With the night ending in smiles and Michael and Priestess having said their goodbyes they both head to their respective homes. Michael took Priestess home ensuring she was safe before returning to his cabin. He slept with a massive smile on his face even though nothing of note happened between them this night.
As morning came the routine only changed slightly. Michael was humming a happy tune as he prepared for the day. Each pole was perfectly cleaned and oiled once again as his hands moved with a little more pep in their motion. The flow of his every motion showing that he was indeed a fisherman at heart/
As the poles and gear were finished in preparations Michael looked towards the hills. He let out a deep breath with a smile of determination. "I'll go get evaluated then discuss how to properly set out on an adventure. It may just be for fishing, but I will make everyone proud of me."
A clenched fist filled with determination was all that he needed to know he was going to do this. The trip to town felt a bit awkward as he left his gear at home and headed towards the temple. Still the friendly faces he had come to know waved and smiled congratulating him on taking a day off. A few shop keepers offered him a bite to eat or at least a snack so he could continue to enjoy the day.
He reached the temple with armfuls of gifts from the various people he had helped by offering part of his catch or a good home cooked meal. Priestess and a few of the priests gave him a hand as they all shared a laugh. A few stories floated back and forth about a mysterious man who was like a saint. Still Michael looked confused.
"Who are they talking about? I would love to meet this person and give them a fish at the very least" Michael spoke with curiosity.
"They're talking about you. Saint of Fishing junior. Just like the previous will feed you until you're stuffed" she giggled as she took a bag of bread.
"I don't do that! I just offer a small fish to those that look like they'd need it. It isn't even for religion it's just what my grandfather did and I wanted to keep the tradition." He slumped as he spoke "and can you please use some of this stuff..."
Giggling she nodded knowing he would ask. "We can always use any help offered. Though why are you here this morning? Don't you usually have your ass set in place doing your thing?"
"Normally yes, but today I wanted to get a check on my blessings" he looked down. "Because the lake is ruined for a while... and I'll be looking to go on a trip to be able to catch fish elsewhere for a while."
"Oh... you... you're going to leave? You'll come back right?" She shook her head "no you are coming back. You still owe me that one fancy fish food thingy!"
"You mean sushi? Well it does taste best using tuna, but I'd have to go to the mountain rivers for that." He rubbed the back of his head "I was thinking of going to that city on the ocean. I remember grandpa saying it had a lot of great places to stop at for fishing along the way."
"Then you have to get a good wagon so I can have some. You don't get to go catching fish and not letting me and everyone here try some." She smiled her purple eyes glowing as everyone had to question if she was in it for the food or for him.
"I will I haven't had to spend much on anything and the merchants have been so kind when buying the fish I bring." He looked at the people visiting the temple and smiled. "I'll bring nothing besides the best for everyone. When I get back we'll have a big feast!"
She smiled nodding "and you're at least traveling with a bodyguard. It's dangerous along the roads between towns because of monsters. So after this you go to the adventurers guild and find yourself someone or a party to keep you safe. You're a fisherman so most of your skills won't be useful in combat. Now follow me." She turned on her tip toes grabbing his hand and going to a somewhat private room.
The room itself was fairly simple. The statues of the gods aligned the walls and in the center was a wooden podium. A small stone tablet sat upon it. Most would recognize the 2 true gods, but the rest would be various minor gods given dominion over aspects of the world or were made by people praising heroes of old.
"You know what to do so let's see how much you've grown." She let go of his hand and walked to the tablet.
Michael followed her looking at the various statues "there's more than last time? Did other gods get found?"
"Oh there was some gods found though they didn't want the title, but you know the church. Once found you don't get much say because they treasure every gift the Light God gives."
He nodded as he put his hand onto the tablet. A paper of light appearing before them both. The only true downside of checking your blessing. At least 1 other person would see your blessings.
Reading them as she didn't have much to do Priestess looked a bit shocked. "Michael your blessings... they're amazing! It's like you're a hero!"
Michael was dumbfounded as he read them all "how is my agility and strength so high?.. And my appraisal is so high yet no one listens to me when I say my fish aren't worth what they offer."
"Well maybe it isn't for trade goods. You do seem to be really good at telling how good weapons and tools are. Still you need a bodyguard. You have A9 strength and S4 agility. However you don't know anything besides dagger and knife fighting and that's only B9. Unless you plan on finding an instructor you'll only have an easy time with pests and goblins."
Nodding he smiled as he removed his hand and the paper disappeared. "I have a party in mind. I can pay them well for the trip and their cleric is a friend. With them it'll be a smooth trip."
Priestess nodded though she looked confused. Shaking her head as it seemed like the paper wanted to show more she figured it was just a moment of her awe over Michael. "That sounds good. Now I have some cooking to do so everyone has lunch thanks to our resident saint."
"Oh do you mind checking in on my cabin while I'm gone?" He blushed as he continued "I just want to know it's not being put to waste or get too dusty while I'm gone."
"I'll happily do so. Mind showing me it before you leave? If you want I can spend the night there every couple of days."
"Sure there's a nice guest room that you can have. Outside of my room if there's anyone in need feel free to have them stay with you. There's plenty of tea and salted food so you can be sure you'll have a good meal." He smiled "I'll get my bodyguards and a cart and take you out there when I go to grab my gear."
"Okay I'll see you in a bit then!" She happily led him back to the entrance to the temple before letting him go to finish his preparations.