The woman clad in green landed lightly upon the tiled floor. She walked towards Verene, smiling. Verene saw that the woman was quite tidy in appearance, only her golden-brown hair was amiss as it was braided haphazardly and was just long enough to hang over her shoulder. Her ear feathers were a dark brown, with a line of diamond-like shapes within the feathers slowly forming a gradient towards a golden color at their center. Her feathers fanned up in excitement.
Before she wandered too close. The woman stopped and spoke. "Greetings. There have not been visitors for a long time. To have passed through the watch of the dragons, your goal must be a selfless one. Pray, tell what your purpose here is. As the acting priestess here, I will try to give aid."
A priestess still within the temple. Verene's expectations of the woman's identity were shattered. There were too many considerations for how she was here, many of which terrified Verene, and only left her to speak the truth should those guesses be correct.
“I seek an artifact. Recorded many centuries ago to be found within this temple. Its power can heal the sick, and could help my friend.”
“A healing artifact?” The priestess appeared confused.
Uncertain if the woman’s statement was a question or mere rhetoric, Verene affirmed. “Yes.”
"I am not familiar with such an item. But there are many unique things in the storerooms, some even sourced from the dungeons of abyssal mages long past." The priestess said as she pondered. "We can begin the search when you are ready."
“We?” Verene looked down at the proclaimed priestess.
"Yes? The temple is large. As a priestess, it is my duty to help those who come here in need." In a softer tone, one barely audible, she continued. "If I did nothing, what purpose is it for me to remain here?"
“Thank you, Priestess.” Verene said.
“Speraka.” The priestess suddenly spoke firmly.
Verene was a little confused.
“Priestess is no name. Call me Speraka.”
“Oh. Thank you, Speraka. I am Verene.”
“Have you had a chance to rest yet, Verene?” Speraka suddenly seemed less formal, becoming very relaxed and energetic as she guided Verene towards the stairs leading to the balcony she jumped from. "The walk up the hall is long, so I'm told. We can begin the search aptly afterward."
"I've only really arrived at the temple a short time ago." Verene answered as she followed Speraka.
“Then we can discuss what you know of the artifact as you rest.” Speraka said.
Speraka led Verene confidently through the corridors. Verene noticed the disrepair apparent everywhere else in the temple slowly faded as they walked. Eventually the walls they passed held little damage, appearing similarly as they did all those long years ago when the temple bustled with people. Likely they were drawing near to where Speraka resided. The condition of the temple in this area was likely thanks to her diligent maintenance.
They entered a small room. It was barely furnished, just a stone table and chair. A small oven and stove, also carved from stone sat to the side, inlaid on it were red stones. Likely fire attributed magic stones. And a stone shelf to the left of the oven, laden with jars and kitchen supplies.
“I have some dried herbs for a tea. And some pastries recently made that the dragons left here.” Speraka said as she guided Verene to the table.
Verene took a seat. Speraka moved about frantically to prepare for her guest.
“I appreciate this. Although I didn’t expect to meet anyone here.” Verene started. She wasn’t certain what topic to speak with this priestess over.
“It has been just me here for some time. Although the dragons visit regularly, even if it’s only whatever two have guard duty at the time.” Speraka responded openly.
Speraka had everything prepared for tea. Her hand grazed over the magic stones on the stove, her hand emitted a white light as Speraka sent magic as fuel for the stones. Verene noted that the priestess was a light mage. An appropriate attribution for one in her line of work. Given that the artifact Verene sought was bound to be crafted with light magic. If Speraka did indeed aid in Verene’s search, her compatibility with the artifact might make it easier to locate.
“The dragons bring you pastries?” Verene asked.
“Yes. Much of the food here is provided by them. I would be quite helpless without their help.” Speraka explained. “Ever since the others left and the people of the city stopped visiting. Only the dragons have been checking on me regularly.”
“Ah.” Verene made a noise in response.
Speraka seemed unfazed by the gaps in conversation as Verene returned to her thoughts. Verene was glad she didn’t try to attack this woman earlier. Given the explanation Speraka just gave, and Verene’s familiarity with this realm's history. The visitors stopped coming to this temple when the city was emptied. Many fled to Avanin when a strange sickness emerged from beyond the sky mirror three hundred years ago. Although it was eventually cured, none but the dragons chose to live here. Or at least allowed to live here.
This Speraka looked somewhat younger than Verene, but if she has been within this temple for the past few centuries. Then she had to be a thousand-year mage, at least. All life within could live the expanse of their existence based on one’s magic power. Verene herself would be fortunate to live to those three hundred years. Although Speraka seemed airy and somewhat helpless at first glance, she likely had enough magic to easily overpower Verene, who, skilled in physical combat, had little skill in spell craft.
The kettle Speraka set on the stove began to whistle shortly after. The speed it heated at was quicker with magic than an open flame. The noise brought Verene back to the present.
“The artifact. Do you have a description of it?” Speraka sat down across from Verene after setting down the tea and pastries.
"Only that it showed up about three centuries ago. Apparently, it showed up just before the decline of the temple." Verene explained. “All I know is that many who came to the temple with grievous wounds and sickness were nearly fully healed. Beyond the normal capabilities of light magic.”
Speraka pondered. “I don’t recall a time when we sent any away still with injury. So, it must have appeared before I came to the temple, but I just don’t recall seeing any of the other priestesses holding anything to assist with magic while we healed.”
“Is that so?”
“But I was a novice then. So maybe I just wasn’t privy to know of it.” Speraka finished. “Perhaps we can start the search in the treatment rooms.”
Speraka repeatedly reassured Verene that they would definitely find this artifact. Verene didn't recall showing any sign of disappointment, but she didn't plan to correct Speraka. The help was appreciated, even though Verene expected not to find anything. An item that could heal well beyond the means of any light mage within the Realm of Avanin was truly a tall tale. But Verene was here within the temple now. So, she would look for the mythical item regardless.
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