Bright Side

I can't control their fear, only my own.

Zavien was feeling the distance between him and Sol as he made his way towards the Barrows to meet Tal for their hunting party. He didn't know what to expect besides danger and daemons, but he didn't want to risk the small life he'd been entrusted with. Although the dragon had been reluctant to release his grasp on his companion, he'd ultimately accepted that Zavien only wanted to protect him. 

Feeling especially grateful and devout, he took a detour to the nearby shrine, approaching the earthen shrine with wonder at its construction. Nature was in abundance and the chimes sang on the wind like a soothing melody. Zavien knelt next to the shrine, letting his fingers run through the water with a soft smile. Although he hadn't taken time to purchase an elaborate offering like usual, he pulled some sweet pieces of chocolate from his pack along with a few colorful feathers he'd found during his trek. Their rainbows glissened in the fire's light, reminding him of the way Sol's scales were golden, yet shimmered vibrant colors in the sunlight. He smiled, speaking quietly. "Hey Frey. Thank you again for Sol, he's better than any dragon I could have imagined. You've outdone yourself. He likes basking in the sun and chasing butterflies. He sits on my head to take in the world and doesn't seem to know what hate is. He's perfect." An embarrassed laugh followed. Zavien didn't know if Frey would get bored hearing about the dragon, but he couldn't help the gushing love. Images of the little hatchling flashed through his mind. The way Sol brought even more light to his life, enjoying everything with abandon and sharing that happiness with everyone he came across. Zavien wanted nothing more than to savor every moment, shielding the tiny dragon from the darkness that threatened to overtake the world. If he lost Sol... Even the thought hurt his heart. 

An idea came to mind, making Zavien shift on his knees nervously. "If it's not too soon to ask, could I possibly request your help with another thing? I've been getting pulled into all these grand schemes and want to make sure I can protect myself and those around me, especially Sol." He thought about the fragile baby that nestled into his arms at night, blissfully unaware of the world. His mind also drifted to Lena and Tal and Koa. He didn't want to see any of them hurt, but he wasn't much help right now. Wringing his hands, he looked down briefly before tilting his head at the shrine, sure that Frey could hear him, even if they didn't answer. "Do you think a shield would be smart? Something to defend them?"

---

 

Zavien is praying to Nature Frey for a custom item! (If he doesn't roll high enough, I'd like to use his level 3 token. Thank you!)

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. (In order to use this, make sure to note the ability at the bottom of each shrine post).

Regional Score bonus: +1 in all shrine visits, drops, PQ+s, KQs, etc. (You must post this at the bottom of any post where a +1 should be included)

Zavien

Frey

The windchimes sing softly in the warm breeze, and whether or not Frey appears, Zavien will leave the place feeling grounded and calm, as if all the balance of elements of this place have left an imprint on his soul. Luckily enough, though, he is blessed with a visit from the god.

"You are welcome. It is important for us to enjoy the little things, I feel, particularly from innocence and youth," they intone, appearing wearing the bright feathers in their hair and placing a square of chocolate upon their tongue.

"An admirable pursuit," they agree of the shield. "But before protecting others, one must first learn to protect themselves. We will begin here."

---

Zavien made his roll and does NOT need to use his levelling reward.

He has received a quest! He must:

1. Decide what material he'd like his shield to be made from. Complete a thread collecting the material (wood, metal, stone etc.) from an appropriate source.
2. Complete a thread crafting the material into the shape of the shield he desires.
3. Complete a training thread focused on defensive manouevres.
4. Complete a thread protecting someone from something in a physical sense.

I can't control their fear, only my own.

Seeing the bright feathers in the herald's hair had Zavien smiling. It was oddly fulfilling to see his offerings being used and consumed. It was also flattering to hear his thoughts echoed from the deity's mouth. 

He accepted the statement with a humble nod of his head. "Of course. That's a good point." If he couldn't use a shield in general, how was he supposed to use it for others? He hadn't thought about that, and it made him blush slightly before a determined expression came over his face. He would do everything in his power to train and become experienced enough with the item to help protect his companion and friends. 

As he listened to the instructions, Zavien considered the limitless possibilities for materials and forms. He had a lot of thinking to do. Dipping his head in reverent gratitude, he said, "Thank you, Frey. I will return when it is done." And with that finished, he stepped away from the shrine, feeling a new sense of motivation for his quest to come. 

[FIN]

Zavien