Welcome to Gaia! ::

The elder sighed and took the boy inside and did just as they had done last night, chaining him and locking him up. And the magic began again, making the boy suffer such pain as lights were given power. He wanted to cure the curse on the raven blood. And all he had to do was suffer through this. Sadly many did not succeed, begging for death instead of one more night in such ripping pain. And as a light bringing raven would beg for, they had to give what was requested. But he was going to get through this. He was! He was stronger than anything!

The elder received the letter and sighed some. After finishing the restoration on the room the boy had first slept in, he headed out beyond the gates. If this person wanted to talk, they should know the full story. So he went to their cemetery. Where all of those brave souls lay that had tried to break the curse.

The man stopped and sat on a stone bench once the other joined him. "These bones aren't what they used to be... I'm getting on in years. But my dear... Why do you want to take my grandson from his home?" He may have been an old coot, but he could tell his visitor was a female. After all, he was a raven demon.

The elder sighed. "I've noticed." he said before motioning to all the gravestones that lay around them. "All these brave souls tried to do what my grandson is trying to accomplish. Even my own daughter and her husband sacrificed their lives. Us ravens have a curse upon our lineage. A monster that could destroy half the world if not stopped. My grandson currently possesses the beast. And he thinks with its extra power, he can survive the torture he's putting himself through." the man said with a sigh. "He wants to cure us. Please whatever gods we have angered. And the gods said after some time of the torture, they will come and lift the curse. But... They never mentioned a specific amount of time..."

The mantook the pouch, but put it back into her hand. "I'm sorry miss. But they must be alive. Unlike many other races, he cannot harness souls. And it is part of the trial. They must endure the pain so they must be alive to feel it." he said, getting to his feet. "I will let you into the village to let you offer him emotional support and what healing while he's resting, but I'm afraid I cannot permit anything else." he said, looking to the girl. He should have remembered his cane... His old joints were bothering him.

The man laughed softly, stroking his beard and patting Maria's head softly. "Maybe just walk with me, my dear. Being a raven, and ancient to boot, not many others want to be around you." he said, walking back towards the gates of the town. As they approached, he took a charm out of his robe and gave it to her. It was a small carved wooden raven that had gold tipped wings while it clutched two small black downy feathers. "Wear this. It means you have our trust to pass in and out as you please." he said before going up to the gate, it being opened for him.

The elder entered the city just as the bell was sounded again. Lights were going out. "Perfect timing." he said with a small smile as the gate was closed behind Maria. The man led the former soul stealer to the large house just for the guards to report the boy was put to bed. The elder dismissed them, then looked to Maria, nodding to the stairs. "Go and see him. The you may use a guest room to sleep. You look exhausted."