Undasis scarcely gave any long thoughts to the prayers of mortals, especially those from the humans. They never seemed to carry much depth, usually only requesting or demanding favors of the gods. "Please save this", "please give me this", "help me do this", "I want something"- how precious and blessed those few men who prayed without asking!

The Woman of the Waters thought she had finally heard such a man. When one holds prayer with a true divine, the god does not receive only the spoken words, she also receives the spirit and hidden meaning of the prayer. If a mortal asks for nothing, but only does so to make themselves appear holy or devout before the deity or before their fellows, Undasis will know. In fact, most every prayer hoped to gain something, even if it was not asked for directly.

This mortal, though, seemed to be praying with no agenda beyond giving thanks for a river, which had quenched his thirst and replenished his stamina. A simple prayer, to be sure, but a humble and honest one. There was no more true litany than one of gratitude; an acknowledgment that a god was under no obligation to you and, indeed, you had probably done nothing to earn their holy grace.

The Woman was impressed with her unknown worshiper's understanding. It was rare that she would behave in such a direct manner, but this one warranted being contacted.

[center]---[/center]

The river began to bubble and broil, as if it were suddenly exposed to absurd, burning heat. Boiling bubbles gathering at the surface began to converge, and somehow took the shape of a fair lady. The water twisted like a whrilpool and made itself into a brilliant blue dress to cover her naked body, and the sands created a crown like gold to show her supreme exaltation. Weed and reeds were her hair. But, despite being formed of such mundane things, the woman now standing in the waters was beautiful and held herself with an air of royalty.

[color=00aeef]"Awaken, hero of Vowzra! This is not the time to rest, a divine is in your presence."[/color]

It was not the Woman of the Waters' true form speaking; she had concealed herself so that the hero would not be driven mad by her power.

Zerabil discolored eyes shot open, and within a moment he was on his feet. The great metal beast standing guard, who Undasis immediately recognized as a child of the Fire God, seemed equally shocked.

[color=00aeef]"Yes, mortal, I am who you believe me to be."[/color] She said, feeling him doubt what was right before his eyes, [color=00aeef]"Greetings, Zerabil, of the humble prayer. Greetings, Rejys, First of the Arma Igna."[/color] Her face broke into a sly smile, [color=00aeef]"A strange pair you two have made by my river."[/color]

[color=9e0b0f]"She of the Waters!"[/color] Zerabil fell to his knees in worship before the river. It was strangely similar to the actions of another mortal, many years ago.

[color=00aeef]"I have heard your prayers, child, and they were most honorable. You asked for nothing, you sought to gain nothing. You simply offered your humble thanks. A rare thing, that is."[/color]

The sun, rising in triumph behind her, was glinting off the river-water, casting a brilliant color like flame. Undasis reached down and scooped up a bit of that golden water in her hands, and, miraculously, it retained the golden shade even after being hidden from the sun's view. She lifted it into the air with her right hand, and it became a sword that appeared to be literally [i]made[/i] from the light.

[color=00aeef]"Take this, noble hero, I suspect you may need it in the times to come. Remember me when you wield it to battle, child, and this will never fail you. No enemy can bend it, no metal can be made it will not cut. It is a most holy weapon."[/color] She left the shining blade at his feet.

And with that, she sunk once more into the river, seemingly merging with the flowing water and vanishing altogether.

[hider=Mighty Summary]
1 Might spent to create the Morning Blade and bless Zerabil with it.
6 Might and 1 Freepoint remain
[/hider]