The morning light streamed into the meeting hall of Leon's house, where the elders of the tribe had gathered at his summons. They sat in quiet anticipation, their eyes filled with reverence and curiosity as they awaited their god's words.

Leon stood at the head of the room, next to a wooden crate covered with a cloth. He gestured toward it, speaking in a calm yet authoritative tone. "I have prepared a gift for the tribe—a divine blessing to aid your fields and ensure prosperity."

The elders exchanged astonished glances but remained silent, their awe evident.

Leon lifted the cloth, revealing ten glowing Earthspine Roots nestled inside the crate. Their vibrant green shoots shimmered softly, filling the room with a faint aura of warmth and vitality.

The elders gasped, their expressions a mix of wonder and gratitude.

"These gifts," Leon said, "will bring new life to the land. Plant them in your fields, and the soil will become rich and fertile. Your crops will grow stronger, and the tribe will thrive."

Tovik, the village chief, rose from his seat and bowed deeply. "Great Relethis, your generosity humbles us. This divine blessing is more than we could ever hope for."

Another elder stepped forward, her voice trembling with emotion. "You have ensured our tribe's future, great one. We will plant these gifts with the utmost care and gratitude."

One by one, the elders approached the crate, each bowing deeply before lifting it together. Despite their age, their movements were steady and reverent as they carried the crate out of Leon's house.

Leon watched them leave, his expression calm but inwardly relieved. The act had gone as planned.

As the elders descended the mountain, carrying the crate, their faces shone with excitement. Word of the divine gift spread quickly through the village, and by the time they reached the square, a large crowd had gathered.

Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.

Tovik stepped onto a raised platform, gesturing for silence. The villagers, eager to hear the news, quieted immediately.

"Our great Relethis has blessed us with a divine gift," Tovik announced, his voice carrying over the crowd. "It is a blessing for the fields, ensuring the land will provide for us abundantly."

Gasps of amazement rippled through the crowd, followed by murmurs of gratitude. Children clung to their parents, wide-eyed with wonder, while the adults clasped their hands in prayer.

"This is a day to remember," Tovik continued. "Let us give thanks to Relethis for his kindness and prepare to plant this blessing in our fields."

The crowd erupted into cheers, their voices filled with joy and reverence. Some knelt to pray, while others embraced each other, their gratitude overwhelming.

Meanwhile, Marion sat in the corner of his small house, staring at the commotion outside through a crack in the window. He had heard about the divine gift, and though he wasn't present at the meeting, the news had reached him quickly.

Sitting cross-legged on the floor, Marion tapped his fingers against his knee, his expression shifting between envy and frustration.

"A divine gift, eh?" he muttered to himself, leaning back against the wall. "And what do I get? Nothing! Not a single crumb of divine attention."

He glanced toward the makeshift shrine in the corner of his room—a bowl of dried fruit and an uneven wooden carving of Relethis. The sight of it only fueled his irritation.

"It's unfair," he grumbled, rubbing his temples. "I've prayed. I've offered. I've been the most devout of them all! Surely I deserve something."

Marion sat in silence for a moment, his mind racing. He considered asking for another divine blessing but quickly dismissed the idea.

"No, no," he muttered, shaking his head. "If I push too hard, I might get caught. And then what? My perfect image, ruined!"

Still, the thought of being left out gnawed at him. He stood abruptly, pacing the small room as he tried to think of a solution.

"Maybe…" he muttered, pausing mid-step. "Maybe if I pray harder. Yes, that's it! More prayers. Morning, noon, and night. Relethis will have no choice but to notice me!"

Marion hurried to the shrine, adjusting the offerings and dusting off the wooden carving. He knelt before it, clasping his hands together dramatically.

"Oh, great Relethis," he intoned, his voice loud and theatrical. "Your humble servant offers his deepest gratitude for your blessings upon the tribe. Should you find it in your infinite wisdom to grant me a small token of your favor, I would be forever in your debt!"

He peeked one eye open, glancing around to make sure no one was watching. Satisfied, he closed his eye again and continued.

"I swear to you, great one, that my devotion is unwavering! Day and night, I shall sing your praises. Morning and evening, I shall offer my prayers. Please, grant me a sign of your favor!"

Marion sighed dramatically, leaning back on his heels. "Yes, that should do it. Maybe I'll pray again after lunch. Just to be sure."

Back in the village, the elders had carried the crate to the fields, where the villagers had gathered to witness the planting of the divine gift.

The fertile land stretched before them, its rows of crops swaying gently in the breeze. Though the soil was decent, the promise of Relethis' blessing filled everyone with anticipation.

Tovik placed the crate carefully on the ground and turned to address the crowd. "Our great Relethis has ensured the future of our tribe with this gift," he said. "We will plant it with care and gratitude, knowing that his divine power will bring prosperity to the land."

The villagers bowed their heads, murmuring prayers of thanks as they prepared for the planting.