Audrey Nanshete

Prodigal Priestess

dinner@lclark.edu
ICQ #: 1276549

Audrey was born in a small fishing village called Reachdeep, west of Lann village across Zoc Bay. The eldest daughter of three, Audrey wasn't born into the best circumstances; her family was a bit on the poor side, living on the run down end of the village near the docks. Her father ran a modest general store while her mother kept the children clothed, bathed, and fed. While they were poor, they were easily able to keep from being on the streets... that is, until Audrey's third birthday, when her father unexpectedly died.

Audrey's mother, although she worked hard at keeping the store clean, had no knowledge of running a store, and business plummetted. Eventually, the now fatherless family had to move to a even more run down house, and now the poor mother had to take odd jobs to support the family.

Irregardless of hardship, Audrey was a happy child. Because of their need for money, she had to learn how to take care of herself and work at a very young age. She was very social, chatting with the locals during her chores, playing near the docks, and having a good amount of friends. For the most part, Audrey led a normal life....

When she was eight, her life took on a very drastic change. While on a normal chore run, she was attacked from behind by a very intoxicated man. The man began to assault her, and even tried to tear off her clothing. In a panic, Audrey started to perform strange motions with her hands, drawing a star shaped pattern in the air. Suddenly a burst of energy exploded from her fingers, and the man was knocked unconscious. By that time, a crowd of people gathered around the girl, for they heard her screams and such. Although Audrey was a little ruffed up from the attack, she was fine... and the people seemed to think of her defense as 'normal,' except for one of the onlookers.

This onlooker recognized it as an incredibly rare type of magic based on celestial forces; a type of magic so rare that only a select handful of people were able to wield it. Being that Audrey had no prior knowledge of magic, the man told her she must be blessed by Althena herself. After escorting Audrey home, he told her mother he was a Priest of Althena, and wished to take her someplace where she could improve her powers. Being chosen by Althena was as great an honour as being chosen by the Magic Guild, her mother quickly allowed Audrey to accept. The man brought her to the shrine near Meribia; there she began training as a priestess.

However, Audrey soon found out her family was suffering terribly without her help. They were almost to the point of losing their house. Audrey sent whatever money she made, whether by chores or donations, to her family. Unfortunately, this gave her little opportunity to leave the shrine, and she became lonely for the once care-free life she once had. Still, she loved serving as a priestess, helping people and learning the ways of the goddess.

A few months ago, Audrey began to have suspicions of wrongdoings in the shrine. She has discovered that some of the donation money given to the shrine has mysteriously vanished, and strange, eerie events such as noises, accidents, and other strange occurrences have an ongoing reality. Exploring deeper into the matter, she realized that the strange occurrences began when a woman named Imogene became the head priestess in the shrine.

She kept her suspicions to herself for the most part, until other priestesses her age were beginning to disappear without a trace; no real answer as to where or why. She confided with a few friends, but the story spread around the shrine, and the remaining girls didn't buy her story. Feeling she was going against Althena, they treated her shabbily, even going to the point of calling her a heretic.

Although Imogene hasn't personally talked to Audrey yet, Audrey fears that she'll be kicked out of the shrine, and the current donations her family receives will be cut off. Yet, she knows something terrible is going on... and she feels it's her duty tostop it. Will her need to know the truth lead her to more trouble than she realizes?

It seems that her suspicions were well founded. Imogene was indeed behind the disappearances at the shrine. The brutal atrocities committed by Lord Vargomere Grangath, Arch-Vampire were done with her full knowledge. The strength and honor of Althena lies in question; for her power should have prevented such atrocities, including the destruction of Audrey's hometown. Without home and with her faith in question, what is it that drives her on?

The truth comes into the light. Imogene is much more than she seems; she's other than the ruler of the Vile Tribe herself, Xenobia. Foul as she may be, she spoke of the death of Althena. The destruction of a goddess shouldn't be possible. The world continuing to exist without Althena's light shouldn't be possible. None of this should be happening. What is this thing called faith?

The worst possible crime has been committed. The Vampire Lord Vargomere attacked the women of Baroton in their sleep. Among them at the time were Audrey and her companions. Despite the fact that Finn succeeded in destroying the Arch-Vampire, there still remains a question... Bitten thrice and slain by the vampire...

What's going to happen to Audrey?