"Beggin' yer pardon, Sir. But what was it? The faith that ye found?" He interjects into a pause in Andreas' speech.
My faith was a long, deeply personal journey, one that required me to look inward to truly discover. My convictions had always been there; I just needed to find them for myself, not have them givne to me by someone else. Iomedae was always present, though I rarely noticed or felt it. It took a lot for me to finally see what was truly in my heart.
He smiles as they walk and looks down to the very young man.Your faith will come when you decide it’s time. You’ll discover it through the values your parents instilled in you and your own perspective on the world. Neither I nor anyone else can see into your heart to know what your faith holds. That journey is yours alone. Your parents can guide and teach you along the way, but ultimately, it’s up to you to find it.
Tig's expression looks bleak as he turns his haunted gaze up to the tall man's face. "If'n I'm honest, Sir... I don't 'member much about it. I don't think I stood tall. I bawled and screamed like a little baby. And... I thought I saw..." He bites his lip as if afraid to speak his thoughts aloud but finally does so under Andreas gentle encouragement. "I thought I saw ye... fall, Sir. I thought I saw it strike ye down with it's awful lightnin'. Did that happen, or was it just in my dreams?"
Always be honest, especially with yourself. You truly stood tall. Here you are, standing beside me, looking back at what you went through and facing it head-on. You didn’t run away or give in to that terrible day. You cried and screamed, sure, but you didn’t break. It’s not about how many times we fall—it’s about getting back up and moving forward.
He pauses as he looks back on the battle.I fell during that battle, and I would have gladly gone to the afterlife knowing I did what was right and just. I fought to protect the innocent and had faith in my god, believing I was surrounded by those who would protect me in return. Even after falling, I got back up and kept fighting. We got you to safety, then went back to save the rest. We never gave up.
Tig nods, his somber gaze brightening at the prospect. "I like horses a lot. Is she the same one that carried us away from that awful place? I'll take good care of her, Sir. I promise." He turns to run off to ask his parents for permission when he turns back to Andreas with a look of awe on his face. "In the old stories, a Knight's squire starts off by lookin' after his Knight's horse. Does that mean I could be yer squire, Sir?" He asks with the first real enthusiasm Andreas has heard from him.
That was Daisey, one of my oldest companions. She’s been with me since the day I became a knight. He smiles warmly as Tig asks about life as a squire. The path to knighthood is long, filled with rigorous training and plenty of schooling.
He lets his manners turn serious but yet still he has a smile.Let’s start by talking to your parents first, okay? Then we’ll see what we can do. You’re not quite old enough to be a squire yet—being a page is the first step. We’ll go over everything with your parents, and they’ll have the final say on what happens next. We always respect our parents and what they say. You understand?
"Miss Veronica, I see the fine bow you carry. Will you be participating in the tournament today?"
Veronica hefts the bow momentarily and replies to Akiros, "No, I am not here to compete, but to support the community. If someone needs a little help, I might be able to lend some aid. Or if someone wants to compete but doesn't have a bow."
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Kesten barks a laugh, "We'll have to run that by her, of course. I daresay her last midwife had a bit less... beard." He gives Vinni a companionable wink. "The babe is expected in early spring and Tania has warned me that if she must subsist off pickled beets all winter, she'll peel my hide for stew. What winter staples should we gather for a mother-to-be with a tender stomach?" He asks.
Vinni is clearly awkward with the soldier's candor. He takes a while to reply as he shuffles on his feet. When he finally does, he stammers a bit, but his words carry his wisdom "Well, first make sure she is warm and comfortable. Some druids believe a woman shouldn't drink beer or wine during their term, but you'll never hear me recommending that, especially in the cold months."
The talk of beer makes Vinni a bit more comfortable and he continues "Make sure to stock on dry fruit and cheese, as she might have sudden desires for different food. I firmly believe that this is a subtle natural message for what her baby needs. So if there's something that she usually craves, make sure to stock on that too."
He doesn't understand what Garess means by tender stomach. To him, all humans have tender stomachs. But he tries "If she has a particularly tender stomach, it's always a good idea to have fresh bread with particularly pickled food. If she's having spicy food, bread is especially helpful. I recommend making friends with a baker." He laughs, for his on spot dwarven humor.
That makes him think "Maybe we can start by sitting down on the same level?" He's getting uncomfortable talking up to a man on a carriage.
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Saoirse practically beams at both compliments, happy that her language skills are up to standard, and clearly returning the appreciation.
”መዝፈን ላንተ በጣም ደስ ይለኛል! ወደ ዋርረን ከመመለስህ እና ከማስተማርህ በፊት አገኝሃለሁ።” she says to the pair with a conspiratorial wink.
”Goldscales…I like it! Very fitting.” she says with a grin.
Seraphina, Zuku and Rhesk all express that they would enjoy the opportunity to learn the song.
Sera gives a startled laugh at the aside. "You don't know the half of it..." She grinned back, but with a slight blush tinting her cheeks.
Tig absorbs the Baron's words seriously. The wonder is plain on his face as he processes the concept that even his bold leader, a man of such stature and strength, could fall and need to rely on the aid of others to make it home safe. This idea seems to dislodge some brittle and bitter resentment he has harbored toward himself since the terrifying incident.
He lets his manners turn serious but yet still he has a smile.
Let’s start by talking to your parents first, okay? Then we’ll see what we can do. You’re not quite old enough to be a squire yet—being a page is the first step. We’ll go over everything with your parents, and they’ll have the final say on what happens next. We always respect our parents and what they say. You understand?
He nods gravely and snaps off a crisp, "Yes Sir! I'll ask them right away, Sir." And he zips off to do just that.
Veronica hefts the bow momentarily and replies to Akiros, "No, I am not here to compete, but to support the community. If someone needs a little help, I might be able to lend some aid. Or if someone wants to compete but doesn't have a bow."
"Understood. I will let the good Father know of your kind offer." Akiros says with a respectful nod. "And you," He says turning back to his small friend. "You go and try all desserts and bring me back a slice of the best one, yeah? Guard duty is hungry work with all these delicious smells on the breeze."
That makes him think "Maybe we can start by sitting down on the same level?" He's getting uncomfortable talking up to a man on a carriage.
Kesten nods, "Certainly, that's sound advice. Hmm, maybe I should take some notes. All this talk of food and beer is making me salivate. What do you say we sit down to a bite? Maybe we can figure out who is the best baker in town. Best brewmaster too, now that you mention it." He says, smacking his lips thirstily.
Much is happening all around town, performances and games, food and dancing. People shopping and sharing news. But the main attraction seems to be the Archery Tournament. Father Jhod, dressed simply, opens the proceedings with a brief sermon.
"Today we enjoy the fruits of our labor. Much toil has gone into building and feeding this community of Sturmulme. Just two years ago, a dreadful murderous tyrant still held sway over this very spot. We owe much to our heroes and leaders for clearing away the muck and rot of this place. But hold your heads high as well, good people, for it was by your blood, sweat and tears that we have so much to celebrate this day!" A cheer goes up at this last and he nods as he signs his gratitude to the crowd.
He gives an account of Erastil gifting humanity with the first bow so that they may feed their families in the great forests. And then he opens the tournament with a blessing and takes his seat to observe the first round.
Akiros announces that anyone may borrow Veronica's bow if they lack one of their own to compete with and her generosity is taken advantage of by a fair few of the town's young people. There is even some slight embarrassment from a few slender waifs who prove unequal to the task of even pulling the bow's string.
Albert volunteers to be a good sport and make use of Veronica's longbow, taking the opportunity to get to know some of the locals better.
"It's been a long time, but I think I can still manage one of these," he adds as he nocks an arrow and pulls back the bowstring.
Albert volunteers to be a good sport and make use of Veronica's longbow, taking the opportunity to get to know some of the locals better.
"It's been a long time, but I think I can still manage one of these," he adds as he nocks an arrow and pulls back the bowstring.
Veronica gladly lends out her bow, though she does keep an eye on it. It is, after all, worth more than most of the people would earn in a decade.
Notably, she hangs back when Father Jhod makes his announcement, mostly blending in with the crowd. She lets Akiros hand the bow off to various practitioners.
Somehow, during all of this, she manages to get her hands on a honeyed bread twist along with Rillka.
When her bow changes hands to Albert, she says, "You should have no problem with the draw. It's tuned a little taut, but not that strong. I don't have the muscles that you or Sir Andreas have." She gestures with her bread twist. "I have a little more accuracy than power. For me, though, it's as much a hunting tool as a weapon of war."
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As Veronica is watching over her bow, Rillka runs for foods and deserts, bringing back "isoseji", sausages in halfling, and "isinkwa" the word for bread. She provides samples to Akiros and Veronica - and Moondancer. She also stops and speaks to any townfolk she knows, greeting others cheerfully along the way.
As Albert takes the bow and comments, Rillka adds, Perhaps teach the good Baron how to use one, that way he won't have to throw halflings at the next wisp he encounters.
Saoirse practically beams at both compliments, happy that her language skills are up to standard, and clearly returning the appreciation.
”መዝፈን ላንተ በጣም ደስ ይለኛል! ወደ ዋርረን ከመመለስህ እና ከማስተማርህ በፊት አገኝሃለሁ።” she says to the pair with a conspiratorial wink.
”Goldscales…I like it! Very fitting.” she says with a grin.Seraphina, Zuku and Rhesk all express that they would enjoy the opportunity to learn the song.
Sera gives a startled laugh at the aside. "You don't know the half of it..." She grinned back, but with a slight blush tinting her cheeks.
Saoirse definitely picks up on the slight blush that rises to her fellow redhead’s cheeks, a smile curling her lips in both intrigue and amusement. ”Ooohh…well now I’m curious.” she says with a grin.
”How about after I treat you all to a performance about our least favorite snake later, we share a pint after you’ve gotten everyone safely settled back in the warrens.” she suggests.
She meant to go by the tavern later on anyway; she had an idea she wanted to run by Lily Teskerten on taking a more substantial role in the growing community.
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Andreas continues to walk the grounds and enjoy the festival.
As Veronica is watching over her bow, Rillka runs for foods and deserts, bringing back "isoseji", sausages in halfling, and "isinkwa" the word for bread. She provides samples to Akiros and Veronica - and Moondancer. She also stops and speaks to any townfolk she knows, greeting others cheerfully along the way.
As Albert takes the bow and comments, Rillka adds, Perhaps teach the good Baron how to use one, that way he won't have to throw halflings at the next wisp he encounters.
Veronica is only too happy to accept an isoseji, as is Moondancer, though the wolf seems to be lukewarm about the isinkwa. Veronica tries one of the sausages with a hefty side-bite of a large link and then spends the next few minutes cleaning up after it.
She points to Andreas with her decapitated isoseji and says, "He's right over there. Seems he finished his chat with Tig. Nice to see a leader who's good with kids."
Yes, Andreas does care for everyone, so much he feels responsible for them all. The burden of true leadership. Rillka is impressed with how quickly Veronica picks up Halfling.
"It is possible to become too familiar with one's subjects," Albert remarks. "It provides opportunities for spies and malcontents to learn your vulerabilities."
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"Maybe Tig's a doppelganger? Or a shapeshifting incubus? Could be. We have no idea what happened between the time the child disappeared and the time he was rescued from the wisps," says Veronica, but she can't keep a straight face afterward.
"Have an isoseji or two. They're savory! The spicy one is pretty hot though. Not sure what they got in it but it makes my tongue sting."
Rillka tries, but is unable to stifle a laugh.
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Realizing that she probably pushed too far, Veronica softens her tone and says, "Sorry, Albert, I don't mean to be so harsh. I just think that we can afford to at least show some kindness to children. Since this is a festival, we should enjoy ourselves a bit. I'm wearing a dress! You won't see that too often. If something goes awry, we'll handle it... but I think we can let our hair down for a little while."
Albert makes a good showing in the tournament, making it to the finals along with four competitors.
Akiros gives his compliments on the snacks, preferring everything sweet he is offered.
Andreas gets a prime seat to watch as the Varisian travelers release the Swallowtail butterflies. The children ooh and aah as one perches on his shoulder momentarily before fluttering on, a lucky sign of Desna's favor.
Seraphina agrees to meet up with Saorise later that day.
And Kesten continues to converse with Vinni. "I served under the Sword Lords of Restov when I was first deployed here. Oleg's Trade Post was my first station in the area. That's where I met Baron Von Ulm and Councilor Rillka, though they weren't titled back then. How about yourself?"
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The dwarf answers "Oh, I've done some travelling as well. I started in Restov, much like you, but apprenticing for my family. But once I met a young boy, human of course, who was way in over his head apprenticing for some druids. I decided to join as well. At first I was helping the young lad, but it turns out I was cut out for druidism."
Chuckling, he says "Well, did a bit of this, bit of that, ended up disagreeing with the druids who seem to happy to be passive to everything. Ended up here, where I could maybe be useful to someone." He eyes the soldier meaningfully, trying to indicate that he was the "someone" in this case. He asks "What's your role in this barony?"
The knight nods toward the heavens, watching as the Swallowtail butterflies take flight on the breeze.
Thank you.
Andreas weaves his way through the bustling festival grounds until he reaches his destination: Lady Seraphina Medvyed and the Sootscale tribe. His eyes drift to the table before him, taking in the array of wares on display.
Impressive. Very impressive.
He smiles at the kobolds, happy to see that sparing them had been the right choice.
I’m wondering if you have any leftover rocks from your recent mining trips. I’d like to commission a project and was hoping you could help. Nothing too fancy—just a solid rock about three to four feet tall with a flattened top. Etched into that top I’d like a longsword surrounded by a burst of light. The symbol of Iomedae. Would this be something you could do?
Saoirse continues to roam the festival grounds, stopping to share a song on request, check in with a variety of people on their well-being, and generally boosting the overall spirit of the celebration. Making her way to the tavern, eventually she seeks out Lily, eager to hear of anything of interest that may have occurred while they were gone, an burgeoning idea developing in her head.
Albert pulls back the bowstring and looses an arrow at the target.
Then another.
He pauses, pulling the arrow to his eye and carefully aiming his last shot..
The dwarf answers "Oh, I've done some travelling as well. I started in Restov, much like you, but apprenticing for my family. But once I met a young boy, human of course, who was way in over his head apprenticing for some druids. I decided to join as well. At first I was helping the young lad, but it turns out I was cut out for druidism."
Chuckling, he says "Well, did a bit of this, bit of that, ended up disagreeing with the druids who seem to happy to be passive to everything. Ended up here, where I could maybe be useful to someone." He eyes the soldier meaningfully, trying to indicate that he was the "someone" in this case. He asks "What's your role in this barony?"
Kesten chuckles at Vinni's pointed look. "Well, cheers for meeting your goals. I likely need all the help I can get. I don't have an official role at the moment, though I did serve as Warden for a short time. I've pledged my service to the barony, should I be needed. For now, I'm just a humble citizen setting up a household. But please feel free to call on me if I might be useful to you. I try to be a good neighbor and return favors where I can."
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Saorise finds Lily easily, the pretty, talkative young lady happily serving drinks and chatting at the tavern. She gives the bard a big grin as she gets her a beverage and settles down at her table for a quick gossip break. "I did hear something interesting lately. Some ladies are forming a book club and word is that a fair amount of them are retired working girls if you catch my meaning." Lily winks and waggles her eyebrows suggestively, giggling.
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Miss
Miss
Miss
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Near Miss
Only one contestant, a man with grey at his temples named Edgar comes close to matching Albert's shooting. The nobleman edges out the commoner hunter by 2 mere points.
Seraphina translates the Baron's request to her kobold friends and they chatter and hiss in their draconic tongue, discussing their options.
"We appreciate the compliments, your Grace. Zuku says that would be difficult if it needs to be solid silver and all of one piece. They could forge a plate about the size of a shield if that would work. Or if you mean you wish it to only be stone with silver veins, that would be easier and less expensive of a project overall." She explains.
Sorry if I caused any confusion. I’m just looking for a simple base stone with those measurements. Nothing costly, as it will only hold value for those of the faith. Still, it will mean more to me than money ever could.
Saoirse breaks into a smile as Lily brings her a drink and takes a quick seat across from her
”Heh.. Oh I catch it.” She replies with a warm laugh. ”I think a book club of ladies with worldly experience might be a very good thing for our growing town.” she adds with a chuckle.
”That reminds me, I had a thought about your…talent with people.” she says taking a sip of her ale. ”You’re great with most people, charming as all Nine Hells, and have quite the gift for picking up tidbits around town.” the bard continues. ”How’d you like to do so in a more..official capacity? Not that it would get in the way of your evenings any.”
Sorry if I caused any confusion. I’m just looking for a simple base stone with those measurements. Nothing costly, as it will only hold value for those of the faith. Still, it will mean more to me than money ever could.
Seraphina laughs brightly at the misunderstanding. "Ah, I see now. There should be no trouble with that then. We shall commission the piece at once, your Grace."
Saoirse breaks into a smile as Lily brings her a drink and takes a quick seat across from her
”Heh.. Oh I catch it.” She replies with a warm laugh. ”I think a book club of ladies with worldly experience might be a very good thing for our growing town.” she adds with a chuckle.
”That reminds me, I had a thought about your…talent with people.” she says taking a sip of her ale. ”You’re great with most people, charming as all Nine Hells, and have quite the gift for picking up tidbits around town.” the bard continues. ”How’d you like to do so in a more..official capacity? Not that it would get in the way of your evenings any.”
Lily grins, "Right? I might have to join up just to get a look at the reading list."
Saorise sees the young woman's eyes sharpen with a gleam of ambition. "Official, you say? Well, now you have my full attention."
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There is a brief conference between Father Jhod and Akiros and soon the prizes are brought out. The top three are all awarded a masterwork bow of their preference and Albert is additionally presented with a Scroll of Deadeye's Arrow.
"Sturmulme is truly blessed. Enjoy your just rewards this day and after all the food judging is completed we will begin the Grand Feast!" The father pronounces and the gathered crowd disperses.
Food judging is a less formal affair with cooks offering slips of paper with their name and the name of their dish written on it so that tasters can easily drop the slip into slotted box at each table.
Veronica collects her bow again as the competition ends and the day moves to the cooking contest.
"I've heard it said that the way to a man's heart is through his stomach," she says lightly to Rillka. "Maybe I should learn a few recipes!"
Saoirse returns the grin, happy to see that she’d been correct to anticipate Lily’s interest.
”So one of the things I’ve been taking care of was keeping a finger on the pulse of things in Sturmholme, knowing who’s been up to what, keeping track of troublemakers, and having an idea of who can and can’t be trusted.” she says softly, leaning in a bit, with a consiratorial giggle, making it seem like idle gossip.
”But, with all the travel, and diplomatic interactions with other groups, villages, and kingdoms we’ve been doing, it brings to mind that the best person to keep an eye on how things are going here, would be someone who’s actually here more often than not. Someone smart, well-liked, charming, and with a pretty sharp grasp of the value of information. Things that all seem well within your talents.” she says sitting back and taking another sip to give Lily time to consider.
Oooohhhh, do we have a particular man in mind? Rillka asks Veronica, giving the woman a mischievous smile.
Gentleman callers yes, for foes, the best way to their hearts is something sharp, a good sword or arrow works nicely.
"That would be out of order! I gotta learn to cook first," says Veronica, grinning back.
Andreas continues to move around the event. Talking to the people.
Lily absolutely swells with pride under Saorise's praise but then wilts slightly with some performance anxiety of such high expectations. "Wow, that sounds really important. Would you be able to to um, show me the ropes? I know how to keep my ear to the ground but this sounds like it needs someone with a fancy formal education."
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The votes are counted, the prizes awarded and the bells ring to call everyone to the Feast. One table at the front is dressed in white fur with a centerpiece of crossed elk antlers entwined with green vines. Father Jhod approaches and Akiros helps the aged man to step up to platform and he raises his hands to call attention to himself before he speaks.
"Good people, your toil and care of this land has been seen and blessed by the gods, not the least of which, our honored patron, Erastil. Today, I ask that we speak our gratitude for these gifts of sustenance and community that we relish here together." He is answered by happy murmurs and ducking of heads, nodding along with his speech.
"I wish to share a story of one Erastil's greatest servants. His divine Herald, the Grim White Stag. Many of you have come to me with concerns over your dreams. I too, have felt the watchful presence of something vast and unseen. Long have I prayed and meditated and I must offer you a double edged sword of tidings..." The susurrations grow louder and worried at this pronouncement but the stronger willed at the tables quickly quell the noise with sharp looks and gestures for quiet.
"First the ill. It is no small thing to know that the attention of the Grim White Stag has fallen upon us. It is an honor and privilege, but it is also an omen of great trials to come. Only at our greatest need, will this mighty Herald choose to move among us and act. His shadow falls upon us to put us on our guard and forge steel into our spines for what we must face. Hold tight to your tenants, work hard, aid your neighbor, protect your family. To survive what comes, we must be steadfast." His gaze is hard but holds no rebuke before his expressions softens.
"And now the good news, the Elk Father's Herald is a guardian of the faithful. It is a lesser known parable that I tell you now. There was a poor harvest followed by a terrible winter that beset a small, burgeoning community much like our own. The root cellars were empty and the people grew thin and illness thrived. But the people kept the faith. They pooled their resources and relied on each other while they prayed for aid to come. Fear gripped their hearts even as their pleas were answered, so awesome is the figure of the Herald of our lord. His appearance is described here;"
At this Jhod raises his book and reads directly, "Taller than an ancient oak, it was. The earth shuddered as its great hooves rose and fell, yet it never snapped a branch. The Grim White Stag, pale as the moon that shone through its antlers, bore down upon me. Owls fluttered in its wake and the proud stags it dwarfed marched behind it. When it bellowed, the sound rang in my bones; trees trembled, stones shook, and the forest fell silent."
He closes the book and continues his tale. "The people felt sure that the only mercy one such could bring them was a quick and painless death to pass on and feel the holy warmth of the Summerlands at last. But they had learned to hope for little from their suffering. Instead, the Great White Stag lie down upon the snow and breathed out his final breath, sacrificing his mortal form to feed the faithful, as did his brethren. The people fell on their knees and wept for this great gift and they survived on to grow and become one of Erastil's most prized followings."
"So be glad, good people. You are seen and you are loved. We will face these trials with our heads held high. And today we feast to build our strength and remember that the Grim White Stag watches over us all!" The people applaud, though their mood is quieted as they contemplate the future.
Andreas nods as Father Jhod makes his speech. Remaining receptive and quiet to the words.
He makes his way around talking to Akiros and Father Jhod.
Tis good to see you both again.
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As Vinni is reminded of his ominous dream, he wonders why he hasn't sought more wisdom in this regard sooner. He thinks maybe he's been happy to celebrate the recent victory with the baron, and that he has cousins that would jump at the chance to be dark and thoughtful.
When he finds a chance when Jhod isn't talking with the common folk, he approaches the elderly priest and introduces himself "Greetings, I am Vinni Stoneclaw, a server to this barony and a student of druidism. I found your speech, interesting. I, too, have had the dream with the watchful gaze. It felt... a bit aggressive. While I do not question your wisdom, sir, I do wonder if your words had the purpose to steady the hearts of the people more than communicate your true thoughts about it." The dwarf tries sounding friendly, but his deep dwarven voice and short words could be interpreted as aggressive.
Father Jhod and Akiros greet Andreas warmly, "And you as well, Baron Von Ulm, on this day of celebration."
When he finds a chance when Jhod isn't talking with the common folk, he approaches the elderly priest and introduces himself "Greetings, I am Vinni Stoneclaw, a server to this barony and a student of druidism. I found your speech, interesting. I, too, have had the dream with the watchful gaze. It felt... a bit aggressive. While I do not question your wisdom, sir, I do wonder if your words had the purpose to steady the hearts of the people more than communicate your true thoughts about it." The dwarf tries sounding friendly, but his deep dwarven voice and short words could be interpreted as aggressive.
The Father nods to hear Vinni has experienced the dreams as well. "Well met, Master Stoneclaw. While I am not infallible, I have expressed my understanding of the situation as best as I am able. Erastil's herald is a mysterious figure, it's motivations are harder to recognize. Certainly we have reports of it appearing to give aid to the faithful but also to battle and raze fiends when they encroach on this plane. It is a fearsome creature, otherworldly and unknowable. I agree it's presence feels... severe. But I believe it's fury is directed not at us, but at whatever yet corrupts the land. In my dream, we were laying the poor slain unicorn to rest. I felt it's rage at the sacrilege when it's shadow fell over me." He pales at the memory, shaking his head.
Lily absolutely swells with pride under Saorise's praise but then wilts slightly with some performance anxiety of such high expectations. "Wow, that sounds really important. Would you be able to to um, show me the ropes? I know how to keep my ear to the ground but this sounds like it needs someone with a fancy formal education."
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”Absolutely! You’ve already got great instincts, so it’s simply a matter of fine-tuning and learning a few helpful tricks.” Saoirse replies encouragingly. ” Education might help if someone’s speaking a foreign language, or figuring the details if you overhear some nobles’ plotting, but being good with people, and good at reading them, is way more important.”
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Vinni raises his left eyebrow as he hears the priest talk. With the new information, the dwarf says "Thank you for sharing your experience. This is, indeed, interesting, and it helps me understand your point much better. I guess... I guess you do deserve the people's trust. Not that I ever doubted you."
Father Jhod and Akiros greet Andreas warmly, "And you as well, Baron Von Ulm, on this day of celebration."
It was a great day for everyone to get out and take a break from the daily grind of life.
His smile is genuine and caring.Father Jhod, Lord Ismort, I’d like to ask a favor of you and the Church of Erastil. You may have heard about the boy we rescued from the Will-o’-Wisp—he’s been making great progress in his recovery. I want to make sure he continues to heal and grow in the right direction. Tig Tannersen has shown an interest in learning about knighthood. He’s young, the right age to become a page, and has a natural knack for the outdoors, especially with animals. I think his path might lean more toward a simple life in harmony with nature. I can’t speak for him or his parents, and of course the final decision will be theirs, but I’d like to know if you and the church might be interested in teaching him some basics—manners, etiquette, literacy, combat training, riding, hunting, and falconry.
Alongside his education, he should be given a sense of purpose, understanding that these tasks aren’t trivial but are preparing him for his future role as a knight...or a Paladin of Erastil.
He keeps his posture straight, but his tone is relaxed.
The duties may vary, including delivering messages, serving at meals, and helping his superiors get ready for battles.
He pauses for a moment as he takes in the reaction of the two Erastil faithful.
I’d be happy to take him on as a squire when he comes of age, but I believe his heart is set on a different path. I don’t want to diminish that spark—only see it grow brighter.
When I speak with the parents and they have time to make a proper decision; would you and the church be willing to take him in? I will, of course, personally cover all the costs of his education.
"Is this really a good use of resources?" Albert asks.
"I feel for what the boy has gone through, I truly do. But we don't know how his ordeal may affect him over the long term. Perhaps we should observe and make sure that he has made a full recovery before we begin teaching him to wield a blade."
Father Jhod smiles kindly, "You are, as ever the most beneficent Baron. But I fear that Lord Garess has a point in that we are hardly equipped to host wards in Elch just yet. The temple has been restored, but little other development has taken place. I daresay young Tig will be better off at home with the warmth of his family around him now that the cooler months draw nigh. But let need inform our actions! It sounds to this old man as though you have discovered you are in need of a school for your young folk. A noble goal that. Perhaps we might arrange for some informal classes. We can visit weekly until the snows and assemble the younglings for some lessons." Jhod says with a nod, hoping this compromise will suffice.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Lily seems immensely relieved to know she will have the bard's guidance in her new role and happily accepts.
Seraphina returns after helping her kobold friends return to their warrens with their horde of preserved foodstuffs and untraded trinkets. She is able to join in on the tail end of the fast and meet Saorise later to catch up over drinks.
Veronica seems to have some Thoughts but for whatever reason she decides to keep them to herself.
Andreas nods his understanding at albert's question.
The boy is worth the investment. He’s shown remarkable resilience in pushing through those dark times, and I believe giving him structure will really help with his healing.
The knight ponders father Jhod's offer.
Numbers and literacy for all children—a foundation of basic education tailored to the needs of the people first. In time we can build a proper location for a school.