Slowly, my hearing began to return, everything starting out as a low muffle and gradually becoming more clear and distinguishable. The warm and familiar glow of the life monument outside of Branishor a bitter-sweet comfort.
I silently cursed under my breath before offering up another prayer to the gods in thanks for their foresight and beneficence in the life monuments. Sitting up, I leaned against the warm glowing thing and replayed the events that brought me back there.
I was training in the Verthedge Forest, having finally been able to make my way there, despite my friend's cautions that I may not be ready. But stubborn as I am, I went anyway.
Taking in the sounds of the forest, distant memories flooded my mind. Vague whispers from long ago. That's when I heard it. The howl of wolves. But they were not like the cries of the wolves I frequently encountered in the Dark Forest. They seemed... larger.
Before I knew it, I heard the unmistakable sound of growling and panting on either side of me. I drew my warrior excellent broadsword and readied my shield of eternal light, determined to advance.
I felt the ground shake as one of the wolves massive forepaws came down nearby. With my keen senses, I heard the wolf behind me preparing to pounce.
I leapt to one side, rolling as I landed. Searing pain in my leg. I wasn't sure which one it was, but one of them had gotten a swipe in. Both wolves now in front of me, I focused my senses. They were moving, trying to flank me once again. Their growling and snarling giving them away.
Choosing one, I waited for the right time and swung my sword. I felt the tough hide of the beast give way to my blade, though it was much thicker and tougher than any other wolves I had encountered before.
Just then, more pain. The force of the blow staggered me as I felt wet warmth down my back. The blasted second wolf must have gotten a good swipe on me.
My head began to swim and my hearing began to dim as the blood ebbed from my body. The last memory was of the sound of that growling and the tremble of the ground.
Having regained myself, I stood from the life monument. Perhaps my friends were correct, as usual. But I would not be deterred. I just needed better equipment.
I had heard rumors of a creature deep in the mines where I might be able to gain a rare item. I Checked my supply of potions and set out.
The trek to the mine was an easy one, the mountain gremlins that inhabit the area giving me little trouble. Finding the entrance to the mines barricaded, I searched for another way in. There had to be a ventilation shaft or something. I climbed a moderately steep incline and placed an unwary foot on the edge of one such shaft and tumbled down. Landing with a crash, I found myself in the mines.
With a groan, I got to my feet. Listening intently, I heard the distant sound of clanging to the east. I guessed it was east anyway, the fall had me somewhat disoriented. Shrugging it off, I started out.
Battling my way through the mine, I finally arrived to a crevice in the wall. I squeezed my way through and heard the unmistakable sound of rushing water, an underground river.
I chose a direction and continued my slow and laborious trek. Again, I battled my way through the cavern, finding a waterfall and a thin ledge on which I could shimmy along.
A dead end. Again, I cursed under my breath.
Turning back, I once again fought hoards of beasties to return to the crack I had slipped through.
Then, I felt it. Her presence. The overwhelming aura of divinity.
I immediately dropped to my knees and bowed my head in reverence. I trembled, whether from excited fear or the sheer magnitude of her power I know not.
“You may rise, mortal”
Her lilting voice, though soft and soothing like Birdsong carried on a gentle breeze, was also powerful and terrible, carrying all of the authority of her station like the raging tempest of a hurricane. I was instantly on my feet.
“I have been observing you mortal. Your dedication to your training and propensity for difficult battles are to be admired.”
I suddenly felt the third finger of my ride hand being constricted. I could feel a warm glow emanating from the point of pressure, As well as vigor flowing into me.
“Take this ring with my blessings and know that I am pleased. Continue on your quest mortal, I shall be watching.”
With that, I heard the distinct sound of a blade being drawn from it’s scabbard and The whoosh of air as the blade was swung.
The stale air of the cavern hummed and crackled with energy as a rift opened. And like that, in a brilliant flash of violet light that registered even to my sightless eyes, she was gone.
Dumbfounded, I stood there for a few split-marcs. I fiddled with the ring upon my finger, as though to assure myself that I had not hallucinated the experience. The blessed energy coursing through my body ensured I would not tarry long however.
I proceeded on my course in a strangely lucid daze. Enemy after enemy I effortlessly slew until I finally found myself battling the alabaster monstrosity. It gave me little more trouble than the waves of minions that preceded it. Before I knew it, I was prying the alabaster gauntlets from it’s corpse, a pittance compared to the blessed ring I received from Magistra Kailani.
From that turn on, I have endeavored to be more devoted to the gods and offer a prayer of thanks as I awaken each turn.