. Ule was beside her, trying her best to soothe her plight.

“I’m sorry. It can be nothing else.” Ule quietly said.

“Please- Please Mother Ule. It mustn’t be.” Cecille pleaded, taking her hands away - revealing her sorrowful face.

A long silk scarf manifested as it extended and floated to the book on the table. Having many thick leather straps and ornate metal streaks coming to a skeletal hand in the center.

Ule showed her the page to her once again, “It is Vicrot. Everything is just as it says. Wounds heal slowly as the child is unable to be healed by lesser Miracles. People would be infected by an insufferable curse that slowly seeps into their being, and makes them commit heinous acts.”

“But there is nothing like that here. There are no heinous acts being committed in the village.”

Ule took a deep breath, “Those children, the councils you spoke about, I felt something when I came into the village. There was something here, something vile - it was in those children. I felt something was gripping their souls - they were being corrupted.”

Cecille had a horrified look on her face, as Gideon slowly sensed the nature of the conversation - he felt a sinking feeling in his gut.

Ule continued. “We were able to purge the corruption as it left in dark red smoke, but it took a lot out of us. Richar passed out and Theo was weakened from cleansing everyone afflicted. It can be no other.”

Cecille didn’t say anything as her face was filled with dread and the loss of what was to come.

“I'm sure you know, but this curse must be purged. For this land and for the people the child will die by tomorrow’s end.” Ule stood up, Gideon felt all his hairs stand on end as he thought of death looming along with the sunset.

“Why… Why are you telling me this.” Cecille said, looking right into Ule’s eyes.

Ule felt her own heart become slightly dejected, “I know what it means to raise a child, and to have a chance to say goodbye. Please send the child off with joy and be there for his final moments. We will be watching. ”

Gideon couldn’t take it any longer; he quickly and silently got up from the floor. Bolting to his room before Ule left.

Alone in his bed, under his covers. They are going to kill me… I am going to die tomorrow. I don’t want to die…

Small tears formed in shock, as he dreaded the thought of his soon-to-be last day. What could he do with the time, would there be anything worth the time in the stead of misery - of the lost hope he could never attain after death?

Perhaps an hour went by before he could calm down, No one can help me. I don't have anyone to save me from those people… I want to live… I need to flee… from everyone - everything…

Gideon kicked off his blanket and went through his dresser, taking spare clothes - throwing them to the floor. He crawled under his bed and got a small pouch of coin, wedged between the frames, and placed it by his clothes. Taking off his bedding sheets he tore a little piece off with his mouth, and carefully ripped it into a decent-sized square. Placing his belongings in the center and wrapping up everything in a neat bundle. He held the knot tight, this was all he had left.

He was about to leave through the door. Only Ule came tonight, where are the rest? Are they watching the house…? Covering the exits?

It can’t be easy to escape this place now, not with Paladins at watch. Sitting down on his bed he thought and ran his hands along with the blank mattress in thought. He knew the village, living, running away, all these years ducking between different paths to find his way back to a safe place. But this place wasn’t safe anymore.

I could climb the cliff over the walls and down… swim through the channel and hopefully squeeze through the bars… hide in a cart to get out… make a distraction and go through the front gate…

Plans were drawn but nothing for certain. There was only imagination, and hope that guided his next steps to a path that would lead him to freedom.

It was still dark, but the moons were past their peak. Gideon looked out of his window to see if anything was watching this place - nothing so far. Delicately opening the door, he looked to make sure there was no one before moving down the stairs to the empty hall.

I can’t see the front, there might be someone watching there… The dining window. The room was clear, unlocking the latches and slowly opening the window.

A low creak echoed through his ears, his heart dropped as Gideon broke out in cold sweats. Stopping to hear any sound of someone awake, there was silence. Bit by bit he opened the window just enough for him to pass through and tumble to the ground.

His eyes darted around, confirming the back of the building was clear. Crouched he ducked under the windows and peered the corner, looking for anything - anyone out of place - nothing. Keeping close to the building he went until he heard the sound of crushed grass rang in the dead of night. He jerked to a stop, holding his breath - an arm swung the corner, before even looking further he turned to rush the other corner. Too late.

Just on the turn, he was tackled to the ground, he squirmed using all of his strength to get out. Failing, a hand held him and another came over his mouth but bit the hand - drawing blood and a muffled groan.

“Gideon, stop. It's me, Cecille.” She whispered, clamping down on her teeth to hold in the pain.

Gideon didn’t, his expressions and force were wild.

I don’t want to die… I don’t want this… He thought over and over.

“Calm down… please… I am here to save you…” Cecille struggled with his unresponsiveness, “It will be the end for you… for us, if you do not calm down..”

Feeling his loss of control and Mother Cecille he stopped struggling. She slowly let go of his mouth and tightly held him by his waist with both hands.

“Did you hear?” Cecille received a nod from Gideon. “We have to move quickly, there is —”

A shining bell appeared above the village, showing off a luster that rivaled the sun. It rang three times before it lost a bit of its energy - still hovering above.

Cecille paled, Nevelia’s Chime!

She quickly took Gideon by the hand as they quickly went to the streets.

The energy of the Miracle spread to the village’s inhabitants, they woke from their slumber as they cautiously came to their windows and doors. Seeing - feeling the work of the divine they came outside to greet the sound of the High Priest that cast the Miracle.

“A curse has been placed upon your village. In the name of Nevelia, we shall rid this heresy from the world. Find the boy name Gideon and Sister Cecille to stop this evil from consuming yourself.” The voice came to all minds. Fear, and anxiety, took hold - a wound that was thought to be healed reopened in their hearts. Their hopes were under threat, and the desperate urge to protect what they cherished, to give purpose to what was given up - they would not stand for this corruption.

People flocked the streets - searching, failing. Gideon and Cecille peered over the back alleys they went, hiding in the shadows of the buildings. They tried pushing towards the gate of the village, but the masses were ever more crowded - making a push back. Voices and calls near their location, feeling their approaches were being cut - they could not move forward, their backs becoming more closed. The pressure was looming, but Cecille pulled them towards the parts of the village under development - nearing a small canal, the first floor of a pub was erected.

Cecille quickly took him in, shutting the door with three large pieces of wood that clamped the door shut.

“How do they keep finding us?” Gideon questioned in a whisper.

“The whole of Fesr is hunting, there is a lot but even still I do not know…” Cecille replied.

Catching their breath, their minds collected thoughts of escape from the imperial light and ravenous villagers. The moments of quiet in the dark soothed the tense air, the sounds of footsteps were heard.

A loud bang sounded through the door as it flexed ever so slightly under the weight, shouts were heard but a soothing voice silenced them.

“A follower of Nevelia cannot hide their presence from me. Save yourself, save us, help us purge this vile thing from the world.” Ule sounds clear through the building.

“No! How could you ask a child to die?! How could you inspire the heart of Nevelia when you ask this?! Leave us, leave us be!” Cecille screamed, out of breath - her heart filled with conflict.

“Please Cecille, come out. You are not right under the effects of the curse - please conquer the will of the vile and come out. I beg you - Please!” Ule’s voice quivered ever so slightly.

Cecille motioned for Gideeon to come near, she took his pack of belongings, along with a large pocket pouch. Dumping the few coins he had into it before giving it to him.

She held him close and in a whisper spoke, “Gideon go to the back room, there will be a trap door leading to the cellar. Take it, there is a hatch with a stream of water, use it to escape this place.”

Specks of light started to form around them, the air seemed to fizzle and hum in the wake of power.

Gideon was bewildered, “What is… happening?”

Cecille Paled, She is starting the ritual here!

“Quickly Gideon, go! Now!”

Before she could push him away, he gave her the last embrace with his shaking arms. Cecille calmed, and gently stroked his back, “I love you, Mom.”

“Go.” Giving a conflicting smile as she pushed him away as Gideon rushed to the back room to find the trap door.

The sight of a metal ring came into view as he lifted the trap door and haphazardly rushed down the short staircase. The sparks were becoming more frequent, veils started to spawn - flowing in and out of the light.

The hatch was in the corner as he quickly opened to find the stream of shallow water. A moment he was hesitant, before seeing another spark of light flicker more intensely - taking a deep breath and diving into the water.

The channel was tight, he gripped the stone walls to propel himself forward. Panic, and a heavy anxiousness set in - trying to find a breath of air.

The flow of water along his ear echoed, warped voices came through - he was near. The break, he felt the corner of the duct seeing the bell light fade and the glimpse of stars. He didn’t peek at the water whole, but stayed along the stone - mouth extending high enough just to get a few breaths before moving along.

He scurried quickly along, vibrations of footsteps made him weary - he tried to stay under the water for as long as possible. The end of the way, iron bars were thick - reaching down to the bottom.

Gideon looked back, a pillar of light slowly formed - signs of Nevelia showed in the light. Then - Divinity Descended, a faint red haze seemed to extend to the sky before purged in light, sending a shiver through his spin.

“The cursed one is no more. Remember Sister Cecille, for she gave her life to save off the corruption to all of those who had made this place home.”

A cheer roared in the distance and his heart shattered, he could not feel it as he stared to the sky and then to the bars. Diving, he squeezed through the wider gap and popped out on the other side, swimming along with the current.

He didn’t know the time but the sign of day breaking along the horizon. Coming to a small bank of wet dirt - along the slanted hill side he rested. The trees above were still, there was no wind and the sound of nature was utterly silenced but his mind felt the pieces of his heart gone. But before shedding a single tear, the clattering of wheels and the rush of hooves was heard.

Climbing to the top of the ridge he saw a wagon being pulled by two horses at a quick pace, their veins seemed to pulse with a faint luminance. He moved closer, just behind a tree to see Pipim having a frightened look on his face as he ushered his horses faster. In a moment he made his mind, moving to intercept the cart, hiding out of sight - when he had his chance he took it. Sprinting and extending all he could to hook onto the back.

Pulling himself up, and moving aside the boxes to the front he rested quietly hearing the Gnome’s own grief.

“Have to get out, have to leave before those crazy bastards start a crusade in the village… what goblin luck has found me on this trip.” Pipim complained too enamored by what had transpired that morning.

In the wake of his dreariness he opened the leather pouch left, reaching he felt coins but a piece of folded paper... a letter.

{Dear Gideon,

I hope that you are able to read this, to make it out of the conflict that was brought. In the pouch you will find 4 silver and 15 copper coins, don't spend it all in one place, and make sure you haggle everything you can. Merchants outside aren't as friendly as the one’s here and certainly not in their prices for goods.

I could not believe what has happened, what will come of me I do not know. But I can hope you find a place to live a life that would bring you joy.

Please be safe, the world is much more dangerous than what I have said all these years. Watch yourself as even in the halls of great cities, your own moments of life might not be yours. With all I have, you are not cursed of Vicrot. There is nothing wrong with you to demand death, just, keep quiet. Do not mention the name of the curse to any other. Some of the Divine Temples will see you erased as they are trying now, as Mages would want a subject to test if they found you cast aside by everyone.

Time will be harder than you might have ever experienced, but never doubt yourself, believe in yourself and push through anything that might be hard now. There will come a day where you will not have to worry about it any longer.

Please, live for yourself.

To your dreams and future,

Mother Ariele }

The letter slowly turned to ash as he read the last line, what was left of his heart withered away. Gideon faded from the emotional burden and began to sleep away his first dark day.