As Rau swings his two cudgels at you, roaring, you suddenly realize that this time, you won't escape death. His aim is true; time slows down as you observe, admiringly, his skill and accuracy. You have just enough time to smile as you recall the pride you felt when you finally were able to master the art of fighting equally with both hands, and then the giant connects.
The world turns black. You note with irony that it was your mortal enemy that killed you. At least this once it wasn't a cowardly backstab from an invisible assassin. You utter a prayer to Mielikki as you start to drift away from your physical body, in search of a different plane.
Or at least, you try to leave. The words of your prayer stand sharp and clear in the essence of your mind as you note that for some odd reason, your chest seems to be burning. How can this be? Death is certainly a release from all worldly pains. You should know; you've been there. Are they trying to raise you again? Still, if they are, you would simply feel the call and have to make the journey back into your body. While tiring, it certainly is not painful.
You try to tug, mentally, at whatever it is that is causing this painful sensation. Your hand, the one you are not supposed to have, finds an item it is not supposed to feel. You close your non-existent fingers over it, and it is hot, so hot, hot enough that its outline sears your fingers. It is the amulet you found.
The amulet of Mielikki.
And then your being is overwhelmed by another. Instead of the darkness and senselessness that normally come with death, you are engulfed by serenity and compassion. A brilliant cascade of colors swirls around you, and as you stand in awe, a soft voice begins to speak. It is barely audible, but it is the most beautiful voice that you have ever heard. The words are not only spoken, they are sung, and the song touches every fibre of your being, fills you with love, and hope, and calmness.
"Calm down, my son. Your luck has not deserted you today. I have noted you. You have been faithful and loyal to me, my son, and you have done great deeds in my name, and yet you never thought to call upon me for help. In that you have done better than many of the devout who claim to worship me without fail.
Your quest must continue. Soon they will try to raise you; the cleric, Haikum, will believe he has failed, but your luck will hold true, you will come back. Look at your hand, Semaj. Feel it"
As you look at your hand, you see that the pattern on Mielikki's amulet has been burnt onto your palm. You feel it with your other hand, and the outline, while faint, is also very clear. It is Mielikki. Without thinking, you lift your hand towards your chest.
"The amulet you wear shall be my blessing to you, to your life force. As well it shall retain the power of the simpler amulet you had. They are now one. In this, I repay your faith and dedication"
The colors start swirling and disappearing, and the voice echoes even more faintly
"And now, I must go..."
You open your eyes to see Haikum standing over you, his face registering deep concern. His voice mingles with that of the diety as you hear him curse. You smile at him and as he jerks back, surprised, you close your hand over the one amulet hanging from your neck.
The world is not such a bad place after all.
