"Quiet, quiet!" Varen Omerra exclaimed as the children quickly huddled near the morning fire. "I promised you a story, now lets see what we can come up with." Her eyes landed on Mira sitting in the back row furthest from the fire. 

Mira was grown now, almost ready to be out on her own. She was older than both her sibling had been when they left. Varen could sense the hesitation in Mira. She had the desire to leave, but was so unsure of herself and her magics. 

"Here in the Land of Ostera, different gods created different beings. There are many thoughts on what happened at creation. Some say that the gods built cities of gold and beauty for us to expand, most say that the gods simply placed us here and left." Varen's eyes gazed over her crowd of on lookers. "Very few have ever been given the chance to speak to a god. Even fewer tell the world about their experience."

Mira had heard this part of the story hundreds of times. It was common knowledge that the gods of Ostera had abandoned their people here long ago. She was waiting for Varen to add to the story. Hoping new light would be shed on the situation in the Arid Wilds. 

"Tell us about the prophet, Varen!" Drell exclaimed from his place by Mira. 

"Yeah! Tell us about the prophet!" The children exclaimed.

This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

Varen smirked as she began to shift the the stones around her. "The continent of Ordish has been experiencing a "peaceful" time. Then just a few days ago the earthquake shook the world." The stones around her shook violently and smashed to the ground. "Out of the rubble rose a prophet." The stones shifted again and appeared as a person. "Not much is known of the prophet yet, her location is unknown." The whole group released a sigh. "But reports of her being seen near the Arid Wilds have spilled throughout Ordish. Finding this prophet is a task. One only meant for those who can endure it." Her eyes met Mira's yet again. 

Mira rolled her eyes in response pushed herself away from the tree she had been leaning on. She began to walk away from the fire back toward her tent. Drell followed quickly. 

"Are you going to go searching for the prophet?" He asked. "Maybe she'll know what is happening to you?" 

Mira furrowed her brow, "Why do you say that?"

"I heard the elders talking last night..." he smiled. "They mentioned that the prophet was proclaiming herself for Otara!" 

"Otara?" Mira huffed. "You really think a prophet of the goddess of life is going to help me? I'd probably have better luck communicating with a god of death..."

Drell frowned, "It's worth a shot Mira." 

"Maybe I'll find Kestas and Lathiss too," Drell could hear the sarcasm in his friend's voice.  "It's not worth it Drell. No one can fix me."

"Because there is nothing in need of fixin'," An older goblin woman stood in front of Mira's tent, a warm smile on her face. "How many times do I need to tell you that, my dear. There is nothin' in need of fixin' here."

"Thanks Tidbit," Mira sighed as she stepped into her tent. She froze as she glanced around the small space. Her pack was sitting near the tent flap and her bedroll was tucked tightly against it. "What's going on?" 

Tidbit's smile didn't falter. "You are leaving the grove to find the prophet," she stated. "Varen believes that you are best for the task." 

Mira's eyes widened, "That can't be..."

Tidbit laid her hand on Mira's hand, "The answers you seek can not be found on the same path you have taken year after year. To find your answer you must forge a new path." 

Concern flooded Mira's face, "I'm not ready..."

"Find Uni," she smiled. "Find Kestas and Lathiss. They will help you find your way."