Challenge #04567-L183: The One Most in Need

They were in the temple of helping hands, having stayed up all night, yet again, cleaning, putting together the next day's bread, and other such chores. A kindly magic user used a very gentle spell to force them to go to sleep. Then, to protect their health, placed a geas upon them, so they did not work themselves into illness again. -- Anon Guest

Selflessness is a flaw, and few people see it as such. People who indulge in selflessness are seen as kind and giving, often heralded as living saints. Actual saints give the mortal world authorities trouble because of their connection with their deity. That, and the miracles.

The only miracle that the selfless can perform is the ability to keep sacrificing themselves. No matter what impediments might otherwise stop them.

Case in point, Dearie. A nigh-permanent fixture at the Arivale Temple of Kind Hands. Dearie may have a name, but the impermanent staff just call her 'Dearie'. As in, "Can you help me with this, Dearie?" or, "I need you to sit with this one, Dearie," and, "Is there any tea, Dearie?" But, more frequently, "You get some rest, now, Dearie." Mostly because the only way she stops working is by complete collapse and breakdown.

Which ends up causing more work for those devotees present.

Nothing messes up your plans like someone formerly reliable being catastrophically unavailable mere seconds after dedicating to the need at hand.

The devotees are getting sick of it, of course. The temporary staff don't know all the danger signs, but the devotees do. They've tried tricks, they've tried persuasion, they've tried out and out lectures...

Nothing's worked.

Bishop Salve caught Dearie by the elbow, and said, "I need you to come with me right now." They mercilessly passed the items in her arms to the next staffer that crossed their path. "This is an urgent need."

Dearie understood 'urgent need', but showed clear confusion as Salve lead her to an isolated bunk charmed for a good, guaranteed, and long rest. She said, "What--?" as Salve plonked her down on its padded surface.

"You help no-one when you spend all of yourself on everyone else," he said. "And we will keep doing this until you learn the lesson." With that, he cast the most powerful sleep spell he had up his sleeve.

She would begin taking proper rest breaks. Voluntarily or not. For the greater good.

With luck and repetition, Dearie might even learn.

[Photo by Kathleen Culbertson on Unsplash]

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