Leo awoke in a dim room, naked, under a thin blanket. He looked at his chest and saw bandages covering his burns. "Am I... in a bed?" he asked himself.
Looking around, he saw a pile of clothes on a dresser nearby. Slowly rising, he felt only minor pain, and quickly began sizing up the clothing. It seemed a decent fit.
Examining the room, he realized it was larger than the small shack hut he had built himself. A dressing table, covered in brushes and random jewelry, a closet filled with a young girls clothes, the dresser and the bed. "Where am I?"
The door to the room opened suddenly, and Alice walked in. Seeing him out of bed, she stopped, looking at him and said, "You're awake?"
Leo immediately fell backwards, grabbing the blanket off the bed, desperately trying to cover himself.
"I-I didn't- I mean you- I mean-" he stammered.
Alice immediately began laughing. "It's alright, Leo. Honestly. I washed and dressed your wounds. I should've knocked first. I apologize."
"No, really, it's you're room, and you saved my life, I'm sorry!" he replied 'She washed and dressed my wounds? Does that mean she saw my mark?'
"Get dressed. Alexis asked for you to go visit him when you woke up."
-
When Leo entered the training chambers, Alexis was in the back of the room, slowly moving his body through strange exercises and motions. His movement was so slow it seemed almost glacial, yet oddly smooth.
"Ah, Leo. Come in." Alexis finished his pose and stood in a relaxed position. "I wanted to check on your wounds, and talk to you for a moment."
Leo stepped forward, saying, "I feel great, thank you, sir. My wounds barely hurt at all."
Alexis smiled slightly. 'Remarkable. No healing spells, and yet his wounds are already healing this quickly.'
Leo and Alexis stood silently for a moment.
"Leo, I want to ask you something. Do you know what that marking on your back is?"
Leo looked downwards for a moment. "Yes. sir. It's a contract with a local Fae."
Alexis stood silently, eyes boring into Leo. It felt as if he were staring into his soul, his thoughts and emotions laid bare. He lowered his eyes after a moment and sighed. "I originally wanted to put you forward for the test, Leo. But this contract complicates things."
Leo looked up at Alexis, his eyes filled with passion. "I have no talent and was already refused. With this mark, I have a chance!"
Alexis frowned for a moment. "Will you undergo the test now, and risk your life? Fae and Deities are of opposing alignments. If you fail to receive a blessing, the Gods will not only mark you, but destroy you."
"Test me. I will not fail."
And with a blur of light, and a wave of his hand, Alexis started the test.