Rilka sighs heavy, shaking her head as the water recedes past her knees. Observe and then act, she thinks. I should have done that. I wonder where the water was coming from. I searched the room before going to sleep.
”We’ll perform better,” the halfling tells Drosil, giving an encouraging smile to her companions.
”That’s a smart idea Bjorkus. And Dalton having a defensive option like that is extremely useful. Thanks for bringing it to our attention. I doubt there will be anymore tests tonight, but I’ll stay up. Y’know some alchemical wards would be really useful...hmmmm...” the halfling takes out her notebook and begins to brainstorm ideas.
Bjorkus recounts the vivid dream that had woken him just prior to the ‘test’ in great detail for his friends. ”Whatever that thing is, it’s not givin’ up. I think whatever connection we’ve got, it’s gettin’ stronger.”
The wizard yawned. "If there's nothing further, how about some more shuteye?"
Toramin is already snoring softly.
The rest of the night, thankfully, goes by quietly.
In the morning there is a soft knock at the door, and two Aestherics enter once bid. There is a human cleric and a half-orc pushing a heavily laden tray. The half-orc gives a grunt and starts setting up a simple table with chairs as the smell of breakfast fills the room.
The cleric is a short man with wavy brown hair. He gives a soft bow to the party. "Good morning. I am here to give you all a brief health exam in preparation for your day. Also, you have letters." He hands an official-looking wax-sealed letter to Toramin, a yellowed one to Bjorkus, aand two very plain white letters to Rilka and Dalton.
I am writing to you with a smile on my face.
The Pech people are doing well in Akropash,
although they have begun to branch out as
well. Our own successes are mixed, but more
often than not have been positive. Their
power structure is complex and violent and
hard to navigate, but with careful tactics
we are making great strides. It is more of
a long term investment than anything, but
I am confident it will be both for the better
of the people there as well as profitable
for us.
However, there is a slightly more serious
matter I wanted to bring up, at least if
only briefly. The Aestherics contacted the
Voices with a short message explaining how
they wanted to create diplomatic ties. We
are waiting on the details, but there was
a very polite half-orc who went by the name
of Krokar who requested I mention that they
contacted us. I am hoping I learn more about
the situation soon. Stay safe, my grandson.
Yana
Ya know im not one much for writing so ill
keep this short. Crew doing well, moral is
good. Wont put details in a letter, but we
had some luck. Captains seat is waiting for
you when you get back. If you get yourself
killed, make sure there's a good story to
go along with it.
Luthor
I'm so glad to hear from your friends
and hear you're well! I'm always so
worried when you're gone for so long,
but at least your magic helps to ease
my worries. That nice man Geoffrey
came by last week to check on me and
he kept me company for a bit. It's so
nice to have company around here. I
just wish I knew what was on that poor
boy's mind, he seemed distracted by
something, but I didn't want to bother
him about it. Well I hope you find time
to visit me while you're in town, I
just made a fresh batch of those nice
strawberry pastries that you like. I
want to make sure you have something
good to eat while you're traveling so
much.
Wendellia
I know you didn't come into
town without letting me know. I
miss you terribly, you need to come
visit. Oh and we have to talk about
Gobus, a bit ago he injured his foot
in training and he's been limping
around ever since. You should make
a challenge for another climbing
contest while you have the chance!
A big order came in from Gesthil.
With all the stuff going on over
there there's an immense amount of
paperwork going on and apparently
they need a lot of new law books.
Not the most exciting work, but it's
definitely going to beef up my bank
a little bit. I think we should go
out somewhere nice to celebrate,
and so that you can catch me up!
Leddipaug
After last night, Bjorkus is cautious when it comes to his morning meal. The bull pokes at the food heaped on the platters and sniffs it closely for signs of strange odors.
He cocks a heavy brow at the cleric when he mentions a health inspection. Everything and everyone was suspect during this Aestheric training. "Is that so? And what kinda checks were you plannin? The kind where we're naked and helpless I'm guessin'."
The letter however brings a smirk to his bovine features. He silently hoped the message from Luthor was real and not some kind of trick. "Thanks", he offers before folding the missive up again and tucking it into his pack.
The cleric looks taken aback. "No, nothing of the sort. Just a basic examination to make sure you don't have any dormant diseases or infections or muscle problems or anything else that may put you in danger. The training is very intense and dangerous enough on its own without added complications. I suppose you could opt out if you want, I don't think that you're required to have an examination."
Not minding the mention of a health exam, Dalton for once was only interested in the food in a secondary sense; he read through the letter thoroughly.
Mother...
He squinted his eyes shut and wiped the wetness away from them after finishing the letter. Whatever dark events lurked behind the events of his home, he had grown more homesick than he realized, the full effect hitting him now.
"I won't opt-out," said the mage softly.
Toramin reads the letter carefully twice before hands it to Ianna. "No more secrets, sister. I'm sorry for having kept those that I did from you. Please help me craft a response."
The two siblings start penning a missive.
Honored Grandmother,
I am overjoyed that the Pech are doing well in Akropash. Long have they wandered and much have they suffered at the hands of the wicked. With Akropash's focus on mineral wealth, I hope that they have the chance to grow strong and wealthy enough to protect themselves. Our investments in Akropash are a great opportunity to spread civilization there. You may find that the masked healers are our greatest allies in that regard. For their goals to succeed the region must be pacified. As for profits, I do not doubt great-aunt Ordalla's abilities to get what is owed within the bounds you have set for her. I am not surprised that the Aestherics have contacted you. I predicted that they would easily discover who had told the Voices, and they confirmed that they matched my visits with the purges. I hope I have rendered our people and our king a valuable service here. I suspect that Vorn sent me back in part to see what they would do. No pockets of gas just yet. We have uncovered the identity of the one who kidnapped Ianna, who is doing well. There is much to share about that and my new understanding with the Aestherics, but I feel this is best news shared in person.
All of our love,
Toramin and Ianna.
"Wait, didn't you also mention that you wrote to our brother? Narad could be in danger, if my abductor was intercepting our letters. Last I heard he was seeking adventure in Andril. Perhaps we should be looking for him."
She smiles brightly at the flustered cleric. "Of course, we would be happy to be examined."
The cleric takes the letter from Toramin and puts it in his pouch. "Not to eavesdrop ma'am, but apparently we are handling mail differently. Various methods of teleportation are being used for any important information or any letters that could possibly give away the location of an Aestheric. I was instructed specifically to make sure that all letters to and from your group have that treatment. The council is having an open meeting tonight to explain why the new methods are needed."
Rilka grins as she opens her letter. She reads the letter quickly, then reads it again, savoring the handwriting. She finishes and judges her companions’ reactions to their letters, hoping they aren’t distressed or bothered.
The halfling raises an eyebrow at Bjorkus’ comment. I’m sure he’s been naked and helpless, under the power and mercy of a few women and men. Well, maybe not under... she thinks.
”We’ve come across a few undead, be sure to check for any negative-energy diseases,” she tells the cleric.
While she’s waiting for her examination, she takes out pen and paper. After sitting staring at the ceiling, for about a minute she begins to write.
Gesthil? Their lawyers and bureaucrats are fortunate to get such beautiful books.
We must meet as much as we can. I need to do so because I need you. I believe you need me. Plus, I’ve a gift for you. Not quite sure you’ll like it, but...we’ll find out soon enough.
Rilka
She writes a note:
Another note:
Rilka
She hands the letters to the cleric. ”New methods? Hmmm. Well, thank you for seeing that these are sent.”
Satisfied that the cleric wasn't up to no good, Bjorkus snorts again but visibly relaxes. "Alright, do your exam. Just be careful where you're stickin' things."
The human cleric goes through the examinations. It goes quickly and painlessly. He mumbles a few spells, asks the party members to move in specific ways, and has them answer a few basic questions about previous injuries and sicknesses. In the end he gives a smile. "None of you have anything to be concerned about. I wish you the best of luck with your training." He puts a hand on the shoulder of the half-orc who grunts and picks up the now-empty plates, putting them on the cart to be wheeled away.
A few minutes later there is a knock at the door, and an elderly half-elf limps in on a cane. He looks around grumpily and waves the party over. "Come. You have much to learn."
The next month is intense. Extended history lessons on the past of the Aestherics, going back to a century after the fall of the dragons. How the original group founded the Aestherics, when they found the tunnel that housed Gilrent the Wise's bones, the long tunneling process that took decades. Their activities over the centuries, including their expansion and the careful guidance and maneuvering of civilizations away from disaster and death while remaining unnamed and unseen. Current history covers some the major Aestheric bases across Erandor, as well as current operations and the chain of command, and how their system works.
Meticulous studying of tactics and strategies for a variety of situations. Drills are run again and again until the party can storm a building, tail a target, steal an item, and perform various other goals flawlessly. They're also taught what tactics to use in what situation, and that the way victory is achieved is just as important as the victory itself. Also stressed is the importance of keeping attention away from themselves, even in public situations. Exposure is death.
Cutthroat decision making where lies and deceptions obscure the situation. Crying hostages turn out to be demons in disguise. Witnesses give false accounts for obscure reasons. Split-second situations where the party has only seconds to make life-or-death decisions based on little information. Difficult political and moral qualms that end up giving terrible headaches and some deep disagreements.
Intense team-bonding exercises that push the physical and mental limits of the party. Being locked into a room of noxious fumes with only one mask, no visible ways out, and enemies bearing down. Dropping from an airship onto a hot battleground, coming in so fast their cheeks are pulling back and their eyes stinging from the wind. Buried alive with minutes of air and being deaf, only able to communicate by touch. Kept awake for a week and then given complicated puzzles that only one person can see while the others navigate blindly. Thrown in a room of swinging metal blades as the temperature steadily rises, slowly cooking the party and heating the metal blades.
To name but a few examples.
But eventually the party pushes their way through. There were a few very rough patches; Toramin and Bjorkus getting into a heated moral argument that ended with overly harsh words, Rilka losing half her leg to a gruesome trap before being rushed to the healers for a regenerate spell, Ianna nearly asphyxiating when facing a particularly disgusting scenario, Dalton being taken for several hours onto another plane when he was deceived by a demon. At the end, the twenty instructors all give the party their approval, on average giving very positive remarks (although Bjorkus' alchemist teacher looks like he aged ten years).
Drosil and Jasper have been along for the whole ride, pushing the party to their limits. At the end they give their own approval and a ceremony is held. "Normally this is when you get your badges. Maybe we'll upgrade them to silver for you, eh?" Jasper jokes, grinning with pointed teeth. The party reflects on their training, mulling over what they've learned...
"You are correct, sister. I will do what I can to ensure our brother's safety. Dalton, will you scry for our brother, Narad?"
As much as Toramin hates it, he will find Heff. "I worry that your brother found my sister because of the letters that I sent her. I also sent letters to me younger brother, Narad. Master Dalton cannot find him. Will you please look for him?"
"A moment more of your time, please. What struck your curiosity about Bjorkus?"
Ianna asks her question in a friendly and not accusatory tone.
The training is difficult for Ianna. Unlike her brother and his friends, she was not used to such stressful and physically demanding activities. But, the dangers that she knows await them spur on her efforts. No matter how hard they study or trained, Ianna devoted hours each night to enchanting for the group.
Bolka's Tear began to resonate whenever she channeled healing energies, providing more healing than she could provide alone. She also improved the belt of giant Strength that her brother had taken from Targ's corpse.
Even though it's an intense and stressful few weeks, Bjorkus finds the training surprisingly fruitful as the scenarios, despite many being outlandish and absurd, taught some useful/valuable lessons. More often than not, the bull ends up throwing his hands up in frustration when it comes to the academic material but the practical skills are all well appreciated. He may not finish the experience with anymore trust for the Aestheric leadership but he does end it with more appreciation for the training and dedication the rank-and-file soldiers underwent.
He spends the week immediately after the training unwinding in town and getting to know the local women... intimately.
~Toramin~
After putting in a request to find Heff, the wait is short until the slippery man shows up. "Congratulations on receiving Drosil and Jasper's stamp of approval! To be honest, they're definitely the toughest of us when it comes to training. It's nothing to sneeze at to pass their training." He listen to the request, then nods. "No problem. Come on, let's see if we can find him." He leads Toramin to a small room that looks like a study, then pulls out a crystal ball. "Now, describe your brother to me."
The image of Narad slowly comes into view. He looks a little beat up with some scrapes and bruises, but is smiling and looks in good spirits. He is sitting around a campfire with a dozen other dwarfs in the frozen mountains, drinking and laughing at a story.
~Ianna~
The cleric gives an uncertain frown, then gently pulls Ianna outside the room.
"Thank you. That is a relief. It also looks that he has traveled back north. Last I heard he was seeking adventure in this kingdom. It might be safer in terms of fewer monsters, but my brother is young -- I am glad he is closer to the lands of our birth."
"My pleasure. I'm sure you've gotten your mail by now, but we've made contact with the Voices. We plan on putting some protective measures in for your family since Rygat has been targeting you and them. Mostly just some Aestheric bruisers who will act as guards, purely voluntary on the part of your family members. Not that I think they can handle Rygat, but if he sends more pawns to do his dirty work, they should be able to help."
I don't know when you're going to be
back in town, but I thought I would
send this letter anyways. The poison
you sent me is one that's not that
complex, but very useful. The mix has
to be ingested, an entire vile of it,
but once that is done it is very good
at keeping people asleep for extended
periods of time. Not particularly
useful in the field due to the large
dose required, but good for keeping
an unruly captive from doing anything.
I hope this helps, and I certainly
wouldn't mind a visit from you if
you're up for it. Just let me know
and I'll put in the paperwork for a
visit to the castle alchemy lab.
Tenrach
At some point during the training, Bjorkus tries to get a moment alone with one of the trainers .
”This training’s got me thinkin’”, he explains. ”Our group doesn’t have a dedicated pathfinder and we’ve gotten ourselves lost a couple times as a result. Back on the Storm, my First Mate or Kal would keep the ship on track but I’ve heard of other captains wearin’ these sorts of trinkets ‘round their neck to help keep ‘em on course. I think they’re called somethin’ like ‘wayfinders’. Do the Aestherics got any tinkerers in house that could make somethin’ like that for me? Maybe they could use this as the case”, he explains while digging the holy symbol of Trudd out from his chest hair to display it.
"We have plenty of those lying around. I'm not much for crafting, but I can't imagine making one look like a holy symbol should be too hard."
Rilka polishes her badge with obvious pride. Most of the past month had been fun. The various exercises emphasizing stealth, deceit, distraction, and trickery were her favorite parts. The moral quandaries did give her headaches. Sometimes it felt like the problems they were exposed to were the point of the exercise, more so than the solution. She also learned what it is like to lose a leg, which in all honesty she could have lived without, but it did make her appreciate her leg more. However, what she considers most important of the lessons learned was how to communicate with her companions under pressure. They are at their best when they are communicating.
"Whew! I thought it would never end!"
Dalton was relieved to hear the training was over; it was much more physical than he would have liked, and their overseers were a bit draconian. Nonetheless, they prevailed.
During the periods of rest, he tried to converse with Rilka. She is our superior, though we've more been peers in this experience. The pint-sized padfoot was private, perhaps by professionalism, but the mage wanted her to feel welcome in his company - not as a burdensome clinical contact. Indeed, she has been instrumental to our survival and success.
Though Dalton was only of passing bits of alchemical knowledge, watching her work, he saw the halfling had a bit of magic in her. Her elixirs were more potent than any of the crucible-coddlers' he'd seen. And that book... It was a magery of sorts, and though the two fields were related, her particular approach was even closer than Dalton had thought.
Training took much time, but there was time to preform a few scrying sessions. He wanted to check-in with Ninnec, and it was likely Bjorkus and Dalton wanted to connect with those Dalton had seen during their journey.
Writing to his mother would be heartbreaking though; she would begin to assume the post was a reliable way of contact. Even if the Aestherics went through a process to secure the transmissions, Dalton did not trust them with it. Fortunately, he had an alternate contact in mind he'd been meaning to get in touch with for some time. I have a score to settle.
"Good Geoffrey, this is Dalton Barrowwheel. I know it has been some time, but I cannot thank you enough for seeing to my mother. It means the world to me she is able to live on in comfort and peace in her old age." Dalton did not like to think about it, but the woman should have been dead by now; with how hard she worked in her youth, it was quite a level of luck she persevered towards the century marker, moreso as she was without major illness. Or perhaps Koriat had something to do with it. Bless him if so.
"I meant to send you additional recompense for your efforts, and as I thought that to myself, I was wondering: How is your aunt, Ella , doing these days? I had no idea what you would need, but I do recall she was quite fond of jewelry. Perhaps I could cover an birthday or anniversary present on your behalf - if, of course, there is an anniversary to celebrate!"I'm sure she paired up with some other snake.
Dalton awaited the good man's reply.
On Dalton's second try he breaks through to Geoffrey, who is sitting at a desk in full armor with papers spread in front of him and a quill in his hand. He wipes the sweat from his brow and stretches his right hand, then picks up a glass and takes a drink of an amber colored liquid with ice floating in it.
At Dalton's voice Geoffrey jumps, banging his hand on the table and spilling ink across the paper he had in front of him. His face twists into rage and he slams his fist on the table. "Gods be damned!" He rips the paper in half and angrily throws it into a bin full of crumpled and ripped papers.
When Dalton continues speaking his expression turns to surprise, then shame. He hurriedly takes the drink and puts it under the table, face red. "Oh, Dalton. I-I'm so sorry about that." He puts a shaking hand on his temple. "I-I've been under a lot of stress lately. That's no excuse though, to lose my temper like that." His eyes glance down to where the drink is now hidden. "Or to...it's just the stress-it helps me keep my nerve you see." He shakes his head, sighing and sitting back down.
He relaxes slightly at talk of Dalton's mother. "It's no trouble at all, really. It's my pleasure to lend a hand where I may, and she's good company. It's relaxing to spend some quiet time with somebody who isn't worried about politics." He shakes his head again, breathing deeply and steadying his hand. "No, please, that's entirely unnecessary. You did a lot for me in Xilres, and I know you've been very busy with the Aestherics." At the mention of Ella he gives a brief exasperated expression. "I haven't been keeping up with her. I really don't know what she's doing these days, I've been so busy here..." His eyes shift again to the glass under the table. "Dalton, you won't...you know, say anything, will you? I'm not really supposed to be drinking anything stronger than beer or wine when I'm on duty..."
Toramin makes a visit to his great uncle Thrungr who is elated to see him. "Ah, there's my favorite great nephew! Oh it's good to see you in good health, and with a tan too! Oh come on in, tell me all about it."
When the ankheg shell is brought up he chuckles and nods. "Ah I was proud of that one. Made a suit of full plate out of it, and the natural material protects the wearer from acid. Plus it looks pretty unique."
"Yeah, Narad dropped by. We had a drink and caught up. He's doing good, last I heard from him."
He pulls at his beard. "Say, while you're in town for a bit...wondering if you could do something for me. It's not difficult, but I hear from Yana that you got some sort of setup for safe mail. I've been needing to get a letter to one of my business partners in the western gnome cities, and I'd rather not have the letter intercepted. Any chance you could put it through whatever method you send your mail?" He pulls out a letter sealed with wax.
"Of course, Great Uncle. It has been a tribulation that our mail system has been compromised."
Toramin studies the plate mail with interest. His training over the last few weeks had given him much to think about. Armor was heavy. Of course it was terribly useful, but the weight did not work with the warrior. Perhaps, if the joints were automated, then the weight of the armor could be used to increase the force of the thrusts.
After some inquiry with a secretary, Toramin schedules a meeting with Geoffrey. It's actually rather hard, his schedule seems extremely full. But about two in the afternoon and the Gearsmith siblings are let into Geoffrey's office.
Geoffrey smiles and waves the two in, closing the door after a servant drops off a tray of tea and snacks. He walks over and sits down in one of the guest chairs, not putting his desk between himself and his visitors. Geoffrey looks like he's aged five years since Toramin last saw him; his eyes have slight bags, his hair is lanky, and he doesn't move with the same energy. But he smiles and sits, pouring out some drinks. "Toramin, it's good to see you again. Bravo on your work in Akropash, marvelously done." He looks to Ianna, offering a gentle handshake. "Geoffrey Aertis, colonel of the Andril army and paladin of Abadar."
Ianna watches with some amusement as her brother gets lost in thought. She bows before her great uncle, "It is good to see you again, Great Uncle. Toramin told me that your magic alerted him to my troubles. I thank you."
Ianna takes the letter and slides it into a pocket inside the sleeve of her gown.
"Did Narad tell you of any of his adventures? I have always thought his fusion of witchcraft and staff work would serve him well."
The young priestess had no problem stepping into to the conversational hole her brother's musing had opened up. He could be so easily distracted by his thoughts.
"Geoffrey, I would like to introduce you to my sister, Ianna, the eldest daughter of Alavar Trealamhgabha and Madga Safir. She is a priestess sworn to Bolka."
"It is my pleasure to help however I could. I'm glad the situation got resolved. Oh he likes to brag and embellish, but I think he oversells himself. Lad's doing well though."
Ianna accepts the handshake graciously. "Thank you, Sir Geoffrey. It is a pleasure to finally make your acquaintance; Toramin speaks highly of you. It was rather kind of you to receive us."
Ianna was going to continue and offer some compliment, but Toramin interrupts her.
Ianna laughs lightly. "Narad is two years younger than my elder brother and I. I think he may feel the long shadow of his ancestors more keenly because of our youth. Nor is it only our ancestor by which he might measure himself."
She gives Toramin a speculative look.
"Geoffrey, you look unwell." Toramin observes bluntly.
"What has happened? How did you resolve your crisis? Toramin did not add the obvious observation that Geoffrey as a paladin was unlikely to get sick. The gods shield most of their chosen warriors from such things. Toramin was a rare exception, but dwarves rarely had such difficulties.
"Oh I have no doubt. He definitely takes the path less traveled, that boy. I just hope it doesn't get him into trouble."
"I imagine he would be sad if no trouble found him, so I pray that he encounters only manageable trouble. Brother, come away from the display and show our Great Uncle the spell work of that elven smith."
Toramin nods and quickly remembers his manners. "We met an elven smith in Gesthil named Malan. He mentioned having worked with the Master Maker some years ago."
Toramin then precedes to regale Great Uncle Thrungr with the story of their ocean voyage and battles on their way to Gesthil -- only the truth.
"Ianna Trealamhgabha, a priestess. It is a pleasure." He pronounces the difficult dwarven name nearly flawlessly; only enunciation and accent could have made it better.
Geoffrey gives a small smile to Toramin. "You have no idea how welcome the bluntness is. I've been up to my ears in slimy politics for months." He rubs his eyes. "It's just stress and lack of sleep. I assure you that I'm fine, just ready for this matter with Xilres to be resolved. And the matter in Yenrick...and Brumik."
He looks to Ianna for a moment, then gives a resolved look. "It's truly a tragedy what happened and I will always regret it. But after talking to many priests of Abadar and some others, I have come to peace with it. Sometimes we mortals are just out of our league and have to make the best decision available. I was powerless to save those people, but with what power I did have I saved as many lives as I could. I doubt I will ever truly move on from that horrible day, but I've come to peace with the limits of my own abilities."
Thrungr is a good audience member for the story, nearly falling out of his chair at the story of the undead platypus. "Wow. You truly had some amazing adventures in these past few weeks." He takes a look over the armor and whistles. "Even your father would be impressed by this work." He glances up for a moment at Toramin, looking back down. "This is beyond a masterpiece, it's exquisite. Malan you say? I can't believe I haven't heard of him."
With a small sad -- but understanding -- smile, Ianna offers "There is wisdom in acknowledging one's limitations that few ever know. I can claim no expertise on the battle field, nor am I as intimately familiar with the heavy weight of leadership, but I have heard that many lived who otherwise would have suffered greatly and died. As a healer, sometimes hard choices must be made. Cut off the leg to save the body. Save the mother and lose the babe. Even the gods have their limits."
She didn't want to lecture a man she had never met, but Ianna knows the power of an unexpected kind word.
Toramin easily slips back into his role as an advisor with Geoffrey.
"If it is just exhaustion, then you are clearly attempting to carry more than you can lift alone. There is no shame in asking for help. The work of civilization is never done by one pair of hands alone. Perhaps you should step back and re-examine the problems. That way you can delegate some of the smaller tasks and get help with the larger. You do neither yourself nor your country the best service by running yourself ragged."
"There is no point in worrying about things we cannot change. It will just gnaw at you. I know the healer aspect of that all too well." He gives a sad smile and looks up, as if remembering something.
Geoffrey shakes his head and sighs. "I delegate as much as I can, but there's still far too much to get done. We simply don't have the manpower to handle everything we have our hands in right now. I won't force my men to work overtime if they don't want to, but I will do everything in my power to get these situations resolved quickly and peacefully. Every time I take a day off, people suffer. The war-torn nation of Xilres, the refugees and freed slaves in Akropash, the laborers of Brumik; all of those people are relying on our actions to keep them safe, and I'll be damned before I let a little sleep deprivation keep me from helping those people." He gives a more confident smile. "I have strong shoulders, I can carry this burden." He sighs again. "The only thing I wish I could drop is the politics. Unfortunately that's the one thing I can't delegate, and it's the most frustrating part of my job."
"Any and everything can be delegated. It is a trade off. Power is often a matter of perception. You look unwell, how much does it cost you to continue on without rest? In what ways does it make you less effective? How does it erode the power people grant to you? I do not council a vacation, but when you do not shower, eat, or sleep you hurt more than just yourself. There is always more to be done. The great work is unending. Taking your time and doing it correctly will save you pain and frustration."
Toramin's pragmatism is relentless, but he does offer Geoffrey a branch to extract himself from the quagmire. "I will be in Andril for the next few weeks. You know my skills. Ianna is a well regarded member of the central families. What can we do to ease your burden?"
"I must admit to some surprise that you haven't heard of him, Great Uncle. The people we spoke to talked of him as something of a legend. Perhaps his fame hasn't extended beyond Gesthil."
Geoffrey gives a slow sigh. "Toramin. Toramin, I appreciate the advice, but I'm fine, really. It's a rough time for many people, and as an officer and more importantly a paladin it's my duty to help them. My work will never truly be done, but the crisis's need to be dealt with as quickly as possible, and then I can relax once more." He gives a tired smile. "Just keep that honest bluntness and keep fighting the good fight. The latter helps my burden and the former helps my soul."
Dalton laughed. "I don't see why people make such a fuss about it; whatever helps you do your job, I say. Speaking of which, you look overwhelmed. I'm sorry if I caught you at a bad time."
Clearly, the man was quite busy. "But I insist - I am a jeweler of some talent, and I can ease the burden of having to run one more errand. Family matters are a type of politics too sometimes, and I can forge a gift I'm sure you won't need diplomats to be accepted."
~Dalton~
Geoffrey shakes his head. "You've actually caught me at a good time, this is one of the least busy parts of my day." He gestures with a scowl at the literal foot of paperwork. After a moment he gives a small smile and nods. "Well if you insist. I dented my cape brooch last month and I've caught at least half a dozen comments on it at social gatherings. It would be nice to have a new one, if only so people will stop mentioning it."