Mendira says, "I would like to tell a tale I once read while exploring a library in the Great Tower of Shard."
Mendira smiles.
(Mendira takes a seat near the front of the room. She pauses to breathe quietly for a moment, seemingly settling her nerves before she begins.)
Mendira says, "Once upon a time, a very long time ago indeed, there lived a young cleric named Serillyn."
Mendira says, "Serillyn lived with her younger brother Davroc in the days when Shard had just been founded. They joined the people of the city, busily building their lives." She tucks a loose strand of hair behind a pointed ear before clasping her hands at her lap. She continues on with her tale. "There, in the sheltering shadow of the Dragon Spine Mountains and cradled by the Lake of Tears, the cityfolk prospered, bustling about their daily business."
Mendira says, "Serillyn was a devout follower of the Goddess Eluned. As the city was still quite young, temples had not yet been built. She would often wander to the shore of the lake to commune with her deity. And all was well."
Mendira ominously says, "Or at least all seemed well, for a time."
Mendira says, "Strange things began to plague the city and the mountains."
Mendira frowns to herself, her brow furrowing anxiously.
Mendira says, "Hot rain pitted the young streets of Shard. Traders reported wild creatures that ravaged their caravans on their routes. Youngsters disappeared without a trace."
Mendira emphatically says, "Something was very, very wrong."
Mendira says, "The final child to vanish was Serillyn's dear brother. The cleric was beside herself with grief and worry. The boy could not be found."
A pained expression crosses Mendira's face.
Mendira says, "In desperation, Serillyn went once more to the Lake of Tears. She sat at the edge of the shore for three days." Mendira closes her eyes as if in penance, twining her palms together beseechingly and raising them to her chest. "She prayed, and prayed, and prayed. Rain fell upon her bowed head, and still she sat unmoved, unyielding in her meditation. She became weak with hunger."
Mendira says, "At last, Eluned took pity upon the poor young cleric. A mist rose from the lake, gathering before the weary eyes of the devotee to take the form of an ethereal woman with flowing hair."
(Mendira sits up straight, her arms outstretched and undulating to mimic the watery tresses of the diety.)
Mendira says, "The vision spoke to Serillyn in cool whispers."
Mendira recites:
"Sweet child, your devotion is commendable,
In this young city with but two small shrines for worship.
We gods of the Light are forgiving and patient,
However, other Immortals are not.
They make their displeasure known to you.
These are the answers you have sought."
Mendira says, "With that, the mist dissipated. The beautiful figure vanished, as Serillyn looked on breathlessly. And then all was still. The rain had stopped, and the lake was placid."
Mendira breathes in slightly.
Mendira says, "Serillyn leapt to her feet and rushed to find the Elders of Shard. She relayed the words of her Goddess, chastising them for their shameful lack of respect for the gods. The Elders realized she was correct."
Mendira judiciously says, "The gods had led the people to this place, had helped them prosper. It was only fitting that respect be paid."
Mendira says, "The Elders called for a special tribute to be made, hoping to make amends with their patron gods. People came from all over the province to pay homage, begging for relief from the wrath of the Dark Immortals. Construction began on two lavish temples which still stand in the city today."
Mendira says, "Prayers were whispered, incense was burned, hymns were sung, and gifts of mead and harvest were offered with elaborate ritual."
Mendira says, "Finally, the efforts of the people appeased the gods, and the city prospered once more. And our dear young cleric Serillyn was reunited with her brother, to her great joy and relief."
Mendira smiles.
Korya exclaims, "Where was he!"
Mendira quietly says to Korya, "I surely don't know. I hope none of us should ever find out."
Mendira says, "To this day, the people of Shard still celebrate that reconciliation in a festival: Ten'ra Agalith, or Heaven Truce."
(Mendira rises to her feet in a lithe, sweeping movement.)
Mendira curtsies gracefully.
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