"Sister of Mercy. Memoirs of the Second Crusade."

Note · 55 gp · Weight 2

By Nillen Malkister Magnimar, Silver Bank Spiritual Literature Publishing House "We gather again for the common evening prayer in the field chapel — all together, setting aside our disagreements... Or rather, politely pretending to have forgotten them. Arrows of sharp looks fly around the tent. The servants of Sarenrae look askance at the servants of Asmodeus. The priests of Gorum, who come to the prayer in armor covered with blood, make no attempt to conceal their disdain for those such as me, who are not rushing to the front lines of the battle... But what can I do if my weak, soft hands have been taught gentleness, not violence? I catch a glance of a priestess of Shelyn — squeamish, compassionate surely, and full of prim smugness. She would never stoop to do what I do for our fighters. But I know of no higher service. Some fellow believers told me that during times of war we must forget the tender side of the Savored Sting and turn entirely to Her formidable, punishing image, for there is no place for love on the battlefield. But I do not agree. Here, everyone is ready to punish — but who, if not us, will bring love? We kneel and I pray the Unquenchable Fire. My Lady! Take my eyes, for they can no longer witness the horrors of the war, or see beautiful bodies broken and torn asunder. No longer can they cry for our allies, friends, and lovers. And the Goddess replies: My child, your eyes are a priceless treasure. As a lighthouse safely guides ships back to land during the storm, the light in your eyes brings heroes back from the bloody storm of battle. And I pray: My Lady! Sew shut my lips, for I can no longer kiss the skin, which I know by dawn will be sliced, bitten, and peeled. And the goddess replies: My child, your lips are stronger than a sword and firmer than armor plate. The whisper of your prayer gives strength to the fighters and brings burning fire to the demons. The whisper of your prayer heals broken skin, so you may kiss it again. And I pray: My Lady! Burn out my heart! Let it find peace in the indifferent ash, for it can no longer withstand this pain. And the goddess replies: My beloved child! This pain is caused by the fire that burns in your heart. A fire so bright that everyone around it is comforted by its healing warmth. Do not dare turn to ash, but carry this heat to the very threshold of My chambers, where in the end you will find peace."