Unmerited Favor Synopsis
Presti Aline performs an ancient ritual
each morning on a scared relic hidden in the center of Elderstin. After
dressing in a ceremonial robe, she coats the Purity Stone with a special sap
from a local plant. Dedicated to a life of service to a race of ethereal Elders,
Presti is pious and disciplined.
Her homeland is a fire-ridden land encased
inside a paranormal barrier. Elder tradition teaches that Dark Path is the only
safe route through the barrier. Although safe, it is restricted. The Elders
warn that Dark Path is an entryway to a wicked realm teeming with beasts and
demons. Under the guise of protecting the virtue of the villagers, the Elders deny
any access to Dark Path. After discovering a controversial ancient text that
discusses freewill, Presti questions the ethics of such restrictions.
Her objections lead to an encounter
with a being beyond the protective barrier of Elderstin. Enhon senses Presti’s
spiritual fervor from afar, growing in affection for her. Unable to control his
love for her, he acts uncharacteristically. He uses his often restrained supernatural
power to lure Presit’s father, Farren, onto Dark Path and introduces him to the
outer lands. Attempting to rescue her father, Presti ignores the wishes of her cantankerous
superior, Elder Nolan, and walks the path. Her expectations of peril and
demonic warfare are thwarted. A landscape full of silver wheat, glossy trees,
and welcoming fantastical inhabitants await her at the end of the path.
Convinced that this beautiful new
world is some sort of illusion, Presti fights against Enhon’s gracious nature. Presti’s
father, however, is enamored by Enhon’s benevolence and enraged by the Elders’ deception.
Farren returns to Elderstin and rallies to convert his community. Organizing a
secret society of close friends, he prepares to overthrow the Elders. Offended
by her father’s actions, Presti plans to expose his rebellion.
Despite Presti’s many defenses, the
atmosphere of the outer land appeals to her senses. Enhon’s kingdom is bathed
in glorious light, the vegetation isn’t stilted by burning, and the inhabitants
are accepting and nurturing. Her stubbornness slows her conversion, but the
wonder of this new land inspires her soul in unexpected ways.
Presti is torn between her devotion to
the Elders and her growing respect for Enhon. As she wrestles with her
commitments, she uncovers more ancient texts kept in a library in the outer
lands. According to these texts, Enhon is the creator of her world. Seeking
further explanation, Enhon introduces Presti to two Elders who reside in his
kingdom. They testify that they were participants in a great rebellion.
These Elders tell Presti about the origins
of Elderstin’s Purity Stone. A symbol of renewal and moral fulfillment is truly
a source of evil. The Elders, wanting to rule themselves, used this stone’s
wickedness to repel Enhon. Presti is convinced these two Elders are telling the
truth. Appalled by Elder Nolan’s deceit, Presti determines to restore Elderstin
to Enhon. She decides to destroy the Purity Stone she once venerated.
Deception is the cruelest enemy that
Presti faces as she doubts her ability to trust her own affections and
perceptions. Her disillusionment cripples her resolve to destroy the Purity
Stone until Enhon’s gives her undeserved grace. She finds confidence in his
presence.
After destroying the Purity Stone, she witnesses
Enhon’s return to Elderstin. All the ancient texts are proved true. After the
curse is removed, the villagers of Elderstin experience a physical
transformation. The land begins to heal. Given the opportunity to punish the
Elders, Presti decides to extend them grace and forgiveness. She learned this
benevolence from Enhon, and Elderstin’s restoration begins with an act of
unmerited favor.
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