A New Quest

Riku, seeing the suffering of the people here, could not just walk away.

He approached one of the volunteers, a weary-looking woman. "Sister," he said in his disguised acolyte voice, "the suffering here is great. While the Sunpetal Draught offers some respite, perhaps a direct blessing of the Light might ease their immediate pain? With your permission, and theirs, I would like to try."

The volunteer looked at him, surprised, then a flicker of hope crossed her face. "Brother, if you have the strength and the skill… any relief would be a mercy. Please, ask them."

Riku moved to the nearest pallet, where a young woman was moaning softly, her skin flushed with fever. "My child," he said gently, "I am an acolyte of the Church. I wish to offer a prayer of healing, to try and soothe your discomfort. May I?"

The young woman looked up, her eyes dull with pain, but she managed a weak nod. "Yes, Brother… please… anything…"