The small gifts were laid out on the flat top of a stone. Kneeling down in front of them, Somnus ignited a few leaves to let the scents swirl into the air alongside the lines of smoke. Rightening the carved bones and animal teeth, Somnus hoped this would be enough to appease the goddess of hunts for today.
"I know it is not much... but please, I ask for your blessings on this hunt today. Silence my steps, guide my way, sharpen my eyes and let my arrows fly quick... to meet their target.", he whispered, hands folded over the top of his own bow.
They needed to hunt something today. Their camp was dwindling on resources. They were passing by extremely dangerous areas, infested by Daemons and beasts. They had some children with them... and Somnus would be damned before he let them and especially his own daughter go hungry. It were a few more days until they arrived at the next safe settlement.
"If you send me a stag, the antlers are all yours, Ariadne."
The offering wasn't a grand one. Ariadne knew in that moment there were halls and temples holding a bounty in her name. Though what an offering was didn't matter so much. Of course, Gods and Goddesses were all drawn to whatever held their interests.
And this mortal understood the huntress used every part of a kill. Even the teeth and bones, which made fine divination tools and decorations.
Interest aside, she could feel the weight of said offering. What it meant to the hunter. What was promised to her. Most importantly, the faith in her. That was how the divine drew so much strength. Of course they knew when an offering was insincere, or made in a selfish bid.
But this one caught her attention. So much so, that Somnus may hear the crunch of the leaves beside him.
"A stag you shall find. Under the light of the moon, when all others hope has faded and the howls of the foul echo through the dark. Strike your target true and bring to your people the bounty of your strength. This will not be easy. But you are worthy of my challenge."
Then he would feel a small brush. The hand of another atop his, and the tingling of a magic that would protect him on this lone hunt. "You will not fail."
