Dawn of Ilmater

[Axra]

1.  Pilgrimage

  Six sisters sat in silent prayer, inside a wagon, which rumbled loudly down an uneven stretch of road.  The afternoon was a few hours old now and soon the evenings rations would be distributed amongst the caravan.  Dawn Tearblade would not eat until later in the eve though.  Not until everyone else had their share.  Food was plentiful, but she wouldn't have it any other way.
  The pilgrimage moved slowly, and pilgrimage followers were in high spirits, thankful in knowing that Ilmater was there to shelter them from the hardships of their suffering.  As the weeks progressed the following became greater.  Strangers from the lands around them came to them in search of aid, and the Ilmateri worked tirelessly to make sure everyone in their care recieved food, clothing, warmth, healing, and sanctuary.
  The days saw many followers accept Ilmater into their hearts, and many again wishing to devote themselves to a place amoungst the clergy.  This made Dawn smile.  Ilmater sought to ease the pain and suffering of all mortals, and favored followers who would be so selfless as to follow his example.
  Dawn, along with four others who shared her wagon, was an Acolyte Healer of Ilmater.  Her days on foot were spent tending to the sick, the wounded, the depressed, and the hungry.  She prayed six times daily, for Ilmater would learn of her devotion, and grant her the strength needed to perform even greater deeds in his name.  She would also perfom rites and lead prayers as directed by Priests and Priestesses, to help ease their burdens as the caravan grew larger.
  Dawn had learned alot as an Acolyte in her recent years of service.  There was no doubt in her mind that the time would soon come for her to be raised as a fully fledged Priestess.  She was humbled to be able to help so many on this journey across Faerun.
  However, Ilmater had another plan for her.

[Axra]

2. Black Spring

  The last thing she could remember, was silence.  Everything but the wagon wheels suddenly went still outside.  Then the wagon stopped.  The five Acolytes and the Priestess of Ilmater glanced at each other in quiet confusion.  Dawn was worried.
  Awake, lying on her back, she stared at the night sky.  Had she passed out?  She was lying outside of the wagon.  Probably on a bedroll, someone must be looking after her.  Or is she lying on grass?  Her head throbbed, dizzyness and a feeling like her mind hadn't completely returned to her body rocked her gently like a piece of wood in a lake.  Yes, she was lying on grass.  She could feel it now.  She thought about the stars, arranged in a way she...didn't recognize.  It was still silent.  There was no light, and no sound of people moving about.  Dawn frowned.
  Feeling the weight of her entire being, she forced out enough strength to raise herself onto her elbows.  It was dark.  The new stars however, shed enough light to assure Dawn that she was, infact, alone.  Her mind was blank.  Glancing around frantically, she tried to find a sign of something familiar to her.  Her breathing slowly increased in frequency and volume as the reality of her situation became apparent.  Where was she?  More importantly, where is everyone else?  The dizziness settled, and her mind gave her a shock of pain centered on her stomach.  Oh how it hurt!  She must have been stabbed, Ilmater protect!  Instinctively, she moaned softly and reached a hand to feel the wound.  No wound.  The pain continued to churn, and eventually found Dawns throat.  Yes, she was hungry.  Starving like she could never have imagined possible!  Supper can't of been more than several hours ago, but her memory decieved her.  It had been many days since her last meal.
  It was Spring in Barovia, the country Dawn would now call home.  It would be some hours until she could eat finally, but she was greatful to the strange man for his kindness.  She prayed to Ilmater.  Prayed for guidance, endurance, and peace of mind.  No matter how the land around her had changed, her faith forever remained vigilant. 
  Barovia was a land untouched by Ilmaters mercy.  In the days that followed, Dawn witnessed horror.  Everywhere there was death, pain, anguish, disease, fear, and worse.  How was Ilmater to know there was so much suffering!  It was clear to her, Ilmater bought her here, because here his presence was needed most.  Now, the life she left behind mattered not.  Dawn would bring Ilmaters grace to the people of Barovia.

  Oh Ilmater,
  Lord of the Broken, and of the Crying.
  The One Who Endures.
  Please aid us, protect us, and help us overcome the trials and hardships we may face this day.
  Grant us the power to help those who suffer, the power to aid those in pain, the power to
     comfort those who are ill, and the power to guide them unto your loving and merciful embrace.
  Ilmater, our Lord, in your name we serve.
  Ilmater bless.

        ~Dawn Tearblade's morning prayer