le dot
Gadoongo wakes up sweaty and scared, in his ragebred shape. He touches his face, feeling the gore, and for a moment hugs his legs - still afraid, but enjoying the solitude.
Finally able to focus, after some moments, he changes back to a more Human face. He looks himself in the mirror and breathes thankful he didn't hurt anyone this time - not thankful to any god, truth be told.
He finally washes his face and sets his equipment, getting ready to go to the funeral. It was a sad occasion - he could still remember Lorrimor and his teachings - but it was, as always, a moment to be focused.
He was jumpy, it's true; maybe even paranoid. But he had reasons to be. Looking again at the mirror, he feels his eyes almost turning red, but then quickly recomposes and leaves the room in the way to the Professor's residence.
"Zelara."
Brevon's eyes flutter open as he speaks the name. It takes him a moment to register what has happened, as dull gray light filters in through the small window. He lies in bed in his inn room, clutching the covers, soaked in sweat.
A dream. It was only a dream.
He breathes heavily, his heart racing. He tries to balance the horror of the nightmare with its implication: he had fallen asleep.
Praise the light. Dreams were few and far between for Brevon these days. When they did come, they tended to be nightmares. Always, her voice, her face. And always in darkness.
He rubs his eyes, trying to scrub away the images. He moves to the water basin near the bed, splashing his face. His eyes are red and raw, like his mood. He kneels on the floor, the aged wood creaking under his weight, and recites his obeyance to his goddess.
Are you listening, Sarenrae? Do you hear my voice?
She does not respond.
Groaning, he clamors to his feet and begins to dress. His robes slide softly over his skin. The armored coat buckles snuggly into place. He collects his rosary and his prayer book, storing them lovingly in his belt pouches. He is about to step out the door when he thinks of his weapons.
Surely, not for a funeral.
He steps back into the room and collects his scimitar. His reflection on the blade stares back at him.
Hells, Brevon, you are getting old.
The doors clicks gently shut as he escapes the confines of his room and heads toward the funeral.
A bump in the road startled Cael awake, rousing from his reverie with a start. His eyes darted around the small black carriage but find nothing of the horrific sights he had previously beheld. "Damn this Usalavan air. It quite disagrees with me." he mumbled to no one in particular. The grey dawn had only barely began shedding enough light to see by, but it was enough for him to pick up his journal and pick up writing his eulogy where he had left off.
The pen hovered over the page for a few moments before Cael sighed and put down both journal and pen. He stared out the window, his mind still reeling. It's only natural I think of her now, after so long. Being in Ustalav, seeing Lorrimor again. Well, seeing him one final time. . . " he thought to himself as the carriage took another nasty bump in the road.
Cael hissed as his inkpot spilled over onto the floor of the carriage. He began tidying what he could. He wiped a strand of hair out of his face and looked up to where the driver would be sitting on the other side of the wall and began raising his voice. "Well, at least with all this bumping we must be making GREAT SPEED!"
He clicked his tongue as he sat back down. Today was the day of the funeral and it wouldn't do to be late. Much of that was now out of his control, but if harsh words could drive his horses faster then by all the gods, they would have them! He resolved to make another comment in less than an hour, but first he really must finish this eulogy. . .
Kavakii's eyes lift open quickly, a few tears dripping backward toward his pillow. He is completely rigid in his bed. True to the image he just saw in his nightmare, one could easily outline the shape of a coffin around his body.
Breathing heavily, "What... the... HELL!" he whines outloud.
Reality sets in and Kavakii realizes where he is. He quickly gets up and moves to the center of the room, where he takes up a fighting stance, fists clinched tightly. He scans the room. Up. Down. Left. Right. As the impact of the nightmare fades, he relaxes and regains control of his mind. He eases himself into a meditative state and performs a slow distinct kata similar to a tai chi master.
After completing the ritual movements, he steeps some herbal tea. His heartbeat quickens then returns to normal as each drink of tea he glances in the mirror a checks his neck.
"I haven't experienced anything THAT intense for years. Perhaps I should designate a couple extra hours to meditation tonight... just in case." Kavakii tidys the room and packs his belongings. "There are more important matters to tend to, I must not let this anomaly defer my priorities today."
He stops and reflects on his purpose today... to honor a great man as he passes on to the next life. Kavakii smiles in memory of how he came to know the Professor Lorrimar. He checks the mirror one last time and comfortingly rubs his neck slowly as he head for the door. He bows ceremoniously toward the room before drawing the door closed and departs for Lorrimar's residence.
Bolting upright and clawing at the sheet entwined around her, she unthinkingly shreds it to get it off, stop it constricting...
Stop it, it was a dream, keep control...
Her breathing slowly returns to normal, as the dream fog recedes and she remembers the nightmare in full clarity. She stands up from the cot and brushes the scraps of fabric to the floor, padding across the rough floorboards to the stone basin and splashing cold water on her face. Gaze locked to the fragment of mirror jammed in a crack in the wall, faint notes of music drift up from the taproom of the inn. Focus on the melody he'd have said, his old but firm voice carrying wisdom beyond even his years. "Follow the melody and the song will reveal itself, and the singer, to you". An old tune then, the bard was warming up, no clientele in this early. Staring in to space as she remembers what today means, she pulls on her boots and tightens her weapon belt, sheathing twin blades over her hips, hand automatically going to the small of her back to check for the crossbow that was no longer there.
Gods curse you Jennva, you don't get to make today about you she hisses.
Her words hang in the air like poison, her hands make fists. She shakes her head from side to side, trying to rid her mind of distractions, before brusquely pushing the door open and leaving. The girl in the bed had yet to even wake before the door to the room slammed shut behind Lucetta.
Passing by the bar she grabs a mug of hot Kahve, flicking up the hood of her dark cloak as she heads out in to the rain. Never had she wanted to make a journey less, but he'd be having none of that. He'd say to get the necessary out of the way as quickly as you could, no use burying your hurt, say your goodbyes so you can move on. She puts one foot in front of the other until she's at his house.
Standing there in the rain she watches the comings and goings of the people up and down the street, until the Kahve is gone, and there is no more time before the funeral. She knocks on the door and prepares to end a chapter of her life, by marking the passing of another's.
Gadoongo smiles politely and follows her. He looks around as if fascinated and sad, at the same time. He was used to death already, and still the feelings would hurt him - especially other people's feelings, like this daughter without a father.
He doesn't make, however, any effort of saying anything or drying her tears. Distance, he feels, is the best medicine right now. He politely declines the drink and takes a sit, looking around at the other present.
"My dear," says Brevon, offering her his hand, "it is only in the darkest times in our lives that we can truly appreciate the glory of the light. I am sorry for your father, and I understand your pain, but know that the sadness you feel now will not last. Soon, the sun shall return."
His consolation is phrased well enough, and he makes an effort to smile, but his eyes seem distant, his words rehearsed. Sighing heavily, he takes a seat next to Gadoongo, his scimitar resting awkwardly beside him.
"Greetings, my name is Brother Brevon Sabor, acolyte of the Everflame, devotee of the Dawnflower, servant of Sarenrae, bless Her fair and noble name. And you are?"
When the daughter opens the door, Cael tears up and embraces the woman. "You must be his wonderful daughter. He told me so much about you, I am so sorry for your loss." He wipes the corners of his eyes and takes her hand and nods as she explains about the sitting room.
On the way back, he desperately tries to remember her name as he asks her "My poor dear I'm sure you must be dreadfully distraught, have you no one else to perform this grim task today of all days? Receiving visitors when you might be saying your final goodbyes? Forgive me if I overstep my bounds, but it seems you are less than fit for such trying work."
Upon reaching the sitting room, Cael glances around to see the other two men already waiting. "Ah, gentlemen. Professor Cael Vysorin, at your service. I presume you are both here for the funeral as well? Absolutely dreadful." He trails off as he examines the bookcases and trinkets around the room for anything familiar or of interest. Eventually he sits, pulling out his own journal to peruse his written eulogy.
Lucetta summons a tight smile full of suppressed emotion as she greets the professor's daughter.
Please accept my condolences, your father will be missed she says simply.
Her roam over the assorted books and scrolls stuffed in to every crevice of the expansive bookshelves along the corridor. Spying two unknown men already present in the sitting area, she nods to them as she takes her own seat, picking one where she can see all the exits. Even here old habits die hard.
Thank you, I'll take a brandy if that's all right
She smiles and nods as she receives the tumbler of golden liquid, sipping it as she glances over the others here.
Greetings Brother, a shame we had to meet on such a sad occasion. Had you known the professor long?
Kavakii stops at the doorway and stands rigig and erect for a moment. He brings his hands in front of his chest. One hand makes a fist and the other covers the fist with the palm. Kavakii folds at the waist for a traditional bow. Returning to the straight, upright, rigid position, he proceeds through the door.
Kavakii stands formally at the back of the room. When offered a drink, he responds politely, "Hot tea, if it is no bother, would be gratiously accepted. Thank you." Kavakii remains nearly motionless, out of the way. Except for blinking, one might believe him to be a mannequin or statue.
At the sound of Kendra's (Ah, that was the girl's name!) weeping, Cael snaps his book shut, stands up, and strides to the door of the sitting room. Briskly walking down to the area of the crying, Cael bids her to sit and be at ease as he finishes preparing the tea. He tries to comfort her as he does so speaking softly, "It's all well and good to try and live up to your father's expectations and stand on your own; but there comes a time when you need to lean on others, despite your inclinations not to. 'The acceptance of help is not the admission of defeat.' I believe that was another one of your father's, was it not?" Cael looks up from his work, screwing up his face as he thinks. "Or was it? I can't seem to recall."
Eventually, Cael finishes preparing the tea, standing with teapot in one hand, and two teacups in the other. He turns to Kendra, smiling warmly. "Now, I believe I will help myself to a cup as well. How about you dear? Shall I add a third cup to the tray?"
Kavakii breaks the silence with a quiet question, little more than a whisper, "Any of you know when this ceremony is supposed to begin? Or how many plan to be in attendance?"
Brevon watches in silence as Cael leaves the room to check on Kendra. Such a sad day, in so many ways.
"Any of you know when this ceremony is supposed to begin? Or how many plan to be in attendance?"
He jumps, startled at the voice emanating from what, moments ago, he would have sworn was merely a statue.
"Oh! Ah, sorry, I'm afraid you spooked me." He mutters nervously, wringing his hands. "No, I fear I am in the dark as to the details of the event. My summons simply indicated that I should report to this address in the morning. I assume that things will commence before very long." His eyes roam toward the doorway from which continued weeping emanates. "At least, in theory."
He clears his throat. "The death of one so esteemed as Professor Lorrimor is sure to draw a crowd, I suspect. I confess I did not know him especially well, although my small interactions with him were, ah, memorable."
Lucetta takes the brandy neat, smiling as Kendra remembers her father's penchant for the beverage, that was part of the reason she'd asked for it after all.
As Kendra breaks in to tears, she has half a mind to follow the girl, but as the elf an academic of some sort is he? Certainly has the mannerisms... busies himself making tea and comforting her she thins better of it. Instead she listens.
As talk begins of when the event might occur she simply shrugs
I know as little as the rest of you I fear, I simply had an invitation to be be here at this time. I'm sure we'll be informed as and when needed
she sips the brandy, feeling the amber liquid burn inside as she thinks about her own late night talks with the professor.
I think Brother, given the turnout of us all, none of us knew the professor well enough to see all the different parts of his life. Look at how different we all are, yet we each have our own connection to this household
She waves the glass around, indicating the shelves and ornaments.
So, what do you all do for a living? How did you first meet the professor?
Gadoongo greets Brevon, shaking his head briefly.
I'm just a sword for hire, these days. Name's Gadoongo.
He greets the others as well, one at a time, but stays silent most of the time. He's clearly uncomfortable with the whole thing, and this group around him sounds exotic even to what would be expected in one of Lorrimor's meetings...
"I am a messenger of the light," says Brevon, withdrawing his angelic ankh, "serving the soul-weary and guilt-ridden in Caliphas's more rural areas. It is how I met the Professor. He was trying to assist me in my, ah, spiritual quest to understand the nature of redemption. Sadly, we did not get very far. I was most disappointed to learn of his passing, as I hoped we would be able to teach each other a great deal."
His eyes follow a spider crawling along the floor. "I suppose now I will continue alone."
Cael returns to the sitting room with a small tray with a teapot and two teacups. Setting the tray down on the table, he poured a cup and handed it on a small saucer to the large stoic man who had requested it. He poured the other for himself and sat back in his previous seat, sipping his tea gingerly. He looked around at the others with a curious eye and set his teacup back on his saucer. "I didn't miss anything, did I? Are we discussing something?"
Kavakii nods in agreement as he receives the cup of tea. "The... um.. well.. lady over there inquired to each of our connection to the Professor." Kavakii takes a sip of the tea and looks like he's about to say something, but stops completely with puzzled look on his face as he looks back down at the tea.
"Interesting, this blend is surprisingly more satisfying that I had expected. Perhaps I can acquire the plant it's made from and bring it back to the monastery in Tian Xia and add it to my garden." Kavakii takes another sip of tea and replaces the puzzled look with one of wonderment. "Who knows, maybe it has other properties that may make it useful for something... other than... a pleasing beverage."
"Did any of you receive any insight to the cause of the professors' untimely expiration?"
Brevon turns away from Lucetta to face Kavakii. "Only rumors, mere whispers on the wind.". Brevon's voice drops low so that Kendra won't hear. "Deathcursed by a gypsy, I heard initially. There was also a report of bubonic plague. I even heard a pair of fishwives on the road whispering that he hanged himself.". Brevon sighs heavily. "Whatever the cause, let us pray his soul has found peace. "
Greetings Gadoongo, I'm Lucetta the woman inclines her head in greeting, before listening to Brevon's description of his work.
The room lapses in to the kind of silence no-one is willing to be the first to break, but then Cael is back among the bookshelves and strangers sipping drinks.
I fear all conversation is discussion of some sort professor, one that is never ending. Nonetheless, we were simply discussing the topic of the hour, and enquiring how we each first met the good Professor Lorrimor.
she waits as the tea is served, and the strange monk focuses his responses solely on the tea. She shrugs and turns her attention back to Brother Sabor.
Ah I only arrived in Ravengro late last night, in time for last orders but not for picking up many rumors. It would be sad if any of those were true, I'm sure Kendra will tell us what happened when she's ready.
Cael nods, chiming in, "Well, I met Professor Lorrimor whilst I was on sabbatical. This was, let's see, almost two decades ago? Something like that anyway. As a fellow educator we had much in common and struck up a friendship rather quickly. The man was quite well read in a number of fields and we spoke at length on a great many topics. He will be dearly missed."
Cael lifts his teacup in a toast, "To Petros Lorrimor."
Lucetta hoists her brandy glass in the air
To the Professor
she takes another sip, slightly more at ease now these strangers were less so.
So Cael, should we go and see if Kendra is ok or will she be joining us again presently do you think?
To Lorrimor. - Gadoongo finally says, breaking most of his silence. He's not drinking anything, so he limits himself to close his eyes and move his head up, as if thinking of his lost friend.
A million thoughts cross his mind - mostly, memories - as he slowly opens his eyes and goes back to his usual silence. His fingers intertwine, as if he's making plans. He doesn't show many emotions at that point, but tries to show some interest in the conversations.
"May the Light guide his way through Pharasma's boneyard," says Brevon, bowing his head.
Looking up, he scans the many books scattered throughout the room. "Yes, Cael, I daresay the Professor was a savant in many areas. Did you perchance ever speak to him of his theories on psychosomatic distortion of divine phenomena?"
Cael tilts his head to Lucetta's direction, saying "I'm not sure if she'll be joining us, but now that she's not waiting on us hand and foot, I think it would do well to leave her to her own devices. Though if there is another knock at the door, I daresay it should be one of us to answer."
Cael turned to the large man who had just put forth a quite erudite inquiry. He blinked, slightly taken aback, but managed quick response all the same, "I'm afraid I can't quite recall. It may have come up at some point but I confess, while more than passingly familiar with a number of divine subjects, my true expertise lies in the arcane."
Looking at Cael, "By chance did you catch the name of the herbs used in this tea? It's quite remarkable." He glances back at the cup for a moment then shakes his head as if realizing he had gone off topic and the motion from left to right would focus him back to the conversation. "I happened across the professor by chance or luck. His travelling accomodations had been the target of bandits and somehow he managed to survive the ordeal. I accompanied him back to my monastery in Tian Xia, ensuring his safe arrival back to civilization. Once there, I oversaw his recovery from the wounds he had sustained, until such time as his affairs insisted he move on." Kavakii's eyes drifted upward as if coming to some sort of epiphany. "Come to think of it, the Professor was the one who ignited my interest in herbalism. Pointing out numerous plants along our travel and citing possible uses for each one... fascinating. Not to mention the opportunity for self reflection provided by the farming of various plants."
Tea blends, obscure academic references and a distinct lack of other women... this could be a vision of hell... best make the most of it
Lucetta smiles politely, craning her head to see where Kendra has gotten to, and readying herself in case someone else knocks on the door so she can go to greet them.
She tips her glass at Kavakii
So did you and the professor's discussions on herbs cover fermented beverages at all? I always found he had a keen nose for wine, his interest in herbalism may well be the explanation it seems. What do you drink in Tian Xie when... when you aren't drinking tea?
"Alcohol taints one's mind and body. While I know he didn't share the same philosophy on the subject as I, He must have seen fit to exclude the topic due to my lack of interest." Looking puzzled Kavakii responded to the last inquiry, "Water, animal's milk, soup broth. Are these not the staple of every cultures imbibment? After all, none of us are filthy dwarves."
[i]Ah now this is getting interesting, the monk has opinions...[/b]
Lucetta grins like the cat that got the cream.
My dear Kavakii, the taint is the entire point. Not everyone can relax and unwind with a book or an hour's meditation! When I ask of drink, I meant you might discuss the rice wine I hear so much about, but never fear I believe we have found a topic of more interest.
She leans forward, brow furrowed in honest curiosity
If you don't mind my asking, whatever is it that has you saying 'filthy' dwarves?!
Her eyes twinkle with mirth, but her question seems quite genuine.
Cael sets his teacup down on a nearby table and motions for Lucetta to remain seated. "No, no. You stay and get the answer to your question. I'll get the door." He makes his way to the entrance of the sitting room and makes his way to the foyer to answer the front door.
Lucetta's ears prick up and she stands, setting her glass down on a nearby shelf
Just a moment Kavakii.
She moves to the door with no wasted energy and opens it, ready to greet whoever is on the other side.
Lucetta nods her head in a sombre manner
Carl would you be a dear and let Kendra and the others know it's time please?
She steps out on to the porch next to the rotund man, breathing deeply of the cold, fresh air.
Did you know the professor well? she asks the man
We heard rumors, but didn't want to ask poor Kendra. So what exactly *did* happen?
"After all, none of us are filthy dwarves."
"I am neither filthy nor a dwarf, though I don't see the connection between the two," says Brevon.
At the knock, Brevon begins to stand, but given that Cael and Lucetta practically knock each other over in their eagerness to greet the newcomer, he lingers. Instead, he elects to go check on Kendra, making his way slowly down the hall toward the kitchen. He knocks delicately on the doorframe.
"Excuse me, Ms. Lorrimor? It seems another guest has arrived."
Kavakii sips his tea and observes as the 3 dart off. Reflecting to himself, "These people obviously lack focus. Offering questions, but obviously not interested in receiving a response." He looks down at his disappearing cup of tea and shakes his head, "I guess the art of 'chit-chat' is a concept I will need much more instruction on to understand. I hope I did not offend the hairy one... Brevon, I believe his name was. I would never issue such an insult of implying someone to the kin of disgusting mountain vermin like dwarves without due reason. Even then, only under extreme circumstance. I should apologize and clarify to him that no connection to dwarves in particular was intended."
Kavakii returns to his motionless stance as he awaits new directions.
Keep smiling Lucetta, charm first, threats later if being nice doesn't work...
Lucerta looks taken aback and slightly offended by the man's words, in as demure a way as she can muster.
She responds quietly
I knew the professor quite well, and was saddened to hear of his passing. It would comfort me to know how he met his end, perhaps give me some solace whilst we are at the services...
She looks saddened and waits patiently for the man to hopefully 'ride to the rescue'
Hearing Kendra sobbing up in her room, Brevon hesitates but decides to leave her to her grief. He makes his way down the creaking stairs and back to the hall, where he notices the front door is ajar. He hears Lucetta's voice outside, speaking to the newest arrival. Unsure, he approaches the front door himself.
Gadoongo just stays quiet, sitting down on his corner. He notices the movements of the people around, but at this point he just observes. He isn't exactly the most social of individuals - especially coming from his background.
He considers going to check on Kendra and, like the others who talked before, shares a bit of curiosity to what actually happened to the Professor; however, in his own limited perception, there will be a moment to find out more about it.
Gadoongo didn't express it, but got uncomfortable with the strange comment of the Human monk about dwarves. Not that he had any particular likes for the race, but he didn't dislike them either. In fact, many times they were pleasant traveling and drinking companions. It was just strange the professor would friend someone with such explicit negative opinions about such common creatures. What would that guy think of shapechangers, for instance?
Cael nodded and turned, bending his head down to whisper in Lucetta's ear, "It's Cael, not Carl." He then strode off in search of Kendra. He passed Brevon on his way up the stairs and followed the sounds of sobbing to Kendra's door. He straightened himself as he stood before the door wondering what to say. Eventually, he knocked softly and simply said, "Kendra? My dear, there's someone at the door. He says it's time to begin the service." He stood outside the door, waiting for the young woman to come out or to say something definitively on whether or not she was coming out.