What's going on? Where am I? A dream. A visitor? Who is this? Ah, Sister Halia.

"Fine Halia, though I don't know what is going on. This is the third time this week I've lost conciousness, and each time I wake up disoriented and with a faded feeling that I had an important dream, yet no recollection of it. I remember a little more this time, though. Two very important boys, and a visitor, a dwarf, I think."

"Odd, I'll admit, but Alyssa works in strange ways. Maybe you should speak to Nanavelle. Come now, it's time for dinner."

As you make your way to the hall, you ponder this odd turn of events. Is it possible Alyssa was trying to tell you something? Why you? Of all the gods, Alyssa was the most likely to do something like this, but why?

You enter the hall, and the smell of well spiced pig fill your nostrils. The table are stuffed with food, and the silver table settings compliment the silver tapestries well. The Exodus. The Arrival. Zorgrego receiving the blessing of Alyssa.

A phase comes and goes, and the dim outline a crossroads can be seen. Speaking of strange things. The secret of the phases, however, will be harder to uncover. You spot Nanavelle from across the room, her broad girth occupying a large space in front of the buffet table. Though you dread having to spend a whole dinner in her presence, you know that speaking with her may be the best way to shed some light on these dreams.

And so, you dish yourself out a meal and take a seat at one of the two empty seats on each side of her. She looks at you for a moment, obviously puzzled as to why you decided to sit next to her, before returning to her generous slice of ham.

You begin to pick at your food, but it's mere moments before she asks. "What's up, kid?"

"Nothing I really want to bother you with Nanavelle, but since you did ask..."

"Always here to listen."

"I've been have these fainting spells, followed by what I think might be a prophetic dream, but I can never remember what the dreams are about."

Much to your amazement, Nanavelle puts down her fork, her face a picture of concentration. Finally, she looks at you in the eyes, her green-gold eyes shining in the candlelight, "Sounds like it could be prophecy, if that's what you're asking. The reason you can't remember any of it is simple. All the possibilities for what the future may hold are shown to you at once, and you can't focus on the middle and most likely possibilities in the far future. You will only remember the things that involve very likely outcomes or things that will happen soon."

"I think there was a visitor in the dream. A dwarf? And, something about a two boys..." You are interrupted as Nanavelle returns to her noisy eating. After she scoops in a few mouthfuls, she lowers her fork.

"I... I've seen the dwarf. You'll be leaving us soon, Galliea. I can't say why, but it is very important that you do. You look confused, is there something you wanted to ask me?"

Finally centering on a specific thought as you sip from your glass, you turn toward Nanavelle. "You've seen the dwarf? Where? Who is he? Does he have good intentions? Alyssa's Scepter, I truly hope so. There is enough confusion in this world right now without premonitions of evil plaguing us."

"You speak true, sister. Last night I dreamt of a dwarf that may be important to us, or to you. More than that, though, I cannot say."

Catching Nanavelle's eye, your usually cheerful countenance grows solemn. "I have no desire to leave this place, especially now. Who knows when and where I will faint again. Tell me, Nanavelle -- why should I have to leave? What could be more important than the comfort and service we provide those in the villages around us during this time of turmoil."

Nanavelle rises from her chair and grabs you by your hair, pulling you up as well. "You don't understand, do you! Nobody understands!" She begins screaming in rage and storms out of the eating area.

Apparently, your audience is over.

****

"Blessings of Alyssa on you, Halphron, on this pleasant evening. I wanted to report another of those fainting spells I've been having. This one occurred right before the phase at dinnertime. Like others, I think I am experiencing some sort of vision or dream during them. Perhaps a prophecy?" Remembering Nanavelle, a shudder runs down your spine. "Have any of the other priests or priestesses been suffering from fainting spells?"

Halphron rubs his bald head for a moment before answering. "No my dear, nothing like what you've being experiencing. Sure, there has been many incidents involving fainting spells coinciding with phases, but no one has reported having dreams during them. Besides, you've never fainted from a phase before, have you?"

"No, sir. But I was hoping..."

"...That you weren't the only one. Listen, if what you're experiencing is prophecy, I can understand why you'd be scared. Perhaps you should go to your grove tonight, and see if Alyssa has anything to say. But don't worry, my dear. I'm sure Alyssa will shelter you."

Seeing Halphron always seems to help, and now that you're smiling, you decide it's time to leave. "I was going to go to the grove tonight anyway, Halphron. Thank you. For Everything."

Halphron returns your warm smile with a toothless one of his own, and you leave him to his books.

****

The night is crisp and cool, and cools the sweat that has gathered on your forehead from the brisk walk from the temple. The sky is clear and bright, and Xen and Lune are each small slivers, which give the night a deep element of darkness. The stars stand out like pinholes in the fabric of the sky, and as you reach the grove, your eyes drift toward the constellation Alyssa, nearly hidden by Xen.

Kneeling in the grass, you being to recite the chants you've known since you were an acolyte first raised.

It is the beginning of every prayer aimed toward Alyssa, but tonight you leave the prayer open ended. If she can, Alyssa will join you tonight.

You wait in silence, the sounds of the night bring you peace. Contact comes slowly, at first general feelings of joy and happiness, soon changing to a clarity of vision and a fulfilling warmth.

You bask in her audience, your senses extending outward, to the trees around you. You feel elation, and understand why you are here. The Cradle of the Mother, it is called.

Suddenly, the ties are severed. Your thoughts return to their mortal coils and your body is shaken by the abruptness of the incident. What on earth?

You stand, your body still swooning. In the distance, toward the center of town, the direction of your temple, you see smoke.