Blinded history

Once everyone leaves, Melora comes and stands before you, biting her lip in seeming nervousness. It’s the first time you’ve seen her less than completely composed, and it catches you a bit off guard. She lifts her blindfolded gaze to your eyes, and once again you feel like somehow, she can see perfectly despite her seeming disability.

She smiles, still looking a bit nervous. “So, here we are, Nicholas. I wanted to speak with you alone, because I cannot read your companions very well. The forces involved in Ferra’s creation leave her future fuzzy to my sight, and Alex is…well, elemental spirits are difficult to read.”

You smile. “I can vouch for their loyalty, but discretion is not Alex’s strong suit, for sure. So I understand, please go on.”

She nods. “To start, I want you to know something of my history. I was born a noble, and shortly afterwards, my family backed the Order during its rise to power. The gift of sight manifested in me at a young age, and as soon as I showed my ability, my family gave me over to the Order to gain favor.”

She sighs. “I was useless to them as a daughter, but power was always useful. The Order immediately began using me to expand its power as well, and when it was discovered that they could make my sight stronger with a ritual, they immediately did it.”

Melora gingerly touches her blindfolded eyes. “I was ten when they removed my eyes. I served them for ten more years after that. I was kept secluded to keep my power secret. The things I helped them do…the Order must be defeated. I managed to engineer my escape with a disillusioned guard. Victor. We came here three years ago. He has been my only true friend, but I can sense that he still fears me in some ways.”

You open your mouth to speak, but Melora lifts a hand to stop you. “I’m not asking for sympathy or pity. I am strong, I have accepted my past. I will use my power now to help those oppressed by the Order. However, my life has been one of isolation. Loneliness. I want someone who simply cares for me as I am.”

You nod. “You want someone who treats you as a person, not as a seer.”

She smiles. “I thought you might understand. Your road ahead is difficult and long, but it must be walked. I would ask to walk it alongside you. I cannot divine my own future, but I can feel that I should be by your side. Would you accept that?”

You smile, and gently take her hand, lifting it to your lips. You gently kiss her knuckles, and she quietly gasps. “Of course, Melora. I will gladly accept. My father always said that everyone deserves a chance at happiness. If I can offer you that, it’s the least I could do.”

She is quiet for a moment, and then throws her arms around you in a hug.