Abrahms
One Thousand Club
Morning of the Twenty-Seventh Day | Porthca | Tuckered Kraken Tavern:
Those within the tavern slept on their beds, perhaps some measure of relief from everything that had happened and was dealt with, a chapter closing behind them in their more recent adventures. However, they all understood ... things were far from over -- infact things had already started, and they weren't even awake yet.
Magnolia:
Sleep has taken the halfling and brought her home ... the familiar lands of Negrastir, the small roads and ornate architecture she grew up around, even if at times it represented an Empire she was not fond of, it's hard to deny the nostalgia she felt at seeing the buildings once more. Homes she remembered playing around, eating in, or lounging within when the humid summers swept through, waiting eagerly for the strong rains to work their way down the coast and relieve the heat.
She found herself able to step around this memory of her old village, though it appears to be a ghost town, things left as if someone was whisked away in a moment, the more she looked the more she saw tools dropped as if in the middle of work, meals set out at tables but ignored, tasks left half-finished. However the more she walked the more she slowly heard someone moving around, and turning a corner she foundd another halfling, but there's something ... awe-inspiring about her. There's almost an aura of peace and happiness to the woman, and her form has no flaw, her clothing looks comfortable yet practical at the same time, and on her hip rests a goathorn, held by a simple leather strap.
She hums as she collects things, putting away tools and materials, speaking out loud, "I assume you're going to help? It's unfortunate what has happened here, truly unfortunate." The woman sighed before looking towards Magnolia, strangely difficult for her to look at, almost like staring into the sun or a bonfire, but the halfling smiled and the pain weakened. "Apologies -- that should be better, yes?" Approaching Magnolia she handed over the tools and items she'd collected: a pair of shortswords, a boot with the sole burned, a fence gate, a blossoming flower, and a dog's collar. Patting Magnolia's hand she smiled, "Never forget, I am with all my Children, and my Children are always watching over their children." Chuckling slightly, "It's children all the way down -- but I jest. Your path will not always be easy, young Magnolia, I hope you don't forget the tools available to you, and the friends, the allies you already have made along the way. They will need your cheer and your energy."
The Halfling woman gently patted Magnolia's face, "And of course, they all need more practice in checkers!" With a laugh the dream faded, Magnolia waking in her bed to see Ander across the room in his own bed, seeming to be busy with his own dreams ...
Ander:
The past week or so since the Thief's cave, strange sensations and desires have plagued Ander, but the poor Paladin had his eyes set on something far more important: helping deal with Porthca's threat from the Sea, then it was compounded by what he had found and learned about those he used to live with -- the holy symbol of an old friend, then later finding an old friend, manacled and chained by cruel magics. His hair had been growing out far thicker than he could tend to manage each day, his tongue had begun to ache from the amount of times he had accidentally bitten down on it, finding when thinking back ... his teeth had been slowly shifting, rearranging slightly within his jaw, canines growing sharper and the teeth around them sharpening to match. In the face of everything else, it's just been something to add to the pile, to be dealt with later. Always later. Others had more pressing concerns.
Yet it is now, in the pseudo-peace between tasks, that things appear to have come to Ander himself, especially when the night before he realized his eyes could find focus in the dark, and when he opened his senses in an attempt to be assured of Lestone's state and instead found the strong scent of a storm filling his nose, giving him the feeling of an elemental. Never before had his ability to spread his awareness been able to give such a result, but not much had been usual for the paladin lately.
Within his dream he sees himself on the island of Lokil as it used to be before the large-scale bandit attack, the population satisfied for the most part with their island lives, the sun rising across the water as morning rituals and habits begin again. A man sits off to the side, watching everyone, yet his details are difficult to make out. Every time Ander attempts to look his direction, he feels compelled to look elsewhere, and at the same time feels a desire to sit next to the strange person. As he begins to move, a panic spreads through him -- why is he on all fours? He began to walk forward, but an instinct caused him to raise an arm -- no, it's a foreleg? -- as he stepped forward -- suddenly his balance is lost, he has no idea how to walk and Ander flails in fear -- what has happened? Attempting a plea for help, instead from his throat comes a low roar and rumble, a few people glance over and seeing the lion begin to scatter, afraid of the creature. Except the man doesn't rise, he merely sits and watches the dawn, a sun that doesn't move across the water.
His voice is peaceful as he speaks: "Be calm, Ander of the Morning Sun. Ease yourself and work through it, one thing at a time. Every journey, every challenge, and every obstacle must be overcome with the first step, for that is the greatest difficulty of all." The lion Ander appears to calm and slowly begins to roll over onto his paws, wobbly, but standing. Taking a hesitant step, balance slowly returns and he soon finds he can take multiple steps easily, even trotting here and there, mane flowing in the wind and tail sweeping happily behind him. The man on the bench chuckles at the happy creature, "Once upon a time, so very long ago, there was another god that existed. Their creature was the lion, favored for bravery and dedication to their pride -- their fellow lions. Devotion -- that was their creed, to care for those under their care, and wished their followers to do the same." The man seemed to smile towards the lion, "It seems, young Ander, you have stumbled across some of the items they deemed holy, what was once used in their rituals to become their god's champion." Patting the beast's head gently, he continued, "If you truly wish to be rid of what some might consider a curse, it is easily done. However, I merely wished to give some ... guidance perhaps, for the newest step in your life, for better or worse."
The man turned away from the paladin for a moment and Ander found himself seated on the ground within his armor, but fur still covered his body, a muzzle stretched out from his face and ears flicked this way and that. His nails had become claws and a strength flowed through him. "Something to consider, young Ander, and hopefully to give you some peace of mind, if that's possible in this world." He spread his arms and the sun slowly began to rise once more, "My island will heal and will enjoy a new beginning. I look forward to that day, Ander of the Morning Sun."
Ander woke in his bed within the room he shared with Magnolia, his features more feline than they had been before, a faint layer of fur covered his form and visible skin, slowly fading as he became more awake ...
Valerie:
Last night was a whirlwind of thoughts regarding the ring the young warlock had been given by her grandfather without any insight into what it was beyond some sort of magical trinket, allowing her to cast magic and create weapons and objects from salt. Yet now, Valerie was all too aware there was something more to it -- between the identification Eliza had done and the ring's own demands and methods, she definitely knew it was more than just a magical trinket.
Her sleep, normally dreamless or merely a meshing of various thoughts and ideas left wandering by the time rest arrives, finds the young warlock in what looks to be a castle created by clouds, deep, dark and stormy. Thunder echoes around her, flashes of lightning illuminate the place, giving sight to details of the structure. Blinking, Valerie finds herself elsewhere, in what looks to be a throne room -- old memories of noble lessons begin to come to mind but a voice speaks with a faint chuckle, "You do not need to curtsy, Valerie." Turning to look at the voice, there's a woman seated whose form is made of thick dark clouds, features visible in the edges of each cloud, eyes a constant ball of sparks, and hair a soft fog that slowly spreads away through the air. White pleasant clouds make up a long flowing robe that spreads away from the seated figure that watches Valerie for any hint of a reaction before dipping her head briefly.
"I apologize for the struggles I have given you, Valerie Rhiteghast, but I was ... asleep I suppose for a long time, and only awoke in a sense when I felt the presence of Lestone on the Material Plane once more. I have many Children, but I had thought him dead for many years, to feel him return was too strange and unsettling." Her expression darkened, a few streaks of lightning moved across her form, "Then to find a child like the Sea was using him as a toy ..." the castle shook from the thunder that rumbled outside, "I was not pleased." Taking a moment she continued, "Controlling you earlier ... took much of my energy that I had built up, but I am thankful I was allowed to see him, to touch him and to speak with him, even if it was only for a few moments. Unfortunately, I still cannot even maintain this very long ..." the cloud-castle begin to fall apart, "... but know I am with you." The Tempest gave Valerie a smile as the dream faded, leaving her waking in her room, with Lestone propped against the back wall on his bed, lounging while he seemed to send a small bolt of lightning back and forth between his hands.
He glanced over towards Valerie, noticing she seemed awake and spoke, his voice less painful sounding, "Which question would you like to begin with?"
Morning of the Twenty-Seventh Day | Porthca | De'Porthca Manor:
Sleeping in the comfort of soft bed, Eliza eventually awakes, hearing faint noises and chatter of a home that's begun their morning routine. A servent delicately knocks on the door, informing the half-orc that breakfast has been served: at the request of the Twins, the chefs attempted to create something called "pan-cakes and waffles", with fruit, honey, and maple syrup on offer, along with more typical breakfast items like ham, sausage, bacon and eggs.
If Eliza heads downstairs, she finds the De'Porthca family in what appears to be higher spirits, Anthol at the head of the table, though he still looks more tired than she remembers, with Sidwae to his side, her hand on his as they eat. Robern still claims a seat next to his mother while Joan sits next to Ben who wears a faint smile at seeing the sticky mess Robern is slowly working himself into, and helping to tie back Joan's hair from catching in the syrup her plate is coated in. Noticing Eliza, Ben motions for her to join them at the table, gesturing to a plate at the table set and waiting. "Morning Lizzy," he calls as he works through what looks to be a pan-cake. "This is a new food that came from the south, heard a few at the docks talk about it, and we managed to convince the chefs it wasn't a trick. It's not too bad, I suggest some syrup and a little bit of butter, maybe some fruit depending on what you like."
The twins waved to the wizard while Sidwae and Anthol gave her a nod of recognition, Anthol speaking up, "It's a pleasure to meet you again, Eliza. We heard you both got back quite late, but at the same time, returned with good news. About ... Cyne especially, from what Ben mentioned."
Morning of the Twenty-Seventh Day | Porthca | Defallian Manor:
Leaving with the dawn, Banrigg had first made a point of offering to cover breakfast for the group he'd come in with, then pausing for a moment, also put a few platinum down to cover breakfast and drinks for incoming sailors to the surprise of the Tuckered Kraken's owner, asking as well to deliver a short message to them when they came to the front. Packing his things, the dwarf crossed the morning streets headed towards the Defallian Manor -- towards the Lord that had hired him to aid with the Pearl and inform him unfortunately Banrigg couldn't stay within his employment for long.
Knocking on the large door, he finds it opened by the strange living shrub that seemed to wander the house and is guided in. Glancing off to the side he sees most of the family having their breakfast, a faint discussion of the expected weather and effects of such on crops can be heard, but he quickly continues onwards to the study where the rustling of living leaves is headed. Froot opens the door for Banrigg and he steps in, ready to begin his explanation to the Lord, even offering to return the gold he was given as an early payment when the dwarf pauses, realizing that Richeye Defallian already had a guest, however his hand goes to his weapon as his reaction first is towards the grey-furred panther that seems to be sitting just inside the door, watching him as its tail slowly sweeps back and forth.
A small figure stands before Richeye, standing on a chair to more easily see over the desk -- they had arrived early in the morning, drawn by information the Defallians of Porthca were leading raids against bandits that plagued the Sinking Plains. It had been a long journey from the mountains they more typically called home, and the chill of the north at times was a struggle, but their gear was modified and adjusted to deal with such troubles.
Richeye glanced around his first guest to see the second, "Oh -- I guess Froot forgot I was in a meeting ... although this may end up working out well, I didn't know your group had returned already, Banrigg, right?" The human man rubbed his eyes, evidently he still hadn't gotten much sleep, "Banrigg, this is Terminus -- a visitor hoping to aid in any assaults against the bandit groups around here."
Banrigg dipped his head for a moment, "Aye, we returned yesterday evenin', and ah ... dealt w'many things, but I think it best if Lord Benito tell ya th'details about all that." He scratched his chin, "Or maybe onna th' magicky types, think they understood more'n I did." Stepping forward he approached the desk, keeping a wary eye on the panther, but also curious to see more details of the newcomer, surprised to find them with scales and focused reptilian eyes. Turning his gaze back towards Richeye he continued, "Unfortunately, I don't think I can stay in yer service -- I even brought th' twenty-gold ya paid me already, since I didn't do ver' much at th' end of it all." Reaching into a pouch he pulled out the coin, only for Richeye to hold a hand out, shaking his head.
"No -- you still went out with them and did a service for me, the gold is yours. Use it well is all I ask, or pass it on to those who need it." The noble smiled at Banrigg before turning back to Terminus, "As you can see, you wouldn't be the first I've hired to help curb the attacks and raids around here, but hopefully you will be one of the last. Do you have any questions?"
Morning of the Twenty-Seventh Day | Porthca | Church of the Crying God:
While in the back of her mind Virra could hear the sounds of Ilmater's priests waking and beginning their morning routine, something else was keeping her focus -- her mind seemed to still hold a faint connection to her fellow Mystic, even as he was hundreds of miles away, giving her a glimpse of Niradnam in his human disguise surrounded by maps and charts, Egnaro sprawled across various books and the dark eggshell of his Wyvern surrounded by a thick blanket off to the side, away from the edge of the table. The scholar seemed to be muttering something to himself before pausing and glancing around like he was being watched -- for a half second looking in Virra's direction before the dream faded and the gnome was wakened fully.
Tyrius was also awakened by the sounds of the clerics chatter as they started their morning, the smell of a simple but hearty breakfast wafting through the air. One of the younger acolytes, the boy named Haeden, entered into the room the pair were in to retrieve something and noted they were awake, "Oh -- good. Breakfast is on offer downstairs, we're doing our daily service to aid those who cannot afford food themselves. You're welcome to have some as well, or if you'd like you can help with serving and collecting plates." Digging through a chest he seemed to find what he was after and returned downstairs, leaving the pair to decide their next step.
Those within the tavern slept on their beds, perhaps some measure of relief from everything that had happened and was dealt with, a chapter closing behind them in their more recent adventures. However, they all understood ... things were far from over -- infact things had already started, and they weren't even awake yet.
Magnolia:
Sleep has taken the halfling and brought her home ... the familiar lands of Negrastir, the small roads and ornate architecture she grew up around, even if at times it represented an Empire she was not fond of, it's hard to deny the nostalgia she felt at seeing the buildings once more. Homes she remembered playing around, eating in, or lounging within when the humid summers swept through, waiting eagerly for the strong rains to work their way down the coast and relieve the heat.
She found herself able to step around this memory of her old village, though it appears to be a ghost town, things left as if someone was whisked away in a moment, the more she looked the more she saw tools dropped as if in the middle of work, meals set out at tables but ignored, tasks left half-finished. However the more she walked the more she slowly heard someone moving around, and turning a corner she foundd another halfling, but there's something ... awe-inspiring about her. There's almost an aura of peace and happiness to the woman, and her form has no flaw, her clothing looks comfortable yet practical at the same time, and on her hip rests a goathorn, held by a simple leather strap.
She hums as she collects things, putting away tools and materials, speaking out loud, "I assume you're going to help? It's unfortunate what has happened here, truly unfortunate." The woman sighed before looking towards Magnolia, strangely difficult for her to look at, almost like staring into the sun or a bonfire, but the halfling smiled and the pain weakened. "Apologies -- that should be better, yes?" Approaching Magnolia she handed over the tools and items she'd collected: a pair of shortswords, a boot with the sole burned, a fence gate, a blossoming flower, and a dog's collar. Patting Magnolia's hand she smiled, "Never forget, I am with all my Children, and my Children are always watching over their children." Chuckling slightly, "It's children all the way down -- but I jest. Your path will not always be easy, young Magnolia, I hope you don't forget the tools available to you, and the friends, the allies you already have made along the way. They will need your cheer and your energy."
The Halfling woman gently patted Magnolia's face, "And of course, they all need more practice in checkers!" With a laugh the dream faded, Magnolia waking in her bed to see Ander across the room in his own bed, seeming to be busy with his own dreams ...
Ander:
The past week or so since the Thief's cave, strange sensations and desires have plagued Ander, but the poor Paladin had his eyes set on something far more important: helping deal with Porthca's threat from the Sea, then it was compounded by what he had found and learned about those he used to live with -- the holy symbol of an old friend, then later finding an old friend, manacled and chained by cruel magics. His hair had been growing out far thicker than he could tend to manage each day, his tongue had begun to ache from the amount of times he had accidentally bitten down on it, finding when thinking back ... his teeth had been slowly shifting, rearranging slightly within his jaw, canines growing sharper and the teeth around them sharpening to match. In the face of everything else, it's just been something to add to the pile, to be dealt with later. Always later. Others had more pressing concerns.
Yet it is now, in the pseudo-peace between tasks, that things appear to have come to Ander himself, especially when the night before he realized his eyes could find focus in the dark, and when he opened his senses in an attempt to be assured of Lestone's state and instead found the strong scent of a storm filling his nose, giving him the feeling of an elemental. Never before had his ability to spread his awareness been able to give such a result, but not much had been usual for the paladin lately.
Within his dream he sees himself on the island of Lokil as it used to be before the large-scale bandit attack, the population satisfied for the most part with their island lives, the sun rising across the water as morning rituals and habits begin again. A man sits off to the side, watching everyone, yet his details are difficult to make out. Every time Ander attempts to look his direction, he feels compelled to look elsewhere, and at the same time feels a desire to sit next to the strange person. As he begins to move, a panic spreads through him -- why is he on all fours? He began to walk forward, but an instinct caused him to raise an arm -- no, it's a foreleg? -- as he stepped forward -- suddenly his balance is lost, he has no idea how to walk and Ander flails in fear -- what has happened? Attempting a plea for help, instead from his throat comes a low roar and rumble, a few people glance over and seeing the lion begin to scatter, afraid of the creature. Except the man doesn't rise, he merely sits and watches the dawn, a sun that doesn't move across the water.
His voice is peaceful as he speaks: "Be calm, Ander of the Morning Sun. Ease yourself and work through it, one thing at a time. Every journey, every challenge, and every obstacle must be overcome with the first step, for that is the greatest difficulty of all." The lion Ander appears to calm and slowly begins to roll over onto his paws, wobbly, but standing. Taking a hesitant step, balance slowly returns and he soon finds he can take multiple steps easily, even trotting here and there, mane flowing in the wind and tail sweeping happily behind him. The man on the bench chuckles at the happy creature, "Once upon a time, so very long ago, there was another god that existed. Their creature was the lion, favored for bravery and dedication to their pride -- their fellow lions. Devotion -- that was their creed, to care for those under their care, and wished their followers to do the same." The man seemed to smile towards the lion, "It seems, young Ander, you have stumbled across some of the items they deemed holy, what was once used in their rituals to become their god's champion." Patting the beast's head gently, he continued, "If you truly wish to be rid of what some might consider a curse, it is easily done. However, I merely wished to give some ... guidance perhaps, for the newest step in your life, for better or worse."
The man turned away from the paladin for a moment and Ander found himself seated on the ground within his armor, but fur still covered his body, a muzzle stretched out from his face and ears flicked this way and that. His nails had become claws and a strength flowed through him. "Something to consider, young Ander, and hopefully to give you some peace of mind, if that's possible in this world." He spread his arms and the sun slowly began to rise once more, "My island will heal and will enjoy a new beginning. I look forward to that day, Ander of the Morning Sun."
Ander woke in his bed within the room he shared with Magnolia, his features more feline than they had been before, a faint layer of fur covered his form and visible skin, slowly fading as he became more awake ...
Valerie:
Last night was a whirlwind of thoughts regarding the ring the young warlock had been given by her grandfather without any insight into what it was beyond some sort of magical trinket, allowing her to cast magic and create weapons and objects from salt. Yet now, Valerie was all too aware there was something more to it -- between the identification Eliza had done and the ring's own demands and methods, she definitely knew it was more than just a magical trinket.
Her sleep, normally dreamless or merely a meshing of various thoughts and ideas left wandering by the time rest arrives, finds the young warlock in what looks to be a castle created by clouds, deep, dark and stormy. Thunder echoes around her, flashes of lightning illuminate the place, giving sight to details of the structure. Blinking, Valerie finds herself elsewhere, in what looks to be a throne room -- old memories of noble lessons begin to come to mind but a voice speaks with a faint chuckle, "You do not need to curtsy, Valerie." Turning to look at the voice, there's a woman seated whose form is made of thick dark clouds, features visible in the edges of each cloud, eyes a constant ball of sparks, and hair a soft fog that slowly spreads away through the air. White pleasant clouds make up a long flowing robe that spreads away from the seated figure that watches Valerie for any hint of a reaction before dipping her head briefly.
"I apologize for the struggles I have given you, Valerie Rhiteghast, but I was ... asleep I suppose for a long time, and only awoke in a sense when I felt the presence of Lestone on the Material Plane once more. I have many Children, but I had thought him dead for many years, to feel him return was too strange and unsettling." Her expression darkened, a few streaks of lightning moved across her form, "Then to find a child like the Sea was using him as a toy ..." the castle shook from the thunder that rumbled outside, "I was not pleased." Taking a moment she continued, "Controlling you earlier ... took much of my energy that I had built up, but I am thankful I was allowed to see him, to touch him and to speak with him, even if it was only for a few moments. Unfortunately, I still cannot even maintain this very long ..." the cloud-castle begin to fall apart, "... but know I am with you." The Tempest gave Valerie a smile as the dream faded, leaving her waking in her room, with Lestone propped against the back wall on his bed, lounging while he seemed to send a small bolt of lightning back and forth between his hands.
He glanced over towards Valerie, noticing she seemed awake and spoke, his voice less painful sounding, "Which question would you like to begin with?"
Morning of the Twenty-Seventh Day | Porthca | De'Porthca Manor:
Sleeping in the comfort of soft bed, Eliza eventually awakes, hearing faint noises and chatter of a home that's begun their morning routine. A servent delicately knocks on the door, informing the half-orc that breakfast has been served: at the request of the Twins, the chefs attempted to create something called "pan-cakes and waffles", with fruit, honey, and maple syrup on offer, along with more typical breakfast items like ham, sausage, bacon and eggs.
If Eliza heads downstairs, she finds the De'Porthca family in what appears to be higher spirits, Anthol at the head of the table, though he still looks more tired than she remembers, with Sidwae to his side, her hand on his as they eat. Robern still claims a seat next to his mother while Joan sits next to Ben who wears a faint smile at seeing the sticky mess Robern is slowly working himself into, and helping to tie back Joan's hair from catching in the syrup her plate is coated in. Noticing Eliza, Ben motions for her to join them at the table, gesturing to a plate at the table set and waiting. "Morning Lizzy," he calls as he works through what looks to be a pan-cake. "This is a new food that came from the south, heard a few at the docks talk about it, and we managed to convince the chefs it wasn't a trick. It's not too bad, I suggest some syrup and a little bit of butter, maybe some fruit depending on what you like."
The twins waved to the wizard while Sidwae and Anthol gave her a nod of recognition, Anthol speaking up, "It's a pleasure to meet you again, Eliza. We heard you both got back quite late, but at the same time, returned with good news. About ... Cyne especially, from what Ben mentioned."
Morning of the Twenty-Seventh Day | Porthca | Defallian Manor:
Leaving with the dawn, Banrigg had first made a point of offering to cover breakfast for the group he'd come in with, then pausing for a moment, also put a few platinum down to cover breakfast and drinks for incoming sailors to the surprise of the Tuckered Kraken's owner, asking as well to deliver a short message to them when they came to the front. Packing his things, the dwarf crossed the morning streets headed towards the Defallian Manor -- towards the Lord that had hired him to aid with the Pearl and inform him unfortunately Banrigg couldn't stay within his employment for long.
Knocking on the large door, he finds it opened by the strange living shrub that seemed to wander the house and is guided in. Glancing off to the side he sees most of the family having their breakfast, a faint discussion of the expected weather and effects of such on crops can be heard, but he quickly continues onwards to the study where the rustling of living leaves is headed. Froot opens the door for Banrigg and he steps in, ready to begin his explanation to the Lord, even offering to return the gold he was given as an early payment when the dwarf pauses, realizing that Richeye Defallian already had a guest, however his hand goes to his weapon as his reaction first is towards the grey-furred panther that seems to be sitting just inside the door, watching him as its tail slowly sweeps back and forth.
A small figure stands before Richeye, standing on a chair to more easily see over the desk -- they had arrived early in the morning, drawn by information the Defallians of Porthca were leading raids against bandits that plagued the Sinking Plains. It had been a long journey from the mountains they more typically called home, and the chill of the north at times was a struggle, but their gear was modified and adjusted to deal with such troubles.
Richeye glanced around his first guest to see the second, "Oh -- I guess Froot forgot I was in a meeting ... although this may end up working out well, I didn't know your group had returned already, Banrigg, right?" The human man rubbed his eyes, evidently he still hadn't gotten much sleep, "Banrigg, this is Terminus -- a visitor hoping to aid in any assaults against the bandit groups around here."
Banrigg dipped his head for a moment, "Aye, we returned yesterday evenin', and ah ... dealt w'many things, but I think it best if Lord Benito tell ya th'details about all that." He scratched his chin, "Or maybe onna th' magicky types, think they understood more'n I did." Stepping forward he approached the desk, keeping a wary eye on the panther, but also curious to see more details of the newcomer, surprised to find them with scales and focused reptilian eyes. Turning his gaze back towards Richeye he continued, "Unfortunately, I don't think I can stay in yer service -- I even brought th' twenty-gold ya paid me already, since I didn't do ver' much at th' end of it all." Reaching into a pouch he pulled out the coin, only for Richeye to hold a hand out, shaking his head.
"No -- you still went out with them and did a service for me, the gold is yours. Use it well is all I ask, or pass it on to those who need it." The noble smiled at Banrigg before turning back to Terminus, "As you can see, you wouldn't be the first I've hired to help curb the attacks and raids around here, but hopefully you will be one of the last. Do you have any questions?"
Morning of the Twenty-Seventh Day | Porthca | Church of the Crying God:
While in the back of her mind Virra could hear the sounds of Ilmater's priests waking and beginning their morning routine, something else was keeping her focus -- her mind seemed to still hold a faint connection to her fellow Mystic, even as he was hundreds of miles away, giving her a glimpse of Niradnam in his human disguise surrounded by maps and charts, Egnaro sprawled across various books and the dark eggshell of his Wyvern surrounded by a thick blanket off to the side, away from the edge of the table. The scholar seemed to be muttering something to himself before pausing and glancing around like he was being watched -- for a half second looking in Virra's direction before the dream faded and the gnome was wakened fully.
Tyrius was also awakened by the sounds of the clerics chatter as they started their morning, the smell of a simple but hearty breakfast wafting through the air. One of the younger acolytes, the boy named Haeden, entered into the room the pair were in to retrieve something and noted they were awake, "Oh -- good. Breakfast is on offer downstairs, we're doing our daily service to aid those who cannot afford food themselves. You're welcome to have some as well, or if you'd like you can help with serving and collecting plates." Digging through a chest he seemed to find what he was after and returned downstairs, leaving the pair to decide their next step.
