You were once a kind and benevolent god of healing. Then the war came, you joined the other gods to fight a terror from beyond the stars. You return after many years, the last surviving god. You are changed. Scarred, stoic, and a survivor. A single follower awaits you at your time worn shrine.
You look around your old, crumbling shrine. Time has not been kind to it. Moss creeps its way up the walls, the stone table is cracked and worn from years of rain damage, the stone carving of you has all since lost its features. Ivy and creeping vines have grown in and around the pillars. Nature reclaiming the space as much as possible. You see a young girl, praying at your temple. She has brought small offerings. A small loaf of bread, a bottle of mead, some apples, all rested on a small silver plate. You don’t approach just yet, but you observe her. She takes a small pair of pruning shears and clears away some of the vines. “There. That’s all I can do for right now.” She sighs, removing the foliage. You see her face. You know those eyes. They once belonged to your high priestess, the most devoted of your following. You smile and watch as she once again kneels in prayer. You decide to reveal yourself. “Young one, why is it that you are alone?” You ask her. She looks up, seeing your battle scarred form. “We all tried waiting for you. Most of us grew old and sick. Without your healing ways, Death soon came for us.” She explained. You sigh and nod, knowingly. You had seen Death. They tried to come for you too on the battlefield. “I am here now. What is it you wish for?” You ask. She looks up at you, those forest green eyes filled with tears. “It is my grandmother. She asked me to wait here until you came home. Please, can you help her?” She begged. You nod, wanting to see if it was her. She brings an old woman with her. Her face may be marred with time but those eyes still shone like green fires. “Alyssia, my love.” You say, holding out your hand for the old crone. “Hastian. My lord, it has been too long.” She croaked. She takes your hand. Her smile hasn’t changed. Still as bright as the midday sun and just as beautiful. “Grandma, is it time?” The young girl asked. Alyssia handed her cane over to the girl. “It’s time. Leave us now. We have a lot to catch up on and little time to do so.” She said. The girl stood back and let the two converse until Alyssia asked for one favour. “Can you heal the girl? She has been in terrible pain since her birth. She tries to be strong, but I know she suffers.” You look down to Alyssia, your heart sinking into a deep pit. Alyssia knows how this works. You can only heal the girl with the gift from another. “I can’t do that. I can’t let you go.” You choke out, feeling tears form in your eyes. Alyssia smiles. “I am old, Hastian. I have lived a good life. Now, save your grandchild.” She told him. There was no room for argument, not with Alyssia. You sigh and kiss her cheek. You heal your grandchild with the life force of Alyssia. After saying goodbye to your love and returning her to the earth, you walk back to your temple.
