The Priests of Agathalos are ever ready to stand up for good and eager to smite evil where it stands. Paladins of the world all favour Agathalos as their god.
[OoC: The cost for having spells cast is located in The Temple of Ordemetrex.]
(This is the first CoA thread on these boards, as indicated by the number in the title. To review the previous thread, click here.)
Amarandios wakes from his sleep and looks up at a job well done -- a job finally well done
. The bells are all in working order and well tuned now. He plays a short tune on them to brighten the waning day, then packs his daybag and heads into town for a quick tea-and-chicory at the Last Lich Inn before looking for more work.[To the Last Lich Inn]
.oO( Probably best to find a real bed soon, but that can wait. No need in taking one up just as I'm about to go on a long journey
He awakes in the morning and strolls down the staircase and into the park. He sits by the lake and studies the reeds and weeds while waiting on NaShae and Alissa. He finds some mint and growing wild and wonders vaguely about what other plants around are edible until the train of thought somehow leads him to out his flute to work on a new melody for the bells.
*walks into the park with Alissa and the horses, looking around for a cleric to help her find Amarandios*
*above them, she hears Palasha's call, sounding angry then sympathetic*
Palasha: *lands on Buttercup's saddle and angrily chirps at Shae, speaking to her*
[SWM] Kill him. Kill father for taking fledgling.
[SWF] If I must, Palasha. I'd rather do this legally. Destroy his reputation and standing, since that is what he cares about.
*Palasha seems to snort*
[SWM] Want him dead. You kill others who hurt fledge. Want him dead too.
[SWF] I know, Palasha. We'll see. We may have to, but hopefully not.
I see we have horses. Are we ready then?
One more stop. Alissa doesn't have a crossbow and I'd like to get a few more bolts. Then we're ready.
*hands Filbert's lead to Amarandios*
*heads toward the Iron Wolf*
[to IWA p1]
He finds Father Octern clearing a desk with a loose leg so it can be repaired and inclines his head to him. They speak for a few moments about Gamis's current topic of research, then the paladin dives in to a likely-looking book.
The author believed that there was once a dwarven kingdom to the west of Garic's City, but that it fell in some unknown tragedy. His speculations are based on the one-time find of a tomb, which was heavily decorated in historical murals.
Unlike any other dwarven culture, this one apparently mummified its dead, and fought its wars from chariots...
.oO(Dwarves are typically so close to Thalos... You wouldn't expect them to become undead. I wonder if their chariots were drawn by ponies instead of full-sized horses.)
Shaking off thoughts of how chariot-driving must compare with horseback cavalry, he swings his legs over the bench he sits on and stands. .oO(Best I have so far... But maybe there's something more solid.)
As he's searching the shelves, he's put in mind of the pit where Redrik was being held prisoner and its location. Gamis continues looking for something to support the tenuous lead, and anything on the undead mummies themselves...
.oO(Well, I can at least share this with Miri, NaShae, and Kywyn, and maybe come back tomorrow. Or try the Temple.)
He solidifies and details his notes, trying to find a reference to approximately how far away this kingdom would have stood.
Gamis estimates, from the very poor notations, that it might be a week's travel away.
He puts the book back in its place. .oO(Well, I've done what I can today... I'll leave a note at their apartment and find time to share this with them...)
Gamis watches Father Octern testing the repair to the desk for a moment, then waves to him and starts for the door, notes rolled in hand. .oO(Wasn't Dad good friends with a carpenter when we lived here? Hmm...)
.oO(Where am I now?)
Biting her lip, she looks back over her shoulder down the road she's walked.
"WE'RE LOST, AREN'T WE?" sighs the one-eyed orc doll.
"Shuddup," replies the girl automatically and continues on toward the greenery.
The strip of green thickens on the horizon, and then sprouts slender tree trunks.
The birches gleam white in the afternoon sunlight, nearly blinding, and Sensandela squints as she passes along the paths beneath them.
Filtered sunlight mottles the ground beneath her feet. A light breeze rustles the leaves and cools the half-orc's skin, a blessing from above after hours spent in the sun. The girl's eyes are wide as she looks on the flowers and trees, and then her breath flies from her.
Before her stands a church of white marble and pale rose, glowing against the sky.
Her knees buckle, and she falls into the thick grass beside the path. The doll lands beside her: "OOF!" but its curses go unnoticed as the half-orc stares up at the lovely structure.
"It's almost as beautiful as..." she whispers and laughs. "Almost beautiful enough to make a convert out of even someone like me."
Her stomach interrupts this moment to complain. Loudly. The half-orc ducks her head with a sigh and sits back against the trunk, once again chewing on her lip fretfully.
(Where do I go from here to get some eats?)Oo. She knocks her head against the trunk. .oO(And even - thunk - if - thunk - I - thunk - could find the stupid inns, I can't expect my good luck to hold out forever.)
From her belt pouch, she pulls out a handful of gold and silver coins. .oO(I can't expect them all to be orc-lovers and pay for a pretty girl's meal. This isn't going to last me that long, though. Evil greedy inns, sucking up my lifeblood!
Y'know, I bet they're really all vampires in disguise and--)"WHY DON'T YOU LEARN TO COOK!" the doll pipes from its seat a few feet away.
Sensandela picks it up and blinks at it, then shakes her head to clear away the fuzz called sleep-deprivation.
.oO(Okay, I got a little crazy.)
She glances at the money in her hands. "I... suppose I could try to... do my own cooking," she concedes with a grimace. "I'll have to find the market or some such thing, then, and then I have to find a place to sleep, and she had to find her glasses, didn't she. DIDN'T SHE??" she yells, shaking the doll in a twinkling spray of coins. "C'mon, TALK, I know you can!"
Its one eye stares sullenly up at her, but it makes no response.
Sensandela drops the doll. "I need sleep," she mumbles into her hands. "I need a place to sleep, foodses, and to get those I need money, and to get that I need a, ugh... job."
She squints up at the church. "I'm gunna make a painting of that and sell it for three million gold," she says, "yeah!" and digs through her pack. Various outfits fly through the air, followed by a sloshing waterskin. She gently sets her panflute on the grass beside her, then yanks out a few containers of paints and a scraggly paintbrush. Her brow furrows, and then she sticks her head inside the pack. Her screech is muffled.
"Whe--I do't 'ab parchment?"
Slowly she withdraws her head to sit back upon her rump, a very disgruntled expression on her face. "I should make a list of the things I need, but to do that, I'd need parchment--freaking parch--I need sleep," she mumbles and numbly stuffs her belongings back into the pack. All this she slings onto her back.
.oO(I think... maybe I should go back to Dad's house. I don't understand why I thought I could take care of myself. Stupid--stupid baby...)
She begins to trudge back the way she came--or the way she thinks she came. The direction is related to the way she came. It's just kind of... the direct opposite of the way she came.
"HEY!" comes the screech from a spot in the grass, a few feet from where the half-orc had been sitting.
"Right, right." Sensandela trots back and scoops up the doll beneath her arm and exits.
A few moments later, she returns to the spot, scoops up all her coins, and stuffs them in her belt pouch. Finally she finds her way out of the park.
[To Elsewhere... CHARGE!]
*Minto and Brodda enter the grounds, walking peacefully up the path that leads to the door. When they enter, there is no one there to greet them.*
"Helloooooooo."
*Minto's voice echoes into the high arches of the room. They both smile.*
[singing] "Is anyone therrrrrre?"
*It doesn't take long as they are both singing happily as their voices echo around them.*
Where to begin is the question.
A severe looking cleric glowers down upon Brodda and Minto.
"The singing of hymns is welcome in this edifice, but your paean to the glories of ale does not qualify!"
*Minto only smiles*
”Anyway, we came the visit yeh’rre librrarry. Seems therre’s a book we need the look at, if we may. Bakarr’s historry aboout the dwarrven kingdom.”
"The library is this way. Follow me."
He spins around and stalks off down a hall, leading the dwarf and halfling to the library.
"Thank yeh forr helpin' us find ourr way. Ah think we'd get easily lost if we trried teh follow the sound of voices herre."
*When they reach the library, Brodda looks around in awe at the large number of books and the height of the shelves.*
"By meh fatherr's bearrrd!"
*She turns to the cleric.*
"Wherre might we find this book herre? Therres quite a few books teh be searrchin' thrrough, and we rreally haven't got that much time."
"Father Octrem there can assist. You can give your donation to him, as well."
"Excellent! Thank yeh much!"
*She turns to the man indicated.*
"Yeh must be Fatherr Octerrn? Pleased teh meetcha! Ah'm Brrodda, lovliest dwarrven barrd arround *curtsey* and this is Minto, halfling barrd extrr'orrdinairre, and minstrrel teh Herrmy!"
*Minto smiles and takes a sweeping bow. Brodda continues.*
"The paladin, Gamis, sent us to yeh, Fatherr. If we may, we need teh have a look at Bakarr's historry aboout the dwarrven kingdom. Oh! And herre."
*Brodda digs a few gold coins from her purse and holds them out to Father Octern.*
"Ah. Hm. Did he, indeed? Well, well, well. For so many years the book sits overlooked, then in two days it is selected as many times.
There is a lesson in that. Heh, heh... indeed. Who can say what unexpected value may lie in each of us?"
He ambles over to a shelf and lifts down a tome.
"Here it is, then, here it is."
The elderly priest leaves them to their reading.
.oO(Blue skin? That is something I have never seen)
His curiosity gets the better of him and he walks over to him
Excuse me but are you ill sir? You seem to have changed color.
I don't believe we've met. I'm Amarandios. The name means "Undying BLUE Flower of Thalos." And, no, I'm not ill. I'm told that it was something in the water.
On a more practical note, they learn that the tomb was in a cave high above ground in a bluff. The explorers had to traverse steep, scree covered slopes, and climb through deep crevices to reach the cave mouth. Three of their laborers were killed in a trap, and some pack animals drowned in a summer thunderstorm. After all that, the tomb had previously been ransacked, and the only item of value that remained was a worked-stone urn.
Even the mummy had been tossed from its sarcophagus and lay smashed on the floor.
)I see well met Amarandios, I am Darkar Shadowood. Sorry if I seemed rude, but I have only see people turn blue from lack of air. I was wondering if you were alright.
"If Bakarrr was likely teh make such wild assumptions, then we have teh be carreful aboout how much of this teh take on faith. We'll need teh be verry carreful. Ah doon't see anythin' herre, though, aboout trranslatin' the rrunes on this rrock."
*Brodda shakes her head and scans more of the text to see if there might be more information helpful to their quest.*
It's okay. The local physician said that the well my family gets water from contains something that turned my skin this color. Mom and dad have it a little bit, but I have it a lot. It's funny you mention illness, because that water's been a neighborhood remedy for cuts and bruises for the longest time. I almost never get sick, myself, so maybe there's something to it.
Did you say you were Darkar Shadowood? Excellent. I've been looking for you and Sir Gamis. You're heading out to do something to gather funds for Alissa Amberhawk, right? I was in the travel party when she was killed and I'm concerned about helping out the family in any way I can. Is there a chance I could help you out or come along? I have some modest abilities to call upon Thalos for help.
"Have you seen Aria anywhere? I was hoping that she would want to come along on this venture, but I have not been able to find her anywhere yet."
Gamis opens his eyes from his vigil in the chapel inside the Church and rises from his knees, armor shifting back into place around him. He leaves the Church, dropping a few coins in the plate, and steps out into the sunlight.
"I have not seen her, no," Amarandios answers. "I was trying to keep up with her following the incident at the Mother's temple but I've failed so far."
"I would hate for her to miss the opprotunity to help her sister. From what I know of her she has a need to help others that clouds her reason sometimes. I would not like to have her angry at us.
"She's been angry at me." He shakes his head. "No, I'd rather not have that happen again, but I think she'd be grateful if we kept in mind that time is of the essence. Nevertheless, My idea of helping her may not coincide with her's. I would rather see that everything works out well, rather than according to Aria's plans. If those coincide, then fine, but I bear no illusions that they do."
Noticing his two friends by the pond as he makes to leave, Gamis starts across the grass to them, relying (as normal) on the noise of his armor to announce his approach.
Hearing a familar clanking Darkar turns and waves at Gamis. "What are Aria's plans than trying to raise her sister?" he asks Amarandios.
"Ah, sir Gamis," says the cleric. "I was looking for you, but we all seem to have come together now for the same purpose."
"Good afternoon, gentlemen... Have the two of you met before?" the paladin asks, nodding to them both.
"We just met a few minutes ago."
"Not before, but I recognized the name from a conversation with Mrs. Natala."
Gamis nods, then turns his eyes on Amarandios. "What did you need me for, Brother? I was just sitting a vigil before we leave for the desert."
"That was it. Natala said that you and Darkar would be going to the castle to help Aria, and since I knew you, I sought you out instead of Darkar. As it happened, I found him first."
"They'll need you more at the fortress, and the group going to the desert is already about as large as we can handle... And there'll be more undead there. Darkar, were there actually the same shadows that invaded the city there?"
.oO(Does that make me the lucky one?) "I do not know that for certain. I was outside of the city when the attack happened."
"Yes, I remember... They were small, about the size and shape of a dog. There were droves and droves of them, and they sapped your strength with their touch. But a single turning would probably have been enough to destroy a whole pack. And they were burned by even dim torchlight."
"We will have to be careful if that is the case, but I saw mostly zombies at the castle last time. Hermy told me about undead armor last time but I did not understand what he meant? Do you have any idea what that could mean?"
"The Durahans... They were spirits--strong ones--that wore corporeal armor and wielded spears. Daron destroyed the one we faced outside the Lich." His lips purse as he remembers Natala transfixed by its spear. He turns to Amarandios. "Is that alright with you, Brother? I don't mean to seem like I'm putting you off..."
"No, not at all. I thought that we'd all be on the same quest together, actually. I'd rather help where help is needed.
"I can turn the undead, I'm even practiced at it, but my voice with Thalos is not strong yet. I can help, but unless you're sure of the foe, I can't be counted on to be the only offense against these creatures."
"We have another cleric Amarandios. Silmarwen, she is strong with Thalos' voice. However she suggested to me that we would need another to help. No matter how strong one is two would be better."
"Indeed. Glad to know that, Sir Darkar."
Gamis nods. "I'd recommend spells to repair inflicted weakness... Is your group almost ready to go? Chances are you'll be back well before we are--maybe before we even make it to the desert."
"I will mention that to Silmarwen. How far to this desert Gamis? You make it sound like it is a huge undertaking?"
"He winces. "It's a week there on foot for a single person, and we have to take a wagon. It'll be slow going, unfortunately."
Darkar blinks. "A week? That will be a lot of time in the sun. Perhaps you bring hats or travel at night to help keep you out of the sun."
"Hats, yes. Traveling at night... Unfortunately, no. We don't know the exact way to our destination, and our supplies are limited, so we can't be getting lost."
"How about morning or evening? Usually things aren't too bad. Better prepare well for the rain if you're going to be out in the desert though. Don't let the name fool you. Deserts can flood just like that. I've seen it happen before. No warning."
Gamis nods. "We've looked for as many pieces of advice about traveling in the desert as we can... Every one helps.
"Well, I should probably get moving now... We're leaving soon."
"Thalos be with you, brother. I'll see you again."
". Take care and good luck."
"Until we meet again Gamis."
Gamis inclines his head to the two of them, then turns and clanks out of the Park.
(Amarandios to Darkar) Not a problem. I'm a good walker.
"There's nothing more of use to us here. We should go."
*Brodda's dark gaze shifts to him, and her expression softens to mild frustration. She squeezes his hand.*
"Ah just hate teh rreporrt back that we failed teh get morre inforrmation."
*She gives a resigned sigh.*
"Maybe Miss Natala will be able teh get soomethin' frroom the bit o' rrrock."
*Minto smiles softly.*
"If I know Miss Natala, I'm sure she'll find something. Besides. We have more information on the possible terrain the group may encounter."
*Brodda tenatively smiles, some of the light returning to her eyes. Something in Minto's eyes seem to lend her some encouragement and she stands and approaches Father Octern. Minto smiles and goes with her, with the book.*
"Thank yeh again ferr yeh'rre help, Fatherr. It is apprreciated."
*Brodda steps away, heading for the exit. Minto returns the book to the priests hands and walks beside Brodda.*
[to the IWA]
With a nod Darkar turns and head to the Jackal compound
This is exactly why I should practice more often - I don't lose my skills, but I do lose the keen edge on them.
An hour goes by and the sun rises slowly to its zenith. When it's nearly reached that point, Ran ends his exercise, makes a slow, deep bow to express his respect for the surroundings and leaves the park.
I mustn't be late for my lesson.
.oO(You'd think it was still summer to look at this garden. You'd think summer was eternal. I wonder if that is the point -- that only the gods know the secrets of eternity? Or it could just be that the priests like the summer as much as the next person. :D)
He stops to admire the trees for a few minutes, then begins wandering once more.
"No running in the the Halls, boy!" a passing roped figure calls out, hardly taking any notice of Sir Da' Vanes age. But then, that's what he was in this - a mere boy. Oh, the embarrassment! Sir Da' vane flashed a sneer of contempt at the disappering figure, but slowed down nonetheless. He wasn't about to get another bout of Latrine Duty on his last day. His last day before Sir Da' Vane went out into the world as a fully-trained Paladin - again.
His ordeal started less than a year ago, when he first arrived in Garic's City from the Southlands. Filled with zeal, he sought to uphold the word and will of Agathalos to the world, and was assigned to his new Master - Sir Gamis Pfaebinn. However, right from the start everything went wrong.
Assured in his faith, Sir Da' Vane carried on blindly following the beliefs and training of his homelands, acting like an arrogant fool. He clashed almost daily with Sir Gamis, and his superiors. However, it wasn't until Miri, one of Sir Gamis' friends, had found irrifutable proof that the Church of the Southlands was but a corruption of the Church of Agathalos, brought about by Demmonite trickery.
As part of his atonement for acting a fool, and causing so much trouble in the name of Agathalos, Sir Da' Vane agreed to remain at the Church of Agathalos and retake his training - and perhaps someday he will be able to return to his homeland and revoke the Demmonite trickery that had upset the balance, neutering Ordimet's influence, and corrupting Agathalos' servants over the ages.
But now, it was his last day here in the Church, and he had to prepare for his leaving. First of all, he needed to fulfill a promise, and return to his Master - Sir Gamis.
"Well, Sir Da' Vane. You're looking cheerful today," says Father Octern, heading toward the library with a mallet and some pegs in hand.
"I'm looking forward to getting back out into the action, father."
The librarian chuckles. "Little fault in that. Even feels good to get my hands dirty from time-to-time for an old bookworm like me. As long as you don't go too headlong, of course, and break the peg, as it were." He holds one of the small wooden nubs up for effect.
"It's hard to believe you were ever in action, father. But then I guess it was also hard to believe that my homeland could be so wrong about Agathalos."
"Oh, very little action, my boy. Little more besides rearranging shelves and desks." A slight, kind smile crosses his face. "Come in and sit down for a minute, son?"
"Sure, father. I think the world can last that long without me". Da' Vane chuckles slightly as he follows behind Father Octern.
Tomes are stacked neatly on a wide bench before one of the shelves, apparently the contents of a conspicuous gap. The plank itself sits at the foot of the bookcase. Octern begins digging in the wood with a knife blade as he speaks. "There are an awful lot of books in here, aren't there, Da' Vane?" he offers over his shoulder, finally extracting the snapped peg.
Da' Vane looks around. "There were a lot less in here the last time I was on Library duty, father."
"Hmm, yes... But it's a powerful lot of knowledge, isn't it?" He begins testing pegs from his handful in the hole.
"I suppose so, father."
"A great deal of words and books to read through, if you want to know it all. And if someone took the trouble to write it down, you'd think they knew what they were talking about."
"I suppose."
"So easy to take the written word at its face value. Easy like ignorance, in fact..." Octern begins softly tapping with his mallet.
"Now you're confusing me, father. Are you trying to say that whoever wrote that book that Miri and Gamis found, might have been wrong?"
"I'm trying to say that everything has the possibility of being wrong. There's a saying, my boy, that the only thing worse than one eyewitness is two. Have you ever heard two people try and describe the same event, when they viewed it at the same time? It can be incredible. And if they pass the story down, things can get compounded, and you and me, listening to the story weeks later, might here very different stories. But suppose we take the story with a grain of salt, and perhaps speak to those who told the story first...
"Errors can be propagated easily, especially if they're written down and taken immediately for what they are. That's why it's easy to be ignorant, even if one reads this whole library. It's wisdom that's tough. Do you see now?"
"Slight discrepancies are one thing, father, but this is a major difference, one so big that it caused a great deal of suffering for a lot of people. And it still does, even now."
He nods. "Yes, of course. But the discrepancies started out much smaller. And they might not have grown so big, had more people kept that grain of salt on their tongue."
"I never read a book but that I write a gloss at the same time. I think it's a good idea to do the same with life, and look carefully at it always."
"I will bear that in mind, father. This last year has taught me a lot more than I ever realised I needed to know."
Father Octern smiles. "His grace can be funny that way, son. Go in his Light, always."
"And you, father." Da' Vane is about to go, when he turns back to Father Octern. "Father, do you know where Sir Gamis may be? I have a promise to fulfil."
"He was in the library a couple weeks ago, looking into mummies. I believe he ended up travelling to the Western Desert, but perhaps he's back by now. You could probably try the adventurer's guild." The librarian picks up the shelf and carefully puts it in place.
"Thanks, father, and thanks for the chat."
"You're quite welcome, Da' Vane. Take care."
With a twinge of regret at the way he mistreated Father Octern earlier in the year, Da' Vane smiled at the old Librarian, leaving the Library and continuing his preparations.
Da' Vane has changed somewhat since he entered the Church for his retraining a few months ago, but the change is hard to define. Feeling like a new man, he vividly recalls the last time he felt like this - it was when he entered the world as a Paladin the last time. He can still vividly feel the warming sun on his back, the smell of olives and grapevines in the air, and the feeling of anticipation of changing the world. he was being sent to Garic's City in the north, to become the squire of that land's most esteemed Paladin - Sir Gamis Pfaebinn.
Now, once again, Sir Da' Vane felt renewed, but had the added advantage that having gone through it all before, he now had a slight edge. With steel and determination, Da' vane leaves the grounds of the Church of Agathalos. It was time to honour a debt, and keep a promise, and with this goal in mind, he started on towards the Silver Sword Adventurer's Guild with his current goal - to seek out Sir Gamis Pfaebinn and retake his place as this estemed Paladin's squire once more.
.oO(Such a wonderful testament to Thalos, this ranks as one of the best churches that I have ever seen.)
She walks over to an acolyte and greets the youth inquiring about the location of the library. After obtaining directions she arrives and inquires to the librarian if they have any information about the servants of Demmion and sacred places in the nearby area. She is lead to a room full of books, scrolls, and a few stone tablets encased in glass. Apparently there is more information than she anticipated and realizes that her search could take quiet a long time.
.oO(So many volumes, this could take longer than I thought.)
To the Jackals
.oO(I havn't prayed in a long time.)
Boirin kneels and begins to pray, simple prayers.
.oO(Things have certainly happened...)
He inclines his head slightly to the Church itself and leaves the park, fingertips running over the trunk of his favorite oak in passing as Valor snags a mouthful of the longer grass near its base and clops after him.
Enters the church and spends couple of hours with Renna in the park. After leaving her to return to her chores, is about to leave the church when a thought comes to his head.
.oO(Considering that the latest venture won't be most probably the last one I ever make, I should try to get some extra healing power. To be able to cast spells without worrying so much about conserving spells for healing. Maybe a scroll or two would be the solution.)
Finds the priest responsible for keeping magical scrolls for the church and enquires about purchasing two lesser healing scrolls. At the first the priest is bit reluctant to sell scrolls from his store to a cleric of Will, but after some persuasion agrees to part with two CLW scrolls for the price of 50 gold. Pays the scrolls and thanks the priest, who harrumphs and returns to his previous task of taking inventory of the scrolls.
Leaves the church and heads to LLI.
Boirin is dragged back to his cell and thrown into the straw. Lia is there sitting looking worried. As the orc drops Boirin he moves to kick the man, but Lia stands in front of the orc, her gold eyes sparkle with wrath, "Go away!"
The orc laughs and moves on. Boirin looks up at her,
.oO(She is so beautiful.)
Boirin's back still stings from the beating and his back is drentched in blood. Lia walks over and kneels in front of him as he lays on his stomache. She speaks softly, "Boirin, you must be really good at pissing off these orcs, they seem to like you the least."
Boirin chuckles and it hurts. "You know me can't stand authority."
Lia shakes her head and begins washing off his back with a damp rag. After a moment she wispers in his ear, "Boirin join me in prayer, Thalos will see us through this."
Boirin begins to pray quietly as Lia quietly washes his wounds and binds them with scraps from her shirt, she to prays but even softer than he. Soon Boirin is crying. Once done she sits Boirin up and wipes his tears with her fingers. She then kisses him lightly on the forehead and Boirin leans against the wall, exhausted. Soon he is asleep...
Boirin's eyes open sharply and he wipes his eyes, relizing they are damp with tears.
.oO(Lia, how could I have forgotten you? I haven't her in almost five years and I can still remeber her face perfectly.)
Boirin stands up, and immediatly relizes how stiff he is. He grunts slightly and looks for a preist to speak to. Soon spotting one he wanders over.
"I am sorry to bother you, but I was wondering who I could talk to about finding a healer, or a paladin, through the church?"
Boirin says as he walks away from a rather confused looking preist. Boirin strides out of the church heading towards Nobody's.
[to Nobody's]
She walks up to the Church, having donned the cloak during the walk over here. Gazing at the building, she's breathstricken for a moment, before going inside to pay her respects to Thalos.
[to Elsewhere.]
Julia walked into the Church, not having lost her way quite so often this time on her way overhere. She prayed to Thalos for some time, not paying heed much to the novices and other priests who were bustling about, some casting her curious glances. When she was done, she walked around the gardens, taking in the views.
The next morning, she finds herself in a churchbench..o0(I must have fallen asleep last night...) Slightly ashamed, she prays again and walks out to get some breakfast.
[to Elsewhere]
Joseph removes his hat as he enters and carries it. He looks around the church looking for Julia.
He takes a seat in the last row and quietly surveys the church.
[i]She'll return to the temple eventually. I'll just wait here for a while,[/i] Joseph thinks.
He hangs his head and thinks a silent prayer.
Thalos, please protect the roads and keep them safe for all that need to travel them. Especially women, children, and poor bards.
Better to let her commune with her deity in private. Afterwards you can speak with her.
Joseph stands and walks to the exit of the church and waits there for Julia to finish her worshipping.
Hello again. Waiting for someone?
"Actually I was looking for you, I saw you praying and I decided to wait until you were finished," Joseph carefully words his sentence.
"I hadn't seen you in days and I was wondering what you were up to."
"Are you up for exploring the city?" Joseph askes.
You were looking for me? Euhm, alright...
She gladly grabs the next topic that comes up.
I was busy getting settled, sort of. The only things I've seen are the Church and the Inn. So yes, I am.
[to Elsewhere]
*Tynk escorts the old woman to his favorite tree where himself and Anaya had spent an afternoon together last summer. They both take a seat on the sun-warmed rocks nearby the oak.*
"I...you are right. This is not easy. I don't know what to say...where to begin. Everything about what I know about who I am is now foriegn to me. I don't know what to think. A mother I always knew...is not my mother, and one I never knew is no longer."
*Shenna places a hand on his shoulder, and a warmth fills him stopping tears that would be.*
Shenna: "You have every right to be angry and sad...but know this about your real mother. She was passionate, with the same pure fire that glows in your eyes. She protected the weak, defended those in need, and fought for what she believed in. She was born a peasant, and rose to the nobility that of any king. I do not know how she died...but she died honorably. Only your father knows her story."
"...I have to go home."
*Shenna looks hard at Tynk, considering his words.*
Shenna: "Do you not call Garic's your home?"
*And now it's Tynk's turn consider.*
"I...yes. Garic's will always be my home. But I do have to see him. I will finish my quarter here and make my way to my father afterwards..."
.oO(What will they say...I ran like a coward without a word. nd what happened to Jonathan?)
Shenna: "Here... she holds a roled parchment to him with his father's seal ...he knew you would be here. He said for you to read it before making any decisions. I have no idea what he means."
*He accepts the parchment slowly, places it withing his scrollcase, and looks back to Shenna.*
"I believe you. It's a lot to swallow, and so unexpectedly. I will need a little time to gather my thoughts. Can I visit you?"
*Shenna smiles broadly, pleased.*
Shenna: "Of course you can dear. Feel welcome any time, although I live humbly now."
.oO(Humbly?)
"Can you tell me more of my mother?"
*They talk for some hours near the oak tree before Shenna declares she is tierd and Tynk walks her home.*
To elsewhere
*Squinting in the midafternoon sun, Tynk finds himself back at the church.*
.oO(There really is no such thing as wandering, is there?)
*He decides to enter the church and pay his respects.*
*He can tell none of the priests recognize him, and eye him with something bordering curiosity and suspition. He nods to them and stammers a good-day shyly.*
*Finally, he makes his way to the shrine. At first, he looks to see how others are praying and trys to mimick their kneeling positions...but then he thinks about it...*
.oO(I am not catsting a spell here. I am certain Agathalos would want me comfortable whiles I pray to her.)
*Making himself comfortable, he thinks about the days events.*
.oO(It's too much...)
*He begins to pray, and ever so slowly his eyes tear for the next few hours as he losses himself in it.*
.oO(Agathalos, thank-you for delivering me the truth. Thank you for bringing me this woman who, in your light, can help me to remember my mother. Thank-you for protecting her and providing for her all these years.)
*A warm feeling floods his sences, but he ignores it as he continues.*
.oO(Thank-you for helping me to see this day something I have allowed myself to forget. I can be so selective in my memory when I choose. In fact, I can deny myself the 'membrence of the choice its self.)
.oO(And so I repent. I have dishonored my family and hurt Jonathan. I hurt him in blind rage and did not tell anyone as I ran from the temple where they healed us. I told no-one what happened, and deserve nothing of all the wonderful things you provide.)
*He feels a pain, as if something he said was wrong.*
.oO(Whatever comes to be, I will make amends with Jonathan and give him my sincere apologies. Please give me the strength to do the right thing. Help me to understand myself enough that I may overcome my guilt and make things right again.)
.oO(Most of all, thank-you for listening. I know you can hear me, and I know you are there. I have faith that I can do the right thing in your name, and glorify your virtue as should be.)
.oO(I am your child, I am your servent...and, as always, I am your warrior.)
To Hightower...
Arrives to the church, but instead of heading where Renna's quarters are enters by the great main doors. Walks down the hall and turns to one of smaller passages to reach a less frequented niche with small shrine. Slumps down to sit on the floor near the altar.
.oO(Owch... I am about broke.)
Hello. You were able to deliver that package at last?
She stretches her legs some more.
Natala's Mystic Shop. I work there, helping miss Natala.
I didn't catch your name last time we met, miss...
You sell all kinds of magical ingredients there? It does sound interesting.
Enelevin, Codrian Enelevin.
Magical ingredients, and possibly some potions in future. That is, if our two budding alchemists don't manage to blow up the place before that.
Julia of Hillsdown.
Why not hire some more experienced alchemists then? That should be a lot safer.
Is reminded of the hunger by his stomach.
Ms Hill... may I call you Julia?
I was about to leave from here to find a place to eat. Would you be, by chance, willing to accompany me?
Julia's fine, and I can call you Codrian? Food sounds good, did you have a place in mind?
As for place to eat... I know a small tavern couple of blocks away. A Quiet place run by a family, called Marinaldi's. How does that sound?
She walks with Codrian towards the exit.
[to Elsewhere]
The choice between what is lawful and what is right, for instance. Which was the better way? He had chosen the path of the 'right' in the past, allowing R'Shak to go free though the guards believed he was a murderer. And in the end he had been proven right, though it later came to light that R'Shak may have been the worse scum in the end. But he had served his own punishment justly, aiding the farmers outside of Garic's City for a full season before going his own way.
He had spent time as a bounty hunter, legally hunting those who the guards could not or would not capture. His license to do so was probably still valid, and if he was to leave, he could probably go about that job again. He even still had the black clothes. Not the way of righteousness a paladin should follow, however.
But was the way of the paladin even the path for him? It had served him faithfully, and he trusted in the justice and power of Agathalos. He had been called, but was his calling at an end? Did he have another fate looming before him?
As so often before, Threfdil's wanderings brought him back to his duck pond. The weather was cold, so not many of the ducks remained, but a few stalwart fowl still wandered the banks, and approached as he walked towards them with bread in his hands. They were used to his presence, and soon were happily going about their business, full of the food he had brought. Thref sat on the bench and stared into the water, what little there was that wasn't frozen.
He eventually moved off, finding a secluded area of the park. There was another beast he hadn't talked to in ages. He mentally put forth a summons, and briefly afterwards, Honor walked around a tree and nuzzled him. The two of them sat together for a while, the sun setting against the horizon. What tomorrow would bring was still a question. Would it see the Paladin riding forth once more? Would the penitent still walk the grounds of the temple? Or will something else, entirely different, show its face as the new fate of Threfdil? Bear and Halfling seemed to share thoughts, but no words passed between them. Eventually, the sun set completely, hiding everything but the white robes Threfdil wore. Even that moved on, returning to the temple a little after midnight...
He takes the plate mail out reverently, and begins a ritual of cleaning. It had been a while, and rust was evident, even through the color of the armor. Other acolytes passed him by, whispering as they did so. When he finished with the armor, he did the same with the weapons. Setting them all out on the bed, he stared at them some more while standing.
Agath'los, guide me 'and. Tell me what Oi'm suppos'd ta do. Is me penance over?
Thref sinks down in silent prayer.
It is toime, me boyo. Toime ta see wha' Garic's 'as become in me absence.
He grabs one of the acolytes nearby, and belts on the armor, and puts his swords on his back. It had been quite a while since he was in such a state, so he hesitantly took a few steps. Amazing how quickly one could get back to accustomization of wearing armor. He steps out into the park, and moving to an out of the way place, summons Honor to himself again.
Come Honor, my friend. We must venture forth and see what wrongs we can right.
Threfdil climbs on Honor's back, with the help of the bear, and rides into town.
Halandar, Joseph, and Tycho stepped in. The trio paused.
Joseph looked around for a specific priestess.
[elven]"Do you know who Julia is?"[/elven] Halandar asked Tycho.
[elven]"I don't even know who you are... What makes you think I know who Julia is?"[/elven] Tycho replied.
[elven]"I'm Halandar Aumble, how do you do?"[/elven]
We can finish Julia's recruitment later, we'll just start now. This was DM advice.
Maelut enters the park and is surprised by the sudden shift from city bustle to the serene peace of the churchgrounds. As he walks across some grass, heading towards the church door, he stops for a moment to examine a tiny plant poking its first leaves from their stems. He runs his finger over the buds and then licks the fingertip to taste the plant's young resin.
.o0(Spring-lemon, I haven't seen these growing anywhere in the city. Yet here they are, coming up wild in the gardens. Well, if the priests have enough taste to grow this in their fields then they can't be all bad. Maybe some of them even have some recipes from their yearly feasts that I could adapt...)
With his mind now firmly set on cooking, Maelut feels slightly more confident. He stands up, straightens his belt and moves the knives so that their handles are facing away from his hands so as to appear as non-aggressive as possible. With renewed confidence, he strides towards the door. Knocking once, he enters the church.
"Hello?"
"Have you come for the morning services?"
"Oh, uh, hi there. I, uh, I just wanted...uh. It was about...Minto said that someone here would...uh... know about herbs and things. It's for this bread... Maybe I should just come back later, after services. I don't really...that is to say that I've never much...I'm not a church person."
On this last comment, Maelut quickly corrects himself.
"Not that I don't like churches. They're really nice, and you've got a good garden...but the praying and everything...I just never...uh..."
Aware that he's babbling, Maelut lets himself trail off.
"It's not to me that you need to make excuses too."
"Your piety is between you and the gods however you so choose it to be.."
His smile appears to grow bigger.
"My role here is merely to help those who seek the guidence of the Lightbringer."
And then the smile turns into a grin.
"It might help if you would explain your situation more clearly, though."
"Yes, right. I'm looking for someone who would know about herbs and plants, maybe you use them as spell components here. I noticed some herbs growing in the gardens outside, and a friend of mine suggested that there would be someone here that would know about this sort of thing."
Proud of finally being able to string several sentences together, Maelut stands up a little straighter and for the first time looks at the acolyte, trying to get an understanding of the type of person that would want to work in a church all day.
"If you would not mind waiting, I will go find who is available."
The priest turns around and strolls out into the garden.
In a church for the first time in a long while, Maelut looks around. Walking over to one of the walls, he puts his hand on the cool, inhuman surface. It neither warms to his touch, nor seems affected by his presence.
.o0(Just like the gods themselves.)
After a few minutes, Maelut gets uncomfortable just standing in the corridor and decides to follow in the direction of the priest, hoping to minimize the time spent alone in the church. He heads in the same direction, walking slowly and trying to be as unobtrusive as possible.
The priest has not lost his smile, but the woman merely stares.
The priest nods at Maelut. "Ard'Nas, this is the gentleman I was telling you about."
The woman inclines her head slightly. "You are looking for a herb."
After thanking the priest for making the introduction, Maelut looks appraisingly at the woman. Now out of the church and speaking about something with which he is familiar, he feels a little more at ease. After a few seconds, he smiles at her and approaches in a friendly manner.
"The gardens here are quite beautiful, I've not seen anywhere else in the city to match them. As I was walking in, I even noticed a sprig of spring-lemon growing in the grass. It was barely high enough to reach the bottom of my shoelaces, but looked healthy enough to survive a winter."
He pauses and looks appreciatively around at the verdant edible and ornamental plants grown on the church's grounds. With appreciation, he raises his eyebrows and inhales the clean air deeply.
"If you work on these gardens, then I hope you can help me with my search. I'm looking for a plant that some say can be used in bread to keep it fresh for days. It is called Mother's Soul Grass, are you familiar with it?"
She frowns slightly. "Though some people do use it as a perservative for food as well."
"I was hoping to get a small supply of it. You see, I'm the cook at one of the city's Inns, and we want to provide bread made with the herb to people who spend a lot of time outside of the city: trackers, adventurers and the like. Do you grow it here?"
Ard'Nas starts to walk away, and then stops by a bed of yellow daffodils.
"It doesn't grow well here for some reason."
"Every few weeks we have to go out into the wild to gather some."
The cleric merely smiles.
Maelut follows her as she walks to the flowerbed, keeping a respectful distance to allow her to do her work. He asks again, feeling a little offended at the woman's cold demeanour.
"Well, I wouldn't ask you to gather extra for me, of course. But perhaps you would be kind enough to tell me where I might find it? I'm happy to do my own foraging, of course. And I've been picking herbs since I was a baby, so you needn't worry that I would damage the plants you use."
"Do you like children?"
.o0(Well, she does work in a church. Maybe she asks everyone about this sort of thing. It seems a very "churchy" question.)
"At my parent's inn where I used to work, the Traveller's Friend, we had children around a lot of the time. They're funny and they always like to eat whatever's cooking. I learned very quickly that you make an extra batch of cookies, since the first one always seems to go 'missing'."
Maelut smiles at the memory of the children taking cookies of the cooling racks.
"I find them noisey and bothersome. They have no respect for natures laws, and no common sense."
.o0(Uhm...right.)
"But they can also be rewarding, and they're much more willing to learn about nature, or anything else for that matter, than most adults I know."
She rips another weed from the ground and tosses it into her pile.
The smiling cleric steps up next to Maelut.
"Excuse Sister Ard'Nas behavior please. She's not to thrilled about her next assignment."
Ard'Nas tosses the next weed at his feet.
"I don't need them to help. They will just get in the way. I prefer to work alone."
The clerk smiles as he reaches down to pick up the weed and then walks over to her and places it with the others.
"They need the experiance."
"Then you take them."
"You know as well as I do, that I'm not an outdoorsman."
"Better."
The priest smiles. "Yes better. That's why you are needed to take them out."
Ard'Nas grunts and pulls out another weed.
"Sister Ard'Nas, what assignment is this? I would have thought that anything outside would be a treat, especially on such beautiful grounds as these."
"The assignment won't be on these grounds."
"I'm suppose to take some of the young acolytes out to gather some of the herbs that only grow in the wild."
"Like your grass."
She tears a handful of weeds out of the ground.
"They'll only slow me down and get in the way."
"And I have bulbs to transplant here."
.o0(Well, I could offer to plant the bulbs while she goes into the woods...I doubt she'd want someone like me working on her gardens. In that case,...)
"Since you'll be leading a group into the woods, perhaps I could accompany you. I like children, so I could help you make sure they don't wander off. I've got some experience with that; the last time I was in the woods we had a group of young halflings with us."
At this, Maelut stops and rubs his temples, trying to forget the stress that accompanied the halfling horde.
"Plus, I've got some experience in the woods around here; we cleared out several goblin bandits a while back. Hopefully we got them all, but it wouldn't hurt to have an extra pair of eyes with you nonetheless. This would allow me to get some Mother's Soul Grass for myself, and at the same time repay you for all your help."
He pauses for a moment, trying to gauge her response to his suggestion.
The smiling priest looks at Maelut and then at the gardner.
"No need for sarcasm Sister. It think it was a geniune offer of help."
She looks back at him. "What sarcasim? I only spoke the lords truth. Another person will only slow me down."
"If he wanted to be a real help, he'd take them out for me, and leave me be to continue my work here."
The priest raises his brows and humms, as he looks over Maelut. "Perhaps that would not be a bad idea."
"Sister Renna and Sister Scyalla know where you are going do they not?"
"They should."
.o0(What's wrong with this woman? Every time I've tried to be polite she's spat it back in my face. I'd think she'd be grateful for the company.)
After hearing the priest's suggestion, an apprehensive look comes over Maelut's face.
"Well, I'd be happy to do that for you; as long as you're sure they know where they're going. I don't fancy the idea of wandering aimlessly around the woods. At least they'll be better behaved than those useless halflings we were taking care of last time."
He pauses, and makes a mental list of preparations. He remembers the goblins and the wild boar, and decides that discretion would be the better part of valour.
"I'll need to go back to the inn to get my gear. There can be some vicious creatures in the woods, so I'd rather not be unprepared, if that's alright with you. I can be back here in an hour, or whenever would be convenient for your group."
"It will give the Sisters time to prepare a few things as well. And gives us enough time to send a messanger to the Mother's Temple."
"They will be sending a represenitive as well."
Ard'Nas stops pulling weeds out of the flower patch.
"The gnome?"
The smiling priest inclines his head. "Most likely. He is their gardner."
Ard'Nas lets out a short laugh. "If you call that a gurden."
"Still, he should be a great help. He does know his herbs."
The smiling priest agrees.
"Indeed."
"If you will ecuse me, I will go send a messanger to the Mothers Temple to tell him we will be sending out our foragers today."
The cleric bows slightly before turning around to make his way towards the church.
Ard'Nas returns to focusing on her guarden. "Try to have the girls back before dark."
"I don't want to have to go out and try to find you."
[Exit to Nobody's]
Still following closely behind Corporal Tirsori, Dravenous loosens his grip on his pouch as a smells that are normal among the streets are overpowered by more preferable smells. The changes are subtle at first and he is not able to tell where exactly the smells are coming from or what is making them, but, he can tell that there are approching the source.
He then stops focusing on the smell long enough to see where they are going. It is a beautiful building, obviously a church, but the thing he notices the most is the smell of nature the flows through the air. The smell in the air makes him feel like he is outside of the city.
Dravenous mutters under his breath, "Wonderful, absolutely wonderful."
Dravenous barely notices as Tirsori says, "This is the Church of Agathalos."
"What is making that wonderful smell?"
"That would be the park near here. Winter does not seem to effect it at all. It is quite a lovely sight."
Dravenous looks back toward the Corporal and asks, "Can we please view the park before we move on to the next sight?"
"You sound like a child, but, we will stay here for a little bit before moving on."
Maelut returns to the church garden with fifteen minutes to spare, although his laboured breathing exposes that his early appearance was not without effort. Maelut undoes the metal buckles on his backpack and loosens the leather straps enough to slip it off and rest it against a tree.
After a few moments of looking around and seeing nobody nearby, he decides to have a seat while he waits for the others.
.o0(This ground is too muddy, if I sit on it my clothes will get caked and I'll blister during the hike.)
He scans the garden but the area near him seems deserted. With both arms he pulls himself onto the lowest branch of the tree and sits there watching for his companions. To pass the time, he decides to warm up with a spellcasting exercise he practiced with Angelique.
Focusing very carefulling on a single point of a nearby leaf, Maelut imagines the color of the leaf, a rich green, and begins to mix it with a mental array of dyes. The blending creates an eerie blueish-gray, and Maelut wills that point on the leaf to change its color. He opens his eyes and sees the tiny point of color on the leaf, and slowly makes it spread across the entire leaf, replacing the original color with the unearthly new one. Once the color has fully overtaken the leaf, he does it again with a new color, but this time he tries to visualize the magical links binding him to the tree, the leaf, and the colors themselves. It is an exercise Angelique told him would bring him closer to the forces of nature and magic. It also helps him remember her smile.
"Oi. Why are you sitting in a tree? And what are you doing to that leaf?"
Other voice, quieter and perhaps bit older one speaks next.
"We should have waited Ard'Nas."
"She is not fun at all."
"One would expect so, after one had pilfered her shovel and hidden it inside Brother Telmar's closet."
"It's an exercise to keep my mind focused and sharp, something we could all use, I'm sure."
With one swift motion he leaps down from the tree and lands next to his backpack, his feet slightly sinking into the muddy ground.
"I'm Maelut, and you are?"
Older one of the girls, one with short blond hair, elbows younger one to be quiet.
"Well met, master Maelut. I'm Scylla Brighthope and... Ow."
She is silenced in turn by a prod from the younger red-head.
"I can say my own name. Heya, Maelut. I'm Renna. Are you a... sor-ce-rer? You sure do not look like a priest."
"I suppose it might be similar to what the priests do in the chapel, although I can be anywhere to do it. It's not like praying, it's about trying to discover the energy inside of you and how to channel it into physical form."
As he speaks, he touches the center of a leaf and watches as the veins are highlighted with white.
"Some people have to study to acheive this, while others like your priests believe that they get the power from the gods. I was lucky enough to have an innate gift, and a good friend who helped me develop it."
At the end of this, he gives the leaf a single strong tap and watches the veins snap back to their original color.
The suggestion that he might be a priest forces him to suppress a grin at the idea.
"No, you're quite right that I'm not a priest. And I wouldn't really consider myself a proper sorceror. My only use for magic is in my cooking; I'm a chef at one of the city's inns."
"And what do you two do when you aren't busy scaring people out of trees?"
And you weren't scared. You didn't drop down from the tree."
"'Tis is true. You hadst not seen Renna sneaking around."
Renna grins at Scylla's words.
"Again you slip to speaking like those books. No one, like really, doesn't speak so. I'm sure those writers have been way too much indoors and sitting put. And not seeing the world they write about.
Maelut, did you know that there is at least five or six names for the river that runs through this city. Like, Stinkstream or Evedon's Flow. But to everyone it is just River."
"I think it would take a very devout person's prayers to improve porridge."
He turns to Renna after hearing the comment about her love for books.
"Books can be wonderful, Renna, they're full of all sorts of great stories and fun characters. And no, I didn't know about all the different names for the river. But it's also good to get outside once in a while."
It sinks in, after hearing himself say the girls' names that they're the ones he's going to be taking into the woods.
.o0(I hadn't expected them to be so young...hopefully everything will just go according to plan.)
"So I hear that I'll be going with you into the woods today to collect some herbs?"
"There, you heard it, it is good to not to read too much. Besides, I don't understand how can you be interested in all those tales. They are all the same, knight this and knight that riding back and forth from one king to another. Only good thing you have to train with Liedia daily."
"Mind you, I do enjoy training more than reading. And Liedia says herself that I have to learn the proc... pros... those things to be able to represent the church and rulers."
"Ah! You say reading Sir Twerey's Tales teaches you for that. I snuck a peek while you were with Liedia, and that I don't believe those tales help at all."
Scylla blushes and glares at Renna. The younger girl ignores the glare and looks at Maelut.
"To the woods? You are coming with us? That's very good, Ard'Nas is sooo boring. She could, like, probably talk an elf to sleep."
He thinks to himself while walking, .oO(The air hasn't been like this since he first entered the city's walls. I know I couldn't sleep safely outside the walls, but the world outside is much more appealing than the city streets and buildings. Even this magnificent park is no match for much of the beauty that can be found outside. Nothing made by humanoid hands will ever be able to compare to any of Ordemetrex's creations. Still until I can defend myself from attackers in the wilds this park will be a nice place to rest and think.)
Dravenous stops for a moment to recollect the warning Marroc gave him before he left. .oO(And here I don't have to worry about someone wanting to shove a dagger in my back.)
Tirsori's words wake Dravenous from his thoughts. He glances back at her for a moment before turning to look at the park again. "Yes, sorry for holding up the tour of the city. I am ready to leave. Where next will we be going?" He turns back to the Corporal waiting for her to answer.
Slightly relieved that she will be leading Dravenous she turns away and starts to walk out of the park while she responds, "Alright then, next we will be going to Hightower. They handle all magical affairs there, although..."
Dravenous stops listening for moment to take one last breath of the park's air before continuing on. With a small smile on his face he hustles to catch up to the Corporal and listen to what she has to say.
[To Hightower]
"So you're training to be a priest, and pray for spells of your own? Have you mastered any of the basic exercises yet?"
Their description of Ard'Nas makes Maelut laugh, although he quickly stops himself out of respect, and slight fear, for the gardener.
"Well, she seems to know a lot about the gardens, and she has strong opinions to guide her. But yes, I can imagine that it would be difficult to have her as a mentor."
"One of the reasons I'm coming with you is to gather some herbs for a recipe I'm trying. The plant is called Mother's Soul Grass, do you know it?"
"They had better know what it is."
"I didn't take the time to point it out to them last time I had to take them out foraging just so they could forget it."
Ard'Nas stares down the girls, looking into their faces. Finally she groans and shakes her head.
"It was the yellow green bladed herbs we picked near the stream."
"The stream with the beaver damn in it. You dop remember that don't you? You laughed about me saying it enough times."
Ard'Nas, do you think one could pray porridge to taste better?"
Scylla and Renna laugh at the look on Ard'Nas' face after that question.
"Why would you waste the Lords time with something any second rate bard or wizard could do?"
She glances up at the sky and her frown deepens.
"What's keeping that gnome? He knows that you girls need to be back before dark."
She paces back and forth for almost a minute, before reaching her conclusion.
"Bah! He knows where you are going. He can catch up once he finds the time to do his duty."
"Sister Renna. Sister Scllya. You know the way."
"Take Mister Maelut out. Be sure to gather extra this time. The Mother will need some regardless of wether her servants think so or not."
Still scowling, Ard'Nas stalks away to another flowerbed and starets ripping out more weeds.
Renna makes a face at Ard'Nas' back and then the girls turn to Maelut.
"Let's go then. Before Ard'Nas throws weeds at us. She never smiles, at least no one ever sees her to. Though, I think she was once smiling while clutching someone worn tunic in her hands.
And Scylla isn't training to become a priest, she is much better with punching people than remembering prayers."
"Like you are any better in remembering them."
Small silence passes before Renna's retort.
"At least my head isn't filled with knights in shining armor."
"Bah."
"Maelut, what kind of food needs that grass?"
"Personally, I've never cooked it, but I hear stories that if you use it in bread then it can keep it from going stale for a long time. Not very important at an inn, but very valuable if you want to sell goods to travellers."
Maelut carefully checks all the clasps on his armour, adjusting several that had become twisted while climbing the tree. In one motion, he picks up the backpack and throws it over his shoulders, being careful not to allow too much weight to rest on either shoulder.
"Well then, young ladies, would you be so kind as to lead our little band of wandering cooks?"
"Excuse me sir, but I was sent by old Doc, the gardener of my temple to find Ms. Ard'Nas. she knows something about herbs and such do you know where I can find her?"
"We already sent out our foraging party, if you hurry you might be able to catch them. Two small girls and a young man."
"Ard'Nas can give you directions on which way they went."
"If you'll follow me, I'll introduce you."
The cleric leads Gilgigga into the churchs gardens. Though it is barely spring, everything is in full blossum. It's almost as if winter never touched this place.
The cleric leads the half orc to an elm tree where a woman in green robes is digging a hole. She looks up at them. "What now?"
The cleric nods his head towards Gilgigga. "This is Doc's new helper. He needs to know how to find Sisters Renna and Scllya, and that young man Maelut."
The woman looks at the half orc before answering. "Just use your ears. You should be able to hear those two chatterboxes from miles away."
"And if that fails, then just follow the stream you'll find about four miles to the south west of the gates."
"Most of the patches they are going to are ialong there."
Again, Esmet hesitates in the park before the church--this time, however, more unhappily. Feeling Lucian's eyes on her back, she leads him inside.
Her eyes wander inside the unfamiliar church, eventually lighting on a priest. She quickly finds out about dates and times of church services, then with a slight smile for Lucian, she walks into the service room and sits in the pews.
For a few minutes, she only sits and stares into space. Finally, she lowers her head, hair cascading over her shoulders to veil her face.
.oO(Divine Agathalos, even though I am far from you now, give me the strength of will to pursue you... I will try harder to rebuild my faith in you, so that it is unshakeable even in dire times.)
.oO(Such as I am, I know I can never hope to be half as good as you, but let that realization not faze me, Thalos...)
.oO(Let me strive after you and seek you every day.)
.oO(Please forgive me for my sins today, which tarnished your name. Also, please grant your protection to Rhaine, Kian, Arian, and lastly Tobias and his wife. Amen.)
She begins to rise, only to add finally,
.oO(Oh, please also bestow your blessings on Lucian.)
Finally finished and feeling... cleaner, Esmet stands to meet Lucian with a more sincere smile.
"Thank you for your patience and help today. Think you could spare another hour of help directing me to the tavern responsible for your favorite dinner?"
oO. (Keep a happy face Risk, it looks like she needs support.)
His smile increases back to its normal level.
"Your welcome and I think the Last Lich'll be a good spot for a dinner."
To market, to market, to buy a--wrong song. To Last Lich, to Last Lich, to buy a sweet pie! That, or to Elsewhere. Your turn to pick. ;)
Lucian laughs and makes his way to the Lich.
Inside, he genuflects to where he knows the chapel to be and walks slowly through the rest of the building, methodically but respectfully seeking out his squire. He finds him in the library, helping Father Octern with some lifting. The two paladins take a minute to move the last load for the librarian, then Gamis instructs Da'Vane to get his armor and shield and follow him for a little training just outside the city. The Southlander obeys and in the space of a few minutes is prepared for the lesson. Both men then leave the Church, clanking as they go.
"You have something serious in mind. I'm listening."
She shoos away a pair of attendants with a motion of her hands, then bids the halfling to sit next to her.
First, Oi was about ta go to Lord Allegion fer some advoice when Oi remembered 'e was missin'. 'As the church 'eard anything about 'is whereabouts?
'N secondly...would ye know anythin' about where a paladin's mount goes when it dies?
Gottrisdottir bites her lip.
"As for Sir Allegion, we've had no word of his fate, save that he is still alive. I can only hope that this is a good thing."
The hope seems to be mixed with a tinge of uncertainty, however.
'N is there anyone lookin fer 'im? 'R should OI consider that a quest ta undertake?
"If there is a place to start, it's in the pass to Hents Manevelins. Two paladins have already tried in the last year, however, and both they and their companions have perished."
The dwarf adopts a distasteful expression.
"We know this because the Eternal Flame was 'kind' enough to deliver the corpses to one of the closest villages. Do not undertake this action lightly, and I would advise against trying to perform it without assistance."
"You are never to suggest that you would take your own life again, especially for such selfish purposes. You are most certainly never to perform the action. One does not find rest with our Lord by such means.
"Go meditate on the shamefulness of your actions. When you've had time to consider them, perhaps he may grant your request to enter his realms, and show you a way."
Threfdil continues to receive a stern look from the dwarf.
Oi never suggested that Oi would kill meself. But if'n it should come fer me, Oi wouldn't neccessarily be upset.
But Oi'll consider yer words, me lady. My thanks.
He nods in respect, and moves back to the duck pond, where he sits cross legged, and contemplates.
"Good evening Father. Is there something I can do for you?" the dwarf asked quiety as to not disturb her sleeping roommate.
"Please get dressed, I have something important to tell you," was all the elder priest said.
----------------------------------------------------
Neb Rybel has been training in the Lightbringer's Church for several years, and tonight the master of novices has some great news for her: she has completed her tutalage and is ready to move on to a new teacher: life.
----------------------------------------------------
"So you want me to spend more time outside of these hallowed halls?" Neb asked. She was wearing her cleric vestments that she would wear for the ceremonies later that morning.
"Yes, that is correct. If you are to battle evil, you must recognize its face. And that is not something you will pick up if you spend all your time here and in the forge."
"I understand. Thank you Father." She paused. "Agathalos light the way."
With the formalities out of the way, Neb left the priest's office and went about her duty welcoming people into the church, passing out candles, and assisting the elderly to their seats. The young priestess recited the words along with the other novices.
He even shows up to witness a ceremony to bless a new mother and her child for a prosperous life.
The young man ponders this as he closes his book and thinks of the new things he has witnessed since having begun to spend more time at the church.
. o O (It is not as I thought it would be, all prayer and sacrifice. There is celebration and joy shared in these walls and gardens.)
And even still, the following days he finds himself in the gardens reading a hightower study or preparing his daily commited spells for a casting exam geared towards focus and control.
I hope I do okay... I haven't wandered the streets in a long time, Neb thought.
Neb Rybel walked out of the spiritual heart of Agathalos in Garic's City and onto the streets.
[to Elsewhere]
His thoughst are interrupted by a person in robes striding past the bench. Looks up to see face of young human female who is almost sneering at him. Raises his eyebrows but then the girl is gone.
.oO(Who was that? I didn't know I had offended someone.)
.oO(I have to go ask have I done something wrong that has made her so angry.)
Stands up and starts looking for the girl who sneered at him.
Sorry to...
The person inside turns and is revealed to be one of older brothers occasionally taking care of the park.
"Yes?"
...to interrupt. I'm sorry, was looking for someone else.
"No problem. Ah... you are often with that young girl in the park?"
Yes, that's me. Codrian Enelevin.
"Yes, I've seen you few times before. Who were you looking for, I might be able to help."
I was sitting by the pond when this young woman, acolyte I think, walked past and sneered at me.
"Oh... uh-oh... that was most probably Ard'Nas. She's been like that since... something happened that turned her... unfriendly."
She's like that?
"Uhh... yes. She is devout, no doubt... but seems to dislike everyone except our Lord. I'm sorry if she upset you."
Not upset, no. I would've just liked to ask her why did she sneer at me.
"Ah... uhh..."
Brother, thanks for your help. I think she might need someone to talk to, sounds like she's holding something inside her and that is hurting her.
"Eh... Good luck?"
Goodbye.
Heads back to the pond.
.oO(I must say, I am intrigued now. What could've caused such a change in a person. Think I'll find her later and talk with her.)
Neb walked in quietly and went to her shared dormitory room. She stripped off her gear and collapsed into bed in her explorer's outfit. Her first day out was tremendous fun, and she hoped for many more.
Neb did her morning prayer to Agathalos. Lightbringer, watch over me and guide my axe to the wicked. Let the innocent be saved and led from shadow back to the embrace of your glory.
The dwarf priestess put her armor back on and placed all her gear on her back.
[to Elsewhere]
There had been a dream. A frightening dream, at least in one aspect. But he remembered another, more peaceful part...a place he felt he was destined to visit. But there were more important things to do first.
Rising, he brushed off his robes. He owed an apology to the mistress of novices, and he intended to give it today. Then he would find some information, and hopefully some companions, to journey after a friend and mentor.
"I'm sorry," she says to Codrian, "but she seems to be asleep. Maybe another time?"
After a quick prayer, she leaves two gold in offering and turns to Codrian.
"Is there anything you need to do here before we return home?"
Not really. Renna is most probably already asleep and I don't wish to wake her up just to say "heya" to her.
"Then let's go home. Who is this Renna, by the way?"
Ah... Renna is a young human girl I rescued from a rabid dog about year and a half ago in the slums. She was orphan living on the streets there, but after that incident I've been taking care of her and she is now learning here at the church to become a priest eventually.
The smile leaves her face. .oO(A human girl, though? Won't she die of old age before you do?)
More quietly, Esmet murmurs, "You're a very kind young man, aren't you, Mr. Enevelin," less of a question than an observation. "I hope Renna loves you very much for what you've done for her."
Please lead to Elsewhere or straight to the Weatherby's, Mr. Enelevin?
Chuckles as they pass through the gate to gardens and step on to the street.
Young? Maybe from elf's viewpoint, yes, but otherwise not. I'm almost forty years old... I think.
[To Elsewhere. And no need to call me Mr Enelevin in OOC. ;)]
Walking through the gate, Maelut is once again struck by the beautifully maintained gardens of the Church. He walks around them for a few minutes, before climbing up into the same tree he was in when he first met the girls. Leaning back against a sturdy branch, he takes out a small blade of Mother's Soul Grass from the pouch the satyr gave him. The cook slowly sniffs it, tests the texture and consistency, and scrutinizes the intricately webbed vein structure. Engrossed in the plant, he begins to murmur observations absentmindedly.
"Interesting, it seems to still be supple, despite having been dried...perhaps something to do with the preserving aspects of the grass."
"The veins still seem intact, even after all the rough handling on the trip back home. I wonder if the fluid they carry has something to do with the herb's properties."
"Tastes a little like the old Elftable herbs that grew outside of Sorat-Arlon...probably means it won't do well with citrus fruit..."
This continues as the cook gets more and more engrossed, losing track of time.
"Oi. It's Mr Maelut. Morning Maelut."
"Good Morning, Master Maelut."
Renna is dressed now to a clean (for now) white robe of an acolyte, while Scylla is wearing a worn-looking leather armor and carrying a bedroll with sword hilt sticking out of one end.
"Ah, yes. Right. Hello there, girls. Do you feel a little more alive after some sleep and some good hot meals? You both certainly look more respectable."
"That's what she said when we told her about the trip. They put in nasty poison with that stinger thingy. I think that was what happened to you and that guardian in the forest."
"Yes, I had heard of such things. It would have been nice to think that they were only stories."
From his pocket, Maelut draws the twenty-five gold pieces he counted out from the chest of money.
"I wanted to thank you for all your help, and to offer you some compensation for putting you at such an inappropriate risk. This is from the chest that you retrieved out of the fiend's lair. Hopefully you and your parents can use this to make sure that you two get well taken care of."
He hands them the money, and then notices the sword sticking out of Scylla's bedroll.
"Well, where are you off to with that?"
"Thank you, Mr Maelut."
Both girls look bit troubled at mention of parents, but then Renna continues.
"I'm sure Codrian will think up something good to do with these coins."
In response for Maelut's question, Scylla draws out a long sword from its sheath hidden into the bedroll. She handles it bit clumsily.
"Liedia said me to bring this with me today, for today's lesson. She will be start to teach me how to use it properly soon."
"Good luck, and be careful with that weapon. It's a lot harder to use than a dagger or shortsword. Personally, I've never been able to deal with swords...they're too unwieldy for me."
An awkward silence falls over the group, and Maelut coughs slightly.
"Er, right. Well I should get back to the Inn. I have work to do with the herbs we collected. Take care of yourselves, and I hope to see you around the city. Goodbye."
With a smile at each of them, Maelut turns and heads back in the direction of the Inn.
[Exit to Nobodys]
Initially, she listens well, finding much to agree with, but as the sermon continues, she is dismayed to find herself creating a reply argument in her head. Anyone who is watching her would see how she fidgets in her seat, uncomfortable with these doubts. Her eyes scan the room, its architecture as well as its decoration--to avoid eye contact with the speaker or his audience.
When the sermon concludes, feeling much more relieved, she hurries out of the room.
However, just before she reaches the front doors, she hesitates and asks an acolyte if either Neb Rybel or Renna... Enevelin are free this morning.
Neb seems to have left the church earlier, but Renna...
When devotions are over for the evening, Thref chances the opportunity to bother the Mistress of Novices again. He believed his apology earlier had been accepted, but caution could always be a good thing.
Mistress? Do you moind if Oi ask...'ow would one get to the Celestial Sea?
Steps outside the church when remembers something.
.oO(That one acolyte I heard about. Gardener. Arnas or something of like.)
Heads to the park, looking for Ard'Nas.
"The garden is for looking at, not me."
I wasn't looking for the garden, but the person who takes care of it.
"Now if you don't mind, you are blocking my sunlight."
She yanks out a few more plants.
Steps one step aside.
You're welcome.
Lets her to continue yanking weeds for a minute.
But I guess it makes person sour to have only weeds and non-weeds in her life.
"I don't need to waste my time with something pretty if it's not where it belongs."
"If it's not in the right place then its a weed."
Let's put it this way: I like to know why people whom I don't know at all sneer at me when they walk by.
That enough of a reason for you, Ard'Nas?
"Would you happen to know where I can find a paladin by the name of Gamis. Also a place I could make bed."
"Sir Gamis comes here often... You could also find him at the silver sword guild. Oh, Yes and the Jackel compound. as for a place to sleep, you may try the Nobodys Inn....It's...cheap. You can find it in the slums."
"I would like a message to reach this sir Gamis. The message being that a newcomer to the city would like to learn more about the city and it's people. Also a way to gain a plqce withing this city."
*The alcolet nods his concurance, and turns back to his charges*
.oO(thats two for the Nobodys Inn. Next should be the Guild.)
*Turns and walks out and away from the church*
"And how is it any of your buisness who I sneer at? Maybe I sneer at everyone? Maybe I only sneer at men? Maybe I only sneer at people who think they have a right to meddle in my life?"
"No matter what my reason is, it's none of your buisness."
Lets Ard'Nas to work in silence for a while.
Whatever your reason is, your behavior is clearly troubling other people... let me make a wild guess, it's about a man?
"You didn't listen to a word I said."
She looks straight into Codrians eyes.
"It's ... None... Of ... Your... Buisness."
It was nice to meet you, Ard'Nas. But, please do remember there is a world out there. Don't waste your years to weeds, even He wouldn't want that.
Oh, by the way, you missed one over there. Don't want to anyone to know that happens, do you?
Turns and walks away.
"Heya, Mr Enelevin."
Heya Scylla. How many times I have to tell you, Codrian is enough.
Smiles to Scylla and sits beside her on the bench.
How are you?
"I'm fine, Mr En... Codrian. How about you?"
Fine, fine... busy days at the shop. Haven't seen you in a while.
"I've been busy as well. Training takes a lot of time."
You were training to become a paladin, wasn't that so?
"Yes. Sister Liedia is teaching me."
Liedia? Haven't seen or met her, I think.
"She came to Garic last year, from west. She is very skilled with that two handed sword... fall-khi-on."
Falchion? How peculiar.
"She says it's her ancestors' weapon of choice. The one she carries with her, has pictures on the sides and a large gem in the pommel. It never dulls, I saw one day Liedia to cut through a sheet of metal with it."
Codrian looks at Scylla who's clearly admiring her teacher. He decides to change a subject.
This test Renna has today, what's it about.
"Oh... it's about some book on history, about Reise or some other country. I don't really know. She said it would be easy."
She's been reading quite much lately, and been pestering me about details of my travels.
"Yes, she sits from morning to evening reading, only stopping now and then to ask something from the librarian."
On that, I came here couple of weeks back and neither of you were around. Nobody seemed to known where you were. I was quite worried, but one of priests assured me that you'd be okay.
Scylla jumps of the bench to stand on the floor, and then starts speaking rapidly, words gushing out of her. Clearly she likes to talk about the small adventure, and almost immediately lapses into telling it like one of the stories she has read.
"Yeah. We went out on a real adventure! There was two other people who were with me and Renna to collect herbs, but it wasn't that simple. We couldn't find one of the herbs as it's place had been destroyed. Then we went fore, to find the creature who had committed the crime. Mr Maelut and Mr Gilgiga tracked it, and 'yond a stream we encountered this goat-man and his mean goat.
'Twas this goat-man who had lifted the herb from the ground, to deliver it to yonder safer place, out of the grasp of vile fiend directly from Kakodemmion's gloomy inferr-nal realm. Parlayed with the goat-man we didst, and from this servant of Lord Agathalos we receiv'd a task to remove this being most foul from the woods. A long it took for us to find the creature, but in time we did... it hath wounded grievously the servant, but with great courage we attacked it. And Mr Gilgiga slew it with a dagger made of silver."
Codrian raises his eyebrows at Scylla's style of telling the story, and feels that small applause after her telling is at place.
Quite a tale, indeed. I'm glad nothing happened to you.
"Lord Thalos protects his children. Oh... that sounded so like those priests' sayings."
Scylla is about to return to the bench, but then the door opens and Renna strolls out. She sees first Scylla and then Codrian, and squeals from delight.
"Codrian!"
She rushes at him and hugs him. Codrian looks at red-headed girls eyes.
Nice to see you again, Renna. Scylla told me of their adventure.
"Oi! It was very exciting... and scary at spots. Come, I'll tell you all about it while dining."
I'm just glad you're okay.
"You go out there all the time, why couldn't I too?"
Okay, you have point there. Well, let's go. I want to hear the whole story from both of you.
Scylla nods and prods Renna.
Actually, you two wait a moment while I find out one thing. That okay?
"Oo-kay."
Codrian stands up and walks inside the room where Renna was taking the test, emerges couple of minutes later. Heads towards kitchen and priests' eating room.
Alright, to the kitchens then. You two are going to get a special dinner.
"Special dinner? What's it going to be? No porridge or stew? How did you do that?"
"Thanks, Codrian."
"Oi, Codrian, how did you do that? She calls you Codrian now and not Mr Enelevin."
Uhh... I asked her to.
"That is true."
"You only asked? I've been saying that to her for weeks. Is this something from that weird code thingy?"
Scylla elbows Renna and the girls glare at each other for a moment.
"It's not any code. A Thalos' warrior needs to uphold a code of law. And her actions must be honorable."
"Oh... is that so? How does helping me with... umm... tricks go with that?"
"The code doesn't mean I couldn't have fun."
And so does the conversation go on. Codrian mostly listening while the girls talk.
.oO(He may be able to direct me somewhat)
walks up to Threfdil
"Excust me sir halfing, My Name is Jace, and I was wondering if you you would be good enough to help me. I am looking for a person to whom I could speak about possibly working here."
after speaking with threfdil Jace gives a slight bow of thanks and leaves for the church propor. Jace enters and looks about for a alcolet
moves towards the closest acolytes
"I am new here and looking for some where to work. i was wondering if there was anything I could possible do here wether it be short term .oO(hopefuly short) or long term."
"You're not looking for work as a floor cleaner, I can see. What did you have in mind?"
"well skills...I can fight and I am not bad at being quite. I would like to learn Blacksmithing eventually. I am not so much worried about a full bellie more tehn a full money pouch...I have things I would like to do with it."
And don't disparage a full belly -- if the day comes when you feel hunger, and have no way to feed it, you'll learn a very profound truth," he adds sternly.
.oO(somebody put something nasty in his gruel this morning, dambed grouchy)
"It will do you no good to be sharp with me sir. I came to you looking for a job, shave been nothing but polite. If you do not wish to speak with me I would like to know so I may find oen of your breathren whom would speak to a newcommer with kindess not with such stern and condecending words. I can use this sword, either with one hand or two whichever suits my needs. I can speak both Dwarven and Orcish. I am however not familiar with the daybook. I worked as a city guard but it became to bland for me. twas in a small city very far from here. It was a long trek so I can deal with hunger and I know what it is. I mearly said it was not as important as a full money bag. for with money one may but food. Now shall I seek another brorher or will you not scold me as if I was one of your young novices that skived of on their duities"
"I suggest, sir, that you depart these halls until you are prepared to return in the humility appropriate to a supplicant.
Your arrogance will not serve you here."
calmly Jace Looks up at the Alcolet and narrows his eyes slightly
I asked a question earlier, I asked if I should seek another of your brethren. I can see that you have not the patience to nor the tact to listen to one looking to aid you. I will seek another. I thank you for your time.
Jace gives a slight bow to hte alcolet, turns walks towards the donation box deposits 3 cp. he then turns around gives the alcolet a meaningful look and perposfully finds a cleric to speak with with
"Good day to you sir. I was wondering if there happen to be any jobs that could be done by myself. I am new here and seek employment."
"I see that strangers are no longer treated with kindness in the church of Agathalos. You seem to have no need of a friendly face willing to assist in the church. I belive that it is not the pigs whom have soiled their pen. But the keepers of the church of the wise one. With their pig headed manors to those whom before meeting them were willing to help them. Good day to you and I hope that your dinner is a fine one."
.oO(I wonder if it is a new practice to do something horrible to another breakfast so every body is miserable whithin the church)
Jace gives a friendly bow and leaves for SSAG
"How rude!"
"Good riddance to bad rubbish."
"Shameful, really."
"You know what they say about pride."
"Tsk. Too true, too true."
"You think he was a Demmionite?"
"Not even they would be so foolish. Honestly..."
Gottrisdottir looks at the halfling, almost sadly.
"Are you ready to hear where your journey begins?"
Mistress, Oi 'm glad ye cin 'elp me at all. Where should Oi be goin? Why should ye be 'aving the long face?
"After awhile, you get used to people expressing frustration when the path to their goals is not a direct one. You come to expect it. Allow me to apologize for the assumption.
"The directions do not lead to where you need to go. They lead to where you need to go to get there, and, if I understand correctly, to one who can point you in the right direction. It sounds like it will be quite the long road. I'd advise that you find a few companions along, in case it should also prove a difficult one."
She shakes her head.
"Excuse me. I've been working through riddles for so long that I'm starting to talk in them. You're to walk into the desert three days west of here. You'll meet your guide there -- a human. If you tell him what you seek and why, he can help you, but he has a request to make in return."
Gottrisdottir frowns.
"I wasn't able to learn the nature of the request. I was able to confirm that it would not involve any wrongful action on your part, though."
Thref thinks about that for a moment.
"Oi think Oi cin manage that. It seems ta be the only way ta go. Oi thank ya, missy, fer yer 'elp. If'n there'll be nothin' else, Oi'd best prepare meself."
Thref waits to see if Mistress Gottrisdottir has anything else to add. When she finishes, he heads to the novices quarters, where he gets someone to aid him dressing. Once his armor and swords are dons, he leaves the church, heading directly for Natala's Mystic Store.
"Consider it a gift for the road. One of the spells is useful for countering fatigue or the some of the effects of poison, while the other offers some protection from evil creatures, as well as any effort they might make to bend you to their will. I'm hoping that you won't need them for this journey, but I would feel better if you took this."
She looks at him and offers him an encouraging smile.
"Walk in sunshine, Threfdil Proudfoot, and may your journey be a prosperous one."
"Codrian! Hi."
"Heya, Renna. How are you?"
"I'm fine. Liedia was telling us about her homeland."
"She's Scylla's teacher, right?"
"Yes, and she's from a far away land in the west."
"I think Scylla mentioned that earlier. Let's go meet them."
"Okay."
Codrian walks with Renna over to where Scylla and Liedia sit. The olive-skinned woman stands as they approach.
"Afternoon, Sister Liedia and Scylla."
"Good afternoon. You are Codrian, Renna's caretaker, I take it."
"Yes, indeed. I will steal Renna and Scylla for a moment, if you have nothing against it."
"Not at all. What I was telling to them wasn't part of any proper lesson."
"Okay, I'll let them get back to listening to you in a moment."
He steers the girls bit aside and kneels in front of them. Renna looks bit unsure at Scylla, anticipating that what she will hear in a moment won't be pleasant. The older girl grips her hand.
"Renna... Scylla. I have something to tell you."
He holds up a hand to quell whatever they were about to respond.
"Please, listen what I have to say. Renna, I am not leaving you behind. But, I will be leaving for a long trip soon. Do you know that halfling paladin who had that bear?"
"I've seen him sometimes... he comes often to this park."
"Yes. Him, indeed. His name is Threfdil Proudfoot; I've been on adventures with him couple of times. On a recent trip outside the city, we fought against an evil man and his dog. During that fight, Threfdil's bear was wounded so that he had to return completely to the realm where he had come from."
The girls look sad at the mention of the demise of
the bear.
"Recently, Threfdil found out that he might find his bear again, if he would leave this place and go to look for Honor, the bear, from where he was came."
"Oo... like the horse Liedia can summon for herself?"
"Exactly. I'm going to go with Threfdil to help him find Honor. I will come back, but our trip will be a long one. Don't worry, I won't forget you two."
Codrian leans forward and hugs both girls.
"You will come back, promise?"
"I will, Renna, I will."
They return to the bench and all four sit there in a silence for a time. Codrian looks at Liedia.
"Sister Liedia, I'll be leaving on a long journey soon. I don't yet know how long I will be away, but I would be extremely grateful if you could look after Renna and Scylla while I am gone."
Liedia nods deeply and clasps his hand.
"This I will do, Codrian Enelevin. On my honor."
"Thanks."
They sit all in a silence bit longer.
"You were from somewhere in the west?"
"Yes, that's true. I was telling Renna and Scylla about my homeland."
"There is a great desert in that direction, isn't there?"
"Yes. I'm from one of nomadic tribes that make those desolate expanses their home. They are occasionally called Barren."
"Liedia, may I call you that, could you tell me what the desert is like? My friend, Threfdil, and I will possibly start our long journey in there."
"Of course, Mr Enelevin..."
"And you can call me Codrian."
"Alright. The desert. It takes few days travel to reach it from this city, traveling roughly to northwest. North of the desert is a mountain range... some of my people's holy places are up in those mountains. And legends of old recount of there once having been great expanses of water and green fields where the desert is now. What there is beyond the Barren, even we don't know.
Everyone who wanders too far west perishes."
"Sounds quite inhospitable place."
"It is that. And only the prepared and the strong can survive out there. There are some oases and ponds scattered over the eastern and southern parts, but otherwise it's just parched earth for miles and miles. Many of my people are friendly to travelers but some families are not... and may block your passage to an oasis.
It's boiling hot during the days, but it can be freezing cold at nights. You do well to watch out for lightning storms that can rise up in few moments and sweep over large expanses of the barren. It's best to try to find a shelter during a lightning storm to avoid drowning to flashfloods that can appear almost from nowhere.
Deep ravines mar the fields of Barren, and many creatures make their lairs to caves on ravine walls. It's good to be wary of those. And you don't want to be in the bottom of a ravine when a flashflood hits. You should also do well to stay clear of cacti thickets, as many of those are homes to a multitude of poisonous snakes... and even some cacti thorns can cause remarkable harm to a person."
Codrian nods couple of times as Liedia speaks.
"I will keep that in mind. Many thanks for this information, now Threfdil can be bit better prepared."
"You're welcome. I wish no Thalos' servant to perish in there."
Codrian stands up and hugs both Renna and Scylla.
"Goodbye, Renna. Goodbye, Scylla. I will come back. See you then."
"Goodbye, Codrian."
"Fare well, Codrian."
He rises early the next morning, praying to Agathalos.
"Me lord Agath'los, grant me strength and the ability fer a safe passage. 'N if'n it be yer will, grant me the ability ta return ta this city with 'Onor...'n all me companions intact.
Guide my hand."
He then sets himself about preparing for the journey, preparing waterbags and rations. He gets help saddling Crimechaser, then mounts slowly. Taking a long look at the grounds of the church, he moves out, heading to pick up Codrian.
Making up for the lost time taken by conversations.
"Do you know who I would ask about hiring some members of the church to assist me with an errand? I need some Bodark wood for a ceremony, but I have other items that I need to obtain, as well, and can not afford to take the journey to obtain the wood."
"Scylla, wake up. Scylla!"
"Uh... mh.. what?"
"Scylla!"
"What is it Renna?"
"I... I had a terrible dream or a vision. Codrian was in there... and some evil... demon forced him... to kneel down."
"Oi... Renna. It was just a dream."
Scylla hugs Renna to calm her down. Some moments later tears stop falling out from redhaired girl's eyes.
"But what if it... wasn't just a dream?"
"Do you want we go talk to a one of the priests about it?"
Renna nods and they stand up. After putting on the small robes they have, they head out of the room to find a priest that's awake at this late hour.
"Mistress Gottrisdottir!"
The dwarf turns to look at the pair of girls hurrying towards her.
"What is it, acolytes? It's well past the hour you should be in bed."
"I had... I had a very bad dream. It was like real."
"Calm down, sister...?"
"Renna. Renna Enelevin."
"And I'm Scylla."
"Alright then. This dream... that was like a vision?"
"It so real... like I had been up there watching a real thing.
What happened... there was this a chair made of bones and skulls, and on it a big evil creature. It looked like what some of those books say... Kakodemmion to be like. Then there was a man, in a robe, approaching this chair.
The creature and the robed man spoke to each other. Robed man's voice was very familiar... he kneeled and talked with scared like voice. Something how he was created to do master's bidd-bid-bidding. Then the big creature said that he'd be rewarded if he'd do this thing.
The big creature then rose up and pulled up the robed man and gave the order. I remember those words so well...
'Bring her to me ere' the next time the moon is full.'
'Let no harm come to her. The sacrifice must remain innocent and pure of heart if I am to return to this world in my full glory.'
Then the robed man's hood dropped and it was Codrian!"
Scylla hugs Renna to calm her down and the girls look expectantly at Gottrisdottir as the dwarf thinks on what Renna told.
"Have you had dreams like this before?"
"No. No. Never."
"How about you, Scylla?"
"No, Mistress."
"Renna. Look at me. This Codrian is clearly very close to you, but could you tell me who he is."
Renna slowly brings her eyes to look at dwarf's dark eyes. Soon the words gush out of her mouth. Scylla remains holding the smaller girl.
"Codrian rescued me last year from a bad dog. He takes care of me, but I don't see him every day because he goes out on adventures. He is also a Thalos' priest, but likes to travel... and be free. He works at the magic shop near one park."
"And he got you a place to study here to become a priest? Is he in the city at the moment?"
"Yes. He's away, left with that short man who often sits near the pond to get someone back from somewhere. A long trip."
"Alright."
"Dreams can deceive us," she says, "but not all dreams are deceptions. I will inquire further into this for you, child, but it will take a day or two."
She looks up at the pair of girls and smiles gently.
"Try to get some more rest now -- both of you. You shall be safe enough here, even if this is more than the result of a resentful meal."
"O... okay, Mistress."
"We'll do that, Mistress Gottrisdottir."
With Scylla guiding the way, the girls head back to their room.
.oO(Ok don't be so combative.)
*Jace spots a priest and slowly walks up to him but he unknowingly moves almost silently to the back of the cleric once behind him Jace speaks.*
"Sir I am looking for Mistress Gottrisdottir, I wish to thank her for a kindness and I wish to fix a mistake that I made earlier."
*The Cleric spins on his heels, with eyes wide, hands in front to shield his self. And to Jaces horror, This is the Cleric that he got into the fight with. Jace bows his head shamefuly.*
"I am sorry to have scared you sir. It is not what I intended."
*The priest quicky relizes that this man does not mean harm, he relizes this jsut before he relizes who it is. His eyes flash.*
.oO(So...It is the rash undisiplined wretch. He spoke of a mistake....I shall lead him where he wishes to go. But first I will learn of this mistake)
"Jace is it not. I remember you and I can see that you remember me. I ask you what this mistake of yours is, I will know this before I bring you into the mistresses presence."
*Jaces stomach does some rolls*
"This mistake is the way I spoke to you. I was dicourtiouse. You did not desierve that treatment. I came to appologise to you."
*The Priest looks at Jace for, what seems to be ten minutes to Jace, then turns, and walks towards a side corridor.*
"Come with me."
*Jace moves up behind the priest trying to make enough noise to be noticed.*
"Do not speak of what you have done to Mistress Gottrisdottir. I will think about your appology while you speak with her and after I will give you my awnser. She is threw here."
*Jace is led through a door way into the room occupied by the mistress of acolytes.*
"Hello may I help you?"
"Yes Mistress, I am Jace Cornwall, and I am here to personaly thank you for the arrows that you gave to me and my companion. They are a generous gift, and with you acknowledging our actions you might have earned a membership in the guild
for me. And It is for this that I thank you also."
"You are welcome Jace, You saved one of our followers lives, and freed the land of a foul menace. The arrows are deserved. I am glad that I have helped you more, with what I did not originaly intend. Anything else?"
.oO(Maybe I should tell her of my rashness...No I will not cause more anger from this priest)
"No, Mistress. Thank you for your time. Have a good day."
"If I had more time I would ask you to stay for a drink, but I do not."
*Bows and almost makes it to the door before he stops.*
.oO(Wait, the arrows, what type are they? Other then silver.)
"Mistres, I almost forgot. Volos told us that the arrows are blessed. Does that mean truely blessed, with the divine powers or a person said a prayer over them."
"Both Sir Cornwall."
"Thank you again."
*With that Jace leaves the room, and passes by the cleric who is waiting outside the doorway.*
"I give you my acceptence, but in return you must come to help with a future task, I do not know what it will be but I will not give you a mundane task. It will be of some importance, but from now on carry with you the knowleage that you are in debt to me, and I plan on calling you into service in the future, Where may I find you, when this time comes?"
"I work at the SSAG, I work with the Master Arms and Armorsmith there. I sleep at Ms. Weatherbys, for the time. But this may change in the future."
"ok... Now go."
*Needing no second bidding Jace leaves back to the boarding house*
"This is excellent, whomever chose the wood has my thanks."
She leaves the ascribed amount for donatation for the services of the church, and heads back to the compound to finalize preperations on enchanting Darkar's sword.
.oO(At least one full day to do this, and I will need to inform the pages that I do not want to be disturbed for anything.)
Well, well, well, time to get some task to do...
As the novice crosses Thalos park, he can't help contemplating the beauty of the gardens surrounding the inmense structure...Upon reaching the church's entrance, Pacone starts looking for a priest or acolyte he could ask for something to do...
The party at the halfling quarters was quite entertaining, but now it was time for Pacone to return to his duties, or lack, thereof.
Well, well, well, time to get some task to do...
As the novice crosses Thalos park, he can't help contemplating the beauty of the gardens surrounding the inmense structure...Upon reaching the church's entrance, Pacone starts looking for a priest or acolyte he could ask for something to do...
A priest Pacone recognizes strides towards him, a broom in hand. "Idle hands are Kakodemmians tools."
"The library needs sweeping, there are pews to be polished, and of course as always there are weeds to be pulled. Ard'Nas seems to have lost another apprentice."
He starts to hand the broom to Pacone but then stops as he sees a stranger enter the yard. "It appears we have company."
As Daleah enters Thalos Park she soon locates the proud structure standing in the centre. She had heard it said by many of her fellow comrads it was to be the most peaceful place in the city. She marvels at the beautiful vivid coloring of the trees and plants on her way into the church. She walks in observing the new surroundings. She stops for a moment to take rest as she waits for someone to arrive so that she may inquire about services and lodging for the night.
A broom weilding man in the vestmants of a priest, and his plain looking companian approach. "Greetings and well met."
"May I or my companian Pacone be of service to you miss?"
A priest Pacone recognizes strides towards him, a broom in hand. "Idle hands are Kakodemmians tools."
"The library needs sweeping, there are pews to be polished, and of course as always there are weeds to be pulled. Ard'Nas seems to have lost another apprentice."
He starts to hand the broom to Pacone but then stops as he sees a stranger enter the yard. "It appears we have company."
Greetings Father, you are quite right! I will clean the library and I'll be glad to leave the orchard clean of weeds. I'd like to visit Ard'Nas later, if you don't have any other task for me, where could I find her?
As he inquires about Ard'Nas, Pacone reaches for the broom the priest is handing him, but then notices the visitor. As they approach the woman, Pacone nods at her and smiles since it is the priest who has to address the stranger...
A broom weilding man in the vestmants of a priest, and his plain looking companian approach. "Greetings and well met."
"May I or my companian Pacone be of service to you miss?"
The paladin stands, nodding first to the priest and then smiles to his companion. Her expression changes to a more solemn one as she addresses the priest.
"Greetings, my name is Daleah." "I have been journeying though the countryside to find this fair city in search of a new beginning. I come from the far countries of the highlands on a personal quest, to become renewed in my paladin calling." "I chose to seek out this particular church as I have heard from many comrades of it's peaceful and beautiful qualities, in hopes that I may be of some service to you in return for a place to lay my head."
The paladin's condition and appearance reflects that of a dusty, weary traveler. Her elaborately braided hair a bit frayed and disheveled. Her belongings are tattered and worn. Nevertheless, there is a spirited spark to her inner workings as she speaks, a cheerful countenance behind the solemn expression.
"I realize this may seem an unusual request but I truly enjoy the purity of simplicity found within the surroundings of a church as opposed to the intolerable acts of the negative populace I have encountered within the confines of local taverns as of lately along my travels."
I... must wonder at the sort of taverns you have been frequenting, that you speak so strongly of their denizens."
Gazing mildly, but appraisingly, at the woman, the priest replies slowly, "We are prepared to offer shelter and food, if you are prepared to take on some menial tasks in exchange. There is much to be done to maintain the beauty and cleanliness of the buildings and grounds, and we expect everyone to do some of the work."
Daleah smiles heartily.
"I would like nothing better than to earn my keep and serve the church in any way needed for no task is too small or mundane, but a personal test to improve the quality of the soul."
I... must wonder at the sort of taverns you have been frequenting, that you speak so strongly of their denizens."
The paladin smiles modestly with a hint of a blush to her face.
"Perhaps it is just me. I was brought up in the old ways of my grandfather. I find the newer generations lack the innocence as once was held near and dear to generations of the past."
oO(Why would a paladin, an example of righteousness and discipline, want to get involved in such a humble way of life? Why improve the quality of an already worthy soul? Perhaps as a sort of penance? Anyway, time to go...)
I'm sorry to disturb your conversation, but I'd better start my daily duties. Lady Daleah, I hope to enjoy your company in the near future, if you finally decide to stay with us. Father...
Nodding to both paladin and priest, Pacone stands facing the later, waiting to be handed the broom the priest is holding.
Listening to the conversation, Pacone's interest for the stranger grows.
oO(Why would a paladin, an example of righteousness and discipline, want to get involved in such a humble way of life? Why improve the quality of an already worthy soul? Perhaps as a sort of penance? Anyway, time to go...)
I'm sorry to disturb your conversation, but I'd better start my daily duties. Lady Daleah, I hope to enjoy your company in the near future, if you finally decide to stay with us. Father...
Nodding to both paladin and priest, Pacone stands facing the later, waiting to be handed the broom the priest is holding.
Daleah nods to Pacone, "Pleasure to meet you, Pacone."
She looks back to the priest awaiting his reply.
"It is a common thing to long for the so-called 'better times of the past,' but this is an error. Those past times were no better, or more innocent, than today. Our need for the valiant efforts of paladins was just as strong then, as now."
He escorts Daleah inside the temple, and down a hall.
"Here, this is our library. Over here are some histories you may find interesting, stories of past paladins...
If you see a bare spot on the shelf, you'll no doubt find the missing volumes on a table, being pored over by Sir Pfaebinn," he adds with a wink.
The priest passes the broom to Pacone, with a kindly nod, and gestures to Daleah to walk wth him.
"It is a common thing to long for the so-called 'better times of the past,' but this is an error. Those past times were no better, or more innocent, than today. Our need for the valiant efforts of paladins was just as strong then, as now."
As Daleah is walking along with the priest she listens and considers thoughtfully his words. She soon has the revelation that perhaps she has been dwelling in the wrong state of mind for too long. She begins to feel more confident that she has come to the right place.
He escorts Daleah inside the temple, and down a hall.
"Here, this is our library. Over here are some histories you may find interesting, stories of past paladins...
If you see a bare spot on the shelf, you'll no doubt find the missing volumes on a table, being pored over by Sir Pfaebinn," he adds with a wink.
Her weary eyes skim over the various books along the shelves. Daleah finds herself looking for any missing volumes, wondering about these past paladins and also wondering who is Sir Pfaebinn.
She smiles. "Sir Phaebinn?"
Nodding to both paladin and priest, Pacone stands facing the later, waiting to be handed the broom the priest is holding.
The priest passes the broom to Pacone, with a kindly nod, and gestures to Daleah to walk wth him.
Another acoylte approaches, blushing. "It looks like there was an accident in the kitchens. Someone knocked over a stack of dishes."
"Can I borrow your broom? I'd prefer it get cleaned up before Mistress Gottisdater finds out. Not that I'm trying to hide anything of course. I'll make sure she knows."
"But I think she'll be a bit less concerned about punishment if she knows steps have already been taken to try and take responsability."
Well, I have to weed the garden anyway, so I could lend you this broom, but please, make sure you return it to me when you are finished, because I have to clean the library too...
And don't worry, someone must be responsible for all those broken dishes, but I'm sure Mistress Gottisdater will understand it wasn't done on pourpose...
Pacone watches the acolyte's reaction to his words with a friendly attitude, but he still doesn't give the broom away...
[Sense motive check requested]
So Pacone decides to lend the broom anyway so the acolyte can clean all that mess.
Here you are, take it and clean all that mess before someone gets angry *winks* I don't mean to be harsh but, I must insist, bring it back as soon as you can, okay? We both know we don't want problems with priests, eh?
Her weary eyes skim over the various books along the shelves. Daleah finds herself looking for any missing volumes, wondering about these past paladins and also wondering who is Sir Pfaebinn.
She smiles. "Sir Phaebinn?"
Walking back over from adjudicating a dispute over incense, the priest smiles to see Daleah occupying her time wisely.
"Sir Pfaebinn, one of the senior paladins in the city. He lives south of the market square.
Come, I'll show you the dormitories."
He escorts her through the rest of the buildings, showing her where she can sleep and store her gear, and the stables where her assistance has been requested with a cantankerous mare that needs educating.
Walking back over from adjudicating a dispute over incense, the priest smiles to see Daleah occupying her time wisely.
"Sir Pfaebinn, one of the senior paladins in the city. He lives south of the market square.
Come, I'll show you the dormitories."
Daleah returns the book to the shelf in the exact same place she removed it being sure to line it up perfectly with the other books before following the priest. She smiles brightly as she hears Sir Pfaebinn is a senior paladin.
"Wow, a senior paladin. He must have alot of experience and wisdom. Hopefully I'll get the chance to meet him."
He escorts her through the rest of the buildings, showing her where she can sleep and store her gear, and the stables where her assistance has been requested with a cantankerous mare that needs educating.
She leaves her pack behind and readily heads out to the stables to see how she can be of any assistance.
...probably, because that brother broke the dishes himself, but still, there's no need to be harsh.
So Pacone decides to lend the broom anyway so the acolyte can clean all that mess.
Here you are, take it and clean all that mess before someone gets angry *winks* I don't mean to be harsh but, I must insist, bring it back as soon as you can, okay? We both know we don't want problems with priests, eh?
"I'm not as worried about being in trouble, but more so about being ia dissapointment... err, I'm sure that is what whoever broke the dishes is thinking."
"I shant be long."
True enough to his word, the acoylte returns the broom a few minutes later.
"Thank you. I'd hate to think someone wasn't fit for the priesthood over something as simple as a few dozen cracked plates don't you think?"
The acolyte starts to lwalk away, leaving Pacone to his weeding.
"Thank you. I'd hate to think someone wasn't fit for the priesthood over something as simple as a few dozen cracked plates don't you think?"
Pacone laughs at the comment, and waves goodbye to the nice acolyte, as he watches him leave. Then returns to his work, snatching unwanted weeds here and there...
.oO(I remember when I had to weed the garden back at home...father always joined me in the task, he told me the wind sometimes carries rare seeds to faraway places, and he always browsed through the plants I had pulled, searching anything special. I wonder why I didn't brought that thick Herbology volume he always checked...heh probably because of its thickness.)
The novice looks at the plants inside the basket he is using to carry the uprooted weeds, trying to find anything out of the ordinary. He then resumes his work with a smile, remembering his childhood
.oO(I think I will borrow some herb book from the library later, one can never learn enough. Now I'd better finish this and have something for lunch, I'll see if I can find Ard' Nas this evening, after cleaning the library...)
He escorts her through the rest of the buildings, showing her where she can sleep and store her gear, and the stables where her assistance has been requested with a cantankerous mare that needs educating.
As Daleah enters the stables she looks to the mare in question, speaking in soft, low tones to the mare before approaching so that the horse is aware of her presence and not alarmed as she slowly moves closer. Daleah stands looking carefully at the mare's facial characteristics. The features on this horse are low set eyes and a nice length of her ears indicating intelligence. Though in contrast, the horse also has a short mouth which suggests stubborness.
Daleah keeps herself aware and alert, realizing she's working with an intelligent mind, a mind operating that horse that will get her doing things because she wants to do them, or Daleah can teach her to do things she doesn't like to do but feels she has to do them anyway. Daleah tries to remain calm and consistant for horses can sense changes in physical or emotional tension, they can read a person well. She doesn't want to let this cause any frustration on both sides of the communication lines since she doesn't know the horse's mentality.
Daleah runs her hand gently along the mare's back while speaking softly to her then looks around to the stable hands and smiles.
"What seems to be the problem with her today?"
Perhaps I still have time to clean the library before lunchtime...although my stomach seems to disagree, heh
Upon entering the library, the youth silences, and starts sweeping, trying not to disturb any of the few scholars that visit the library at that time.
Daleah runs her hand gently along the mare's back while speaking softly to her then looks around to the stable hands and smiles.
"What seems to be the problem with her today?"
"Ah, she was left out to grass too long. I guess the noble what donated her to the church didn't care to train her right... Got her started then let her go without workin' for too long."
He shrugs and goes back to cleaning a stall.
"Ah, she was left out to grass too long. I guess the noble what donated her to the church didn't care to train her right... Got her started then let her go without workin' for too long."
He shrugs and goes back to cleaning a stall.
Daleah sends a sympathetic glance to the poor stable hand, having to clean all that up after her having been out to pasture too long.
"We have to find a way to feed her a diet with more energy if we want to domesticate her and have her to do work." She says with a wink.
"She needs to have at least two or three small meals of grain per day with plenty of hay or chaff. If she does not have to work too hard she'll manage very well on hay and pasture alone. Wouldn't want her to keep having tummy aches." She gently runs her hand along the mares neck to her head and carefully looks at her teeth.
Daleah continues to inspect the mare more closely as she stands next to the horse and pushes on the side of her belly. The horse moves away from her hand. Daleah tries to halter the horse but sees the horse is particularly stubborn about it so she tries using a bucket of grain to get her cooperation.
Once she is able to halter the mare, Daleah then ties the lead to one of the posts. The paladin then tries to lead her but to no avail as the horse gets nervous and shuffles around. Seeing this response, Daleah makes sure she stays at the horses shoulder moving with her so as not get hurt. She then talks softly to the horse to calm her down, stroking her shoulder to comfort her. The horse kicks out but Daleah ignores this action because she is teaching her to stand still and reprimanding her for kicking out may get the mare confused. Once the mare is calm, the horse moves from where Daleah wanted her to stand. The paladin patiently moves the mare back to the exact place she was, and in a firm, confident voice Daleah says to the horse, "STAND."
After some time of repeting this action to no avail, as this mare is indeed particularly stubborn, Daleah takes a deep cleansing breath and tries something else. She rewraps the tie to fit across the mare's nose and does a quick pull and release on the lead, not hard but firm and says "STAND"
The paladin anticipates the mare moving and prevents it just before it happens. The mare finally getting the idea, stands.
Wiping her brow with her hand, she looks back to the stable hand, "Does she have a name?"
After finishing at the orchard, Pacone took a deep breath and set off, broom in hand, to the library
Perhaps I still have time to clean the library before lunchtime...although my stomach seems to disagree, heh
Upon entering the library, the youth silences, and starts sweeping, trying not to disturb any of the few scholars that visit the library at that time.
As he sweeps, Pacone hears a commotion coming from the chapels foyer. He hears two voices arguing. He can't make out most of the words, but he does catch something about a gnome passing away.
"Sandy," he replies, having watched the proceedings with interest. "'Cause of her color. I don't think anyone'd mind if you gave her a different name, though."
Daleah smiles brightly as she looks at the face of the mare.
"Hmm..you remind me of one of my dearest comrades. She didn't like me very much at first but after awhile we grew to become good friends. I wonder what ever happend to her. Her name was Hilde The Relentless. She was just as stubborn as you are but a well respected dwarven battle maid and fighter. She had the same color dark eyes as you and could prolly down as much ale as you could take in grass."
Daleah removes the lead and harnes from the horses head and hangs them on a nail near the stall.
"Well, I'm sorry Hildy, but i have to get some rest. I've been traveling for several days. The thought of getting cleaned up and a nice warm bed seems mighty appealing. I'll be back to see how you are in the morning."
Daleah strokes the mare's side, nods to the stable hand, and heads back to the building to cleanse, spend some time in prayer, and snuggle into a bed to get some rest.
"How can you not have them,
you are the only other establishment in this city that would even use funeral oils."
The half orc groundskeeper from the Church of Ordimetrex, shot back loudly, his voice almost up to a shout. He came searching for oils, and wound up finding an anoying quatermaster instead.
"It says in our records that they were borowed by a Brother Maynard, and unless the man in question is a priest of Dem. . ."
"Don't you dare utter that name in here. And as far as I have known there never has been a Brother Maynard working for this church. Perhaps he was from out of town."
"I am fairly certan that we would have recoreded him if he was. It wasn't that long ago that he borrowed them, only about a month."
"Well it looks like your book-keepers are rather lax"
[orcish]"cupcake"[/orcish]
The grounds keeper muttered under his breath.
"What was that?"
"nothing"
"That's what I thought."
The Quartermaster said as he turned on his heel and left a disgruntled half orc with an obsidain tiped spear in the church courtyard.
Gilgiga leaned on his spear as he fumed at the failed mission to recover some borrowed funerary oils.
They can't just get up and walk away.
They had to be somewhere.
"and I'm telling you, we don't have them."
"How can you not have them,
you are the only other establishment in this city that would even use funeral oils."
The half orc groundskeeper from the Church of Ordimetrex, shot back loudly, his voice almost up to a shout. He came searching for oils, and wound up finding an anoying quatermaster instead.
"It says in our records that they were borowed by a Brother Maynard, and unless the man in question is a priest of Dem. . ."
"Don't you dare utter that name in here. And as far as I have known there never has been a Brother Maynard working for this church. Perhaps he was from out of town."
"I am fairly certan that we would have recoreded him if he was. It wasn't that long ago that he borrowed them, only about a month."
"Well it looks like your book-keepers are rather lax"
[orcish]"cupcake"[/orcish]
The grounds keeper muttered under his breath.
"What was that?"
"nothing"
"That's what I thought."
The Quartermaster said as he turned on his heel and left a disgruntled half orc with an obsidain tiped spear in the church courtyard.
Gilgiga leaned on his spear as he fumed at the failed mission to recover some borrowed funerary oils.
They can't just get up and walk away.
They had to be somewhere.
As Daleah enters the courtyard of the church she overhears a brief but quite verbal exchange of heated words. She sees a half orc with a rather irritated expression on his face leaning on a spear. Daleah senses his distress and walks over to him.
"Hallo, I'm sorry to bother you but I couldn't help overhearing parts of your discussion then noticing your stance. Is there perhaps something I might be able to help you with?
Gilgiga replies rater sharply withoit even looking at who spoke to him.
He then turns to look her in the eye, bows his head slightly and bites his thumb, then rasies his head once more.
He speaks again, this time much softer, and far more calm. He is obviously holding in an urge to shout her head off in fustration.
"I. . . I am sorry I snaped at you Miss. It has been a long day, and a hard one at that, and it shows no sign of getting easier any time soon."
"No, not unless you can find an imaginary priest, and several pints of funeral oil # 4."
Gilgiga replies rater sharply withoit even looking at who spoke to him.
He then turns to look her in the eye, bows his head slightly and bites his thumb, then rasies his head once more.
He speaks again, this time much softer, and far more calm. He is obviously holding in an urge to shout her head off in fustration.
"I. . . I am sorry I snaped at you Miss. It has been a long day, and a hard one at that, and it shows no sign of getting easier any time soon."
"Hmm..an imaginary priest you say?" She smiles.
"Sounds like a challenge to find him. As for the oil, haven't you heard the old saying that it is easier to catch a fly with honey than with vinegar?" ;) She muses while she takes a good look at his appearance and mannerisms.
"I take it you know your way around the area. Do you know a good place to eat around here, my treat."
Part of him wanted to get the job done.
His stomach protested that Doc wasn't gonna get any deader.
"I do not know how that applies now nor do I know my way about that well. I hardly ever leave the church for the city. To closed in, in my opinion. The woods about the city I know well however.
I do not know this area well. But I do know of a good place to eat.
Well I have heard of it, and seen it.
Never have I exprenced the Blue Pumpkin. But the place looks well established.
Why would you want to however?"
Food, now! His brain scremed at him, his stomach on the other hand churned. He had skipped meals yesterday and this morning working around the clock.
Part of him wanted to get the job done.
His stomach protested that Doc wasn't gonna get any deader.
"I do not know how that applies now nor do I know my way about that well. I hardly ever leave the church for the city. To closed in, in my opinion. The woods about the city I know well however.
I do not know this area well. But I do know of a good place to eat.
Well I have heard of it, and seen it.
Never have I exprenced the Blue Pumpkin. But the place looks well established.
Why would you want to however?"
Daleah sighs.
"Well, I've been traveling for several days, been sitting around waiting for a priest,then reading in a library, to dealing with a very stubborn mare today. I figured since I was having a rough day and you seem to be having one as well, we both deserve a break, a change of scenery. Besides, I wouldn't want to go out into a strange city alone."
However I doubt someone like you would be afraid of street tough."
Exit to Blue Pumpkin
"Well the city is rather large, it would be easy to get lost.
However I doubt someone like you would be afraid of street tough."
Exit to Blue Pumpkin
Daleah laughs. "Ok then."
She goes through the town with Gilgiga to the Blue Pumpkin.
As he sweeps, Pacone hears a commotion coming from the chapels foyer. He hears two voices arguing. He can't make out most of the words, but he does catch something about a gnome passing away.
.oO(Okay, I'm almost finished here, time to look for...what's that?)
Several upset scholars jerked their heads trying to locate the source of that noise
Pacone quickly set the broom aside, careful not to make any noise, and nodded to them, meaning he will deal with the problem and then rushed to the chapels entrance, to check out what was happening
A third woman stands at the back of the room fuming. Ard'Nas, the head groundskeeper. She spots Pacone and scowling, snaps at him. "You!"
"Don't you have work to do? If not, I'm sure I can find you something to occupy your time!"
By the time Pacone reaches the source of the arguement, he sees an unfamiliar half orc and the woman he met earlier, Deleah, walking away.
.oO(Oh! Is that nice paladin I met outside the church! I wonder...)
"You!"
"Don't you have work to do? If not, I'm sure I can find you something to occupy your time!"
There she was, Ard'Nas, the one he was supposed to meet later, and in better mood.
Greetings, Mother Ard'Nas, I finished weeding the garden a while ago, and I was currently cleaning the library. I heard some voices here that were disturbing the readers inside, so I came to check what was happening, but don't worry, I'm resuming my task right now.
Pacone hesitates, unsure about inquiring.
"I can tell you are going to be a handfull." Daleah says with a sigh.
She returns to the now empty stall to clear it out and shut the gate. She then notices wood gnawed away from the stall walls and she sighs again heavily, running her fingers along the chewed surfaces.
"Hildy, I guess you are going to have to stay busy, we can't have you getting bored, can we?"
Daleah pats the horse on the chest and goes back toward her bed before falls asleep standing up.
"Oi. Do you think she's still looking for us?"
And then another voice, girl as well.
"I don't know. Maybe."
"We need to go look."
"Uh-huh."
"Hallo." She says with a smile.
The blond girl looks surprised at Daleah while the red haired one concentrates on staring archly at her friend.
"Oi. You were too loud. Now she'll go tell her and I have to wash stones for all day."
"No, I wasn't."
"Yes you were."
"Nice day isn't it? Yeah, too nice of a day to waste on doing any work."
She places her hands on her hips and stretches backwards a little, then side to side. She then looks around the green pasture under the light of the sun.
"Of course, I really should get Hildy off to the pasture. Well, I guess one day wouldn't hurt. But of course if I leave her in the stall she might get her foot caught again while I'm out fishing."
She looks at the horse and then casts a quick glare to the girls.
"So, you girls taking a break this fine morning?"
"We don't work for her! She's just mean... hag."
"Hmm, really?" She says placing her chin between her thumb and forefinger.
"Oh, then you girls must live around here and were just enjoying the sunshine behind this bale of hay?" Daleah smiles.
"Nuh-uh. We're hiding from her. If she catches me, she'll make me wash stones. But if she doesn't, we both can go in after she's returned to gardens."
"Yes, she won't come to stables because she can't stand horses."
"It's ok Hildy."
Daleah looks to see if she can find anyone around that might fit the description and smoothes a few of her stray curls over her ear before looking back to the girls.
"Whomever she is she seems to care alot about the condition of the stones."
She smiles.
Pacone hesitates, unsure about inquiring.
Seeing no sign of receptiveness, but unwilling to let the chance go, Pacone decides to inquire Ard'Nas. Not everyday one gets the chance to become her apprentice.
So with his most polite manners, but still strong determination, Pacone inquires...
Excuse me, Mother Ard'Nas, please, before I get back to work, there's something I would like to tell you, if you don't mind: A priest told me this morning you are looking for an apprentice, and it would be an honor for me to be your apprentice.
After saying that, Pacone bowed slightly, and looked Ard'Nas directly in her eyes. Not imploringly, but trying to confirm the truthness behind his words. Being the Head Groundskeeper apprentice is indeed, an honor.
"Shush. Be silent, Renna."
The blond haired girls smacks back of her friend's head.
"Begging your pardon, ma'am. I'm sorry about my friend, she sometimes talks too much."
Seeing no sign of receptiveness, but unwilling to let the chance go, Pacone decides to inquire Ard'Nas. Not everyday one gets the chance to become her apprentice.
So with his most polite manners, but still strong determination, Pacone inquires...
Excuse me, Mother Ard'Nas, please, before I get back to work, there's something I would like to tell you, if you don't mind: A priest told me this morning you are looking for an apprentice, and it would be an honor for me to be your apprentice.
After saying that, Pacone bowed slightly, and looked Ard'Nas directly in her eyes. Not imploringly, but trying to confirm the truthness behind his words. Being the Head Groundskeeper apprentice is indeed, an honor.
Ard'Nas stare seems to drill into the back of Pacone's head.
"What makes you think I want you as an apprentice? I'm looking for someone whose not afraid to get their hands dirty."
"Let me see your hands."
Without waiting for them to be offered, the groundskeeper grabs Pacones hands and twists them over giving them a solid examination. Once satisfied she grunts and drops them.
"So you've worked in your life before. Good. Last thing I need is someone whose idea of a solid days work is writing a few papers and leading a few prayers."
"We've got enough of those here. Agathalos needs more people who are willing to actually do something."
She turns around and starts walking off. "Come on. Let's see if you can tell the differances between trees and flowers. If you can, then your already a few steps ahead of those ninnies I've been saddled with."
After hearing her approval, he sees her walking away, and can't help smiling widely as he vocalizes a "yeah!"
He then happily walked a step behind Ard'Nas, forgetting completely about the library.
"Organize these."
"Tulips in the first two rows. Yellow in front, red behind them."
"Daffodils next, followed by peonies."
"Amaryllis, begonias, and then dahlias in the center."
Ard'Nas folds her arms across her chest and waits for Pacone to start working.
"She care more about anything that isn't a human. Or an elf. Or a dwarf."
"Shush. Be silent, Renna."
The blond haired girls smacks back of her friend's head.
"Begging your pardon, ma'am. I'm sorry about my friend, she sometimes talks too much."
Daleah's expression softens as she looks and listens to the girls.
"Hmmm, I see..well, I do need to take Hildy out to pasture. It might look a little suspicious with you hiding there. Some folks might ask you questions or spread a bit of talk her way."
She smiles while scratching her head and looking around.
"I don't quite know my way around here and might get lost. Would you girls care to come along with me, I wont be long? Hildy is in need of a good scrubbing."
The paladin looks down to the mare's muddy legs. She steps forward with the horses movement then turns and pauses, looking back to the girls.
She sees that the girls seem a bit preoccupied and continues on toward the pasture. After awhile she returns and brushes the dirt from the mares coat before srubbing her down with soap and water. She takes Hildy back to the stables.
Pacone nods, and promptly starts digging the soil around the flowers and carefully uprooting and placing them at the suitable place, one at a time, each one in the row Ard'Nas had told him. He takes special care not to place them too close to each other, so they all have enough ground to grow properly
Ard'Nas nods her head. "Not too bad. But the peonies are to close to each other. And the dahlias not close enough."
She shrugs. "It will have to do for now though."
"First thing tomorrow morning, I want you to go into the market and see if anyone is selling roses. If you find someone, find out where they got them."
"I'm too well known by most of the florists. You on the other hand might be able to find out who has been stealing my flowers."
"It will have to do for now though."
"First thing tomorrow morning, I want you to go into the market and see if anyone is selling roses. If you find someone, find out where they got them."
"I'm too well known by most of the florists. You on the other hand might be able to find out who has been stealing my flowers."
I will do as you say, mother Ard'Nas. Is there anything else I could do for you today?
"I am not your mother. I'm a groundskeeper."
"If you want to do something for me, remember that."
"And just concentrate on one task at a time."
She turns and stalks away. "I'll be in the tool shed when you get back."
Saying that, Pacone nods, and then turns around, heading for the library.
.oO(I hope she is having a bad day today, because if that is her usual mood, this is going to be tough...)
As Pacone reaches the library, he grabs the broom he had dropped when he left with the head groundskeeper.
Then Pacone enters the library, and browses through several volumes on Herbology, and picks one he hasn't read yet. He strolls over to the person in charge of the library...
I would like to borrow this volume for a couple days.
The girls talk with each other for a while, with result that the older blond haired one of them stalks out of the stables and slips back indoors. Red haired one, whom the blond called Renna, stays there to watch Daleah and the horse. Then at one point she seems to disappear, sitting there watching on one second, gone on the next.
When Daleah enters the library later, she can see the red haired standing on a stool and trying to pull a large book out of the shelf.
[OOC: Not over yet... backtrack a bit, please.]
The girls talk with each other for a while, with result that the older blond haired one of them stalks out of the stables and slips back indoors. Red haired one, whom the blond called Renna, stays there to watch Daleah and the horse. Then at one point she seems to disappear, sitting there watching on one second, gone on the next.
The paladin looks back to the girls periodicly from the corner of her eye, watching their behaviors. She notices the absence of the red haired girl and concludes that she must have gone back inside with her friend.
When Daleah enters the library later, she can see the red haired standing on a stool and trying to pull a large book out of the shelf.
Daleah's expression changes to one of concern as she spots the little one tugging at the book. She quickly walks over and stands behind the red haired girl. She doesn't say anything to startle Renna but does quietly take hold of the stool, keeping it steady while the little girl tries to pull out the large book.
"Doing a little light reading, Renna?"
She smiles a little as she rubs the point of impact from the book and hands it carefully back to the red haired girl.
Please forgive my ignorance, it will not happen again. I will report back to you when I find out who is responsible for your stolen roses.
Saying that, Pacone nods, and then turns around, heading for the library.
.oO(I hope she is having a bad day today, because if that is her usual mood, this is going to be tough...)
As Pacone reaches the library, he grabs the broom he had dropped when he left with the head groundskeeper.
Then Pacone enters the library, and browses through several volumes on Herbology, and picks one he hasn't read yet. He strolls over to the person in charge of the library...
I would like to borrow this volume for a couple days.
The librarian shakes her head. "You'll have to read it here. These books are far to valuable to allow them to leave the premises."
She looks at the book.
[color=Purple]"I have to read from it. About... 'c
Pacone strolls to a nearby seat, accomodates, and starts reading the thick volume, focusing this time on precautions when using certain herbs...
.oO(Hmmm so bing lang is addictive...at a low rate, interesting...)
.oO(Ooh, bloodroot doesn't have any contraindication, good)
.oO(Harvesting poison ivy berries may cause itchy skin for several days...ouch...)
After a couple hours, Pacone felt he had read enough for the day, he stretched, and closed the volume, placing it back where it was, but taking mental note of its name and place for further reference. He can't help yawning, since it is late in the evening, and heads for his room.
"Oi. It's you again. You have a nice horse."
She looks at the book.
[color=Purple]"I have to read from it. About... 'c
My friend Scylla is teached to be paladin. Her teacher is very different than you. And both of you are not like that small man in red armor. Are all paladins so different?
I have to read it to learn Thalos' language."
She reached out a callused hand for a metal latch and tugged the thing wooden door open. Neb reached in with the broom and leaned it against two of its sibilings. With a sigh, she closed the door.
All that is left is to sleep, Neb thought.
Heading back to her room, the dwarf felt more relief from each step.
Arriving at the door to her shared room, Neb quietly turned the knob and let it open a crack. Darkness and torch light grappled through the gap. Child Rybel's eyes strained in the light contrast. She blinked and her vision lost all semblence of color as everything shifted to white silhouettes.
With her improved vision, Neb saw the outline of a person lying in a bed.
Be quiet... You don't want to wake her up.
As quietly as possible, Neb opened the door and slipped in. Slowly, Neb peeled off her vestments and lovingly folded them before placing them at the foot of her bed. She slid into her sheets and went to sleep.
.oO(Did she really made me rearrange flowers?)
Dismissing the thought, Pacone gets up, and quickly washes up.
As he is dressing up, he remembers the issue he had to solve for Ard'Nas
Well, at least I will get outside these walls, for a change.
After making sure he is ready to go, Pacone reaches for the door with a smile in his face.
[to The Market Square]
Neb twitched her nose.
"Ahh-choo!" One sneeze later, Neb Rybel was awake.
The priestess climbed out of her bed. She picked up her holy symbol and knelt down.
Lightbringer, open my eyes so that I can see Evil, grant me the wisdom to recognize the Evil I see, and lend me the strength to confront Evil when it appears. Agathalos, light my way and guide my axe.
Neb maintained the uncomfortable position for some time before rising. In silence, she donned her clothes and equipment.
-------------------------------------
Neb entered the main auditorium as quietly as her armor permitted. Out of respect, she paused at the door and then went out her duties; exchanging candles and refilling incense.
With her tasks complete, the young dwarf withdrew from the auditorium and from the church.
May your light illuminate the wicked and turn them from their ways, or at least make them easier to find.
[to the Market Square]
Throwing the core of his apple into the recepticle Tynk makes his way to through the garden of the church to a spot he is familiar with. Zap bounces after him, darting her head back and for to spot mice that rarely can be found about.
Taking a seat under a tree neer a tall flat rock he crosses his legs and faces the sun, preparing to great it's break on the horizon. He begins to pray in celestial, the morning prayer that he had recently learned.
For a time after his personal ceremony he sit in meditation, reflecting on the writings of Ordemetrix and her two sons. A sense of accomplishment and fullfillment mix within him that he begins to wonder how far this study will go...
. o O (It is no longer a study...it is a passion.)
The sun breaks the horizon and light shines on over the blooming garden.
. o O(My gratitude Agathalos)
Tynk stays there, breathing slow in meditation and prayer and a serious but peaceful look on his youthful face.
To Last Lich Inn...
"It's church's horse? Could you teach me to ride?
My friend Scylla is teached to be paladin. Her teacher is very different than you. And both of you are not like that small man in red armor. Are all paladins so different?
I have to read it to learn Thalos' language."
Daleah helps Renna down from the stool.
"I would be glad to teach you how to ride a horse. Maybe there is another horse at the stables with a better temperment. I think Hildy will need alot more attention before she will be able to ride just yet."
She smiles, talking as she walks with her to a table.
"Though no two have to be exactly the same, all paladins recognize each other as comrades. Like all people, each have their individual skills, experience, and training."
She looks around the library.
For while the red-headed girl seems to be thinking on something Daleah said.
"So... paladins are like... dogs?"
She points to the book in Renna's hand.
"Your studies will prepare you for great opportunities. It may seem boring and mundane right now but they are tools you will need to unlock the mysteries of your future. Even the woman you were hiding from today, that you so intensly dislike, you can find value and gleen important information from your experiences with her. It all depends on how you look at things. Your book is very large and plain on the outside but it is the contents that are most important and sometimes you have to look deep within the lines of it's pages."
Daleah looks off for a moment thoughtfully, then looks back to Renna.
I guess you could say that I too, for this same reason have come to Garic's City. Sometime ago I took inventory of my life and realized that everything had become meaningless to me. It was because I felt I had no direction in life, not living up to my greatest potential. How could I become a productive member of society if I could not find myself? And if I do not help myself how can I help others?"
Suddenly for the first time in her life everything became so crystal clear in her mind. She was actually able to find the words! Her revelation is soon put on hold..
"Dogs?"
She tries not to laugh, having never been compared to a dog before. Where she came from this was an insult. But, out of the mouth of babes..it was quite unexpected and even comical.
Neb lumbered in heavy with disappointment.
You should be happy that you couldn't find any evil in the Square. If evil didn't have to hide, it would be rampent and this city would be rubble.
Child Rybel made her way to the dining hall and sat at the end of a bench. She rested her elbows on the table and her face fell into her palms.
Ned's eyes shot open. She was still in the dining room. The side of her face was pressed against the table.
"The worst kind of wake up call."
Groggily, Neb lifted herself from the bench and walked outside to the training yard. She was determined to work off her haze with exercise.
The Dwarf started by jogging around the training yard while wearing her equipment.
She nods.
"Dogs are friends to each other and are all different looking. They are also all trained to do quite same things.
And I don't think I would like to learn from her. She never smiles or laughs. And hates everyone. They say that she's been that way since something happened with Sir Papist-thin or something like that."
"Aim for the head. Most forms of Evil suffer from the same dependance on extremities that we have. Therefore, when in doubt of an enemies' weakness: aim for the head."
Neb raised the padded weapon in her right hand. She exhaled as she brought the wood, leather, and steel around her body. The first impact on the pole was quiet.
"Shouting as you swing is a good way to get more force from an attack. A monk once told me it was called a 'kaia.' It is like a natural grunt. Do it."
"Ah!" Neb grunted as she slammed the training axe into the wood a second time.
She continued to aim at head level on the pole for some time before remembering.
"Vary your attack pattern. Rhythm is the enemy of success. Once an enemy predicts your actions, you have lost."
Neb finished a last strike at head level, and continued spinning. She ducked to preserve momentum as she slammed the training axe into the pole around the knee's on a dwarf.
"Many fights not been decided by skill, but by endurance. Just swinging at your foe until your arms feel like lead will only get you killed."
Neb dropped the axe and fell to her arms and knees.
"Never going to get that right," Neb gasped out.
As much as she wanted to stay and train further, Neb had other duties to tend to.
Child Rybel headed inside to clean the dining room. As Neb swept the floor with the old broom, an idea sprang to mind.
If there was a menace in the city, surely the City Guard would know about it, she thought.
Neb hastened her pace, so that she could visit the Guard Headquarters soon.
[OOC - Sorry for small delay, Daleah.]
She nods.
"Dogs are friends to each other and are all different looking. They are also all trained to do quite same things.
And I don't think I would like to learn from her. She never smiles or laughs. And hates everyone. They say that she's been that way since something happened with Sir Papist-thin or something like that."
(Sorry too, been fighting cold and allergies.
)Daleah considers these things for a moment then answers Renna with an expression of seriousness.
"In order to become a paladin you must already be one at heart. It requires one to answer the call of their destiny. No matter how diligent through practice no one can ever choose to be a paladin,. The nature is either within yourself or it is not, and it is not possible to gain the paladin's nature by any act of will. Sir Pfaebinn, one of the senior paladins in the city? The one that lives south of the market square? Is she one of his assistants?"
Any particular reason she dislikes him so?"I don't know. It's something he did."
Daleah smiles and walks over to the card catalog. She writes down the information and searches out the books. Once she finds them she returns to where Renna was and sits at a near by table to skim through the pages. As she does she can't help but to ponder the things she and Renna talked about.
"I won't be struck by lightening or anything like that will I? My mother needs me. If you've just brought me here to be smote..."
"I suppose I could have been smitten back at the inn couldn't I?"
Oh no, I don't think so, that is reserved to the infidels!
Mocks an evil grin and gestures, then smiles and nudges aside Jolly, who was looking at him in disbelief
Don't worry, I'm sure we can arrange a deal so your mother keeps receiving those needed roses. You will have to do something in return for the roses you already stole, so I hope you don't mind doing some house work around here...
However, now that the time to face Ard'Nas had come, Pacone wasn't as sure as he tried to show Jolly. Who knows how Ard'Nas would react, given her ill-tempered attitude...
The novice and the young halfling walked along several corridors, until they reached the flourishing orchard, were Ard'Nas stood, glancing at a parch of blooming daisies.
Okay, now, it is important you speak the least possible, let me expose your case myself...
swallows, and walks towards Ard'Nas, with Jolly closely following him.
Her gaze consintrates on Jolly. "And he freely admitted to it, without having top resort to torture?"
She takes a few steps towards him. "You did not have to resort to the rack, or thumbscrews, or the beam.." She recites a few more methods before she finally reaches the pale halfling.
"Good. Our lord would not approve of that."
Jolly lets out a small sigh, Ard'Nas silences him with a look.
"He does however approve of hard work."
"What kind of task do you think appropriate for someone that would still from Agathalos himself?
As Daleah walks away, she opens the large book and starts to read a page. When Daleah looks at her a dozen minutes later, she has progressed perhaps a page or two.
Child Rybel entered and took a seat in one of the pews.
Agathalos, I need advice, or perhaps just a ear to listen. Neb laid out what had transpired. Would joining the Jackals be abandoning You? The Church?
She didn't expect an answer.
I will inquire about the Jackals. Tomorrow. If they share Your and our goals, perhaps it would be better to extend the hand of friendship.
Neb slipped out of the main audience chamber and headed to the dining room.
"Good. Our lord would not approve of that."
Jolly lets out a small sigh, Ard'Nas silences him with a look.
"He does however approve of hard work."
"What kind of task do you think appropriate for someone that would still from Agathalos himself?
Pacone looks away so Jolly can't see his giggly smile
.oO(Wow, for a moment, I was also scared)
Master Ard'Nas, he had good intentions, he stole the roses so her mother, who is ignorant of his son's business, got the money she needed.
looks back at Jolly, who nods nervously
I told him there's no need to tell her mother about it, and he agreed to work here at the Church, for the time you feel necessary.
then, adopting a humble stance, Pacone requests the second thing he had promised the halfling
By the way, I would like to know if some kind of legal arrangement could be reached so her mother kept receiving her roses normally, since those flowers seem to be her major source of income.
She looks at Jolly.
"Is there anything... other then stealing... that you are skilled in?"
Jolly shakes his head. "I'm not to bad with my hands. I can thread a needle with my..."
"Good. Brother Pacone. Find this gentleman a shovel. There is a dung heap that needs to be moved."
Jolly frowns but still manages to question the gardner.
"What about my mother?"
"Maybe she should go into a different line of work."
She pauses to let her words sink in, then the hard look on her face softens a bit.
"We'll discuss arangements once you've finished your task."
Thalos bless your mercy and wisdom, master. I will do as you say.
steps back and nods once again, then turns to the young halfling, who is looking down, humbly
Please, follow me, Jolly.
Pacone then turns away and heads back in, with a wide smile on his face, obviously happy with the outcome.
He pauses next to the doorway, waiting for Jolly.
"Are you sure she's at the right church? She could intimidate Demmian himself."
The halfling spends the rest of the day shoveling compost and dung from one shed into another. As the sunsets, Ard'Nas reappears. She inspects his work, pointing out several things that could have been done better.
Jolly stares at the ground.
Finally she stops and levels her gaze on the halfling.
"How many roses does your mother need per week?"
Jolly does some quick mathmatics in his head before answering. "Three dozen."
Ard'Nas shakes her head. "Unacceptable."
"At that rate we'd be out within three months. The conditions for growing them here are magical. The roses themselves are not."
"You may have six a week."
"And you will earn them."
"Sinse he is so interested in your welfare, and that of your mother, I will put Brother Pacone in charge of your chores."
Her eyes lock onto the young cleric. "You will see that he works hard."
"And I will see that you do."
He looks at Ard'Nas, but he realizes she is not kidding. Not at all.
So with a begging tone, trying not to annoy Ard'Nas, he replies, trying to ignore Jolly, who now looks quite amused, despite all the dirty work he had to endure moments ago...
But...but...but it's all settled now! There's no need for me to do that. Besides, I already have other daily duties! And my lessons...
"Oi. Who are you?"
The person saying this is a young human girl of perhaps 9 years of age and with shoulder length red hair. She is wearing whitish robes and carrying a large book.
There was something about Renna that touched Neb. Maybe it was that their matching hair... or--more likely--Renna's direct greeting.
"I was just about to get something to eat. Would you like to join me?"
At this point, Pacone's jaw drops in disbelief, taken by surprise.
He looks at Ard'Nas, but he realizes she is not kidding. Not at all.
So with a begging tone, trying not to annoy Ard'Nas, he replies, trying to ignore Jolly, who now looks quite amused, despite all the dirty work he had to endure moments ago...
But...but...but it's all settled now! There's no need for me to do that. Besides, I already have other daily duties! And my lessons...
Ard'Nas answers. "It is all settled."
"This...Your friend will take over your duties here in the gardens. You will over see him to make sure they are done to your standards."
"I'll arange for your studies to be postponed until after the daily chores are done."
"Consider this a lesson. Helping others often requires sacrifice."
Pacone stands still, staring at front with an empty gaze. He then looks down, and sighs. He remains in such stance, until Jolly prods him.
"Hey, thank you..."
looks back at Jolly and smiles, sadly
See? I told you everything would be alright, and it is...kind of.
"But don't be so sad, man. It can't be so terrible..."
Jolly's kind words cheer Pacone up, whose smile widens
Yeah, I suppose you are right, but I just don't like being chained to responsibilities, I like to come and go as I wish...
"Did you plan to stay right behind me all day long? Ha hah" mocks a begging stance "No please! Don't!"
chuckles Come on! It isn't funny...I am responsible for your work and behavior...
Jolly rolls his eyes and replies "I will behave...I promise, just tell me what I have to do...I'm not entirely happy about this, but I suppose getting my mother flowers this way is harder but safer..."
After thinking for a moment, Pacone nods and proceeds to explain Jolly how to properly take care of the garden, the times of the day when certain plants may or may not be watered, and the rest of the everyday work Pacone performed since months ago...
...and that's all, I think. I will be in the library if you need anything, okay? I will drop by later anyway, okay?
"I believe there is a halfling asking for you? He... well, he's rather dirty. It would be preferable if you met him outside of the building. Some of these manuscripts are irrepairable."
promptly shuts up, noticing there are people around and proceeds in a much lower tone
Oh yes, lead me to him please
Pacone follows the librarian with a troubled look, eventually reaching the Library's entrance, where the halfling waits. When Jolly notices him, he crosses his arms, tapping his foot with anxiety.
Hello again, Jolly, I see you've been working hard *winks* have you already talked to Ard'Nas? I must go see her, so if you want to come along...you better wash yourself first. *smiles*
"I just stopped by to let you know I'm heading home."
"My mother's probably wondering why I'm late for dinner."
The halfling starts walking away.
While Jolly was too tired to mantain a conversation, Pacone kept on small-talking until they reached the outer fence.
Well Jolly, see you tomorrow then?
Let me say I've got a high opinion of you after what you've done. Not everyone would have faced Ard'Nas and accepted punishment the way you did. Your mother must be proud of you.
With those kind words, Pacone bids Jolly good night, and returns to the Church, heading for his bedroom.
"Eyych."
Then she points at Neb's gear.
"Oi. Are you a paladin, also?"
She looks suddenly quite sad.
"As has Codrian. Liedia says he'll be back."
.oO(Why am I goin ter the church anyways? I mean, why shouldn't I just go ter Natala? She does do it fer free anyways, and she's already helped us in our adventure. Ah I know, if we continue to go ter her about this adventure, she'll start wondering whether she needs ter help us er not... besides I think Oskar would rather be healed by someone of his own faith.... oh well....)
*As Aramil thinks he abruptly stops, realizing that he almost passed up his destination. He backtracks a few steps and looks at a very lovely sight to his eyes: The Church of Agathalos. Beautiful craftsmanship to Aramil's eyes, though he does pick out a few odds and ends that could be fixed up. While he is staring at the church he realizes why he came here. He abruptly stops staring and enters into the church. He stands there inside the door and looks around for someone to help him when he sees and odd looking dwarf waving to him. Aramil scratches his head and starts to walk towards her when she runs up and wraps her arms around him. Aramil attempts to get them off, but as fast as she wraps her arms around him she returns them to her side.
"Oh I'm sorry sir, but it's been so long since I've seen a fellow dwarf that I got excited. With my involvment in the church it creates a rather timed schedule and I have very limited time to go out and meet other dwarves."
*She examines Aramil for a moment and her eyes land on his beautiful mithril belt of the clan Ungart. She lets out a gasp of joy and continues to talk to Aramil.
"My my you must be important indeed, if you have that belt. Well unless that you stole it, then I should be imprisoning you. However I guess I'll have to find out later. Oh my my, it seems that I have been talking all this time. If you'll excuse me I have to go to tend to my studies."
*Aramil has a dumbfounded expression on his face the whole time this is happeneing, and it stays like that as she talks, and starts to walk away. He realizes that he could use her to help Oskar, so he shakes his head and speaks.
"Excuse me miss, I need yer help."
*The dwarf turns around and smiles again, she seems so excited that she may expload any minute now. Aramil bows to her and begins to speak.
"Hullo, me name is Aramil Dunskar of the Silver Sword an- -"
*Aramil is sharply cut in when she begins to speak again.
"Well how do you do Master Dunskar?"
*Aramil again is confused at why she would cut in and how she has no hint of her dwarvish accent. Aramil is about to being talking again when she cuts him off again.
"Oh I'm sorry, the excitement again, please excuse my manors."
*She bows her head in apology and Aramil laughs a bit, drawing a confused look from her.
"Oh ye don't need ter apologize ter me, I know how ye felt. Anyways, I don't think I caught yer name."
"Oh my oh my, your right, with all this excitement I forgot to introduce myself. Mistress Gottrisdottir at your service. A cleric of Agathalos if you haven't figured out that much by now."
*Aramil laughs again at this, then he bows when she introduces herself. He stares at her for a second, lost in thought, then he begins talking again.
"It is nice meeting a fellow dwarf cleric, my brother is a cleric of Agathalos much like yerself. His name is Oskar Dunskar, and he is really sick right now, this is why I need yer help. See we were on an adventure so to say, and when we came back ter rest, he woke up and felt very sick. I'm afraid he might have caught something while we were away."
*Gottrsidottir has a sad look on her face.
"How aweful, you must show me to your brother right now, I will do as much as I can to help him."
*With that she grabs Aramil's hand gracefully and leads him outside, at which point Aramil begins to head towards the SSAG, although he begins to wonder whether he is leading or she is.
"I'm not a paladin. My friend is teached to be one. Her teacher is a paladin, too. And few days ago I met another paladin here. Codrian's friend is also a paladin, but he's been gone for a long while now."
She looks suddenly quite sad.
"As has Codrian. Liedia says he'll be back."
Now you made her sad... Neb thought.
"Don't be sad, I might not know this Liedia, but I'm sure if Liedia says Codrian will be back, then he will."
She quickly tried to change the subject, "So, if you aren't training to be a Paladin, what are you studying?"
"Oi. Yes, a priest. Like Codrian, though he's odd one."
The priest gives a small nod to Renna before continueing.
"Are you familiar with the southern part of the city? I need someone to send a message that way."
"Or rather I need someone to find a message I sent that way earlier."
"What message, or messenger, should I seek out?"
"The address and directions to the house of Had Thanson are on this."
"I suspect that is where he is, or at least I hope so. A fine man. A pity about his wife."
"He's been doing some work for us to help repay the expenses of her treatment here. Too much work perhaps. HGe has a small daughter that he hasn't been spending much time with."
The priest sighs.
"I sent him down there to deliever a message to the owner of an inn down there. I have since received news it was not recieved."
"Father, how will I recognize Had Thanson?"
"He's... well... he's rather plain looking actually. Very hard to describe. Especially to... I've always been curious? Do all humans look the same to those of other races? I know some people stand out more then others regardless of race, but the vast majority... I digress."
The priest shrugs.
"He's a few heads taller then you Child. Blond. Several days worth of beard growth. Green eyes. Wrinkled and dirty clothes but that is the norm for the area."
"I'm afraid there isn't much more to go by."
"I will take care of this immediately."
(OoC: what time is it? Heck, what day is it?)
Neb turned to Renna, "I'm sorry, but I have to go."
After waiting just long enough for Renna to say farewell, Neb headed out of the temple.
As Neb set her foot down on the cobblestones outside, it occured to her that she didn't catch the little girl's name.
[to Elsewhere]
She looks at the priest and quickly heads towards the eating room.
"Oi, I'm going."
The red-haired girl finds an empty table and thuds the book she was carrying onto it. She sneezes as the quick motion drives a cloud of dust from between the pages.
Few minutes later she is kneeling on the bench with the book open at one spot and rapidly cooling bowl of stew or brownish-greyish color with lumps of something.
"Well, we can salvage a little dignitiy here." He mumbles.
His hand makes a small swishing motion up and down, and he mubles a few words. A decent portion of the dry dirt unclings itself in progressive areas and jumps off, making the gnome appear a few shades cleaner overall.
"We did the best we could there, and we'll resolve this another time. The day has been long, and I mean to come here anyway. I will spend some time at the church this evening."
The two make there way to the chapel and through the doors. With duely noted promises to keep in touch and exert thier efforts on a common goal, the two part and Tynk makes his way to pray as the Gnome heads for a well needed bath.
Casts prestidigitation twice.
"I come to vent through prayer. I have seen the slums for the first time in my four years in this city. Being couped up in tower-life is a lot easier than I thought. Treetrip, who you may know to reside here, has taken upon himself to improve the slum's and surrounding area's conditions."
Straightens a little, still relaxed.
"I have taken upon myself to do what I can to help him. So far I have only ideas to work with, but it is hard to tell what merit lies in such matters. What truly helps people help themselves and why would they see a need without promise of success at whatever degrees of effort?"
"The only answer we have come up with is skills, but such a difficult thing to bring to people of such dispositions."
"Changing your lot in life... It is something almost all wish to do. And with the blessings of Lord Agathalos all can do it. But it is not an easy path to take."
"Again, not just for one. Those who seek to help have an equaly hard path in front of them."
The youth seems to be struggling with something, as if something nagging at him to speak of. He allows himself time to collect his thoughts.
"I feel in a position of power, knowing I can effect the world around me in ways few can. I feel responsible to use this to direct my efforts toward that which needs attention most. In this case it is the condition of our lower districs."
He pauses, trying to get at exactly what he is about.
"I feel that it is essential to our furute to place aid in our weakest links of this city. For all of those who wish to be citizens, a path of progresion must be found. In this the city can find much strength, but my own passion drives me to not accept the idea of failure. And yet what am I to do? I know nothing of how to apply myself to such effects."
"I did take quite a long time returning to the stables and I suppose you prolly felt as if I had forgotten about you altogether." She sets down the bucket and lightly runs her hand along Hildy's back to the base of her mane. Hildy's ears flinch.
"But I am human after all, I do have certain faults you will have to try and overlook from time to time." The paladin takes a brush and makes smooth, long and even strokes over her coat. Hildy snorts, whipping her tail to the side as if chasing away imaginary flies.
"There will be times when I fall short but I promise you things will not always be like this."
Daleah half smiles, "Things can only get better so let's just take things one step at a time, ok?"
Hildy turns her head to face the paladin, as if looking square into her eyes, pins her ears back, and kicks over the bucket of water.
"Oh, Hildy." She sighs heavily.
Daleah desides to go out and look for some elder flowers to make an ointment to dress the horses wounds. After putting everything in its proper place it occurs to the paladin that maybe the flowers are out of season. She resolves to find a stable hand an inquire about the medicine.
.oO(These don't look strong enough to stop a sling stone.. bronze.. bah!)he tosses them back into his sack.
He takes the headband and holds it so the light from the windows shines through the gems. He wiggles one a little, it not moving, and wrinkles his nose.
.oO(The rest is no good. Pretty thing for the sewer)
He puts the headband back in his sack, and digs around for the ring. He puts it on, and inspects it on his hand with all his fingers extended as if they were about to be professionaly groomed. He takes this ring of and tosses it back in the sack.
"As soon as I can get those gems out of there the better.. )
The dwarf leans back against the wall with a deep breath. He waits until he is dismissed by one of the party.
"Magical?" he says to himself as he looks into the sack. "I'm not keen on what the rest of that means, but unless you can add to what I can figure out about these things, then I'll ask you to leave'em be. These folk... he motions to the dwarves. ...and that other poor soul have claim to them more than I, even though I found'em. " he looks quite frustrated at admitting this but nods his head.
"Wait, that's... Aramil and Oskar Dunskar. I healed Oskar just the other day. Sir Pfaebinn, what happened?"
"They were slain in the sewers, by the lich Eldarosh," he explains solemnly to her. "Along with Kywyn and Ulerian of the Hightower. Boirin escaped and asked us to go and retrieve their bodies and possibly destroy Eldarosh. We were partially successful." He finally lets Oskar lay back after his cuirass is removed. "We found all but Ulerian, and were attacked by the lich. He had two bearded fiends with him, Mistress, who did not vanish after they were killed, this strange beetle-like thing as a guardian that did, and three mummies. We nearly had Eldarosh himself down, but he turned into mist and fled. We were too wounded to pursue, so we carried out the fallen. Natala, Boirin, and NaShae took Kywyn to the Mother's Temple, we brought Aramil and Oskar here."
"You're very pale," the priestess notes.
"Lich's spell. Miri might know which one he used on me, but that will have to wait for now. Do they have more kin in the city? I want to find out if they should be revived."
"I'm afraid I don't know."
Gamis sighs. "I'll look into it... They're valuable members of the Silver Sword. I know they'll be well-taken care of with you until then."
"Consider getting some rest, Sir Gamis. You look like you need it."
"Not yet, there's still a lot to do. Thank you, Mistress Gottrisdottir. I'll probably be back after a while." Gamis exits what serves as the Church's morgue and clanks over to Miri.
"I feel like I had a fistfight with a vampire."
Do you? Why? I didn't see any of what happened on your end of things, what with the walls and webbing.
She glances over at Burleg.
That dwarf doesn't seem to want to have our findings valuated. Something about all the treasure belongs to the dead! Speaking of... will they be buried here or shipped back to their clan?
. o O (Riches are obviously his priority.)
Tired and weary, he leans against a wall and silently waits to see that all is well.
"Would Mistress Gottrisdottir be available?" he asks. "Tell 'er the Straklen's 'ave got terrible news."
"More te--" the acolyte gasps before composing herself. The dwarf pays her reaction no mind. "I shall find her for you."
"Thank ye, sister," Auben replies, then joins his sister in silent prayer.
~~~
Gottrisdottir is found directing her charges with all the efficiency of a drill instructor as they tend to the Dunskars and those that brought them here. She pauses in her directions to listen as another acolyte arrives to whisper something in her ear.
"Thank you," she says, then turns to Gamis and the others. "Please excuse me. I've been requested elsewhere on another urgent matter, but I shall return as soon as possible."
She makes to leave, but not before issuing a last set of commands to the attendants.
"Look sharp, you lot! I expect to find these fine fellows fully presentable by the time I've returned. Clean clothes, clean beards... and make sure you do something about the stench!"
Reddening ever slightly, she turns to Gamis and adds, "Oh, please pardon me, Sir Gamis, everyone! I know there hasn't been time yet to... actually, aside from the state of your boots, you'd never know you'd just been down in the sewers. Well, never mind. I'll be back as soon as I can."
What follows isn't clear to most, a conversation in Dwarven that begins in formalities and proceeds from there into, judging by the expressions and motions of the participants, and intersection of events. Soon all three have made their way back to the Dunskar brothers and those waiting on them.
"Auben and Artin Straklen," Gottrisdottir says, "allow me to introduce you to Sir Gamis and his betrothed, Dame Mirielle Dyer. The other fellow is Tynk Waverstone. The Straklens are... merchants, I guess would be the term."
"Aye, close enough," says Auben, as both he and his sister bow to the humans.
"They've been in contact with one of Grandmother Ordemetrex's druids," Gottirdottir continues,, who has offered to restore the fallen brothers. It seems the arrangements were made at the Silver Sword Adventurers' Guild."
"Tha's right," Auben confirms. "So we'll take the bodies and..."
"That won't be necessary," Gottrisdottir offers. "We can hold them both here until you are ready to perform the task."
"Well..."
"No, I must insist. This is hallowed ground and a more suitable place for them to rest until they are ready to return. Besides, it will give me time to check... to determine if there is any more danger lying in wait for them."
"Danger?" Artin asks incredulously. "They're already dead! How could they be in more danger?"
Gottrisdottir gives them a sad look.
"They perished fighting the undead. Sometimes, death is the least terrible outcome of such a fate."
Brightening, she claps her hands and takes charge again.
"Now this lot needs to finish preparing the boys and they don't need an audience. Thank you all for your help in this matter, but off with you now. I'm sure you've got better places to be than here. From the look of you, you could all do with some rest. Especially you, Sir Gamis. I expect you'll be right as rain with a few hours' slumber. Off you go!"
The group finds themselves ushered out into the foyer in suprisingly short order. Gottrisdottir favours them with one last smile before turning to harangue her charges once more, closing the door behind her.
"Good morning," she says to the pair of tired acolytes on duty. "I've come for the bodies of the Aramil and Oskar Dunskar."
The pair look to each other.
"I'm sorry?" one says hesitantly.
"My name is Anaya Starnodel. I was paid by the Silver Sword Adventurer's Guild to revive Aramil and Oskar."
"Ah. Just a moment, milady."
The second acolyte dashes off, while the first does his best to keep the elf company. This mainly consists of standing around awkwardly and agreeing with her observations on the church's interior design. He is very grateful for Mistress Gottrisdottir's arrival and direction.
"Off you go and help Osgood," she tells him, then turns to greet the visitor.
After introductions and a short exchange of pleasantries, the dwarf asks, "Are you sure this is advisable?"
"Quite certain. I can think of no better time for this than as the day is reborn."
"Yes, well, what I meant was--"
"I'll need to perform the rites outdoors, however."
"You will?"
"Of course. That's why I'm here at such an early hour. This calls for a natural setting, you see."
"Well, there's the park outside, but--"
"Yes, that was what I had in mind too. I'm so glad we're in agreement."
Mistress Gottrisdottir appears to be at a loss for words until an acolyte arrives. Hastily, she directs him to arrange for the bodies to be brought outside.
To her surprise, the elf immediately leaves the church, not waiting for the others to follow.
After several minutes, she moves to Oskar and continues the process. Around her, acolytes shiver in the morning chill while the elf works, earning a rebuking gaze from Gottrisdottir whenever she feels they've been too obvious about it.
Finally, Anaya stands. Stepping away from the dwarves, she says, "Now, we wait."
"For--" one of the acolytes, a red-headed girl, begins, but a glare from her dwarven superior cuts him off.
"How long do you expect this to take?" Gottrisdottir asks Anaya, careful to maintain the right degree of detachment in the question.
"Oh, I'd say an hour," the druid replies offhandedly.
"I see," Gottrisdottir replies, then turns to her charges. "As much as I'm sure you'll all curious to see how things turn out, I know you've got other tasks to tend to this morning. You're all dismissed--"
Her eyes return to the one that spoke before her.
"--except for you, Kay."
The girl shivers, but nods quietly in reply.
And they wait.
As time passes, forms slowly grow beneath the shrouds. The human girl seems quite fascinated with what is happening, while the dwarf hides her own interest more carefully. The elf, however, hardly seems to notice at all, her eyes roaming the sky as though engaged in a search.
For a time, Gottrisdottir resists the urge to inquire into Anaya's actions, but something else forces a question out of her.
"What's happening?" she gasps, having perceived that the form beneath Aramil's shroud is significantly larger than the dwarf himself by now.
"Oredemetrex has selected his new form," Anaya replies, not bothering to look down.
"But it's bigger than he is!"
Gottrisdottir turns to Oskar, but the shape beneath his shroud is closer in size to his own.
"Are they both--" she begins, but Anaya cuts her off.
"Probably not. It would be unlike our Mother to allow two brothers to continue to resemble each other so closer after an event like this. The reminder is probably troubling enough to her."
Gottrisdottir steps forward to pull back the shroud from Aramil, but Anaya steps forward, laying a hand on her shoulder.
"Leave it be for now. The process of building a new body can be unsettling to one that's never seen it take place before. When they are ready, they'll remove the sheet themselves."
The dwarf senses that the druid has left something unsaid, but can't figure out what it is. Neverthess, she waits.
Eventually, something rises from the shroud, facing away from Aramil, rolling over to stand on hands and knees, before rising to its feet -- or rather, to its hind legs.
"What have you done to him?" Gottrisdottir asks, staring in shock at the bear that stands before her, looking down at the corpse of his former self.
OoC:
And thus does Aramil Dunskar return to the land of the living in the form of a black bear (albeit with cinnamon-coloured fur). I'm going to leave him time to post before we discover Oskar's fate, some ten minutes (IC) into the future.
.oO(She seems familiar, yet I cannot put a finger on who she is.... My brudder must know her though, for he too is a cleric of Agathalos...)
*Then as if someone hit the back of his head, he suddenly remembers Mistress Gottrisdottir and the close bond that his brother was sharing with her. He also recognizes the elf standing next to her as Anaya a powerful druid. But why are they both standing her, why am I not in the sewers right now fighting against the lich? Aramil quickly looks around and notices that he is outside the church of Agathalos, then it dawns on him. He actually died and was brought back from the dead. If this does not put panic in anyones head, then the look Mistress Gottrisdottir is giving him makes him even more frightful. Aramil clears his throat, or at least attempts to as the form he has taken on doesn't let him and tries to speak, what comes out however freaks him out the most, it is not his one strong dwarvish voice, but more of a gutteral animal voice.
"Mistress Gottrisdottir....."
Aramil can't even finish the sentence as he begins to panic, he realizes that something must have changed when he came back from the dead. He thinks that it is his nose, so he brings his hand up to where his nose is, but as he is doing so he sees that his hands are hands no longer, but more like paws of a giant animal. He looks down at the rest of his body and sees that he is definatly no longer a dwarf, but a bear with brownish fur too. Images of himself as a dwarf flash through his head over and over again, and then of what happened down in the sewer, of how he let down his friends, how they probably died because of him, how he let down the dwarven race as there protector, when Aramil can take no more of these degrading memories he let's out a huge roar that shakes the bones of Mistress Gottrisdottir. He sits down and buries his face in his paws, not wanting to look up.
*Then something else dawned in his head, his brother. Is he ok? Is he dead also? Where is he then. He looks up to Mistress Gottrisdottir and looks at her, not saying one word. She understands what he wants and does not say a word back, but rather just points to the body lying next to Aramil's old body, the body of Aramil's brother, Oskar. With a tear in his eye Aramil goes over to the body of his brother and begins to take off the viel of his brother when a delicate hand is placed on his shoulder. Aramil turns his head around and looks to who it is when he notices that it's Anaya.
"Wait one moment child of nature, when it is time for your brother to reveal himself, he will do so. For now, be thankful to Oredemetrex for choosing this form for you, it suits you well my friend."
.oO(Suits me well! How! I am no longer a dwarf! Curse you Oredemetrex for bringing this upon me!)
*Aramil thinks about attacking Anaya right there but he lets the thought go, realizing that it will accomplish nothing. He nods his head, snorts, and then goes to lay down next to his brother. He closes his eyes and thinks about what will have to change in his life to adapt to his new body. The most important of these thoughts has to be if the dwarven community will accept him as there champion now that he is no longer a dwarf.....
...and what he sees is both familiar and foreign to him. Oh, there's something in the eyes and in the expression, and even in the shape of the nose, but he's taller now. Not quite so broad.
And what have they done to his beard?! Why, they've even shaved his head, so all that remains is stubble!
For the moment, Oskar has no idea how he got here, nor why everyone is looking at him so oddly. He certainly has no idea why there's a bear standing so close to him -- nor why it seems vaguely familiar to him somehow...
OoC:
I realize it's a bit of an anticlimax after Aramil revealed, but Oskar's come back as a human. The beard and hair will grown in naturally over time, unless Oskar takes steps to prevent it.
.oO(Where as me beard gone!!!!! And me hair too! It's all been shaved!!!!!)
*Oskar panics and looks around to see if his hair fell of or something, but it hasn't, Thalos must have wanted him to be clean shaven for his second life. Oskar vows that if Thalos wants this, then he will indeed keep his look this way. Oskar's expression returns to that of joy until he notices a bear laying next to him. Oskar doesn't become frightful, yet he becomes curious.
"Aramil? Is that ye me brudder?"
*Aramil opens his eyes and looks at his brothers new form and smiles a toothy grin, though he disapproves of the form, he shrugs it off thinking that at least it isn't an elf. Aramil stands up on his two hind legs and then walking, more like lumbering, over to Oskar he gives him a great bear hug, literally. Oskar winces at first, then just shares in the moment when they have been reunited at last.
"Aramil, ye've changed you big lug, now yer twice as strong as before, ye'll be able to take on any monster easily me brudder."
*Aramil smiles, then replies.
"Yes me brudder, it will take some time to get used to in this form, but I'm starting to like it already, however I am sure that some things will have to change fer me. But let's not worry about that right now, right now let us just be glad that we are back alive."
*Oskar nods his head and pats his brother on the belly, Aramil growls a little bit, but then he lowers himself to all fours, and allows Oskar to continue to pet him. Oddly enough Aramil finds that he likes the comfort. Then he hears laughter to the side of him, Aramil looks over to see Anaya standing there laughing.
"Aramil, of all people, I did not expect you to like being petted. This is a joyous moment indeed when a dwarf wants to be petted."
*Aramil gets mad and retorts.
"Oy! I am not a dwarf no longer, I am a bear, and a mighty one indeed! Ye should be fearing me, not making jests at me, however I am in great debt to ye and Mistress Gottrisdottir fer bringing me brudder back from the dead. And I am greatful indeed, whenever ye have a problem, seek me and me brudder out, and we will fix it fer ye, ye have our word."
*With that Aramil and Oskar bow low to Anaya, who mearly nods her head, she smiles, and then without another word leaves the dwarf and the two former dwarves to themselves. Mistress Gottrisdottir just shakes her head and leaves the two former dwarves to themselves, to overcome with there new appearences to say anything. Aramil and Oskar do not mind that they are alone now, they actually prefer to be by themselves now, so that they may injoy the moment when they are reunited at last, and are living. Aramil lays down and closes his eyes while Oskar sits next to him, petting him gently. Together then watch the day pass by, not a care in there minds, to them, there lives are complete now that they are back together again.
Aramil and Oskar do not mind that they are alone now, they actually prefer to be by themselves now, so that they may injoy the moment when they are reunited at last, and are living. Aramil lays down and closes his eyes while Oskar sits next to him, petting him gently. Together then watch the day pass by, not a care in there minds, to them, there lives are complete now that they are back together again.
From one of the more scenic roads she is traveling, the paladin sees the church up ahead and sighs in relief. Though she was enjoying the long walk and a good stretch of the legs, Daleah is ready to take a short rest before making the salve for Hildy's wounds. Within moments she casually enters the garden, leasurly taking the time to smell a flower or two on her way to the stables. As she moves around to the back of the church she observes what looks to her to be the scene of a struggle between a bear and a human. As she moves closer she can see them merely laying there on the ground. The paladin quietly draws her sword from over her back and cautiously advances to assess the situation.
"You need not hide from us o' faithful one, we will cause ye no harm, even if I am a bear."
*Even though his voice is far from soothing, or even friendly, Aramil tries his hardest, though when Oskar hears this, he hurridly stands and faces the paladin.
"Please excuse me brudder, we have just been through a troublesome experience and he sometimes fergets that he is a bear an' talking ter a stranger probably won't calm them at all. Now please, lower yer sword and come over here and sit with us, ye don't have ter worry, we won't harm ye. I'm sure that ye'll find out story quite interesting."
*Oskar sits back down next to Aramil and pets him again, Aramil meanwhile closes his eyes again and pretends to go to sleep, but really he opens his eye lid slightly to keep an eye on the paladin. While Oskar is petting Aramil he keeps an eye on Daleah and a smile on his face to try and calm the paladin down. He offers a welcomming hand to the paladin to take and sit down next to him.
"Sorry, didn't mean to startle anyone. This scene just kind of caught me off guard. My name's Daleah. I'm fairly new to the city. So, you say you have a story?"
She cheerfully smiles back. Always one to enjoy a good story, she removes her shield, setting it beside her and listens attentively.
"O aye, do I have a story fer ye. Ye see it all began when this mage Ulerian contacted me and me brudder concerning a dark and powerful lich that resides under this very city. Ye see Ulerian was interested in this lich and was hoping that he may be able to learn more spells from his spellbook. Aramil and I didn't mind much about that, as long as we got rid of this threat fer our city we'd be happy. And ol' Aramil over here has an obligation ter protect the dwarves of this city."
*Aramil grunts, or rather growls a little bit when Oskar mentions this fact, but then just goes back to being "asleep". Oskar just smiles and continues with his story.
"Anyway, where was I.... O yes! Now after we accepted the job, we got our supplies together fer the journy, and when we were all ready we met in the Last Lich Inn... heh that's irony fer ye there, anywho when our group was ready we headed inter the tunnel. It wasn't so bad at first, after ye got past the horrid smell, I'm just glad it's gone now. We met some undead snakes and we killed them without blinking an eye, though it helped that I was under the power and protection of Thalos. After that it went downhill... We slowly picked our way forward, with Boirin our little rogue watching out fer traps, yet somehow we missed one and fell into a pit, where Aramil nearly died from fighting this ugly thing. So we had ter head back up top ter get him healed and rest fer a bit. The next day we went back down inter the tunnels again...."
*Oskar pauses a moment, his expression finally saddening for a moment, he begins to tell the final tale that he remebers to Daleah.
[color=blue]"From that point on I will never forget. After we went back down again we went in another direction from the trap pit, and we opened up the next door with Aramil in front. When we did this creature breathed this huge flame that singed off his beard and hair. We killed the creature, but then we met the lich.... and Aramil was the first ter fall... he fought valiantly but with a single punch it killed him....[/i]
*Aramil growls a bit more deeply now, remembering those few split seconds before he fell. Oskar puts a hand on his back, soothing him. Oskar eyes well up in tears for the first time in ages, since he couldn't show emotion down in the sewers, he didn't want the lich to get the upper hand. A tear streeks down the side fo his face, followed by another. He puts his head down to hide the pain he is showing, then he finishes the story.
"Then from what I remember... the damned lich killed the rest of us, Ulerian was next, then Kywyn a powerful sorcerer, both were killed like they were nothing. I was left with Boirin standing next ter me, I told him ter leave and get others ter avenge our deaths. I knew I was going ter die, but I still fought him ter the best of my abilities, I did end up hurting him with some of me divine might from Thalos. Alas, it would not be, for in the end, I too fell ter this most foul creature."
*Oskar pauses for a few moments, not saying a word, tears continue to fall down his face and he continues to comfort Aramil who lets out a couple sobs every now and then. Then something inside of Oskar clicks and he looks up smiling through all the pain and suffering he feels inside.
"Yet now we have the upper hand, fer we are alive again, and now with Aramil's new might, and me new body we will be able ter go down there again and avenge our own deaths, and finally be able ter destroy this creature once and fer all, but not now, not yet, we will need ter conserve our new power and harness it so that one day we will be able to storm through the sewers and slay the merciless lich as easily as he killed me and me friends."
*Oskar stops speaking an remains quiet, letting Daleah soak up the powerful recounting of there adventure into the sewers. He sits there, dryed up tears on his face, yet the look in this eyes is calm and soothing, a resolve held fast in his heart now. The smile that was once gone from his face returns and he relaxes a bit more now that the story is over, so too does Aramil relax and stops sobbing.
After patiently waiting through the pause in the extrordinary accounts, she takes a clean white cloth from her armor and offers it to Oskar with a simple modest gesture of her hand and sympathetic expression of understanding on her face.
As Oskar continues, Daleah's frown deepens at the mention of the many names of people lost in the struggle. These names that once had faces, memories, and lives of their own now wiped away, valiant people of the city she would never get the chance to meet.
Her strawberry blond eyebrows raise at Oskar's renewed and inspiring enthusiasim of hope to destroy the creature.
"So you are saying that this dark and powerful lich still resides under this very city?"
She replies, not really expecting an answer but merely allowing the reality to sink in. Daleah returns her attention to the two dwarves, regarding them in her mind as dwarves in their hearts, not of course from their obviously changed outward appearance.
"It has been said that evil perserveres when good men do nothing. I am not as well learned as most paladins go but should you ever need my services for anything, please do not hesitate to call upon me. I reside here at the church and spend most of my time working in the stables with a cantankerous mare."
The paladin then slowly takes up her shield and turns, solemnly noding to both dwarves.
"I am sorry to disturb you. I shall take my leave and allow you gentlemen to return to your rest. Thankyou for sharing your story with me. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers."
"Oh aye Daleah, we will be sure ter look ye up if we ever need ye, especially if we attempt to kill the lich. We could use all the holy beings in the city ter takle this obsticle. Thank ye fer listening ter our story."
*After Aramil is done talking he lays back down and closes his eyes, going back to sleep. For some reason Aramil finds that he likes to sleep more often now, not wanting to do much physical work. Oskar chuckles at this fact, then he too speaks up.
"Thank ye Daleah, and I am sure I will see ye sometime soon, I too belong ter this very church, and I am sure that I will be spending some more time closer ter Thalos then I have in the past."
*Oskar bows, and allows Daleah to leave. Then Oskar sits down next to Aramil and pets him. With a sudden thought in his mind he speaks to Aramil.
"What are we going ter do about our place at the guild?"
"O, yer right, well I'm sure that ye can keep our room, and ye'll have ter be headin the forge now that I really can't do it any more, I suppose Volos will allow me ter sleep in the stables with the horses... It shouldn't be too bad eh? But now, lets not worry about that, we'll go in a couple hours and visit Volos."
*Oskar chuckles at this fact, then he relaxes next to Aramil, putting his back against Aramil's midsection as he is laying down, and gazes out into the distant sky, watching the day pass by.
"Well, I did manage to find those elderflowers, Hildy. Let's have a look at those wounds ok?"
The paladin moves closer, being sure to stay at the center side of the horse as she approaches. Hildy flinches, her coppery coat glistening in the sunlight and flesh rippling as Daleah lightly touches the horse's side. Slowly and cautiously the paladin crouches down to observe Hildy's wounds. She touches her hand lightly along the underside of Hildy's rear leg. The horse lifts her hoof. Daleah carefully examines the wounds for any sign of infection before preparing the salve.
"Come me brudder, we must get goin' ter the guild ter speak with Volos."
*Aramil nods his head, and together they pass out of the Church, not after Oskar spends a half hour giving thanks to Thalos for bringing him back. He speaks with the high preast also to leave a message to Mistress Gottrisdottir thanking her for all her work done with him and his brother, he also tells the high priest that he will be comming here every now and then when he can get away from the forge at the Silver Sword Adventuring Guild. The priest nods his head and then wishes them a safe journey. With that the two brothers make there way to the Silver Sword Adventuring Guild.
"Friend of mine. Let us rest for a bit, and get to know each other again."
Honor sits, and the two of them watch life go by.
Before entering the wide doors, Brodda takes a deep breath and lets it out slowly. She steps in, looking around the foyer for something or someone to give her direction in which way to go. As she moved around she noticed the echoes of her footfalls and had just begun to hum softly as an acolyte entered from another direction.
"Good afternoon," he greeted her in a gentle voice. "Is there something I can assist you with?"
The dwarfess looked up and returned his smile.
"Please. Ah'm LorrreMistrress Brroda, sent by meh clan teh give ourr grreetin's t'the Dwarrrven Defenderrr, Arrramil." Her smile faces as she shuffles a little and her hands, looking for something to do, find her recorder to occupy themselves. "Howeverrr since Ah've arrrived, Ah've been told he's rrecently perrrished. Ah now find mehself offerrring condolensces and wishes of a speedy jourrney t'the next life."
The acolyte nods in understanding. "We've received a number of dwarven representatives from all over to offer their greetings to Sir Dunskar. Please, follow me."
He leads Brodda to an anteroom -- a comfortable room where she might wait.
"If you'll wait here, Mistress Brodda, someone will be with you soon."
Brodda nods, inclining her head to the acolyte in a slight bow. "Thank you. Ah'll wait."
The acolyte leaves and Brodda sighs. .oO(Patience is not meh biggest asset. Ah hope soon is soonerrr than not.)
"I'm Mistress Gottrisdottir, priestess here at Agathalos' church. You are Brodda, are you not? I have heard of your musical talents."
Brodda nods, pleased, however her expression turns serious. "Indeed, Ah am. But Ah'm not herre as a musician today. Ah'm herre t'rreprresent the dwarrrves frrrom meh home in grreetin' Sirrr Dunskarr. Worrrd of his passin' had not yet rreached us. Ah only foound oout t'day."
A single eyebrow slides up Gottrisdottir's brow as she nods her understanding. "So I understand. Come to my office where we may speak in private." The dwarf stands and heads through the archway. Brodda quickly follows her.
"I hope you don't mind the hardwood furniture, my dear. I often find that furniture of softer construction hurts my back."
She pauses long enough to see that Brodda is comfortable before continuing on.
"Thank you for coming to see Aramil. I'm sure he will appreciate the visit. There is something you must know first. He is no longer dead. He was brought back and is very much alive..."
"Alive!" Brodda interrupts, confused and excited. Gottrisdottir sees that Brodda has something to say and patiently waits for her to get to it. The bard's thoughts become jumbled, caught between elation that the Dwarven Defender has returned and her prejudice against "false" resurrections. Finally she turns to the older dwarf.
"Mistrrress, if Arrramil's rrresurrrrrection was brrrought about by the trrransfer of money frrrom one pocket teh'notherrr rrratherr than frrom the will of Agathalos orr Orrdemetrrix, Ah have teh say Ah've got issues with that. It seems all too prrrevalent the idea that death is not necessarrrily a fact o'life. The naturrral orrrderr is no longerr allowed teh occurrrr."
Brodda looks at the priestess resolute, yet with a tick, as if she expects to be struck down at any moment by a bolt of lightning.
The older woman smiles reassurringly and settles into the bench more comfortably. "Brodda, you've put some thought into this and have at heart what is good and right. Let me give you one more thing to think about. Whether money changes hands or not, the dieties make the ultimate decision on someone's return to this plane of existence. If that return is something they do not want, there is no getting around it."
She sits back and allows her words to sink into Brodda's thoughts, watching with silent amusement as the bard's expressions change with her thoughts. Finally Brodda appears to have come to a decision as she too settles into a more comfortable position on the bench.
"That is an excellent point that Ah'd neverr considerrred. Ah'm still not comforrtable with it and Ah doon't knoow that Ah everr will be. Perrhaps Ah cin chalk it up t'perrsonal prreferrence and let it go at that."
Gottrisdottir smiles approvingly. "I think that's an excellent conclusion, my dear. Now, there's one more thing you really must know before visiting with Aramil..."
[Dwarven] “Ah feel like the butt of some prractical joke. Ah’ve just grrreeted the Dwarrven Defenderr, except he isn’t a dwarrf – he’s a bearr. A bearr that talks. Mistrrress Gottrrrrisdottirrr prromised he was indeed Arrramil Dunskarrr. But still…” [/Dwarven]
Troubled, she ponders the fate of a dwarf turned bear and wonders how she would respond to waking up one day in such a form. She shakes her head in resignation. It was apparently what Thalos wanted.
.oO(Ah need a drrrink.)
And Brodda heads to the Last Lich Inn, being that its closer than Nobody’s.