Weighed Hospitality

With the completion of Outshined Faces I turned my attention to the next story for my patrons, a fantasy. While I have a variable army of characters to utilize, one of my card drawn shorts, Nature’s Fury in Human Form, called to me. After watching the short several times, an idea bloomed within me. After some cultivation and care, a first draft sprouted. At first glance the story went in a different direction but that’s only a surface level distinction the core of the original two-sentence story remains intact.

Every sanctuary is built on promises. The stones are laid with the belief that mercy will always be offered inside the finished walls, laws will be honored, and those who arrive in need won’t be turned away. However, even the most sacred thresholds are shaped by rules, both spoken and unspoken. And not every visitor understands the weight of violating them.

This tale begins at such a threshold. An injured elemental seeks aid within a temple bound by an ancient law, where healers are sworn to offer refuge to all who ask. Within the tale, we’re treated not to a story of battle or conquest, but one of obligation’, restraint, and the uneasy space where compassion and responsibility begin to strain against each another.

This story is a quiet, mythic parable about mercy. It delves into how it is given, how it is limited, and what happens when kindness must answer to consequences. If you enjoy reflective fantasies, moral tension, and endings that linger long after the final word, I invite you to step beyond the excerpt and finish the tale.

As the earthen creature labored through the temple’s door, a robed priest emerged from the shadows and bowed to the elemental. When his head rose, he noticed a viscous red fluid escaping from the elemental’s chest and leg. He stiffened, licking his lips, and stepped in front of the elemental. “Do you need healing?”

The towering figure nodded as it touched the seeping wound, testing its strength. Then it turned and showed the gash running from its waist to its knee.

The priest advanced and flinched as he neared the flowing liquid. He retreated a few steps, wiping the sudden sweat from his brow. He removed his robe and tossed it on the ground before cupping his hands around his mouth. “There’s an elemental who needs a healer!”

Several more priests rushed into the chamber, flinching as they approached the wounded giant. Some broke off and escorted the elemental into a side hall, while the initial priest grabbed a scurrying acolyte. “Quinn, is Esmond available?”

“Namen, he sequestered himself last night.” Quinn rubbed the base of his neck as his eyes whipped between Namen and the elemental. “We won’t be able to retrieve him.”

Namen brushed his shoulder before dragging Quinn after the wounded elemental. “Fine. Did Nilus follow Esmond?”

“I don’t think so.”

“Then bring him to the Eastern infirmary so he can heal the elemental’s wounds.”

Quinn grabbed Namen’s arm, pulling him away from the hallway. “The elemental is bleeding lava.”

“It’s injured,” Namen said, removing the priest’s hand from him before gesturing at the discarded garment. “I didn’t shed my robe on a whim. There is a reason I expect you to bring Nilus to the Eastern Infirmary. It was created specifically for wounded beings like elementals. His blood will flow without endangering us. Now go get Nilus!”

Quinn nodded before rushing in a different direction. Before Namen could resume chasing after the elemental, a gentle hand grabbed his arm and turned him away from the elemental’s trail. The moment Namen saw the figure before him, he dropped to his knees as he chanted a prayer.

Before he could finish, delicate hands hauled him to his feet and forced him to look into celestial eyes. “How may we serve you, Rirrena?”

“You followed my laws, which require hospitality, especially toward elemental beings, until they forfeit that grace.”