Zavien
Zavien wasn't sure why his feet had led him to the shrine, but he found that he enjoyed the atmosphere around the Celestine. The calming environment was optimal for its healing purpose. Streams trickled into ponds filled with aquatic plants and bordered by overflowing greenery. The offerings of others were scattered around, placed intentionally before the god or goddess they were meant for. He hadn't originally come with the intention to pray so he had no offering.
Not even his usual smile graced his face. The day had drained him emotionally and physically. Considering there was no one here to hide his pain from, his strength to keep up a happy facade failed him. Although it had been years since his mother was found dead, every year, without exception, one day would hit him harder than the rest. It never fell on the day she died. No. It was always random and succeeded in blind-siding him every time. Earlier today, a young girl was being assaulted by a group of unsavory people. Without thinking, he jumped in to save her, although it may not have been the smartest decision. Watching her cower in the corner as the men fled, she reminded him of his mother. Nothing about her was similar to the woman who had raised him, but she somehow still brought forth painful memories. That's how it got him every time. Yet he continued to reassure her with a smile as he walked her home.
Now Zavien was leaned up against the statue depicting Vi, letting the cool water run over his injuries while he thought about how her family had embraced her. Luckily, he hadn't sustained any major wounds, but the scattered cuts and bruises sapped his energy regardless. As the water cleansed the blood from his hands, he felt compelled to pray. "I don't know if gods mourn when people die, but I've always found it interesting that faith and deference give us such comfort." He looked to the statue, wishing quietly that it consisted of warmth and life. The emotionless stone did little to ease his suffering. It only served to remind him of his solidarity. "Is it easier when you're not alone? Is that why gods - pardon me - and goddesses don't struggle the way we do?"
Rubbing his arm to provide some form of physical contact, Zavien pulled a crumbling cookie from his pocket. He'd planned on eating it before he was interrupted, but now he hoped it may serve another purpose. "Sorry it's not anything fancy or thought out. I hadn't really planned on stopping by." Zavien placed it gently in front of the statue, hoping it would keep from falling apart. If it did, he might fall apart himself. "Maybe you could take pity on me this one time? I just want to embrace another living being who will help me get through these difficult days. To make them more bearable. Someone who can make me smile when my own strength fails." His mom had always been that for him and it had been so long since he felt that kind of unconditional affection. The thought alone brought moisture to his eyes. "Perhaps there is another lonely soul you could send my way?" Zavien wrapped his arms around his legs, letting the soft trickling of the water soothe his emotions as he hoped his prayer reached Vi.
Citizenship Ability: With so many favoured in one place, fickle spirits tend to leave you alone. You cannot be cursed when visiting a shrine by a spirit.
Not even his usual smile graced his face. The day had drained him emotionally and physically. Considering there was no one here to hide his pain from, his strength to keep up a happy facade failed him. Although it had been years since his mother was found dead, every year, without exception, one day would hit him harder than the rest. It never fell on the day she died. No. It was always random and succeeded in blind-siding him every time. Earlier today, a young girl was being assaulted by a group of unsavory people. Without thinking, he jumped in to save her, although it may not have been the smartest decision. Watching her cower in the corner as the men fled, she reminded him of his mother. Nothing about her was similar to the woman who had raised him, but she somehow still brought forth painful memories. That's how it got him every time. Yet he continued to reassure her with a smile as he walked her home.
Now Zavien was leaned up against the statue depicting Vi, letting the cool water run over his injuries while he thought about how her family had embraced her. Luckily, he hadn't sustained any major wounds, but the scattered cuts and bruises sapped his energy regardless. As the water cleansed the blood from his hands, he felt compelled to pray. "I don't know if gods mourn when people die, but I've always found it interesting that faith and deference give us such comfort." He looked to the statue, wishing quietly that it consisted of warmth and life. The emotionless stone did little to ease his suffering. It only served to remind him of his solidarity. "Is it easier when you're not alone? Is that why gods - pardon me - and goddesses don't struggle the way we do?"
Rubbing his arm to provide some form of physical contact, Zavien pulled a crumbling cookie from his pocket. He'd planned on eating it before he was interrupted, but now he hoped it may serve another purpose. "Sorry it's not anything fancy or thought out. I hadn't really planned on stopping by." Zavien placed it gently in front of the statue, hoping it would keep from falling apart. If it did, he might fall apart himself. "Maybe you could take pity on me this one time? I just want to embrace another living being who will help me get through these difficult days. To make them more bearable. Someone who can make me smile when my own strength fails." His mom had always been that for him and it had been so long since he felt that kind of unconditional affection. The thought alone brought moisture to his eyes. "Perhaps there is another lonely soul you could send my way?" Zavien wrapped his arms around his legs, letting the soft trickling of the water soothe his emotions as he hoped his prayer reached Vi.
Citizenship Ability: With so many favoured in one place, fickle spirits tend to leave you alone. You cannot be cursed when visiting a shrine by a spirit.
Keep your face to the sunshine,
And you cannot see a shadow.
And you cannot see a shadow.
