Shayne chased after Caylen as the combat ended.
After the Ogre is defeated he catches his breath. Too quietly for anyone else to hear he whispers too his sack, "Oracles. I remembered your warning, M'Lady. She was going to blow up somehow. Glad it was not an exoskeleton of bones or blades or bugs or whatnot."
He approaches the slack-jawed Caylen and answers her question. "You didn't do that, dear. Your deity did. And remember the Golden Rules of Deities: 'It is okay to confuse the mortals if we also amaze them' and 'Choose some to make worthy to declare our worth'."
Shayne pauses. He glances quickly at Mal'c, then Granita, then back at Caylen.
Then he looks a bit longer at Granita and Silx, before resuming eye contact with Caylen and continuing, in a whisper "Last night I envied you. I no longer do. Someone has chosen you to be a healer. And they provided you with folk who really need healing."
If Caylen replies, the gnome listens. Then Shayne concludes the conversation with, "I'm sure the monks will know more about religion and Oracles than I do. But it doesn't take a fortune-teller to know that after dinner you will desperately need time by yourself while also being terrified to be alone. If you need someone to tell you a bedtime story, you know where to find a Bard. I'm also quite good at falling asleep while sitting, if the monks are so clueless as to assign you your own room but you find you need someone friendly merely present quietly in the far corner."
--
Next Shayne inspects the Ogre and its weapons using Detect Magic. Probably nothing, but it never hurts to check...
--
During the rest of the trip Shayne seems lost in thought and initiates no conversations. (He does reply cheerfully if approached.)
When the group finally meets the tall Drow monk, Shayne answers the question with a wry smile, "Yes. It warms me to hear you ask. Although in recent days her tutelage and appearance have both become much more grim."
The Drow smiles, "The way she described you.. I knew one day what she told me would come true, but it's still a surprise. His expression turns to one of concern as he realizes what you said. What has happened? Seeing that Mal'c is preoccupied, looking toward the monastery, the Drow cuts himself short. My name is Voz. I will arrange to extend my stay. I hope to see you both soon.” With that the Drow turns and heads back toward the small building that he had emerged from moments ago.
Caylen stays mostly silent while Shayne speaks, though it's clear from her expression that she's grateful for someone taking a moment to speak to her after everything that happened.
Tense and nervous, she sticks to Shayne's side gratefully as the group presses on after Shayne's cursory examination of the ogre's body. After Shayne has finished speaking of the monastery, Caylen shakes her head slowly and looks troubled.
"I... I don't-- I'm not a religious person." Though it appears the choice of faith was one made for Caylen. "I didn't ask for this. What I can... what happens to me. Fires." The young woman's brows furrow and her stare drifts down to her bandaged hands, then back up to Shayne.
"I don't know a thing about magic," Caylen confesses sheepishly. "There was never anyone to learn from at home, and... I just-- I'm scared." But in that fear, an ember of confidence still burns. "I need to learn how to control it. I don't want to hurt anyone again."
Approaching the monastery and having a second drow revealed to her, Caylen seems to be increasingly incredulous towards the stories of ebony-skinned murderers that had been woven in the yarns told by bards back home. Silx seemed kind -- if not downright gentle at times -- and this newcomer monk likewise appeared soft-spoken and not at all like the red-eyed stalkers of the night from the old stories.
It isn't just the drow that spur Caylen on to talk again, but rather the storyteller at her side. "Shayne," Caylen begins, sheepishly. "Do you know any stories of people like Silx?" She makes a motion of her head towards the Drow's back.
"Nice ones," she feels the need to clarify.
Silx visibly stiffens when he sees another drow, but relaxes and even gets a small smile when he talks "I am glad to find a clear minded brother so far from home"
Smiling, "It is a welcome surprise indeed. I look forward to speaking with you."
At the end of the road is the monastery, carved into the mountain. Other than the large wooden doors, which permit wagons to enter the outer chamber of the monastery, it seems one with the mountain.
Mal’c leads the group up a series of steps to the right of the large wooden doors, which are closed. The carved steps pass several other doorways, before ending at an ornately carved entrance. Here the wooden door is not made from several straight slats of wood. Instead the door has been carved from a single large piece of wood, including the handle. It’s surface is smooth and dark. Weathered, but well cared for the door moves easily as Mal’c moves the small metal lever nestled on the inside of the handle.
The hinges are practically silent, as is the hallway behind the door. Only the sounds of lanterns, flickering with the breeze from the open door, and quiet footfalls on stone can be heard.
Turning his head slightly Mal’c addresses the group. “We enter the master’s chambers. This is where we study and train. Outsiders are rarely permitted through this door. Brother Dow’mis has instructed me to take you to our master directly. We will stop only briefly, to remove our dirtied shoes and boots. Stay close and speak only if absolutely necessary.” Mal’c pauses, awaiting any questions or concerns. Once an appropriate amount of time has passed, Mal’c continues through the doorway.
Fifteen feet from the doorway is a small stone arch to the right. Mal’c turns through the arch and gestures toward the wooden benches that line the small room. There is a large metal bowl in the center of the room, which holds hot coals, their heat is calming.
“You may leave your belongings here, they will be safe. You may bring what is most precious to you before the master, but there is no need to lug your supplies with you as they will be moved to your quarters later. You will find a selection of soft soled shoes beneath the benches. Please leave your footwear here and select shoes that you find comfortable.”
Mal’c finds an open spot on one of the benches, sits, and removes his shoes. Though they are dirty from the time on the road - it is clear that they were made much like the shoes that sit beneath the benches. Simple cloth, with a seam between the second and third toe, the shoes feature soft textured leather soles. The cloth and leather is an unadorned light brown.
Mal’c stands, waiting silently as everyone changes their shoes.
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Silx takes a last look at the other drow, then changes his shoes and drops most of his belongings. He just keeps one knife
Caylen is silent upon entering the monastery, her hands folded within the voluminous sleeves of her robe. Shedding her traveling cloak and satchel once inside into the care of the monastery, she follows the group and quietly -- if not distractedly -- changes out her worn out and ratty slippers for more suitable footwear. A visible hole in the bottom of one of Caylen's former shoes contrasts sharply to the exquisite craftsmanship of the thick, layered robe white of linen and silk that she wears.
Running one hand through her wind-tousled hair, she watches the others exchange their footwear out, all the while keeping as close to Shayne as she can.
|
Aak stares in amazement at the natural beauty of the monastery and the mass of people hustling about. Never in his wildest dreams would he ever think to see such a spectacle. Aak stays silent for the most part, not knowing where to begin his question process, just simple taking it all in and letting in sink in. After a few minutes he speaks up to Mal'c or anyone else there with knowledge of the monastery.
When was the monastery built? How did you manage to build it into the stone such it is? How has the monastery stayed hidden from the likes of the evil that sweeps the land Aak asks inquisitively.
[ooc]Aak will pay all the proper respects while in the Master Chambers, he doesn't wish to seem rude and if he does/says something inappropriate he will immediately apologize and correct his manners.[ooc]
Mal'c smiles at Aak's question, "The first time I saw the monastery in the day light I asked nearly the same question. All the initiates learn the story by heart. We haven't time for all of it, but let me tell you a bit." Mal'c pauses, as if deciding how to start. As Mal'c begins the story, warm air rushes from the doorway.
Over three hundred years ago a group, not unlike ours, met in a cave that stood wear the large wooden doors now stand. The five, two dwarves, two humans, and a half-orc had all sought shelter in a horrible snow storm. Some sages believe a deity or other powerful being had a hand in guiding the five, but no one knows for certain. Such cold forced them to put aside whatever distrust they might have held toward one another. Huddling in the same cave for shelter, they helped each other survive the harsh winter’s wrath.
When the winds and the snow paused, the brothers raced out of the cave to gather food. Upon returning, they waited calmly for the storms to pass. By the time the season’s ferocity subsided, the five were hard at work constructing a monastery, agreeing to spend the rest of their lives together in the same sense of cooperation and friendship by which they had survived the last few months.
During the next hundred years the monastery attracted others that wished to grow in wisdom. It also attracted constant attacks. Only reluctantly did five Wise Ones agree to focus their studies on fighting. In that time and the time since that cave, which provided shelter, has been expanded on.
At the monastery gates Shayne responds to Caylen's request for a story with a broad smile. "Little one, your real question is how to understand the Drow. Such answers hide not in tales of unusually good or bad people -- of heroes or villains of any race -- but in creation stories. I will share a nice one tonight. I hope it will even be well-received by Silx."
--
In the entrance chamber, Shayne removes his backpack. From within it he takes a folded, beautiful scarf decorated with sequins. He tucks it into his belt. Then he removes his shirt, revealing a pudgy belly and a tattoo on his shoulder blade of seven nested sevens. He removes his boots and socks. He sets the backpack and dirty clothing aside as instructed. He puts on the new footwear. Finally, he removes Hanjah's head and cleans it as best he can with Prestidigitation before returning it to the sack.
(He also, quite subtly, uses the Prestidigitation to remove some of the day's stink from his armpits and feet.)
When Granita changes her shoes he winks at her. "Cute toes."
Granita smiles and does her best to stifle a giggle.
Once everyone has changed their shoes and stowed whatever gear they wish to leave behind, Mal’c addresses the group.
“I have never been asked to bring any outsider to see the master, let alone a group such as ours. It is custom to speak to the master only when spoken too. This is of course the way of the brothers and sisters who have dedicated their lives in this place. I ask of you only that you act with respect, according to your own judgement.”
Mal’c looks at each of you, nods, and turns - heading through the arch and down the hallway.
Although you pass one stairway as you walk down the quiet hallway, there seem to be no other arches or doorways. After walking about one hundred feet, the hallway ends at a wooden arch. Beyond the arch is a large open chamber. The floor is covered with small wooden squares of various sizes, placed so as to leave no gaps. Though the walls are stone, much of them are covered will long lengths of cloth. Some of the lengths of cloth feature large script, the strokes created by dark thread stitched into the lightly colored cloth. There are two doors at the far end of the chamber, one on the left and one on the right. The left door is closed. As the group enters, the right door opens and an elderly man walks through it. Mal’c walk to the center of the room, head bowed slightly, and kneels on both knees. He keeps his head bowed.
“Welcome, I am Master Toe’n” the elderly man’s voice is strong and youthful.
Though he is bald, his beard is full and white like the first winter snow. His starck white robe is much like the one Mal’c has on, they differ only in color. His shoes look exactly like those each of you was asked to put on.
“Each of you brings with you burdens. I’m afraid I must lay another before you. Late last night a wagon arrived. Before the driver passed out from his injuries, he mentioned encountering all of you and uttered a name I will not speak here. Brothers and sisters are tending to his burns, but he has not yet regained consciousness. The warrior that was with him was not as lucky. He will lay now with our honored dead. If any of you wish to pay your respects, that can be arranged. I’d hoped to have good news. Let me at least try to ease some of your burdens by answering your questions.” He waits patiently for the first question.
Shayne tries to mimic how Mal'c kneels and bows. He removes a folded paper from within the folds of the shawl and places it on the floor. The paper scoots across the floor to stop beside Master Toe'n, where it unfolds itself.
You are safe for today, Shayne. The spring water is a lie, a false errand to keep you away from the caravan until danger is past. Beasts have been sent to smell out and kill humans. I know no more about this enemy. It must not know about you.
Feel no guilt about being the survivor, again. It is your destiny, seventh times seven. Stay loyal to your destiny. Learn from it. Serve it. It is your new Master, my old apprentice.
You have noticed me quietly weeping sometimes, since we entered these mountains. I do not fear death. But this family will be no more. Each caravan that leaves without creating children-caravans is a great loss for my people.
Remember that vengeance is a kind of slavery. Do not seek vengeance against today's enemy. Yet perhaps, some day, you will strike a key blow against one or more enemies of the Varisians. That would make me smile from afar.
I have not warned my family. The cards forbade that, so doing it would only increase troubles and pains. The cards are clear so rarely. Never fight the cards when they are clear.
The cards tell me one last thing that I share while trembling. I have one more lesson to teach you; bring my head to the nearest monastery.
Wait a day high in the mountains. Then return to bury us as custom requires, with our kapenias and jewelry, at a crossroads if possible. You know these things. I write them needlessly because I do not want to stop writing. I have cared for you like a son. I have prayed, and pray again now, that after my death I would be allowed to watch over you despite not being of your ancestry, of your race.
Master Toe'n crouches on one knee and picks up the letter. Quietly he reads the letter.
"This is Hanja’s handwriting isn't it? Master Toe'n looks toward Shayne. It is as I feared. Evil works along side evil destroying those who would take in, as a son, a stranger." He folds the letter carefully, looking at the paper as he does so. When he is finished, he approaches Shayne, one hand outstretched, holding the letter. "Did you bring her?"
________
Gathered along with the others and respectfully silent, Caylen has kept her questions to herself for their meeting. Arms folded within the sleeves of her robe, she looks more at the floor than directly at the master of the monastery, afraid to offend with an errant look or a prolonged stare.
Standing beside Shayne, Caylen lifts her eyes long enough to give the halfling a faint -- but nervous -- smile, before looking around to the others with anxious energy. When the conversation begins, and master Toe'n explains the fate that befell those within the caravan, all of the color drains from the young woman's face.
Paling and struggling to maintain her composure, Caylen is brought face-to-face with the deaths and injury of people she had come to know while on the road together. Thoughts race back to Sam, and how he and Caylen survived that incident simply by merit of a serendipitous encounter with a band of strangers.
It's evident from Caylen's expression and the glassy look in her eyes that the news has come as a shock. She almost doesn't hear master Toe'n asking something of Shayne, only noticing that the conversation has changed when Shayne approaches the monk adn bows before him.
Finally listening in to their exchange, it's the last quesion Toe'n asks that elicits a raised brow from Caylen, and a furtive look to Mal'c and Granita, then back to the master and Shayne.
"What are they talking about?" She impolitely whispers to Mal'c, forgetting herself for a moment.
Shayne responds to the question of Master Toe'n by giving his sack an obvious glance.
Master Toe'n nods. "May I see her once more? Before you do as she asked in her letter?"
“Mal’c will show you the grounds. I will call for each of you tomorrow after you have had a chance to rest. Until then, explore as you wish. I ask that not enter our reliquary and that you listen to the other brothers. I will let them know that you are free to explore all the other areas.”
With that, Mal’c stands, bows and leads the group from the master’s chambers. He leads you up the stairway you had passed earlier. In the hallway at the top of the stairway, there is a young monk waiting; he holds a pile of bedding. He bows deeply before Mal’c.
Granita approaches Caylen, pretending to hold the young woman as if she is about to faint (Bluff: ). She whispers in her ear, "Shayne's teacher, a wise woman. She and his adopted family were killed. He has traveled here out of respect for her final wishes. The sack holds her severed head."
Addressing Mal'c, the young monk speaks quickly, “Brother, I have prepared rooms for you and our guests,” turning the young man leads the group down the hallway, up another set of stairs, and into a short hallway. There four doors on each side of the hallway.
The young monk points to the right room at the front of the hallway, “The master had me move the items from your room here brother.” Addressing the group while pointing to the room on the left, “My name is Timoteo; I will be staying in this room. Please let me know if there is anything you need. I will bring each of you fresh bedding. Decide among yourselves which room each of you will stay in. You are welcome to share rooms, but I’m afraid the beds are small. Your belongings will be waiting for you in the hallway when you return after the meal.” With that, the young monk opens the doors to the next rooms on the left and right, leaving fresh bedding from his pile in each. He heads back toward the stairs, returning shortly with more fresh bedding.
As Timoteo brings fresh bedding to each room he tells everyone that evening meal will be served shortly. He is happy to show them the way or they can wait for Mal’c to show them.
Mal'c does his best to smile as Timoteo departs. He turns to the group. "I need only a moment to change my robe. There will be a wash basin in the hall were we will eat. If you wish to bathe, I will show you the communal pool along with the rest of the monastery after we eat." With that Mal'c head into the room Timoteo mentioned. He closes the door gently.
Perc
After about five minutes, Mal'c opens the door, stepping into the hallway - in a clean robe. "I don't know about the rest of you, but I'm hungry." He smiles and makes sure everyone is ready.
Once everyone seems ready, Mal’c heads down the small stairway and then turn right, away from the stairway the leads to the hallway through which the group entered. This long hallway passes many stairways, several that lead to hallways lined with rooms much like the ones you and the others are staying in. After passing several such hallways, you come to an archway with a simple wooden door. It opens to circular stairway, which winds its way down. From the top of the stairway you can see that you have come to a large open hall, rectangular in shape. The smell of hot rice, spiced tea, and fresh vegetables fills the air.
The hall is carved within the rock; several stone columns line the outer part of the hall. Simple arches of sturdy wood further support the weight of the mountain above. Surrounded by the columns are eight low oak tables, which sit on unadorned carpet. Each table can accommodate eight. Men and women of a wide range of ages are beginning to sit, cross legged, around the tables. Though most are human, there are several dwarves, half-elves, and half-orcs among those gathering for the meal. The tables are quickly being surrounded by monks, all dressed like Mal’c. Toward the right side of the hall is a tall wooden post, driven into the ground; it stands about 10 feet into the air and is rounded at the top.
Once down the stairs, Mal’c leads you to a table near the front of the room (close to the wooden post). As the group nears the table, two young monks come from doors to the left and right of the wooden post. They carry small cushions, offering one to you with a slight bow.
Master Toe'n nods. "May I see her once more? Before you do as she asked in her letter?"
Shayne's stands, leaving the sack on the floor, and backs up to rejoin the rest of his comrades. There he kneels again. His head remains bowed, either because he is continuing to mimic Mal'c or to help hide a few silent tears.
If Master Toe'n keeps the letter in his hand then Shayne assumes the monk has some use for it in explaining the situation to others. If Master Toe'n sets the letter down on the floor then Shayne uses the Prestidigitation to bring it back, and again tucks it into the folded scarf at his belt.
---
When the group is asked to pick rooms, Shayne quickly picks Room 4.
---
Entering the dining room, Shayne eyes the proffered dinner table suspiciously.
Master Toe'n seeing Shayne rejoin the rest of the, sits the folded letter on the floor next to the sack. He picks the sack up, gently cradling the contents. "She will forever have a place of honor in our burial chambers. If you ever wish to visit her remains you are welcome here." With a slight bow toward Mal'c, Master Toe'n dismisses the group while he stands silently holding the sack.
Hesitantly, with concern Sam stutters a bit before blurting out, "I must check on the horse. I've left her tied near the monastery entrance." Timoteo smiles, "she has been brought into our stables, but if you wish I can bring you there now." Sam smiles and nods, "I'd very much like that. I'm to excited to eat much anyway."
With that Sam follows Timoteo down the hallway.
"Your fellow traveler is tending to the injured horse you brought with you. We'll be sure to set aside food for him. I must help with the meal. Please let me know if you need anything."
As the group sits and a few more monks enter the room and sit, Master Toe’n emerges from a door directly behind the wooden post. As he is making his way toward the post, Voz descends the circular stairway and joins the group.
With a graceful leap, Master Toe'n lands easily atop the post. With a quiet calm spreading through the hall, Mal'c explains quickly gesturing toward the table to his left and nodding his head toward the table the group has gathered around. "These are the places of honor, the tables at the left and right hand of the master."
As silence settles over the hall, Master Toe'n speaks - his voice filling the hall. “I stand before you not because I am above you, but because you - my brothers and sisters - appointed me to stand watch. On this mountain we have been charged to guard, guard against evil - not unlike the evil that once ruled these mountains. Though that evil has long been vanquished, another lurks in the east - devastating the land. Even in our own valley another evil hunts and harrasses those that might live in harmony with all peoples. Let it be known that we are not alone. Tonight we welcome honored guests who stood against an evil to protect one they did not know. Eat now, nourish your bodies and spirits so that you too may continue your part in our eternal guardianship.”
Slowly falling to the ground, Master Toe’n lands gently and begins walking among the tables, speaking with many. Master Toe’n sits at one of the rear tables, which is full of some of the youngest men and women.
Entering the dining room, Shayne eyes the proffered dinner table suspiciously.
Anxious through the entire meeting with Toe'n, it is only when Granita lowers herself down to whisper to Caylen that the young woman shows her most outward reaction. Whatever is said between the two causes all of the color to drain from the young oracle's face, her eyes to go wide and mouth to hang agape as she stares in Shayne's direction. One hand quickly comes up to cover her mouth and stifle a choked noise of revulsion before wrenching her eyes shut.
Caylen remains this tense for a few moments more before forcing herself to look up to the sack Shayne is carrying, then to Toe'n, then Granita. While Caylen doesn't say anything, her eyes speak all the questions she needs. Why?
Without much to say, Caylen keeps her distance from the others and makes her way down the hall with the satchel carrying her few possessions. A fleeting glance is offered to Shayne, noting his choice of room, before she heads as far down the hall as she can, opening one of the doors and disappearing within, missing Sam's arrival while she puts her things in order in the room.
Settled at the table beside Granita, Caylen listens to Master Toe'n speak, though her thoughts are clouded by the confusion she feels over the severed head she now knows is being toted around by the group's erstwhile bard. Trying to put it out of mind, Caylen listens intermittantly to the conversation, then sits quietly among the others with her hands folded in her lap, one of the offered cushions beneath her.
Silx inclines his head and begins eating. It's a sort of odd grace this monastery has. Im not sure if I want to stay forever or run away he thinks with irony. After they eat for a bit he gets Mal'cs attention "So what do we do now? I mean, what's next?"
Mal'c finishes his bite of food and then addresses Silx's question, speaking as much to the group as to the questioner. "It is my understanding that you may stay as long as you like. Though I imagine after resting you all will be expected to participate in the daily life of the monastery. Though I'd miss conversing with each of you, if you decide to depart worry not of any thoughts of disrespect. Mal'c smiles, though there is a bit of sadness in his eyes. If you all do decide to depart, I'd suggest heading south within a few days. Winter will come to the mountains soon."
Looking toward Shayne, "So is it as I fear? Has Hanjah made her final earthly journey?" On speaking the question it is clear Voz realizes it is an unfit question for meal time, but simply must know what has happened.
Shayne glances at Granita and Caylen, takes two of the cushions, and does his best to end up sitting beside Silx and not beside the women, without letting the women notice it was intentional. But if either woman tries to sit next to Shayne, he accepts this with a smile.
Shayne's face clearly shows weariness and intense concentration. He scans the room looking for any male monks with visibly Varisian facial features, or if he fails to find those any male monks who dominate their table's conversations.
Since the seating, welcome speech, and arrival of Voz seem to happen quickly, Shayne holds his tongue until these three events pass.
To Voz he nods and sadly relpies, "Yes, she is with her ancestors now."
Then, after a brief pause, he much more cheerfully he adds, "Brother Drow, I have been asked to share tonight one of the creation stories of your people. If you and Silx would be present I would feel honored. If you would share another version, I would be very grateful."
On mention of the story, Caylen's expression shifts to something bittersweet. For as disturbed as she is by the notion of Shayne's carrying someone's earthly remains in a sack, she disheartened by her own reaction when confronted by Shayne's more gentle and kind nature.
That he would speak of the stories of the drow for her, for everyone, means much. Managing a mild smile, she can't quite muster eye-contact with Shayne. Instead, she commits herself to a stare down at her folded hands while the halfling spins a tale for them all.
Voz, remembering himself pauses thoughtfully. "It isn't just Hanjah that has joined her ancestors?" As if to delay hearing the answer he fears is true, Voz continues quickly. "Though it pains me still, I would happily share the stories I was told when I was younger. Inclining his head toward Silx. "And if my brother by blood chimes in, all the better."
Voz takes a deep, calming breath. "I remember little of my family as I was captured by slavers when I was very young. Though from what I have gathered since, I believe I was captured with my family, but we were kept separately. Thankfully, the monks of Minmish - were I am now a brother - confronted the salvers. Though the monks saved me, my family wasn't so lucky. Pausing to take another calming breath. "Other Drow were freed too. They shared with me stories, both during the year I was a slave, like them, and after as we all sought to find new paths with the help of the monks of Minmish and the folk that call the town home. This is one of the stories they shared."
Long ago, when this mountain range was was still young the Duergar were the only people to call it home. Far beneath the mountain they mastered the ways of their people, until a great evil arrived. A powerful wizard from a distant land came, with his fellow humans, to exploit 'undiscovered' resources. When he came upon these mountains he claimed them as his own. Using his powerful magic he forced the Duergar to the surface, to use their craft to build him a magnificent tower. For hundreds of years he was the supreme ruler of the region. This is how the Dwarves came to be, but that is a story for another time.
Then one day, the allied forces of humans who had long suffered under his evil, free Dwarves, and elves from a distant land broke through his defenses. They used contraptions of steam and metal to shatter the wizard's golem army. In a panic, the wizard sought the ancient runic magic of the Duergar. He found one master craftsman, giving him access to ancient tomes, the wizard hoped the Duergar would create a new army of golems to repel the allied army.
This Duergar, Kaldan, did as he was asked. But, he kept one secret from the wizard. It was this secret that let Kaldan turn the new golems against the wizard at just the right moment. Without his golem army, the wizard fled into his tower, and then the depths of these mountains.
It was into these caves the allies followed. Another evil, the wizard's unseen ally, await there. Though both were defeated in time - the centuries underground, close to such evil - the elves were changed. When their children emerged from the deep caverns victorious they no longer looked as elves looks. The bright light stung their eyes, now perfect for seeing through the underground darkness. Their complexions too had changed.
Though there was no enmity among these changed elves, the Drow, and their bothers and sisters the unchanged elves - they could no longer live together. So it was that many Drow returned to the caverns that they had freed of immense evils. Others went south, finding caves and caverns of their own.
Silx has a small smile on "I would enjoy hearing some stories. I don't know if I have many good ones to tell but I'll try" he turns "So Voz, I'm curious, where were you born?"
Looking at Silx, "Somewhere in the south is my guess. Nearly all the Drow the monks of Minmish were able to rescue were from the south. There are a few Old Ones that hail from this region. And you? Are you from this area?
Shayne thanks Voz for his story. Then the gnome takes a deep breath, stands up while picking up his two cushions, and steps onto the table. He stomps twice to get everyone's attention, throws back his shoulders, and puts his hands on his hips.
"Ladies and gentlemen. Master Toe'n. Your dinner-time entertainment on this fine night is brought to you by this small medium at large. Following the ancient tradition of visitors to a dojo, I offer a challenge in friendly competition and as a public test of mettle. Listen as I throw down my gauntlet! In this hall I see many proven warriors, but I wonder if there are men?"
To prevent any response, before Shayne even finishes asking the question he throws his two cushions at the two men he picked out earlier: perhaps Varisians, certainly men who seemed confident without being arrogant and were capable conversationalists.
"You two! Step here. I challenge both of you to a contest of manliness."
Ignoring them, Shayne continues to address the entire hall.
"This monastery has shown us visitors great kindness and deference. But warmth is more than kindness, and respect is more than deference. Listen well and let me boost your charmisma a few points!
"I am a Blue Bard, and we hold these truths to be self-evident... All people have three metaphorical water skins that when filled cause true happiness and wholeness: to be respected, to be loved, and to be desired.
"How do we show people they are respectable? We avoid threatening postures: we position ourselves slightly closer to tables or walls than they are so they never feel boxed in, we stand before them angled rather than parallel, we give them space, we move slowly, we hold items low by our hips instead of up before our chest. We are polite, especially with please and thank you. We appreciate their ideas and ask for advice. We compliment their habits. We give them priority and ask requests instead of making suggestions. We serve them with ritual acts of subservience.
"How do we show people they are loveable? We spoil them. We make them laugh. We give them our undivided attention. We feed them and give them gifts. We validate their concerns and needs. We appreciate their presence. We compliment their accomplishments. We let them see us in our weakness and trust them to know our vulnerabilities. We serve them with domestic tasks that reduce their menial laboring.
"How do we show people they are desirable? We pay attention to eye contact, looking at their eyes and mouth. We synchronize our posture and breathing to theirs, and move closer. We compliment how they purposefully keep up their energy or appearance. We give an appropriate touch during conversation or when saying farewell. We pay attention to them when they are not expecting it (which is the only time to comment on their body).
Shayne pauses to make eye contact with the two men he chose.
"Nothing is more important to people than having three full water skins! To keep that true feeling of happiness and wholeness people will skip meals and sleep. Spouses will leave stable marriages. Parents will turn against children. Have you not seen it happen?"
"Thus true hospitality involves filling your guests' three water skins!"
"Now we finally get to my challenge: my contest of manliness. For the past two days I have been keeping full the three water skins of these two young women." Shayne gestures at Granita and Caylen. "Such is the duty of a gentleman who finds himself traveling with ladies. It has been my pleasure as well as my responsibility."
Shayne gestures warmly at the two men. "Now it is your turn to try! Join this table. Sit next to these ladies. Show them true hospitality. Make them feel respected, loved, and desired."
The gnome stomps again. He bows to Master Toe'n and continues, "I do not know your monastery's daily schedule, but with your permission will invite any who are able to attend--one hour after dinner--to a dramatic retelling of the Legend of Trrow and Karkthew, the little-known ancestors of the Drow. (A room that looks like rough hewn stone, with dim light, would be most appropriate.)"
Looking again at the two men, Shayne concludes, "When dinner is done we will see whom these two women follow. If they follow you--and they will despite having just met you if you fill their three water skins--then tomorrow I will be your humble servant, for I am sure you two warriors have much to teach me. If the women follow me--despite knowing I will be doing boring theatrical preparations for an hour--then tomorrow you will be my servants, for I still have much to teach you."
"Do not worry about saying the right words. That worry is a lie. Any words will do. Fill her three water skins!"
"Do not worry about being yourself. That worry is a lie. This is not about you. Fill her three water skins!"
"Do not worry about whether you will succeed. That worry is a lie. You cannot fail if you fill her three water skins!"
Shayne steps forward off the table, bows again to Master Toe'n, then walks through the hall into the kitchen. The most elderly female monk along his path gets a peck on the cheek as he passes by.