#sp:faith

“Hark! Hark, I say! No, no, down here!” If the sight of a ragged white horse grazing in the middle of the forest doesn’t grab your attention, the voice that calls from the bottom of a pit sure does. A tall man with tousled blue hair winces as he waves at you, claiming to have broken his leg when he fell into this dastardly trap. “I, King Sigurd of Grannvale, humbly request thine aid! Know that thy kindness today will reward thee handsomely in the years to come!” [Grants Faith +1]

Catching sight of the unusual silhouette semi-concealed beyond the trees, Stahl pulled hard on the reins of his mount, coming to an abrupt halt. Further peering in the shape's direction confirmed his initial suspicions. He called a word of warning to the woman riding alongside him.

"Hm? What's that, over there?"

A stray horse had its nose in the roughage, seemingly unbothered by the absence of its rider. But the saddle across its back suggested that it had carried one, at least at some point. How recently, however, would require some further investigation.

He dismounted; approaching on foot seemed more appropriate to avoid spooking the poor thing. "Hey there," he said softly. It seemed entirely unconcerned by his advance. He braved a tentative hand on its neck. It continued to graze without acknowledgement. "Where's your rider, then?"

It was a rhetorical question, so it surprised him when an answer came.

"Hark! Hark, I say! No, no, down here!"

... But not from the horse, of course. Stahl frowned and leaned sideways. Hidden beyond the horse's mass, a deep pit marred the landscape. And from the bottom, a ragged-looking man stared up at him. His face was filthy, disguising his features, and his blue hair was navy and matted with twigs.

“I, King Sigurd of Grannvale, humbly request thine aid! Know that thy kindness today will reward thee handsomely in the years to come!”

Stahl's eyes widened. "Of course, sir!"

In spite of getting dragged from your Academy beds and made to solve problems in the middle of nowhere, these weeks spent in the village have given you all the best sleep of your lives. Tonight, you and your friends are whisked off to shared a dream of the past, what is now an idyllic world that adapts easily to your desires and expectations. Your mistakes, the pain others have inflicted on you, the things you’ve lost… everything you wish you could have changed or have control over, this dream gives you the chance to correct the course and make things right again. But as you feel your mind and body getting weaker with every minute you remain asleep, you realize that tearing yourself away from a world where everything is perfect takes a lot more will than simply kicking yourself awake. [Grants Faith +1]

Eirika arrives at Grado Keep late in the evening. The household staff waiting outside for her is to be expected; to settle her into bed after a brief audience with Emperor Vigarde to announce her arrival. She was not expecting him. Her heart soars in her chest when she sees him. Eirika scrambles to get out of the carriage as fast as she can. All thoughts of propriety fly from her mind as she dashes towards Lyon, teal hair blowing behind her in the wind. Wrapping her arms around his neck she laughs, joyful and warm. Oh, she had truly missed him!

“Lyon! What are you doing out here in the cold?” Eirika scolds, though her tone belies her real feelings. It feels like it’s been so very long - an eternity almost. Holding on to him like this feel so much like relief, a balm for a wound she didn’t know marred her heart. “It’s so good to see you again! It’s been--”

How long had it been? Eirika finds the words disappear, right on the tip of her tongue. She can’t bring herself to finish the sentence; something about this feels off but she just can’t place her finger on it. Wonders why it makes her heart ache so. After all, there’s no reason for her to feel like this moment is a miracle. One she hasn’t earned. Eirika shakes her head, stepping back to take a good look at her dearest friend.

“Well it’s been a while. I’ve missed you greatly,” she tries to ignore the strange feeling in her chest. Focusses instead on the present moment. “I can’t believe you managed to prevent such a terrible quake! You really are a hero, Lyon.”

Saint Seiros has come to town! Yep, you heard right. While Garreg Mach’s seen its fair share of impostors in the past, none so far have had the gall to impersonate the church’s founder herself. Whoever this lady is, she at the very least looks and sounds the part - she bears a striking beauty beyond words, and a commanding presence to go along with it. Is she here to stage a coup? Or maybe she’s just after the church-sanctioned taxes… Whatever the case, you need to land this broad and her impressively large following in jail like right this second. [Grants Faith +1]

Another month, another mission. Elincia was often eager to assist the Church, both to assimilate better to life in Fodlan and further her studies. If she were to become the leader Crimea deserves it would take blood, sweat and tears. As well as an expansion of her rather small and limited world.

Today’s task was to accost a charismatic woman whose beauty and radiance was beyond mere words.

Naturally, Elincia makes her way to Lady Lachesis of Nordion. A woman who ticks every box on her little check list. Except the one where she was impersonating the long dead Saint Seiros.

“Lady Lachesis? I do hope I’m not being a bother,” she makes sure to curtsy before the lioness. Elincia herself is naturally laid-back and unbothered by formalities - she thinks of herself as a woman of and for the people. After all, what is a Queen’s purpose other than to serve her citizens. People who felt and fought and dreamed just as vividly as the nobility did. Manners however cost nothing at all and should be extended to everyone, not least a lady of Lachesis’ skill and talent. Elincia respects her not simply as the Princess of House Nordion but as a fierce and passionate warrior, protector and a woman who would never be silenced. There was a lot she could learn from her. “I’ve been tasked with a mission from the church. There is a woman claiming to be Saint Seiros in the area.”

Why would a woman feel the need to take on the guise of a woman long lost to history? Elincia had to give her credit for such a bold manoeuvre. If only it’s effects were confined to the ruling class, who could probably do with a little shake up. No, her true concern lay with the followers the woman had amassed. It was impossible that she really was Saint Seiros of course but... to prey on the vulnerable who looked to her for guidance and respite was a step too far.

She stops and wonders if the church is not guilty of the same? A question she does not have answers to. If they ever are within her grasp, Elincia will have to listen to her heart. That said, she would rather not lock the woman in a dungeon anyway. Her own rule in Crimea was defined by compassion and understanding. If they could talk things out, surely that would be the best outcome for all involved.

“I dearly hope this can be resolved with firm but understanding words. I understand however that is not always possible,” The frown on her face is impossible to hide. By nature Elincia is artless and lacking in guile, yet ever determined to learn. Already she has made stride, knows better how to use her enthusiasm and friendliness to flatter when necessary. Yet there is still much to learn if she wishes to protect her people. Rules to be bent in the name of the greater good. The path of least resistance, least pain for all involved holds the most value in her heart. “Have you seen anyone matching this description though? Apparently she has a presence as enthralling as your own to boot.”

Valentians claim that saints well-versed in faith magic are able to traverse through even poisonous swamps and deadly terrain unaffected. Hoping to help train themselves and others to gain a similar immunity, a few zealous students have taken to covering hallway floors with all sorts of obstacles— pathways made of the hottest fires, routes made of the coldest ice, and lanes full of tiny toys with protruding parts! Kick off your shoes and try your luck! …or be the poor sap who has to clean it up. [Grants Faith +1]

Julia wakes up and makes her way to the staircase, ready to start her day and get a good, warm and filling breakfast. She has to pause at the top of the staircase though, cautious of taking her next step. Poisonous water bubbles up, lapping at the top step.

“If you’re well versed in faith magic, you should pass by unharmed!” A voice shouts up. Julia isn’t quite sure where it’s coming from, eyes still half closed from exhaustion. A familiar figure stands next to her, cowering a little further back. Blinking silver eyes, their face comes back into focus.

“Miss Velouria? Are you not hungry?” She asks at first, curious as to what’s holding her back. Then she remembers that Velouria is a predominantly physical fighter. No wonder her behaviour is more tentative than usual. Without her own years of study in faith magic, Julia thinks she’d also be paralysed with fear at the top of these stairs too. Her shoulders fall as she sighs, feeling the frustration build at her temples. It’s one thing, to set up a training course, something she’d happily get involved with after eating and getting her daily coffee. It’s another entirely to block off hallways and prevent others from passing altogether. With a soft smile, Julia kicks off her own shoes and offers Velouria her left hand to take. “Here, hold my hand. If you keep your eye on the floor and let me know what’s coming up, I should be able to keep us safe as we pass. Or at least healed up.”

A new student brought in an illness that is quickly spreading across the monastery. The infirmary is overloaded with sickly students and faculty in need of care. Help out the infirmary staff by gathering supplies, setting up new infirmary beds, or dishing out medicine to those too worn down to help themselves—and avoid catching the plague yourself. [Grants Faith +1]

Mercedes usually avoided excessive physical activity whenever possible, hating the very thought of breaking a sweat. Today was an exception and an unfortunately grim one at that. She pulled her mask up over her face with one hand and carried the bags of medicine and other supplies in her right hand. Once it was secure, she rapped her knuckles on the door.

“Professor Edain?” Mercedes called out, waiting for permission to enter. The infirmary was already overrun with ailing staff and students alike. “I brought the medicine you asked for. As well as some herbs, teas and bandages.”

The door opens and she finds herself face to face with Lady Edain of Yngvi, looking frazzled and grateful in equal measure. It must have been a long night, especially when it seems that the faith professor had been running the infirmary alone. That wouldn’t do at all.

Without a second though, Mercedes stepped forwards into the infirmary and looked around. There was much work to be done. Beds to be made, people in need of medicine and first aid and an awful lot of cleaning up needed. Truthfully, she wasn’t quite sure where to start, especially with the awareness that she might get under Edain’s feet and make her work more difficult if she made the wrong choice. Mercedes pulled out a smile and locked eyes with the young noblewoman.

“Are there any gloves left? Let me help you,” she insisted as she walked past Edain to put the medicine into a cabinet. Her tone was cheery - forced but determined to make the best of the situation. Years raised in the Church of Seiros had prepared her with no small talent for healing and a proper bedside manner. Edain was incredibly skilled in her own right, of course but with the two of them working together, they could get on top of this with little fuss. “Is there anything you’d like me to make a start on, professor? I’m happy to be of service.”

With exams right around the corner and warm weather, it is difficult to stay focused. Maybe a little break wouldn’t be so bad? With the Great Tree Moon in session, trees’ leaves have turned a pastel pink. A little ways out of monastery grounds lies a large tree pink with leaves and… ribbons? A petite merchant with a sack twice her size informs you these ribbons are people’s wishes and hopes tied to the trees ribbons. She goes on and on about fate and destined love. She pushes a pink ribbon your way, insisting you give it a whirl. What’s the worst that could happen? [Grants Faith +1]

When Elincia had been approached by the merchant, she wasn’t sure what to make of the rambling about fate, destiny, true love. The ribbons however were lovely and she couldn’t wait to decorate the treetops with them! Or, well she could - she promised the petite woman that she’d be back soon, there was someone she didn’t want to leave behind at the monastery and miss the occasion.

Racing through the corridors, she skidded to a halt outside her professor’s door and knocked three times. Given permission to enter, she burst in, holding one of the lacy ribbons aloft in her right hand. Her cheeks were a matching shade of pastel from running and pulled taut in an excited smile.

“Professor! Professor! You shouldn’t stay inside all day when the weather is so lovely outside,” she half-heartedly chastised. There was no real frustration involved, her tone was airy and gleeful. It was a busy time for everyone, what with exams just round the corner. Everyone needed a break from time to time and Elincia knew Byleth worked herself to the bone. The least she could do was bring a little sparkle to her day.(She was also very elated about the idea of decorating trees for spring and making wishes herself.) Standing in front of Byleth’s desk, Elincia carefully placed the ribbon on top of her professor’s head and giggled.

“It suits you well, professor.” Elincia gushed, rocking on the balls of her feet. “There’s a lady in the forest who says that people’s wishes and hopes are tied to these ribbons. It sounds like a fairytale, I know. Still, it can’t hurt to tie them up amongst the leaves, right? A celebration of spring’s new starts!”

People from all corners of Fódlan and from all walks of life have gathered to the Church for peace and reassurance. It’s part of the Church’s responsibility to administer blessings to these far-flung travelers, but some are more agitated than others, demanding answers that the Church is trying to avoid giving. Their job is to keep the peace. Help the overwhelmed clergy with the crowds however you can. [Grants Faith +1]

Her footsteps would normally echo across the cathedral floor but they’re drowned out by the cacophony of noise. The monastery had been flooded with people from all across Fodlan, confused, scared and desperate for help and reassurance. The clergy seemed overwhelmed, especially the poor junior clerics who were baring the brunt of people’s anger and paranoia. Mercedes felt like she’d arrived just in time, armed with a gentle voice, soft smile and a bag filled with freshly baked cookies.

A tasty snack and calm chat was usually enough to placate most people.

She weaved her way through the crowd, eyes focused on the ground in attempt to prevent herself from stepping on people’s toes. A task much easier said than done. People clustered in large groups leaving only the tiniest of spaces to squeeze her way through. In typical, clumsy fashion, she collided with someone.

“Oh dear, I’m so very sorry--” the apology was already on her lips before she recognised the person in front of her. A shock of bright green hair, accompanied by an easy, friendly smile. “Merric! It’s lovely to see you outside the classroom. Are you here to help out too?” 

Mercedes fumbled in her bag, picking out a cookie that was still warm and gooey on the inside. She pulled it out, holding it in the space between them.

“Here, take one of these. I promise they’re delicious.”

People from all corners of Fódlan and from all walks of life have gathered to the Church for peace and reassurance. It’s part of the Church’s responsibility to administer blessings to these far-flung travelers, but some are more agitated than others, demanding answers that the Church is trying to avoid giving. Their job is to keep the peace. Help the overwhelmed clergy with the crowds however you can. [Grants Faith +1]

Elincia doesn’t have all the answers. No matter how much she wishes she did.

Instead, all she can do is hold the woman close and let her sob into her shoulder. Hot, wet tears of agony, frustration and despondence. Of course she’s furious at the lack of answers, no one could begrudge her that. A grieving mother who would give anything for her son back. A grieving mother, traumatised by flashbacks of her son being ripped apart by ancient, demonic beasts in a frenzy. A grieving mother who’s husband doesn’t believe her, doesn’t remember. Thinks his child has gone missing and won’t stop trying to find the boy, mangled in a grave already.

Of course the woman wants answers from the Church. Of course the Church wants to keep somethings quiet to prevent mass hysteria. Perhaps there isn’t an answer, a simple solution to this conundrum.

Elincia has no idea why some people have vivid memories of the past year and others have none at all. She knows less how to reverse the memory loss. More than that, she questions whether it would even be ethical, to force people to remember events so twisted and painful.

“I’m sorry, madam. Truly I am, I can’t imagine what you’re going through right now,” Elincia whispers in the lady’s ear whilst rubbing her back. All she has is empathy. A familiar face catches her eyes and she nods, inviting the young woman forth. She keeps her tone hushed and gentle. “The Church is here for you if you need to grieve though. Within these walls you’ll always have a willing ear.”

It doesn’t solve the problem. It doesn’t solve any of them. Elincia looks at Patty with defeat in her eyes. She knows how to pick up a sword in defence of people, knows how to heal open wounds and broken bones. Elincia knows not how to heal broken hearts and broken minds.