Takeshi reads the pain on Essa's face, and nudges Mera to go talk to her. He starts walking in that direction.
"He your friend huh? Must be though, being without him?"
Kesten will try to open the conversation, before going into 'listening mode'.
There's always one.
Selene stands a moment and watches the others, their names familiar to her but not as to who they are.
"I'm sure we can talk someone into letting the ape come, what's his or her name?
"He is my friend, he goes with me everywhere. I guess I can understand their reasons, sometimes people don't know that he just wants to play. I guess if he can't come to the town center that makes sense, but we can surely bring him along to the Crypt right? Who will look after him? He will cause more trouble without me to look after him and feed him. He will eats someone's vegetables for sure."
"Sounds alright to me, no one could argue with that reasoning."
"You were choosen for something Steve, act more like it...not everybody liked the Mayor's choices and rub it in their faces won't make them happier." he says and walks to Essa
"Don't worry Essa, I think we can bring him along to the Crypt, we can talk to the Father just to make sure...maybe he can wait for us on the road."
The voice of Father Prasst, still busy with the last minutes preparation, rises
The mayor just asked you to be vigilant so that your ape don't come into the town center tomorrow. He has said nothing against .. your friend coming with you to the Crypt, if you want so.I guess the ape can wait for you near the forest's border. If you need an hour to give it your instructions, I can turn a blind eye as soon as my blessings are given, if you promise to come back right after. Now, Enev, if you can lend me a hand with a few things, you'd be a good boy, as always...
"Yes Father, and thank you. See Essa, you can go and see your friend and we'll meet with him tomorrow"
Enev goes to help Father Prasst and prepares the usual things for a blessing
Essa sniffs and then smiles as her mind slowly comprehends the explanation. "Roguk won't bother anyone. He will just make a nest and dig for grubs and sleep a lot. Thank you!"
"Hey Takeshi, can you play some music on that thing or is it just for show?" Essa, grabs his arm almost pulling it from the socket and whirls him around clumsily, and then dances across the room humming out of tune.
Father Prasst can't help but smile at Essa youthful exuberance, as he's watching her from the corner of his eye
Youth...What a wonderful gift.
"Of course I can Essa. I would be delighted too," Takeshi replies even as he watches Mera roll her eyes and mumble to herself.
Takeshi looks around, but can't seem to find his flute. He will gesture and weave some magic, after which a ebony black flute appears in thin air.
He plays a catchy tune, one that can be danced too quite easily. The song text is about a monkey that falls out of a tree, repeatedly, but just keeps on trying. Eventually, he falls upside down, and lands on the clouds.
"I don't want to ruin your fun but can we do it after the blessing? I too would like to celebrate"
"Yes.... Yes of course! I'm sorry"! Essa stops and solemnly stares out the window into the night.
Essa felt childish all of a sudden and realized she had been acting that way all along. The games were over and it was time to be serious. This was the rite to adulthood, her coming of age. It was time to become a woman and show the world she was capable. She had to prove to the Druidic Circle she was capable of responsibility, and prove to the people here that they could trust her. She wasn't the most clever, nor a natural leader but she would show them somehow. She could do adult things. She had even killed before. Her and Roguk had stumbled upon a band of goblins in a cave system. There were a half dozen of them but when the fight was over their small battered corpses and bashed in skulls littered the cave floor. Roguk had torn several limb from limb, and Essa had swung her mighty shillelagh furiously. Though they had tried to kill her and her companion, she was shocked at how brutal the violence of a fight was. She had buried all the bodies and hoped no one would ever find them.
Essa's mind snaps back to the present, and she walks quietly and slowly to the front and awaits the ceremonial blessing.
Ah'Mera steps forward to address Father Prasst.
"Father, forgive me for saying; and I mean no disrespect to you Enev, but if you need assistance does it not make more sense to request it from a priestess like myself?"
Ah'Mera seems to be searching the father's intentions.
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Father Prasst looks a little caught off guard
I felt no disrespect in your question, Ah'Mera. I'm so used to work with Enev that I didn't bother to ask anyone else, in fact.Besides, we are following the rituals of Erastil, and I honestly don't know if you are familiar with them... I don't remember seeing you very often at the temple, Ah 'Mera, and I didn't knew you were ordained. With no disrespect meaned.
He coughs lightly
The blessings are just a quick ceremony, and then I'll have a few words for all of you about the moral signification of the Quest.If you want to pray,anyone, or give blessings of your own to your comrades right after Ah'Mera,you're most welcome. I should be ready soon.
Selene waits patiently watching the others in silence.
My prayers will be spared for the family I have left behind. This new one needs no whispers of hope to lay out our journey before us. We will create our own path, forged in work, determination, and if need be, blood and tears.
Father Prasst begins a short prayer, calling for the blessings of Erastil over your (young) heads
Ol"Deadeye, I entrust you with the lives and hearts of the future of our town. May they come back wiser, having understood that the true strength is in unity, cohesion, trust and respect, not into individual prowess. May the strong take care of the weak, may the smart and wise use their gifts for the benefit of those less bright, may the quick guide the slow. Gone are the days of childish and selfish behavior: theses boys and girls are on the treshold of adulthood and responsability. Tomorrow, the community will shed tears over the sacrifice of their childhood, and after a few days, will welcome them back with joy and laughs as men and women of worth."
After a few minutes of silence to let his words sink in, father Prasst adds
As you have understood-or so I hope- the Quest of the Everflame is a rite of passage. You will travel to places you've probably never seen before. There will be no adult around to tell you what you should do, how you should behave. Being part of a group doesn't come easily for some of you maybe..
He looks intensely at Steve and continue
but your companions will count of you, and you will have to count on them. That will teach you the importance of the community, be it small or big. You ALL have different strengths and weaknesses, and none of you could succeed alone. Learn about each other, learn of each other, learn from your mistakes and your successes.This is not a quest about riches and glory. This is a quest about WHO you are, and how you want to be remembered.
Looking at the dark sky by a window
But it's late. I should leave you so you can rest, and think, and talk... and tell a certain ape he should stay out of the town borders until you come to him.
He smiles and winks at Essa.
Go now, Essa, and be back as soon as possible.I'll wait for your return before i go to my own bed.
Essa quickly goes to the hayloft of the barn where Roguk has been housed. She rouses Roguk and using Speak with Animals explains, simply, what she expects of him. They travel to the forest near the path the group will take, and helps him create a nest. She will leave Roguk there and have him 'stay' which is one of his tricks. She hugs him tightly and leaves a bag of fruit. She also scatters a pouch of rice grains across the ground near the nest. This will keep him occupied picking up the grains when he awakes. She then gets him to sleep and slips back to the great hall.
"Thank you Father Prasst. All is well now with Roguk. Erastil is lucky to have such a kind priest as you. "
I haven't relied on an adult in a good time. This should be easy. Selene declares after Prasst has retired. With a relaxed tone she continues, But I will admit, I'm unfamiliar with the task you locals set yourselves to in the name of community and all that stuff. Strong communities are made up of strong individuals, and if Essa here can crack a walnut with her bare hands and tame an ape in the woods while running around naked, then even if the rest of us have only a fraction of similar strengths I think no one better try and stop us.
Selene's eyes drift to fall on Steve, Your magic I hear is impressive, but what is your deal? Hami and Nabu are going to beat you senseless when they get the chance. I can't believe you said that in front of Prasst, let alone anyone.
Takeshi listens to Steve's explanation while playing his song.
Enev cleans after Father Prasst,
"Groychna gladly will join them in the beating..."
"Tomorrow let's try and work as a team, I know we all have our own strengths just like Selene said, together we could do this very easy" he says and looks for a good spot to lay down.
What do you know of what is in store for us Enev?
"Do you think the others that weren't selected will try to spoil our quest? What if they try to jump us and ruin things? I suppose that would be stupid of them, as the community would not tolerate it."
Essa curls up on a bench near the fire, she lies there pondering what may happen tomorrow.
"Even if they did and the community did not intervene, we would be fine. Have confidence in your ability Essa, we were all chosen for our merit."
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"I've tried getting information from Father Prasst but he didn't spilled anything, he just answered with evasive comments..."
"He usually hinted that the Crypt itself is not problem, the road to the crypt is the real threat and workgroup is the key to this but we got Essa and his friend who I hope are familiar with the wilderness" Enev says while stretching and yawning
Hmm, how hard can it really be? All the adults supposedly made it, which makes it odd that it is such a well guarded secret. Oh well, no point in spinning the wagon wheels all night. Let's get some sleep.
Serene, having spent time in an orphanage is used to sleeping in any ol place, paces her spot and tries to get some shut eye.
You awoke in the late morning. Strangely, Steve isn't with you anymore. At first you simply think he was outside to satisfy a natural urge, but more than half an hour pass and he doesn't come back.
Then, Father Prasst comes into the building, with a young lay brother carrying some breakfast for you
I hope everyone had a good night's sleep? There's some food for you, I know young ones are always hungry. There is only water, as we don't want the pride of Kassen to walk into the woods inebriated...
He looks around
Where's your mage, Steve?
"hmm I don't know what happened to him. Strange. "
"Mhmm.. Any of you have an idea?"
"Last time I saw him he was here and then I fell sleep, you think he went ahead or he quit?"
More like went ahead and quit. He has always been boisterous, but people like that usually just trying to put on a show. Serene swipes up a plate of food and inhales it, and downs a drink of water before anyone had a chance to even grab some for themselves. Can't win them all right? I mean the picks can't be fool proof, especially when it comes 'that.'
She gives a courteous burp.
Takeshi takes a few pieces of fruit, and starts 'throwing' them at people so everyone has one.
"Mhmm.. This was our first test then, it would seem. Not everyone can handle pressure and stress, right?" before he bites into his apple, and spills a little bit of juice on his chin.
I don't know what happened last night.
says Father Prasst, looking worried, or sad, or maybe both
The young boy seemed real full of himself, it's sure, and he had some attitude.I was hoping you could teach him a thing or two about the value of being part of a group while travelling.
He rubs his chin
Who knows, maybe Steve just hide and will show himself when it's time for you to go to the Crypt, so that he'll get all the attention. That might be the kind of things he would do. Let's just hope he didn't go away all by himself. He's arrogant, but I guess he's not stupid.
Smiling at you as you start to eat, he walks and pats Takeshi's head
I'm happy to see you already got the hang of sharing. Ol"Deadeye teaches his faithful to give to those in need.Be ready in two hours or so, and remember your families, your friends, your neighbours, will watch you.Don't be full of pride and self importance, but show them respect and don't ashame them, show them they can trust you and be proud of you.I'm afraid it includes keeping some clothes on, Essa, if you were wondering.
He gently smiles-and even winks, a rare oddity, as Enev could tell you- to the young druidess
I'll have to check a few things with the mayor, and we'll try to find Steve... or maybe someone to take his place, if needed. Enjoy your meal!
He walks to the door to get out
Essa stands there munching on the fruit and when Father Prasst chides her she blushes. "I...it's just that...well sometimes I forget...I don't see what the big deal is anyhow." Essa sort of ha rumphs indignantly like she had seen adults do. "Hey Takeshi think fast." She hurls her apple core at him laughing, grabs some fruit for Roguk and says "Ok I'm ready."
Takeshi grabs the apple, and then bounces it off of the inside of his elbow.
"Well, no point in waitin any longer I guess. Let's take some fruit and nuts for the road? This shall be a token of our motivation and eagerness, not waiting for the priest to return..."
He smiles as he looks outside, and sees the sun shining brightly.
Two whole hours? That's one way to build up this ceremony. I'm already ready. Serene states confidently, as she moves to sit near the window.
The lay brother, who you all known to be called Bekhyl, is still with you, waiting patiently for you to finish your breakfast. His shaved head shows a strange birthmark on the left side, looking like antlers. He is in his young twenties, and seems a little bit nervous.
Enev says a little pray to Erastil thanking for the food before eating.
"Thank you for the breakfast Bekh--Uhm..lay brother Bekhyl" Enev says after finishing his pray and stuffing food in his mouth.
"Father Prasst has a liking for you Essa and I'll be thankful if you could wear some clothes" Enev finish the sentence while blushing and trying not to look directly at Essa,
"Speaking of that, what about our equipment? I don't want to face any wild bears in my birthday suit..."
The good lay brother Bekhyl smiles at Enev strangely
As far as I know, you will get your equipment soon. I guess apples and bread arent considered a threath needing you to wear your armor, am I wrong, Enev? And we surely don't want wild bears to get afraid. Who knows what theses poor beasts will do?
The last part of the sentence is said humorlessly. It's obvious Brethyl tries desperatly not to look, glance or even see at the more feminine part of your group.
Essa finishes her meal and stares absently into space, and then at Bethyl as he addresses the group.
Selene continues minding her own business, or more like the business of whatever is going on through the window she is sitting by.
Prasst, what more can you tell us about reaching the crypt and what to expect there? I've never been. And why'd those other children not get chosen over a guy like Steve?
After a moment of Bekhyl desperately trying to ignore her, Bekhyl, thanks for the food. I know it can be hard serving up the meal, the orphanage makes you hungry and then the other children try to steal from others. You're alright in my book brother. Selene laughs. Remember that time when I was new at the orphanage, that time I looked away for only a second and all my ale and food were gone before I could sit down? You know, that time I sat down next to you and then you made that weird noise just before you disappeared, so fast, down the hall. I never got the chance to thank you for letting me have yours. Thanks, it was terrible tasting, but I hadn't eaten in days.
Takeshi looks at Bekhyl, and smiles. He would have to learn on his own, some day.
"Mera, you daydreaming?"
After he nudges her, he walks over to Bekhyl.
"Bekhl, my pal... I've been thinking about upgrading my flute. Are your hands busy the next couple of days, for I might be needing someone with golden hands and a keen insight into wood!"
At the mention of the orphanage Essa has a brief moment of angst. She too was a orphan and spent her younger years there before being taken in by the Druidic Circle. She remembered Selen now and also Bethyl but really not much. She wanted to forget so much about that place.
"You should try going out more lay brother Bekhyl, Erastil teachings are not always in the temple. On the way back I'll try to find you a nice piece of wood for the Erastil symbol you've been working on."
Bekhyl blushes over Selene's praise, and needs a few minutes to regain his composure. When Takeshi mention his flute,and Enev some wood to work on, the good lay brother simply nods and whispers
Please... I have to go. Have you enjoyed and finished your meal? I'll ask for your equipment to be delivered.And maybe they would have found Steve by now...
"Okay, Bekhyl. The meal was very nice, thank you.."
The mayor barges in, startling everyone.
I'm sorry to interrupt you. We have a problem, and the usual timing of the ceremony can't be respected anymore. A few of the people who weren't chosen yesterday for the Quest went away.Steve was maybe with them, even if I can't figure why. We'll have to rush things off, i'm afraid... You'll get your equipment in a few minutes, and I want you on the town's place in the next half hour. Father Prasst won't be happy, and I'm surely not happy either: i wrote such a good speech... Essa, I hope you'll be able to guide your comrades, and maybe tracks Steve and his lot.
He sighs
Let's hope you will be able to catch up with them, or at least found them soon. I wonder what fancies ideas they got in their empty heads... The pride and hopes of Kassen are even more resting on your shoulders.Now I got to organise a few things while you prepare yourself, if you will excuse me.
Mayor Uptal turns and strides to the door
Selene stands and moves to watch out the door for her things to come, I would bet that they all went ahead to the crypt to steal whatever glory they could get their hands on ahead of us. Perhaps Steve's actions were always part of the plot.
I guess I'll get the answers I'm looking for first hand, and pray those hardheads don't get into any real trouble. Selene sighs impatiently and begins pacing.
Ah'Mera had been laying in her bedroll trying to avoid having to get up. She was never much of a morning person.
But when she heard the mayor she knew she had run out of time to be lazy.
Sitting up and stretching out her arms she addresses the others,
"Good morning everyone, I was hoping to have a bit of a lie in but I guess that idea is shot now."
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