Almost 200 years ago, when the land that was to become Nirmathas was still a vassal of the empire of Cheliax, the northern reaches of the Fangwood were a wild and untamed place. The crusades that laid low the Whispering Tyrant to the north were a distant memory, and those who remained were intent upon keeping the orcs of Belkzen and the remaining undead from Ustalav in check. As a result, the great forest was full of danger, from marauding orcs to deadly predators, making it unsafe for merchants hoping to trade with the growing community of Skelt in the foothills of the Mindspin Mountains to the west...
Today, the 2nd of Neth, is the day you'e first expected to be a hero. On the 4th, is where you will follow the footsteps of Ekat Kassen, the town's founder, to become a hero.
You could feel it... The wind picking up, the gentle cool breeze brushing past the townspeople, triggering shrieks of delight and somber thoughts of the mercenaries whom invaded their town, and were thwarted by Ekat Kassen, many years ago.
Whatever was planned, stopped completely when a knock was heard at your door. You open to find a young woman, dressed in dark somber clothes and holding a rolled up piece of parchment paper in her hand. She quickly hands you the parchment before leaving, the dark clothing contrasting with the bright blue sky and shining sun.
Good morning!
You have been chosen to take on a rather important quest, one that spells doom during the winter if it is not fulfilled -- a Rite of Passage for most of our people, and a coming-of-age ceremony for those who return; we must ask that you travel to the crypts of Kassen, where our town's founder, Ekat Kassen lies in rest after his heroic battle against the mercenaries on the 4th of Neth, 4535, followed by his untimely death.
The traditional ceremony shall begin on the same day Kassen set off to fight the mercenaries, at the town square. We expect you to travel light, carrying only what you may absolutely need -- weapons, armor and the such -- as other supplies will be provided. I look forward to seeing you there, and we all thank you for taking on this task that we ask of you.
May the blessings of Erastil mark upon your mind and soul.
Mayor Jonark Uptal
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Well, this surprising. I mean, I know I volunteered, but I didn't dare hope I'd be accepted. The Tiefling thought after reading the letter. Re-folding the letter, he went into his mother's room towards the back of the temple. Laying in the bed was a rather elderly woman, whom just seventy-four years earlier had given birth to him. Kneeling by the bed, he gingerly took her hand, then whispered, "Mother, are you awake?"
Slowly, the woman opened her clouded eyes and weakly said, "Havarus? is that you?"
The Rogue choked back tears, she had lost her vision last fall, and soon after that, had taken ill. "Yes Mother, it's me. I have news. Their allowing me to attend the Rite this year. Two more days and I'll be fully accepted into the community."
His Mother smiled, if only a little. "I'm proud of you son. You've grown into a remarkable young man and I know you'll always do what's right." Putting her hand to his cheek, she added, "And remember, I'll....always....love....you." Her hand fell to the bed as she let out her last breath.
Havarus couldn't hold the tears back any longer, still holding her hand, he buried his face in her blanket. After some minutes of sobbing, he managed to replied, "I love you too Mother. Farewell." He had been preparing himself for the past few months for her passing, but that didn't help the pain of losing her. Pulling the covers over her face, Havarus went to find Father Prasst.
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Fiila's letter arrived to Corine's house and, upon seeing what it was, Corine quickly ran into Fiila's room and reached out, shaking her adopted daughter on the shoulder, "Fiila. Fiila! You have a letter!" Despite being in her mid thirties Corine was still a lovely woman, though one who had been single since shortly after she took Fiila in and lost her husband and showed no interest in men since then. With Fiila still not waking up Corine finally took the edge of the mattress and lifted one side causing Fiila to roll out of bead and onto the floor with a resounding *thump*.
Fiila finally wakes up and looks at Corine saying, "Mom!? Why'd you do that?" From a perch on a nearby rafter a raven starts cawing and then speaking in a hideous language to the young woman while Corine waits patiently. Fiila looks at the bird and replies in the same strange tongue and gets up, she looks at her mother with a puzzled look and then sees the letter before squealing in delight and running to snatch it up. "It came?! I should go out and see who else is going to participate."
Fiila quickly starts heading towards the door when the raven flies over in front of her and speaks to her again, Corine saying, "Alain is right honey, you'd better get dressed first."
Fiila gives them both a sheepish look and goes to get dressed. It takes her about an hour and the whole time her bird stands there and glares at her while she hums tunelessly and occasionally speaks to it in that hideous language they both share. Once she's done she has on a light green, knee-length skirt with a blue, sleeveless top. The outfit hugs her figure a fair bit and she puts a pair of soft brown shoes to go with it. Her russet colored hair is neatly brushed and hangs loose to her her waist. She gestures to the bird as she prepares to leave the house and Alain flies down and perches on her shoulder. Fiila heads out the front door and says, "Alain and me are heading out for a while, be back later!"
A knock came at the door of Manduzi's room at the Seven Silvers. He rented the room infrequently, but often enough in the past several months to be known as a regular face in Kassen(the weeks between the irregular stays at the Seven Silvers were spent on far ranging patrols into the surrounding Fangwoods with Arnama Lastrid or on spiritual quests in the great outdoors with Olmira Treesong; both of these wardens of nature in Kassen had a common ally in Manduzi's old mentor, the Druid Ferox, and have kept a close watch on the young Manduzi).
He answered the door with a smiling face, a Varisian man of average height with broad shoulders and long, lithe limbs. His hair a slightly sun-bleached light brown, long and thick and kept pulled back out of his face in a collection of assorted braids and natural dreads secured with collected beads; his skin a deep, olive tone; made even darker by frequent exposure to the sun and the barely observable layer of dirt, which also covered his well worn outfit. Manduzi had the undeniable look...and smell-of someone who slept under the stars and did it often.
He accepted the rolled up parchment and bidded the young lady adue. Unrolling the scroll slowly, he read the words deliberately and nodded." It's just about the day we've been waiting for Zandu." He spoke to the wolfhound who was still curled up beside the bed and patted his friend on the head. Zandu stirred from his sleep and nudged his cold nose at the hand of his master. Manduzi, seemingly understanding the communication, began to gather his things and head for the door. " You're right Zandu, it's about time we got our day started."
The dog turns its head to one side, listening to Manduzi's words attentively. As his master leaves, Zandu stretches and comes to a slow start at first before practically bouncing out in-front of his human. Zandu's instinctive perceptiveness had picked up on the excitement in the air, and he reacted in kind.
"AAARF!
The big pup bellowed as the pair made their exit of the Seven Silvers.
Residing in the temple of Erastil, a small number of kobolds help maintain the tiny shrine to Apsu off in a corner away from most of the other shrines. Mostly consisting of a crudely made stone statue of a dragon, taking off from the edge of a wooden bowl of water, Gnawl is sitting here meditating with his followers. Claw-picked by Gnawl himself, they watch over both their shrine and the temple in Gnawl's absence, a testament to how much respect Gnawl's way of thinking is garnering among his kin.
As the knock at the door comes, one of the kobolds, clad in dark rusty scales, scurried over to answer the call. Peering out and squinting, he snags the letter and hurries back, starting to open it. Another green scaled kobold skitters over and begins yapping in draconic, scolding the other for trying to read the note.
"Silence!" Gnawl speaks up in Common, standing up and walking over. Walking over, he holds out a claw, waiting for the rust-scaled one to hand it over. Looking sheepishly at the stone floor, before speaking up in considerably more broken Common. "Erm... Mmmmmmaster Gnawl-yx, softskin female b... brought letter. F..f..for yyyyou."
Nodding, Gnawl takes the letter before speaking in considerably less yappy Draconic. "Good enough, scale student.... but we must respect the peace and customs here. We are guests of the softskins, and Master Prasst as permitted us to make use of this area. Continue studying the scrolls I've written, you are making progress." Apparently pleased with the compliment, the rust-scaled kobold bowed. Gnawl unfolded the letter as he walked towards the shrine, studying it.
"...as I suspected." he muses, turning back to his scaled disciples and looking much more grim. "It would seem that the coming winter will be much more difficult than usual." The other kobolds make quizzical looks at each other before Gnawl nods again. "They have asked for our aid in surviving it. I will join their bravest, and lead a mission to retrieve an eternal flame from an ancient hero's resting place. It should help beat back the cold winds, and aid in our survival."
Of course, Gnawl knew well enough that that's not what the letter was saying, per se... but a little embellishment wouldn't hurt anyone in this case. In truth, he knew this was coming - he ought to, given how many times he'd spoken with Mayor Uptal - but for his brethren, this was a surprise, and he intended to take full advantage of this. The looks of awe and inspiration on his gathered kin only affirmed this was a wise choice. After all, the bigger races had come to them for aid; that was a big deal for kobolds.
Folding the letter back up, he tucked it under his robe. "I must gather the tribes and give them instructions. Remain here and watch over the village. I will select a small troop to stand watch over the town in my absence. Continue your studies on Common - you may have to translate for them while I'm gone. Blessed be Apsu the Maker!"
"We are his greatest creations!" the other kobolds chattered in unison, bowing respectfully as Gnawl made his way for the door.
Malagaar turns from the door after the young woman leaves. With a heavy sigh he let's out a long breath. He walks over to his bed to grab his tunic to pull over his head. He winces in pain from a large welt on his side. Gregor hits like a bull He thought.
He reached for the letter once more, staring at it as if looking hard enough at it will change the words.
"Am I ready? he said to no one in particular. "You are son, trust me and trust yourself' It was his father.
"I know I've trained for this, but am I truly ready da? Fighting against the village boys is one thing but..."
"Son, I have watched you grow from a mewling babe to a young warrior, your ma, Erastil bless her, would be no more prouder of you than I am right now. I selfishly wanted to keep you here, with me...working on the farm. But you are destined for something more, thats why I knew it was time to give you my grand da's weapon"
Malagaar looked again at the letter, he turned and gave his father a hug. " I will make you proud da'
He left the hut and went and did what he always did when he was nervous or needed to think, well, one of two things he did. The other was practicing with his glaive, but this time he went to read. He needed to prepare himself for what he and the others would face. One thing Malagaar did not like was to be caught surprised.
Under the limbs of his favorite tree he read, he read for hours until his eyes were sore. When the sun fell too low to read any longer her stood, stretched out his well muscled body, , and headed back to town. He had new companions to meet and if they were going to get through this it would have to be as a well organized unit.
Time to make some allies.
As if announcing a new age, the church bells tolled from the temple of Erastil. The solid morning commute was apparent, as tradesmen who travel from Tamran sold their wares, the local blacksmiths made their workshops clean and crisp, and the everyday chores of the townsfolk clamored up their already busy lives.
It was only two days away from the fated ceremony of Kassen, yet the feeling of time hastening past everyone was mutual.
You feel the gentle cold breeze of winter coming and the town seems to be brand new despite its true age. It was full of life, filled with possibilities; one of which was in fact, only two days away.
You spot Father Prasst within the temple doors, talking to two young girls that must work within the establishment, before ushering past the scaly creature. Father Prasst turns to you, almost as if feeling your presence as soon as you entered.
"Havarus", He says while looking you up and down, clearly aware of your recently distraught emotions. He sends the two girls away to their chores and stands in front of you, hands folded, "You look and sound as if you had ran all this way from Taldor." His statement may be a joke, however his tone was somber, "What's going on? Is it your mother? Is she --", he says before cutting off. It was apparent that he understood the situation, although his expression contorts and glances upon Havarus with a new look, one with curiosity and concern, "I see... My condolences. She was definitely a fair woman whom took great responsibility. She seems to have done a good job of it. Nonetheless, you came here for 'help' I assume? The usual incantations, or --" He stopped speaking, knowing more words could lead to more harmful effects. He did however seem to be expecting of an answer, almost as he predecessor had done for Havarus years prior.
Zandu was the first to hear it, then Manduzi -- once Zandu barked.
A fair-haired middle-aged woman, Olmira Treesong, stands next to the post which display's the inn's name proudly. Small woodland creatures were among her presence, there were fewer with her than you last remembered, however. A rabbit by her feet, a squirrel hanging by the post, and a canary singing on her shoulder all stared at you and Zandu with the same expecting expression the woman had.
"So, I just saw the Mayor's maidservant leave the inn with a note, and I could only assume it was for you since you have it now". She said, smiling her way into some warm part of you, "Am I staring at one of the future heroes of Kassen? Or shall I assume that you're not taking the Rite of Passage?" She crossed her arms; the small branches and grass-knitted clothing covered parts of her body while other parts were bare against the warm sun.
"It shall be done as so" Father Prasst said, still in somber tones while a hand met with Havarus' shoulder, "I suggest you head to town then for preparations. The Rite of Passage is a big ordeal for our town, you see, and you must be ready as the quest is taxing upon one's mind and body. While you are gone, I will have a few of my clerics fetch for your mother for those preparations tomorrow. We find it be best that members of the family are not there when we do this as it has led to some unsettling encounters. As it has always been, you both are in good hands.
Leaving her house Fiila makes her way aimlessly through town until her Alain makes a ruckus in her ear and points with a wing towards the temple. Nodding Fiila goes that way, nodding to people as she passes them in the streets. As she usually does Fiila turns quite a few heads, men and women both, as she seems to be an object of some desire despite, or maybe because of, her looks and tiny stature. Paying the onlookers no mind she makes her way to the Temple of Erastil. Reaching the front doors of the church Fiila feels a chill course through her, one not related to the weather, causing her to look at Alain. As Fiila carefully opens the door, so as not to disturb anyone, and enters the building, she speaks to the bird in their shared language, "ਕਿਸੇ ਨੇ ਅੱਜ ਦੇ ਉਹ ਅਲਾਵਿਨ ਨਾ ਕੀਤਾ ਮਰ?"
Turning from the Priest, the Tiefling headed for the door. Seeing Fiila, he thought, Oh, that one. Is she here because of Mother? Havarus had heard the whispers about how this remarkable and attractive woman seemed to have the uncanny ability to commune with the spirits of the dead. Walking up to her, he asked, "Good morning milady. Can I help you?"
Fiila was distracted as she usually was in a place where the dead were taken care of before their last rights and walked right into Havarus. The sudden stop and rebound caught her off guard and she fell, landing on her rear with a thump. The bird took off and started squawking at her to pay more attention. Fiila looks up at Havarus and says, "Um, did I shrink?"
Extending his hand to help her up, Havarus answered, "No, you didn't." Once she was on her feet, he continued, "My apologies, it's partially my fault. Normally I'm better about getting out of peoples way. Are you hurt?"
Accepting Havarus' Han to help her up Fiila smiles at him, "Oh good, I'm small enough enough it is. Thank you." Fiila's smile turns sad when she looks to the side of her he stands for a moment. Turning her gaze back to Havarus she gives him a hug saying quietly, "Sorry for your loss." She then backs as and says, "Would Would like some company?"
The Temple of Erastil was, once noticed, the only stone building in Kassen. Inside, the clusters of shoes tapping on the floor from busy clerics and priestess' echoed off the walls in a menagerie of different tones and chimes, like a reckless band of hooligans on a usual night at the Seven Silvers. For Fiila, the sounds of people moving were overlapped by the occasional whisper of spirits and other ethereal beings that have passed on. Some of their whispers were quiet and somber, while others were slightly more aggressive and grudgingly upset. Most of the whispers, of course ,overlap one another and are hard to stand out, but one form of which she has seen takes her attention more than anything.
The day went by quickly with your reading and words fill the entirety of your thoughts and life just as it always had. A gentle cool breeze passes by that trickles across your skin, and the sun is beginning to dive toward the mountains. Your day is soon to end, and then you'll have one more before the tradition begins.
Gnawl had left by the time Havarus and Fiila were arriving, though the commotion does grab the attention of his remaining scaled friends. Poking their heads up above the pews, their fringes perk up and they squabble in their yappy draconic, but otherwise don't take the initiative to approach the pair.
Meanwhile, on the edges of town, Gnawl marched onward, back from his meeting with the tribe elders. Equally impressed and surprised by the invitation as his kin at the temple, Gnawl found convincing them of his plans easier than expected. The tribe would begin to stockpile food for storage and warriors would be gathered from the various tribes to see him off at the ceremony. Only volunteers who could behave themselves were being selected, and would arrive tomorrow at the church to receive their orders from him. Not that he much to tell them. Stand watch. Stay out of trouble. Await his return. Simple things, real-- GAH!
With his hood up to shield him from the sunlight and his thoughts drifting elsewhere, Gnawl completely failed to notice the pair of legs right in front of him, tripping over Malagaar's resting spot beneath the tree. Shooting back to his feet, he hissed a little before recomposing himself, trying to see what he'd stumbled over. Spying it was a human, Gnawl straightened up, bowing.
"Apologies, Kassen-kin. I did not notice you had claimed this space. I am simply returning to town, I mean you no harm."
GM
"Olmira!" He calls out excitedly at the sight of his friend and teacher. He goes towards her and embraces the fair-haired woman in a hug. Manduzi came from a large loving family of both blood relatives and close friends, and as such he was not shy about showing his affection to those he trusted. To the Varisian, it was the natural way of things. He stepped back after a moment and stooped low to rub the small bunny at Olmira's feet gently" And hello to you little ones." He spoke collectively to the small animals, and Zandu wagged his tail and sniffed about excitedly.
Now standing after the pleasantries had been exchanged, he couldn't help but blush ever-so-slightly at the thought of him being a "future hero". " Forgive my modesty, Olmira." He began with a coy smile, adjusting the yellow and orange scarf around his neck. " A future hero? That's to be seen...But you're correct about the note, and my intentions. I will be taking the Rite of Passage." He said assuredly.
For a moment, his thoughts wondered back to Ferox, the old druid he had lived with prior to staying at the Seven Silvers. " The old man always said that I was to play a part in preserving the balance in this world, and that the path would start with this Rite." He spoke knowing the fair-haired lady knew the old man he spoke of was Ferox.
From the seriousness of his tone, a slightly nervous, but whole heartedly excited laugh erupted. " I have a feeling in my stomach Olmira. It's the same feeling as when you stay up all night laying in the wildflowers waiting for sunrise. Just when you think you might fall asleep, you see the first pink hues of light, and you know that a grand day is just over the horizon." He speaks in terms of natural events, a metaphor that Olmira Treesong probably understood better than anyone in Kassen.
" There are stirrings, the scales need to be balanced, and I know that I'll be a force for that balance.. I'm excited, if you couldn't tell." He says smiling, his mind lost in daydreams. When he comes back to reality he smiles warmly at Olmira " What finds you in Kassen today, friend?"
Olmira let out a half sequel and returned the embrace to Manduzi. The connection was almost as if they were siblings and she was the older one. A smile of admiration played across her lips as he heeded the attention of the critters.
"We shall see, 'hero'. Just make sure you don't forget us little people." Her tone was playful while she let out a small chortle, "Ferox would most definitely be proud with the paths you have taken. I'm sure with your strength and natural abilities, you should most definitely be fine. Keep in mind, however, that this would be a lesson from Ferox to you in teamwork as well. You're not the only person who's received a letter, I hear. Keep your head straight and out of the trees!" Her metaphors were always a little lackluster.
She preferred a more carefree approach. She brushed her fingers across the canaries wings and returned the familiar smile Manduzi was always used to, "You've always been an excitable one. I'm simply running errands before the ceremony. Communing with the animals, making sure the Fangwood isn't in danger, the usual" she said with a shrug, immediately letting out a heartfelt laugh when she glanced at her canary, "As a matter of fact, I just received a message from this little one about Arnama possibly locating the wyrm that mauled someone at the Gray Lake several months ago. She seems set on taking care of it, and I applaud her."
As Fiila spoke quietly to him, Havarus thought, So it is true. And before he could answer he question, the Tiefling felt a strange, yet somehow familiar and warm, chill on his shoulder. Mother? He questioned mentally. Looking the young woman in the eyes, the Rogue said, "That might be much appreciated. Thank you." Walking with her to the door, he opened it and stated, "After you." As she walked past him, his eyes couldn't help but glance at her shapely rear, only for a moment however, before looking back inside the temple where he stood moments before. Leaving the structure, the Tiefling headed to the Seven Silvers to inform Trelvar of the mornings events.
The young man looked up from his book and reeled back frantically grabbing for his glaive, haunted flashbacks of his mother being dragged off into the night bombard him. Quickly be shakes himself free of them as he glares at the kobold. His thick corded muscles bulge, ready for battle!
What do you want... Creature!!?
For a second he notices something familiar about him. With a slight ease on his grip he says, Wait, do I know you?? Do you mean me harm?
Gnawl reeled back from the surprise, claw snapping to his mace while his other tightened, letting off little traces of heat. However, he recomposes himself, standing up again and bowing.
"Forgive my intrusion, Kassen-kin. My thoughts were elsewhere, and I did not notice you here. I am simply returning to the temple to inform my scaled disciples of our plans for the Rite." Standing up, he studied the human for a moment, before swishing his tail a bit. He seemed jumpy... but generally alright. "I am Gnawl Rapwood, of the Rapwood tribe. As I said, I mean you no ill will. I did not expect to find a human this far out. I'm afraid I cannot linger, though. I have much to accomplish before the Rite of Kassen begins. I must be going. Please excuse me."
At that, he turned and started trudging on back to town, looking back only to make sure the human was still alright... or following me. The bigger races could be so confusing sometimes.
Malagaar stood up quickly. Wait!!! You're to take part in the rite!? Perhaps I could accompany you back to town. My apologies for my earlier actions, I'm..... A little on edge, I too am to participate
Other than being a yearly tradition, you know that the purpose of the Everflame is to guide Kassen through safety in the coming winter and end of harvest.
Olmira turns to the two recent visitors and waves at them, her olive-toned skin radiating like the sun.
"Hello there! We seem to be in your way, we're sorry!" She tugs on Manduzi's arm to pull open a wider path for the two, "We hope you enjoy your stay!"
"Wow!" From behind the man and the woman was a blonde haired, blue-eyed girl who looked no more older than thirteen. She gawked at Fiila with merchandise in hand, some of which were obviously artistry from Tamran, the capital of Nirmathas, and also recently bought from the merchants nearby, "You look so beautiful! I don't think I've ever seen someone like you!" Despite the rumors, which were true Asina Silvers looked like the spitting image of her mother, which for those how knew that, also knew it pained Trelvar Silvers quite a bit due to her mother's passing. Back-to-back like a constant nocking of arrows, she turns to Havarus and smiles, "Hi Hav! Coming in for work today? It's getting busier with the ceremony coming up!" She says while giggling at the rabbit nuzzling at her feet.
Gnawl paused to allow the human to catch up, before continuing his pace. " You are quite welcome to. I will have to stop by the temple, but until then, you are welcome. We know the value of company. What is your name, big one?"
Waiting for a response, Gnawl nods and makes a mental note of it. Alongside the human's excitable tendencies. He wasn't used to that from bigger races. His own kind, sure, but they were used to the world not being sized for them. Speed and reflexes are what permitted them to survive another day. Perhaps humans are simply as varied as his own kind...
"I am honored to take part in your tradition. To tell the truth, with the success of this quest, I should be able to bring together the other tribes around here under one snarl. My kin believe the spectacle of danger to be real... I see little reason to dissuade them of it. It will be a great step for me... oh, I'm sorry. I do not mean to babble. Chatter is something we value as well. Why do you participate?"
Fiila looks to the side once more and nods at the spirit in understanding and steps out the held door with a polite, "Thank you good sir." As they began to walk Alain flew along and caught Havarus looking at Fiila's backside for a moment, the bird squawked at him and flew around to look Fiila in the eyes speaking to her in their usual language before glaring once more at Havarus. Fiila looks back over her shoulder and says, "Alain doesn't like you looking at my butt and says to stop." She turns and walks backwards a moment looking Havarus over and says, "But I don't mind at all." She turns back and puts a bit more swish in her stride before slowing down to walk next to the tiefling.
" I'll do my best to keep my head out of the clouds." He assured Olmira with eyes fixated on Filla momentarily. The druid tugs at Manduzi's arm and he steps aside, giving the newcomers a wide birth. He looks the pair over, the young lady and the man of questionable heritage who accompanied her and smiled. Speaking quietly with Olmira he said " If you'll excuse me dear, I think these might be the teammates you spoke of. Tell Arnama I said hello!" . Another quick embrace and Lick from Zandu and the pair turn their attention to the new arrivals.
"What a beautiful work of nature." He says, taking the hand of Filla, and bowing low to kiss the back of that hand.
" And Havarus is it?" He questions, offering a hand to shake. "No worries friend, I promise not to kiss your hand." he jests, before continuing.
" I'm Manduzi, and this is my best friend Zandu." He says, placing a hand on the wolfhound who lets out a playful howl as if on command. " We've been chosen to complete the Rite in two days, and from the way you two were eying this parchment in my hand, you were chosen too. Am I right or am I right?" the jolly Varisian could prove boisterous at times and even now he threw his arms around the shoulders of each of the newcomers(a funny sight, given the height discrepancy)." I don't think that noon is too early for a drink, we should celebrate!"
Havarus' skin got a little redder in the cheek area before continuing on. An enigma, wrapped in a mystery. He thought to himself.
"Hello Asina, about the Ceremony, I've actually been chosen to participate this year. So I'm actually going to be busy for the next couple of days getting ready." He replied to the young girl.
"Well met Manduzi, now I've a name to go with your face. Considering I've served you a time or two, I probably should have learned it by now."
Noting that Havarus doesn't speak about his tragedy Fiila makes sure not to mention it either. Fortunately it's not hard for her as Manduzi takes her hand and kisses the back of it. Fiila blushes a bit but otherwise smiles back and gives him a wink as she says, "Why thank you! And just think, you haven't seen all of me yet." As Zandu lets out his howl Fiila reaches out and holds her hand so the dog can sniff it and then begins scratching his ears if the dog lets her. The raven, Alain, gives Manduzi a glare that implies he's being watched and then glares even harder at Zandu before lighting on a convenient perch and watching the group.
Once Zandu comments on us being chosen as well Fiila says, "I don't know about Havarus, but I am! I'm so excited to finally undergo this important right of passage. As for a drink, well, I'll have something, just not alchohol, the ghosts like it too much when I drink, they like to play tricks on me." She says all this with out batting an eye and completely serious.
The young warrior gives the kobold his name and extends his hand greeting.
I was born and raised in Kassen, my father felt it was my duty to train to fight those that try to oppress us. I participate in this as it is my rite of passage into manhood
He looks sheepishly down at his feet as if embarrassed be said those words.
Although my reasons do not seem as noble as yours do, but they are my reasons
He glowers a moment, then it fades again into a forced smile. He claps the kobold on the back. enough chatter, let us walk
By the Temple of Erastil, a few children are watched by cautionary parents, while they stare at the scaly kobolds walking in and out of the temple doors, trudging about their pre-meditated orders. Some kids share idle banter about the creatures and others just sit and stare, sharing the same caution as their parents.
In front of the inn, Asina springs herself up and down in excitement, Oh Wow! That is wonderful! I'm sure father would be most proud! You know..." She says before leaning closer to Havarus and whispers, "I hear there are three more joining you guys. A student of Sir Dramott, a student of the guard Captain, and one of those funny scaly people at the temple" Her young self seemed to shift into the normal posture she has at the inn. A young girl, making all of the tenants and visitors smile with her stories and gossip, was definitely the most charismatic of the employees. Her voice rose once more, "I'm most happy for you Hav! You've come so far! Come on, we have to go tell father!" She quickly turns with collection in hand, and drops one of her items: a small coin purse that chimed the sound of multiple metal objects rubbing one another as it fell. She barely seems to notice as she paces herself quickly to the inn door, being held open for her by a passerby.
Throughout this, Olmira had already left, waving goodbye to Manduzi and the newcomers before whistling to her critters and waltzing off to her usual duties.
The sun is beating down as the bells of the temple chime another hour away for Kassen. The cold breezes seem to continue and the last strife of summer is whittling away. The elderly are beginning to put on their light winterwear while the leaves of the trees blow playfully in the wind.
Picking up the purse, Havarus thought, I swear, she'd lose her if it wasn't attached. Soon after, he followed the girl to her father.
"There is nothing wrong with answering your calling." Gnawl replied, looking up at the human and nodding. "You cannot judge one by their calling. Only by how you answer it. You've answered yours as I have answered mine: with all your might."
Gnawl nearly stumbles over a little as he gets clapped on the shoulder. "Very well."
As you enter the Seven Silvers, you smell the aroma of freshly made bread, mead-smelling breaths of tenants in the taproom, and the sound of a crackling fire in the fireplace of this two-story building.
It isn't hard to find Asina, who had placed most of her belongings on the far end of the counter where Trelvar, her clearly upset father, is visibly scolding her for her "shopping spree".
The inn is quite filled at this time of day, more than likely from the fresh faces that travel through this part of town to trade before the ceremony. A big festive time of the year for memories of a great hero fighting for peace...
"Erastil help us! Asina, why would you even buy all of this? For what purpose do you have?", Trelvar said, resting his hand on the counter and leaning forward to her as if expecting a logical answer. He rubs his temple with the fingers of his other hand, "I don't know what I'm going to do with you..." He turns and sees Havarus who had entered the inn after Asina. He slicks the short bangs of his unkempt hair back and smiles at Havarus waving him over, "Here he is, the man of the week! Come, sit, the first is on me!" He turns to begin pouring Havarus some ale, "Asina told me you're taking part in the Rite of Passage! You must be excited; its a once in a lifetime ordeal!" He places the mug in front of Havarus where he assumed he would sit, "Jimes has been pretty busy during your time out; much needed I presume. I think he almost misses yuh'. He'll probably have to get used to calling you hero pretty soon!" His face shifted from its oddly cheerful attitude, to its usual somber one as soon as Asina leaves fully encumbered, realizing she may have avoided her father's shortly fused wrath, "How is your mother holding up? Is she okay?
"
Fiila follows Havarus into the Seven Silvers, with Alain on her shoulder again, and stays quiet as Trevlar begins speaking. When Trevlar congratulates him and then changes topics to his mother, Fiila gets a slightly worried look on her face and moves up to Havarus, reaching out and taking his hand with a gentle squeeze.
Hmm, I don't like the look of that one. Havarus noted. Before Asina got too far, the Tiefling slipped her coin purse back onto her person with practiced ease. The girl didn't even notice.
Havarus looked at Fiila's hand, then her eyes, his own saying 'thank you for your support.' Turning back to Trevlar, he answered in a somber tone, "I'm afraid that she passed this morning." Taking the mug, he sipped its contents and continued, "Father Prasst is performing last rites as we speak."
Uriel catches the blow from Dramott's waster on his shield, feeling the shock travel up his arm. His own wooden sword comes up beneath the older Paladin's guard, catching him on the ribs. "Aha! Gotc--" Uriel starts to exclaim, as Dramott's shield catches him in the face, followed by a wicked sword blow that sends him crashing to the ground. Uriel groans, dropping his waster to the ground as he wrenches his shield off of his arm. "I know, I know... that's why I need to wear my helmet," he says, wiping a spot of blood from his lip.
Turning, he sees the woman carrying the parchment. He lifts himself from the ground, accepting it with a gracious nod. As she leaves, he moves to unravel it. "Good morning..." he read aloud, "You have been chosen to take on a rather important quest, one that spells doom during the... oh no." He rolls the scroll up, looking to Sir Dramott. "I've... they've chosen me for the Rite of Passage. I guess they figure I'm old enough this year." While he wears a smile on his face, it is obvious the young man is attempting to hide both terror and uncertainty.
As Gnawl trudges alongside Malagaar, his fringes perk up underneath his hood as the sound of fighting catches his ears. Picking up his pace, he spies the pair of paladins dueling, watching for a moment. As the younger one grows a bit too confidant and is punished for it, Gnawl tries hard to stifle a growling snicker at the spectacle. It reminded him of hatchlings scrapping in the den, trying hard to prove each other the superior and the inevitable tumbles they took when trying to coordinate themselves on their new legs.
Pausing and listening, he tilts his head as the young knight reads his letter, before nodding. So, he was also joining the group. "I am pleased to have you along!" Gnawl called out to the paladin. "Rest assured, under my lead, you shall meet nothing, but victory!"
"Under your... is he serious?" He looks up to Sir Dramott, then back to the kobold, only about as tall as Uriel while he was seated. "Why would you--wait, you stay in Erastil's temple, yes? You're the one who's doing... something, with the town? I'm afraid I don't know the specifics."
Uriel sighs, dropping his waster and shield as he begins to pry off his armor. "I suppose if we're to be traveling together, introductions are in order. I'm... please, just call me Daniel. I prefer that one to my own." He rubs the back of his neck sheepishly. "And you, my small friend?"
Malagaar snickers quietly while leaning on his Guisarme at the banter between the kobold and the paladin. He quickly hides the smile when the Knight approaches them in greeting. After the kobold introduces himself he does the same.