Leaving Ravenhold
Grace
As I finished packing my belongings, the first rays of sunlight began to peek through my window. I inhaled sharply, my heart pounding in my chest as the reality of what I was about to do sank in.
I knew what I had to do, but that didn't make it any easier. Was I really ready for this? Ready to leave everything behind?
I rationalized a little. Maybe it would be a short trip. Maybe I'd go around, save some folk, and come back before the end of the week. Somehow, I doubted that, though.
Pushing aside my doubts, I slung my pack over my shoulder and walked out of my room, my footsteps echoing in the quiet hallway.
I found Sister Caria easily, kneeling before the statue of Yalia, the Eternal Queen, her head bowed in prayer.
"Sister Caria?" I called out softly, my voice trembling slightly. "Can I talk to you?"
She did not turn to look at me.
"You don't need to say it, Grace. I already know what you're going to tell me."
I blinked in surprise, my mouth falling open.
"You do? But how? Did..." I almost gasped. "Did Yalia herself tell you?"
Sister Caria chuckled, shaking her head.
"No, nothing quite so divine. I... I saw you packing your things, and I put two and two together."
"Oh."
She stood up, turning to face me fully, and I saw the tears threatening to spill from her eyes.
"Grace, are you truly so eager to throw your life away?"
Her words hit me like a punch to the gut.
"I won't do that, Sister Caria. I promise! I'll try to be as careful as I can, but I have to-"
She cut me off, pulling me into a tight hug that knocked the breath from my lungs.
"Oh, Grace," she murmured, her voice thick with emotion. "It feels like just yesterday that you were even smaller than you are now, a tiny little thing with big, bright eyes and a heart full of wonder."
I froze.
At that moment, her scent, that sweet scent as familiar to me as the walls of the church themselves, engulfed my air.
"Taking you in, putting myself at risk to save your life all those years ago... It was the best thing I've ever done. I firmly believe that."
I pulled back, looking up at her with a watery smile.
"Well, considering I'd be dead if you hadn't, I'd have to agree."
She laughed.
Shaking her head, she cupped my face in her hands.
"Promise me, Grace. Promise me that this won't be the last time I see you. That you'll come back to me, safe and sound. That's... That's all I ask."
Smiling up at her, I stood on the tips of my toes, pressing a gentle kiss to her cheek.
"I promise, Sister Caria. I'll come back, and I'll have so many stories to tell you! Stories of the people I've helped, the lives I've saved, the difference I've made."
She smiled, a sad and wistful smile, and pulled me in for one last hug.
"I look forward to hearing them all."
That was it.
One of the most heartbreaking things I'd ever done was to walk out of that church with my things thrown over my back.
I was ready, I told myself. Ready to face whatever challenges lay before me, ready to use my powers to help those in need.
And as I made my way to the eastern gates, the rising sun at my back, I knew that no matter what happened, I would always have a home and a family waiting for me in Ravenhold.
A family that believed in me. Now, I needed to believe in myself.
You've got this, Grace! I tried to hype myself up. Show them what you can do!
...
Kumiko
I stood by the truck as the sun lifted off the horizon. The other paladins were gathered around me, their faces showing equal parts confusion and disbelief.
"Are you seriously letting that little priestess come with us?" Liam asked, his voice dripping with skepticism. "I mean, that girl's barely tall enough to reach the pedals of the truck."
I shot him a glare, my jaw clenching with annoyance.
"Yes, I am. And it's a good idea, too. We're almost certainly going to get hurt on the way back to Venita, and having a healer with us could mean the difference between life and death. I think it's smart."
Nora frowned, her brows furrowing together.
"But Kumiko, do you really think we can keep her safe while we're fighting the yargoth?"
I just looked back at her for a moment, arms crossed, tapping my index finger against my biceps.
"No."
"Well-"
"But," I cut her off, "she understands the risks, and she's willing to take them anyway. She believes that her powers can make a difference, and I'm inclined to agree with her."
Just as the words left my mouth, I heard the sound of footsteps approaching.
I turned to see Grace walking towards us, her pack slung over her shoulder and a determined look on her face.
By the light, this girl was a mouse on two legs. If we stood side to side, I think she'd be at breast-level with me. But, she looked as determined as a giant as she drew closer.
I could see the other paladins exchanging glances, their expressions ranging from skeptical to pitiful.
But Grace didn't seem to notice, or if she did, she didn't let it faze her.
"Good morning," she said, her voice bright and cheerful despite the early hour. "I'm ready to go whenever you are."
I nodded.
"Good. We'll be leaving shortly."
Liam stepped forward, his face twisted into a scowl.
I could tell he was trying to look meaner than he was.
"Listen, little girl," he said, his voice dripping with condescension. "This isn't some game. We're not going on a fun little adventure. Our path to Venita takes us right through yargoth territory. There's a very real chance that some of us won't make it back. Do you understand that!?"
Grace scoffed.
"First of all, I am no 'little girl', okay? I'll have you know I am in fact a fully... mostly grown adult. I am no child," she spat out, glaring at him. "Second, I'm not here for fun or games. I'm here because I believe that my powers can be of help. That's all."
She went to throw her stuff into the truck, disregarding all our skepticism.
"But, don't worry," she added, "the next time you're on your back, bleeding from yargoth claws, I think all your tunes will change very quickly."
Liam sighed.
"Well... Alright, I guess."
I stepped in.
"Come on, we've already wasted enough time. Let's get moving. Every second is precious."
One by one, we climbed into the truck.
I glanced over at Grace. She sat next to me.
She noticed me looking and shot me a big, smug, closed-mouth smile.
I rolled my eyes.
Let's hope I don't regret this.
Status de energia semanal
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