Thread: Finding Faith (ThomasRHellsing & darkangel76)

The sky was darkening overhead as streaks of orange and purple began to stain the sky with shades of twilight. Stars were just starting to twinkle and the wafting breezes marking the end of summer blew through the trees, rustling the leaves creating an eerie stir deep in Alyssa Farris' heart. She was still quite shaken over what had happened, over the events that had transpired throughout the course of the day. To think she'd been safe within the walls of her temple only the day prior... but now? Now, things were different. What a difference a day could make! As Alyssa's blue eyes stared at the blood that had been spilled, her heart ached. Yes, a wrong had been righted, her possessions more or less returned. But she wasn't used to such violence. She felt a sob bubble up from within, a chill run along her spine and suddenly she shivered. Her body was still damp from having traipsed through the nearby stream in hopes to conceal her tracks by her pursuers. She hadn't been sure what they were capable of, so she'd thought it best to take precautions just in case. Now, she was paying the price however and paying it doubly as she took in the sight of crimson and dead bodies. Alyssa trembled and brought her hands up to rub at her bared arms. Goose bumps had formed over the pale flesh, her gauzy gown doing nothing to help stave off the chill that had found its way deep into her bones. Her teeth chattered a little and another breeze bit through only now the scent of death was carried upon the winds. They must be buried, Alyssa whispered as she dropped her hands to her sides, her blonde hair, still a bit wet, blowing with the wind. They can't be left to rot even if they are criminals. No man deserves that, not even those who've wronged another. Tears welled up in her blue eyes and she lifted a hand to wipe at them. Alyssa's thoughts turned to how different her life had been the day prior when she'd been safe within her temple's keep, within the walls of the Girion Order. Her quarters had been modest, but her bed had been soft and warm, the blankets more than comfortable as she snuggled within them night after night when each day was done. She'd been so excited to embark on her pilgrimage, the journey of wonder and awe that all of her order were expected to take once they came of age. She'd had a slight delay in her own having been needed at her temple for a short time. But the time had finally come for her to set out and see the world, to travel to the sacred city of Girios where she could pay homage to Girion and see the world for what it was. When Alyssa had woken up that morning, ready to embark on her pilgrimage, she'd had dreams, visionsnot uncommon for priests and priestesses ready to take on such a journey. It was said that it was Girion's way of testing them, showing them that he was there at all times to guide them if they would but listen. Some shared their visions and dreams with their mentors, but Alyssa had chosen to keep hers to herself. Perhaps she was now paying the price for her silence? She was uncertain. Girion was mysterious and she had much to learn. As Alyssa stood there shivering, she glanced to her left and looked over at the man with her. Her pale eyes fixed upon the tattoo he donned. It had burned its way into her memory for it was the very mark she saw in her dream the night before, the one she was told to seek, the one she was told she needed to complete her pilgrimage.