"And now to finish our celebration, we are honored to have Lady Eva speak."
Eva Zelorius nods, rising. She leaves the sitting area with the other pilgrims, joining the performers on the stage.
Eva Zelorius nods, rising. She leaves the sitting area with the other pilgrims, joining the performers on the stage.
![[Image: QdbphqR.jpg]](http://i.imgur.com/QdbphqR.jpg)
"Good evening and may the Twelve bless each and everyone one of you here this night who took time from busy schedules to be here in honour of the Matron."
"You must forgive me as I'm unaccustomed to giving the parable to such a large group of people. Usually I speak for a few clicks about some story and the few of us that attend have a quiet discussion afterwards about the parable or any other matters of importance."
"For this evening since this is a bit different from my usual format, I will give the parable as I always do and ask that all present listen with an open mind, and an open heart. "
"Afterwards I will be available for anyone who may wish to talk, or I may be reached through the Church of Saint Adama Landama or the Sanctum of the Twelve - the latter of which is where I usually speak the parable."
"I know I have a soft voice. Before I begin, I would ask any who might have trouble hearing me to come forth and sit closer."
A few of the pilgrims scooted closer in the rain, sitting together as they looked up at the elezen.
"You may clasp your hands or close your eyes if it aids you in visualizing. Let us begin..."
![[Image: W65Tsgy.jpg]](http://i.imgur.com/W65Tsgy.jpg)
"My story this eve is nae anything secondhand. Those who have heard past parables know that they sometimes come from storybooks or tales I had been told in passing. The young woman I speak of was real, and of close acquaintance."
"She was like most others, had dreams and aspirations from a young age of learning magic and becoming an enchantress. As she grew older reality set in a bit and her belief in miracles faded, as it does sometimes when children get older and see how the world works."
"She was like most others, had dreams and aspirations from a young age of learning magic and becoming an enchantress. As she grew older reality set in a bit and her belief in miracles faded, as it does sometimes when children get older and see how the world works."
"In time she fell in love with a boy, and they were to be wed. Before long she found her belly swollen and rejoiced at the notion of motherhood. And that is perhaps at the center of this particular parable."
"You see, she was a woman of some faith. Nymeia, however, can be fickle with her shears. And tragedy ensued when the baby came along. Alas, the child lived only long enough to draw a few short gasps before passing on to Thal's realm."
"The woman was heartbroken after that. The tragedy was only made worse with news that due to those complications she would never be able to bear children again. A sadness overcame her, after that. She sought motherhood in other ways. She was left with a void that could not ever be filled, and she wept for the little boy."
"Time passed - as time is wont to do. First moons, and then years. She moved on with her life. It was perhaps the first in a number of tragedies to strike this poor lass. But she learned to let go. She made amends with the Twelve. She opened her heart to love again, and made room. To some she was perhaps a mother."
"Miss Jancis said earlier that sometimes we must sow tears in order to later reap joy. I feel that describes it beautifully. Miracles so often come when we least expect them. And to this young woman, a miracle was about to happen, so many years after those tears were sown."
Oscare raises a hand. "May Nophica know you preach it."
"Miss Jancis said earlier that sometimes we must sow tears in order to later reap joy. I feel that describes it beautifully. Miracles so often come when we least expect them. And to this young woman, a miracle was about to happen, so many years after those tears were sown."
Oscare raises a hand. "May Nophica know you preach it."
![[Image: IcGFfpU.jpg]](http://i.imgur.com/IcGFfpU.jpg)
"She found herself praying to the Matron after that, in those dire moons before the Calamity. She sought to be like a mother to those who needed one. That she might hold close those who felt similar tragedies, and comfort them."
Eva smiles softly. "It may be that the Matron heard the woman's prayers, and felt her tears upon the earth. Her heart poured out to Nophica, and I sincerely believe that the Matron heard - and not only heard, but answered."
"Anyone who knows me will tell you that I don't believe there are coincidences. And to see this woman smile, holding her swollen belly in her hands... It was a sight to behold. It near brings me to tears right now as I recall it."
"Some time later she gave birth to a healthy pair of twins! They are still around to this sun - living breathing testament of the miracles that Nophica bestows upon those who make room in their hearts for love."
"This woman - she is ordinary. I know her well. And I was there when those healers told her naught could be done and that she would never bring children into the world. She was not special in any way before feeling Nophica's blessing."
Eva pauses a moment, opening her eyes and looking around; her hands remain clasped together.
"I pray that this evening's parable may lift spirits. For when we make room in our hearts for the Matron, and all of the Twelve, we open ourselves up to a world of possibilities, and... miracles do truly happen."
"May the Twelve bless all of you this evening, and may Nophica in particular provide a bountiful harvest, not only in terms of the crop, but in terms of spiritual awareness, peace of mind, and emotional well-being. Thank you all for listening to the parable of the miracle mother."
Eva Zelorius bows her head reverently for a moment, extending her arms then gazes heavenward with a smile. "May the Twelve hear our prayers and bestow upon us their blessings."
"May the Twelve bless all of you this evening, and may Nophica in particular provide a bountiful harvest, not only in terms of the crop, but in terms of spiritual awareness, peace of mind, and emotional well-being. Thank you all for listening to the parable of the miracle mother."
Eva Zelorius bows her head reverently for a moment, extending her arms then gazes heavenward with a smile. "May the Twelve hear our prayers and bestow upon us their blessings."
And as she did so, the rain ceased, the clouds opening up to reveal a sun-streaked sky above.
![[Image: JAXYvqa.jpg]](http://i.imgur.com/JAXYvqa.jpg)
The pilgrims clap enthusiastically. Leanne grins brightly as she looks up to the sky, clouds giving way to the sun. Chuta flicks an ear and looks bemused up at the parting clouds. Jancis looks at the priestess with awe-filled eyes as the sun breaks out. She bows gratefully.
Nathan comments "Now that's an exit." Chuta mutters, "...only worked because I made them mad." clearly joking. Ciel smirks confidently at the amusing miqo'te.
Xenedra shakes her head, grinning, and begins the process of flicking water from her clothes and squeezing it from her hair.
"Please grace our storytellers and bards with another round of applause. Surely this day Nophica's smile is more jovial for your words and all of the work everyone has done this day."
"Lady Eva shall stay here upon the platform, should anyone wish to speak to her for blessings. Lady Reinette will also be available to hear and help with your prayers and personal blessings this day. I thank you all for making this pilgrimage in honor of Nophica."
Jancis rings the hand bell, signaling the performances over.
Nathan comments "Now that's an exit." Chuta mutters, "...only worked because I made them mad." clearly joking. Ciel smirks confidently at the amusing miqo'te.
Xenedra shakes her head, grinning, and begins the process of flicking water from her clothes and squeezing it from her hair.
"Please grace our storytellers and bards with another round of applause. Surely this day Nophica's smile is more jovial for your words and all of the work everyone has done this day."
"Lady Eva shall stay here upon the platform, should anyone wish to speak to her for blessings. Lady Reinette will also be available to hear and help with your prayers and personal blessings this day. I thank you all for making this pilgrimage in honor of Nophica."
Jancis rings the hand bell, signaling the performances over.
![[Image: hpThOka.png]](http://i.imgur.com/hpThOka.png)
