Serra smiles at Kastor.
"By all means, Kastor. That sounds very good. You can for a little while, but we're leaving for the Garrison soon. You can help until we leave."
* * *
Serra looks at Ely, then looks at the offered seat.
"I have to be going soon...I have people waiting on me..." Serra says as he takes the seat, knowing he can't stay too long. Serra leans in to hear the conspiratorial ramblings, his head nods along sympathetically. His eyes travel from Ely to the bottle of whatever he is drinking.
What is he drinking!? Serra picks up the bottle to examine and sniff it.
"You say they are alive, Ely? I'm not sure I knew they were dead...let alone who 'they' were, but that is certainly good news Ely. Good news. I wanted to share my good news too..." Serra says, holding up the helms and explaining the plan again.
Eli listens as plans are laid out. "Serra! How good of you to join me, especially after all we've been through. I see you're still glowing, too. I think it's a zero-sum gain, as just as many folks are drawn to me as shy away. Yes, yes. Mustn't keep folks waiting. Back to the Garrison, eh?" Eli wiggles the bottle, listening intently. When not a slosh is to be heard, Eli sets it down carefully, as he feels it wriggling to escape from his hand.
"I would like to return back to the Heart as soon as possible. The ward here still has many injured." Eli stands up slowly, setting down ample coins to show appreciation to the Heart's owner. "You have a healer's quality about you, Kimroth. I might return on your offer of food, but for now, you've fed me well enough."
Eli turns back to Serra. "Alright then, let's see your helms returned."
When all have gathered at the gates, the group sets out to return to the garrison. The mood of the people is much changed, though the core troops remain in place following the standard precautions.
Deirdre checks each of them off on her list, noting where they are headed. "Do you know when you plan to return? I think Captain Irabeth was hoping to see you this morning."
"Do you know when you plan to return? I think Captain Irabeth was hoping to see you this morning."
Serra scratches his head at that news.
"That's interesting...I've been up and around for hours and haven't heard a word of summons. Have any of you?" Serra turns around to look back at his companions, then turns back to the guard.
"I think that's probably a mistake...it's nigh noon and well, it probably isn't right. Besides, we'll be back in a few hours if Irabeth needs us. If someone seeks us, we will be either at the Garrison or the Library. We're returning these holy helms back to the Garrison."
Serra moves on to the Garrison.
"Very well." Deirdre says, making a notation on her board. " I will let the captain know."
Serra draws his ranseur upon leaving Defender's Heart, not trusting the reports of the full retreat of the demons. He looks to Cole to lead them to the Garrison, and walks with him.
"You mentioned you can craft weapons now, eh? "
"I was wondering if you'd make the bow more adaptive to my arm?"
Serra looks at Cole as if the man completely misheard what he had said.
"Craft weapons? Oh no...ha ha HA! No," Serra chuckles away. "I wouldn't know an anvil from an a%$$!~$. A pair of tongs from a pair of thongs." Serra chuckles a bit more, enjoying the company and the walk and the relative safety of the newly liberated Kenebres.
"I can't craft a dang thing...but...but after the kiss I had last night, combined with some things I've learned recently, I think I can make your weapons better. I can make them stronger. So...yeah, let me look at your bow. I figure it will take a day of full work to fix it the way you want. Or 2 days if we've moving around. I can do it, I know I can."
Serra is happy to do the work.
Beagan gets excited when Serra also mentions the Librarium. "Great! I'll, too, go with you to the Garrison, and maybe we can stop and see the noble Elf after!"
He just catches a word or two of the conversation. "Tongs? Thongs? Those are usually used in different rooms in the temple. Rooms I didn't go in, but the Sacred Stingers are nothing but accommodating, so if you'd ask, they'd put both together for you. I'm pretty sure." He considers the thought, shudders, and decides to change the topic.
"Wow, you got kissed, too? I did, and I don't think I'll never wash my brow ever again! I mean what could ever be more exciting than that? Best - kiss - ever!" He nods fervently. "And I've seen my share!"
On the way to the Garrison, he peppers with Serra with questions.
"You can make stuff better? You can make Cole's bow bow-i-er? Like what else? Like my... hmmm... saddle? Can you make it saddlier?"
He gets very excited. "Other stuff, too? My leathers? My backpack? That's special already, you know, even if it doesn't look it. Amber sold it to me!" His eyebrows raise. "Or can you make other stuff better for other people? Eli's hammer? His beard? Grasker's Graskerness?" And another thought crosses his mind. "That..." he swallows hard. "...poisonous sword I used to kill the demon?" His eyes widen big as he move to a more pleasant topic. "My beret! Could you make my beret better? Maybe even redder?"
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Eli looks down at Deirdre. "Do you ever take time off? Ever set down your board, and enjoy a good meal, with good company? I get the feeling you and Beagan would hit things right off. Time flies, and your work should take its place in your priorities, I understand, but you should find some time for yourself. I've never seen you not here. Are you married? Would you like to be?"
As Deirdre mentions Irabeth, Eli flinches a little, subconsciously smoothing back his hair, and smoothing down his beard. A cupped palm comes up to his mouth, and he checks his breath, before shaking his head.
"Yes, we should be back before long, pretty gnome. Wouldn't want to keep shiny baubles from their place on dusty shelves."
"My beret! Could you make my beret better? Maybe even redder?"
Grasker will ask what his brother is up to before the morning. Will he stay to restore the town, in his old profession of city watch, or something else entirely based on his magically increased age?
Gulur ponders the question, scratching at this gray beard as he thinks. "I don't know, honestly, Grasker. I find things don't feel the same, but it's not really other things, or other people, but me." He stops, hesitates before he continues. "I saw Meirna, before you got here. I... I tried to talk to her. It did not go well." A deep sadness fills his words; for he had become to see the young woman as something more than a passing fancy. Her screams when he reached out to her lanced his heart more surely than the demon's life drain.
"No, I don't think I'll be staying here for long; but the City still needs me for the moment. After that; who knows?"
Eli looks down at Deirdre. "Do you ever take time off? Ever set down your board, and enjoy a good meal, with good company? I get the feeling you and Beagan would hit things right off. Time flies, and your work should take its place in your priorities, I understand, but you should find some time for yourself. I've never seen you not here. Are you married? Would you like to be?"
"Yes, we should be back before long, pretty gnome. Wouldn't want to keep shiny baubles from their place on dusty shelves."
"I d..." Deirdre begins to answer only to be inundated with more questions. A myriad of emotions fly over her gnomean features. Finally, her nose tips up into the air, though a little smile plays over her mouth.
"I take time off when the situation warrants it, though I always have my board. it is my board, you see. I am perfectly capable of enjoying a good meal, and good company with it." At this, she looks directly at the mentioned gnome, looking him over from beret to boots.
"as for the rest of the questions, Ser Beagan looks quite capable of asking them himself, if he is so inclined."
Her tiny brow arches as she regards Ragathiel's holy warrior. "and *that* question is one better answered later, and elsewhere other than tying up traffic at the gate, don't you think?." Her gaze flicks towards Eli as he calls her a "pretty gnome" her words continuing with nary a dropped beat.
"...And as you, said, hairy human, I am nearly always here, and not hard to find, if someone were looking." with a pat of her board and one last tiny smile, she motions for the guards to let them on their way and out the gate.
Eli seems to have difficulty processing the gnome's response all at once. As the words make their way past the low thrum of a promised hangover, he slowly smiles. "Ah, yes, I suppose those were questions better posed first-hand, not second. Heh, heh. There are worse things than being a gnome's second. He's already shown himself quite ready to duel. And look how he glows..." Eli trails off for a moment, watching his next thought glide out, then back.
"You're right, of course. I like that you await an answer." Eli winks at Deirdre, before heading out.
...
Eli clomps ahead in as much of a straight line as the streets allow. He marks the littlest glow, and lets it draw him towards it like a moth to a flame.
"Beagan. Beagan! I believe I might have winged her. She's about her board, but I'll bet she's not married, because she didn't say she wasn't married, and most folk are quick to clear up where one stands on that decision." Eli leans down to look at Beagan more clearly. "Are you married? Would you like to be?"
Serra marches on to the Garrison, listening to Ely's ramblings and still wondering what was in the bottle he was drinking.
I'll need to ask him about his family later...when he's more himself.
* * *
"Wow, you got kissed, too? I did, and I don't think I'll never wash my brow ever again! I mean what could ever be more exciting than that? Best - kiss - ever!"
Serra smiles, regretting having mentioned it at all.
"I'm sure it was nothing. But it sure felt real. I thought a Goddess herself bade blessing upon me, but..." Serra says, rubbing the back of neck, "...but I'm sure half the soldiers and knights here dream about princesses and beautiful goddesses in the night."
Besides, who'd want to kiss you, fatso?
Serra's jaw clenches, then releases.
"It was a fine kiss, vivid and real...but I'm sure it was just our minds trying to create something good after the recent events."
"You can make stuff better? You can make Cole's bow bow-i-er? Like what else? Like my... hmmm... saddle? Can you make it saddlier?"
"Other stuff, too? My leathers? My backpack? That's special already, you know, even if it doesn't look it...*ramble*...My beret! Could you make my beret better? Maybe even redder?"
Serra switches to try to temper the expectations of the excitable gnome.
"No. No, not without fresh gingerflumph pie. No. Maybe. No. Yes. Maybe...if we can find a willing virigin. No. Most definitely not," Serra answers, not sure if his responses align perfectly with all the questions.
"I can make your armor and weapons better...a bit better. Your sword sharper, your shield shieldier," he explains, taking on the gnome's terminology. "It takes time and money, but me and Kastor are happy to contribute to our success. We'll work together to get things done."
Serra looks over at his helpful squire, dutifully hopping along on his good leg, and smiles.
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Serra nods at his squire.
"Yes, Kastor...we'll make them 'helmier'! You are right," Serra answers and confirms, proud that his squire understands the important things.
At the Garrison, Serra will do a quick walk through, taking inventory of what might need to be fixed/consecrated/rebuilt, and returns the helms to their rightful hooks.
"There we go. Perfect." Serra steps back with hands on his hips and looks at his work, proudly.
Maybe I don't suck all the time.
Because if you did, you'd be even fatter.
Serra steps back with a sad look on his face, then shakes it off and turns to Beagan.
"Beagan, you wanted to visit Ara? That's a fine idea. Let's go."
""Beagan. Beagan! I believe I might have winged her. She's about her board, but I'll bet she's not married, because she didn't say she wasn't married, and most folk are quick to clear up where one stands on that decision." Eli leans down to look at Beagan more clearly. "Are you married? Would you like to be?"
"Wow, Eli, you're quite a wingman! Maybe you've got a bit of the fey in ya, hmm?" At least you're not the blighted kind.
"But no, as a newly minted Paladin, I'm married to the Cause of Righteousness. Liberation is my Mistress. Justice is my Master. Firey Vengeance in my Mate. I take my vows seriously." The thrice-contrary Dieties won't let me forget. He scrunches his brow. "But I didn't think a good Gnome like Deirdre would spurn someone like me because of my Most Holy, Sacred Vows. Maybe I should ask."
But as soon as Ser Serra says that magic word, his thoughts turn to a very different, albeit exceedingly serious, topic. "Gingerflumph pie! Maybe that's the next mission! Is that what the dream meant? I'm not good at interpreting dreams." Beagan ponders the last mission, where he had finally slain a demon, even if it was using that particularly nasty sword. He adjusts his beret, which seems to be especially bright and red today.
The Gnome's face focuses in serious concentration. "But if it has to be fresh, that will make it harder to complete. Fate never makes anything easy does it? Now where will we ever find fresh flumph?"
Xanthos drools.
"Yes, let's talk to Ara! Maybe he knows where to find fresh flumph. Or how the Demons will try to recover from this blow. You know, he's very learned and wise, and an Elf! So he's likely to know about important things like that."
The walk to the Garrison proves interesting, as several brave souls already seem to be moving back into old homes.
The Garrison itself is on its way to its former glory. Several cadres of soldiers greet them as they approach, then let them through to place the noble helms back in place.
Their work from the day before gleams, and more has been done since then, though none so well as their own hard work.
Their glow continues to dissipate, until it proves completely unnoticeable unless passing through shadow.
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Eli looks at his hand every so often, then up at the others. The glow of his hand. The glow of the others. He tries to separate the intoxication of the applejack from the intoxication of the surge of power newly gifted to each... finger.
Well, let's see then. If there are five fingers upon my hand, and I walk amongst the five of us, then we are each part of a Hand. Her Hand. Her Touch upon this world.
Beagan is the easier to identify. He is the Pinkie. Perhaps it's unfair to look at his stature, and pigeonhole him like that, but it's true. Small is small. No less needed. How odd a hand feels that is missing its Pinkie.
Grasker... well, he'd be the Pointer, the true direction of Her Hand, and the finger that represents judgment. Yes, that should do just fine.
Cole. Personality like that... yes, the Middle. It's the longest finger, too, so should represent his arrows, and our Hand's furthest reach.
So like Beagan, so like Serra. The Thumb. Stature wins again, but it also shows him in the light of complementary force. If one finger requires support, the Thumb is there to complete the action.
He wiggles his hand, a haze temporarily passing across his eyes.
Which leaves me as Ring. You can't move the Pinkie without also moving the Ring, so that's true enough. Aaand, it also bears the band of... yes, it's true enough.
The haze lifts somewhat abruptly, and Eli moves past his inebriation to join the others with fuller faculties.
Cole leads the way back to the Garrison, taking the same relatively direct route through the rubble. While there, he checks the Garrison's troops himself, making no comment as he waits for Serra to finish his task.
When Serra is finished and discussions of further trips are brought up, Cole sighs. I guess I'm not headed out today. Have to be tomorrow. and grunts his agreement to join the others.
Sounds like they had similar dreams. Clearly powerful forces are here at work trying to push us to greater heights. I wonder how far the fall will be should any of us falter in our quest?
Cole is ready to visit Ara.
Serra follows Cole to see Ara, hoping that the old elf has found a cure for his blindness.
I wish there was someone around who could cure him.
The trip to the Librarium goes much quicker this time, even though it is actually further away. Across the City, there are subtle signs of the improved condition of the area, even with the additional distance from the Garrison.
Three guards draw down on the the group as they approach, but pull up as Fenna comes running out. "It's them! Don't be daft, man. We know these men. Aravashnyel will be so glad to know you are here!"
Beagan sits higher on Xanthos, and straightens his beret, a little pride swelling with their reception.
He doffs his beret in polite greeting. "Thank you, ma'am."
"ನೋಬಲ್ ಎಲ್ಫ್, ನಾವು ನಿಮ್ಮ ಮಾರ್ಗದರ್ಶನ ಪಡೆಯಬೇಕು!"
"So much has happened to all of us. Demons and shards and rifts and glowing and dreams and kisses and..." And poison. And curses. Queens and Stings and Fire. What would those... friends of Aravashnyel... make of that? Would they be proud? Or fear corruption?
Eli takes in the city with the doubled distance of his vision, as best he can. When they arrive at the Librarium, Eli waits for the rest of the Hand to enter. He takes his position outside, in the courtyard, and observes as much as he can. When the clouds part, Eli shelters his eyes with his hand, still a little touched.
When the group is done with its catching-up, Eli is ready to return to the Heart, and to the awaiting Irabeth.
"So good to find people begin to reclaim their town, and not a giant vulture in sight."
"My friends, is that you? Come in, come in! " Ara greets the group warmly, his eyes sparkling with mirth. And recognition.
"Come! You must tell me about the war. I've heard things, from these fine men, brave and wild tales. I would hear your version of the tale, if I could."
Serra breaks into a big smile at seeing Ara's face.
"It's good to see you, Ara!" Serra says, unmindful that the converse is not true (the seeing part, not the good part). "It's been crazy since we dropped you off? How are you!? We have much to discuss. Your wisdom and insight would be appreciated."
Serra moves the man a big bear hug, pressing the older man into his armor with his strong, knightly arms.
After others have greeted and a comfortable place to talk is found, Serra will tell the story of what has happened after the party split from Ara. He'll welcome thoughts and additions from others, but will try to be as detailed as warranted as to the details of the cultists and demons.
"blahblahblah...and that's where we started to glow...blahblahblah...like the kiss of a goddess...blahblahblah...or a wonderful wet dream...blahblahblah...not one, but two helms, all shiny...blahblahblah...and Beagan talked the entire way here."
Eli waves at Ara from the doorway, enjoying the coincidence that both men's eyes have improved dramatically. "Glad to see that you have been healed, Ara. The world is an easier place to navigate with one's sight intact."
"...like the kiss of a goddess..."
"It was wonderful! Heavenly! The best ever! Life changing!" And maybe it means I'm not as cursed as I thought.
"So, ummm, I'm hoping that means I haven't let... them...." Maybe you knew them?... down, assuming they exist, of course, because, ummm, I was told that, well, that group was just a fairy tale.... either that or it was supposed to be a secret so I shouldn't mention them, but since, ummm, you talked about it, maybe they are real?" He swallows hard. It's now or never, right?
"I've got this mark, you see, it's kinda hidden and, well...." The Gnome blushes. "The Priestesses told me they really don't exist, but since you mentioned the name..." He sighs.
"Ok, don't laugh, but, ಸ್ನೇಹಿತ ಮಾರ್ಕ್ ನನ್ನ ಪೋಷಕರು ರಿಫ್ಟ್-ಕಾವಲುಗಾರರ ಎಂದರೆ ಹೇಳಿದ್ದರು."
"But I'm only an Elf by my raising, you see, so my parents are kind of not mine, even though they are my parents, and my brother is always my brother, of course, but they aren't Gnomes so..." He nods fervently. "Never mind. That's ridiculous, right? It's probably just the Unholy Queen trying to motivate me..." Who ever heard of a Gnome mage champion against demons, let alone two of them?
"리프트 - 감시인. 그건 좋은 일이야! 당신은 당신이하지 않습니다, 아무것도 빠져요?"
Cole leans against the wall and enjoys the stories, though he contributes but a little during the telling. Just a word here an there of confirmation.
He relaxes and lets the past few days ease from his mind. Perhaps the little one is right. Perhaps we are the weapons Kenebras needs to battle the demons. Perhaps the Wardstone was the last crusades crutch, and we are this ones.
He lets such heavy thoughts slide easily from his mind and chuckles along with the others.
As the day grows longer however, he suggest moving on. "After all, we still have to report at the Defender's Heart this afternoon - and afternoon is nearly gone. Let's head back while there's time left so we don't need to rush through this rubble."
Having said his piece he doesn't rush the others, but merely stays ready by the door until they too are ready.
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"...and so I reached my hand through the bars of the cage, touching the cancellative rod to the wardstone...blabblahblah...shards of pure life...blahblahblah...a small shart...blahblahblah...many demonic assassins...blahblahblah...more than a greased gnome...blahblahblah...a holy scry-fountain?...blahblahblah...thought it might be time to switch sides...blahblahblah...right up his backside...and that's how it happened," Serra concludes.
Serra takes a deep breath, mostly finished talking unless Ara has more questions.
Eli takes comfort in Cole's prodding. Why did I care to join... wait, something about helms... yeah, that I remember, but recounting tales to the elf...? He must want his name in a book sometime soon.
"I'm ready to return as well."
"So soon? That is too bad. I was hoping to talk more, but you should go if it's time. I hope to make a trip to Defender's Heart sometime soon, but if you find yourself with time on your hands, you are always welcome at the BlackwWing. Isn't that right, Fenna?"
The young librarian agrees fervently. She too is ready to see the days of siege at an end.
Cole grunts something by way of goodbye to Ara-vashnyel and Fenna and he heads out the door.
He leads the small party (presuming the others are coming too - but feel free to split off as needed) back to the Defender's Heart and to Irabeth's office. "You wanted to see us? We're not all here as we've all got things to do. If you need us all together, perhaps just after supper? I can get the others."
"So soon? That is too bad. I was hoping to talk more, but you should go if it's time."
Serra looks around at the rest of party, wondering what the rush is.
"What? We just got here and Ara has yet to opine on anything. We need to hear his thoughts."
Serra leans in to hear what Ara might say about all that he's just been told.
Aravashnyel's face lights up as Serra speaks.
"These are momentous events, my friends. Mo-MENT-ous! You glowed, you say? Yes, if I look closely I can see some of it still. A great power must have been unleashed from that fragment of the Wardstone, but what you describe seems to be too much for what was there. Too much even for the destruction of one full stone. Interesting. This will take some studying. Some research!" The elf's face lights at the thought of such study, and he begins to pace as he talks.
"The holy scrying pool. I had heard of it, but it has never been said to offer visions unbidden. That too speaks of a Higher Hand in all of this, as does many of the rest of it." He pauses, looking at each of them in turn.
"It appears that the gods have plans for you, or at least have use of you in yesterday's events. Even now, you seem... touched... by the divine. That is a heavy mantle to wear my friends. I hope it does not prove too heavy for you."
He continues on for some few minutes more, but then draws up. "But your friends are right, Serra. It would not do to keep Captain Irabeth waiting. There is much more to discuss, though. I hope you will return, perhaps tomorrow?"
The elf's gaze moves to the smallest one, a deep and quizzical expression on his face. "And Master Beagan, I would like more words with you as well, I have questions for you, of those in your past that you mentioned."
Realizing that there are many here, he smiles, "But I'm sure the others would not wish to dawdle for such pleasantries."
"Good afternoon, Cole! Yes. I have several small missions that could use the help of one or more of you. "
"1. People are beginning to make plans to move out of Defender's Heart. I'm looking for a few scouts to go check out the places before we let people move back into them."
"2. Most reports say that all the demons in Kenabres have been destroyed. I would be interested in knowing how far out that goes, both to the North and the South. "
"3. We also need someone to go check out the Water Pumps. One of the engineers has turned up alive, but I hesitate to send him out that way alone. "
Cole listens to Irabeth and nods. ”You don’t need us all on all those trips then. Seems like just a few double checks really.”
”I’ve business out of town anyway, so I’ll see how the demons fare there.” He looks at the map, and draws a half circle with his finger. ”I’ll head southwest along the river here. Maybe 3/4 of a day’s journey or so out. Then take a wide sweeping turn here checking some of the farmsteads along this path to the east. Then I’ll come back down the north road, again along the river.”
”Should take me 2-3 days, tops, if I don’t encounter any trouble.”
He turns to the others, ”Anyone up for a quick range outside the city? We’ll be moving fast and starting in the morning. Serra, you’ll have my bow for crafting tomorrow, but I have a most capable backup so I should be fine for the trip. If I encounter anything I’ll likely be running anyway.” he smiles grimly.
As Ara speaks his peace and pontification, Eli smiles politely, encouraging the elf in his glee. "You think we've been touched, do you?" No doubt about it... "Heavy, indeed." You have the right of it...
...
Eli listens to Irabeth and her plans, then Cole and his desire to roam. "I defer to your priority, captain, as it seems both #1 and #3 are well within my purvey. That way, I can spend equal time in the Ward, as well as wandering about locally. Cole, I wish you speed in your return."
Serra relaxes with Irabeth and the rest, enjoying his time off after a full day of doing stuff.
He nods as Cole puts aside time and money for the corrective work on his bow, planning his other days as well.
As it stands now (and Serra begins to take his leave of Irabeth), Serra will be contented to reading from The First Defense of Lastwall to Kastor and any other children who might want to hear good stories of heroes and villians, knights and honor, victory over evil.
"M'lady Irabeth, I retire to do some reading. I will be working in my armors over the coming days, but if you need me, be sure to call. I am at your service." Serra bows and leaves, quite happy to relax a bit more until the morrow and chores begin anew.
Serra gets his book, calls for Kastor and any of his friends to come over, and reads until it is time for bed.
It has been a good day.
"Thank you, Cole. That is most appreciated." Irabeth says with a nod of her head.
"Eli, if you could see the Avery to the Waterpumps, I would breathe easier. The man knows his engineering, but battle is not his forte. Perhaps one of the others could take a man or three and see to getting the refugees back to their homes?"
A few adults stop by as Serra reads, listening to the tales before going on again with their work. At one point, the literate knight looks up to see Amber listening in. She quirks a grin and tips a nonexistent hat, then heads back to her work. Sitting next to him are several of his requested scrolls.
"Irabeth, I'll let the others know what's on the table. I'm sure one or more of them will assist." Cole gives the information from the meeting to the members who were not there. "...and so they need our help with a few things. You should go see Irabeth and help where you can - I'll be back in a few days."
- - -
Cole eases into sleep fitfully. A nice walk about for a few days to clear my head.
In the morning, at the last possible moment, he relinquishes his bow to Serra. "Thank you very much for this - it is most appreciated. Take good care of her." he hands over his bow, and cash, so that Serra may weave mighty magics into the wood.
He then prepares to leave.
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Serra takes the bow from Cole, and gives him a sharp man-hug.
"You be careful out there, Cole. It may not all be safe, but you have to do what you've been asked to do," Serra says, looking down at the bow in his hands. "Yeah, I'll take good care of this. You just be sure to come back and get it."
Serra turns away to work on his next project, then turns back.
"Say...Cole! If you happen to see Jurin out there...make sure he's okay, right? I doubt he's still alive, but...you know...if you do see him. Tell him to come back."
"Eli, if you could see Avery to the Waterpumps, I would breathe easier. The man knows his engineering, but battle is not his forte."
"I will gladly do so, Captain. Tell me where to find this Avery, and I'll let him know not to leave without me. It's not avery day one gets to explore the Waterpumps, so I better... yeah..." Eli secures his equipment, and readies to head out.
"Best to catch Avery in the morning, Ely. Everyone has their own way of dealing with things; Avery's tends to be in a liquid form, and flowing freely by this time in the afternoon, I'm afraid. Kimroth will know when to expect him in the morning, unless you know some way to speed sobriety upon him?"
Some short way from his meeting with Irabeth, Cole realizes he's grown a tail as Laina shadows his steps. The young woman proves hard to see, but Cole's ingrained paranoia is more than a match for her youthful dexterity and sneakiness.
Serra finishes his reading, promising more in the coming days, pausing to answer any questions that the children might have that don't require another chapter of reading.
* * *
On the morning, Serra begins a new routine:
Morning reading.
Morning weapon practice. Dad would be proud to see me doing this.
Breakfast.
Crafting/Tinkering/Thinking.
Lunch.
Late Afternoon: Free time.
Dinner.
Reading to Kastor.
A few drinks, discussion with the locals.
"Best to catch Avery in the morning, Ely. Everyone has their own way of dealing with things; Avery's tends to be in a liquid form, and flowing freely by this time in the afternoon, I'm afraid. Kimroth will know when to expect him in the morning, unless you know some way to speed sobriety upon him?"
Eli rubs his temple as Irabeth lays out the general structure of the next morning's schedule. "Sobriety comes faster if the drinking stops earlier, so I suppose I can visit with him this afternoon, and confirm that he'll be up to task tomorrow morning. I'll be sure to check in with Kimroth. Can't have the blind leading the blind."
Eli stops by the ward, expending his energies to heal, before returning to Kimroth and his hospitality.
"Kimroth, would you happen to have access to mixtures that help relieve drunkenness? My wife used to prepare a bubbling concoction to help the headaches, but she didn't always have what she needed to prepare it."
As Cole walks around a convenient corner, instead of pressing on - he waits in the shadow himself. Waits for Laina in the shadow of a doorway.
+ circumstance bonus?
After they walk a while, "So what are you plans now the demons are, temporarily, gone? Will you return home with your mother as her caretaker, or do you have some other scheme?"