Marcus's Faith Journey (continued)

Marcus spoke to Ian about the vision he had. the very next day. Ian was impressed, but not in the same state of amazement that Marcus had been. "I too have visions, Marcus." Ian explained. "You must have a great deal of faith to be having them. Have you every healed someone by praying to Ilmater?" Marcus replied that he had not, but the the potions he had made were more potent because of Ilmater's influence. Ian explained that he understood this, but continued that perhaps Marcus had enough faith to heal an injured person, by praying to Ilmater, without the use of a potion. Marcus stared at Ian blankly.

Over time Ian met with Marcus and taught him the basic prayers for healing, visions, auras, blessings, and wards. Marcus read books about faith based magic at the temple as well. It seemed to Marcus that at the core of faith based healing was sincerity and compassion - both of which he had an abundance of.

Ian told Marcus that he follows a strict code of honor which he felt brought him closer to ilmater and put himself in the correct relationship with god. Perhaps, he suggested, Marcus could become closer to Ilmater if he also followed the same code. He then gave a written copy of the code to Marcus.

It took Marcus quite some time to cast spells with success. He found it odd that successful spells were rooted in his feelings rather than in the structured manner in which he prayed. In potion making, precise ingredients, measurements, temperatures, timings, and mixing techniques produced quality results. With faith healing the actual prayer mattered very little, but the feelings of compassion and his sincere desire to help ease suffering produced quality results.

Marcus started following the code of honor Ian followed shortly after Ian presented it to him. Marcus initially thought that the tithe of half of his income would be devastating, yet found quickly that it was a source of joy and purpose. He found himself giving to those who truly needed help more frequently and was rewarded with joy more abundantly than he would have ever imagined. Marcus realized how little a person actually needed to survive and how much a person needed to help others to truly live.

...Over 20 years Marcus became a very capable faith based magic wielder and could infuse his alchemical products with Ilmaters blessings.