Vailic attemps a ball throwing game.
"Better than I expected! Anyone one else what a throw?"
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"I must say, I agree. To the games."
Quickly realizing that he made Casca feel bad Vailic rejoins. "There is no need to apologize Casca. I live here. This is my home. More so than any place I have known. It was an informed guess." "It is also true that I am devoted to Desna but only in such a way as I am devoted to you and Zeldana. Goodness is truly worthy of devotion." Realizing something for the first time Vailic says, "you have seemingly taken a different path than your brother. I have also diverted coarse from my former life. What calling lead you down this path?"
"I love Desna, as well Sarenrae. Shelyn has part of my heart too. But, I am not a devout man and I am not inclined to live in service of another, be it a god or person. That does not mean I don't see their value as I hope they see mine." "The tenant of my faith is 'the world is made better by good people standing together'.” Vailic is getting quieter now. “I say this with reluctance but that is the reason I get up the majority of my estate to help build that cathedral. Though I did keep enough to start a modest business. I’m no saint or martyr. But I was inspired by Windsong Abby.” Proudly, but still quietly, “though I contributed only a small portion of the cathedral's cost I’m happy to know I helped make it happen.” “So yes, I believe in fate and luck in the same way I believe in that tree,” still gesturing mostly with his eye and head. [b]“It exists, but I may choose to make that tree a chair, a table, or let it continue to provide shade. All sentient creatures, gods and people, shape fate. We do not ride it. Or at least that is my feeling but I’m a silly halfman who reads too many books.” Inquisitively Vailic asks, “and what of you two, what moves you along the tides of time?”
"I will fight to determine my fate. I so not settle for what fate gives me.” Vailic smiles broadly enjoying the chance to talk about such abstracted things. Vailic conveys concern for Ameiko empathically to a rabbit hiding while eating grass in the shadows 20-30ft away.
"Don't just watch Casca, play. Maybe fate will smile upon you. Maybe Zeldana has already foreseen it." Vailic thinks to himself, I doubt many of the games are a match for a soldier like Casca but maybe he will have some fun. Vailic Monologues about Fate:
"As for fate, I am of two minds. Is it fate that when I get up in the morning my feet hit the ground? Or, do we live in a universe of predictable and observable rules such as gravity?” "If I flip a coin a thousand time will the gods ever intercede and make it land on heads 1000 times? Now don’t think me a fool, I know the gods have wills but what happens when these wills appose one another? ” Pausing dramatically, ”Good vs evil, life vs death, order vs chaos. Which wins? ” "So, let’s say the gods choose a champion and give them their blessing. Are an equal number of gods not going to see them as a threat and make her their enemy? ” Realizing how long he has been talking Vailic says, "Oh. I do love philosophy. I will come to my point soon I promise. ” "Do those who are fated for a specific task have less free will? Say you were put here by your god to have this conversation with me. But I have no such fate but chose to be here because I like you both. Who deserves more credit? ” "This, my friend, is what I believe. Some have less and some have more; more strength, intelligence, luck or favour with the gods. These are the forces that exist in the world. Not unlike gravity these forces direct us toward success, or failure. When these forces benefit us, we call them fortune and when they don’t we call them misfortune. But we must remember they can be overcome.” Vailic jumps, “just like gravity. Today I can over come it for just a second but, one day I may fly and ignore it almost entirely, but it is hubris to think it no longer exists. For that is when we fall.” “Did that answer your question? If not, I suggest we go throw some balls at bottles. There will be more answers in the games than in my silly ramblings.”
On the way to the grounds Vailic explains what he knows about the family, being sure to speak softly to prevent being overheard.
"He is the owner of the Glassworks, why? Did something happen?"
"It may be better for us to import them for the church rather than to sell them ourselves. Thank you for your insight. As for tracking we weight most of the material and sell them by per ounce. Some of the rarer and more costly materials have set prices all recorded in our catalogue here." Valic taps his finger on a brown leather book. "I'm still trying to secure some diamonds and diamond dust but we don't have many clients that can purchase those types of materials. I do suspect that just having them may attract a more affluent clientèle."
“Please come in,” Vailic says with out looking up from his scroll. “Do ask if there is anything I can do for you. You will want to shop quickly the festival should be starting soon.”
“Welcome to my shop. My partner and his son are already attending the festival otherwise I would introduce you.” The shop is small 25ft by 25ft with a simple righting desk, at which the little shadow sits, centered near the back wall. Two chest high shelves with minor magical texts and scrolls sit facing each other creating an isle way from the door to the desk. On either side of the shop against each side wall is a table. On each table is an assortment of dried plants, animal parts, jars of exotic liquids, bits of metal and a multitude of magical ephemera.
“This is my shop. It is not much to behold but we care for her immensely. Scroll of endure elements are currently our best seller but we are looking to change that.” The shop is, though ramshackle, impossibly clean. No dust nor streak on the windows. “Texts are there, scrolls to your left, spell components are on the outer tables along the walls.” Vailic thinks to himself then calmly but suddenly says, “Would it be improper for me to sell holy symbols? Folks like you require them but would it be an insult if I imported some for sale?” Not waiting for an answer, he says "We should get going. It would be a shame to miss any of the festival.”
Vailic wanders the streets for a short time feeling better about his dreams. Then heads to the shop to do some writing or cleaning before the festivals opening ceremonies. He thinks to himself, “I hope those folks from yesterday have a nice day at the festival. If I see them I must ask how they liked the inn.”
Even with his love for the light, mornings are hard. First light burns his eye. Tears wash away the sleep and the halos receded but waiting for the world to come in to focus is his morning penance for freedom from the dark. Vailic grabs a book, coffee, and some cheese and bread then sits preping his spells for the day.
Walking over to his valet, Valic inspects his robes and sets out his rings, bracelets, and necklace. Looking at the bright lavender robe he chose for this day he knows he chose well. Valic has another flashback of his dream. Piece by piece he dons his outfit. Buffing each piece of jewelry, adjusting and readjusting until the look is perfect. Valic runs his open hands down the front of his robes sharply to set the pellets evenly and thinks, maybe I will walk up to the temple, I can see Chopper's Island from there it may settle my mind. Vailic leaves for the festivities.
Vailic reads for an hour, prepares his writing material for the next day and goes to bed.
"I have a floor and a bed sized for me. I regret not having more to offer but it is a roof and walls if either of you are in need." What am I doing I am not this naive. Think first talk second you fool. "I will leave you to your reading. If you find yourself needing something contact me." Vailic heads home.
"Chask! You are well, I hope. I'm working my way through the treatise. It's a very heady work, so I'm taking my time. I'm still trying to wrap my head around it." Vailic muses to himself, "there is a 99% chance this treatise is nonsense, and a 1% chance Chask has stumbled onto something much greater than himself. It's a weird world and anything is possible." "Ah...Mr. Quint it is a pleasure to see you. No bodyguard, just a temporary travel companion; a guest in our fair city. You must be rather happy the festival is about to start and the Cathedral finished. You can get some much needed respite from all the advising you have, surely, been doing." Addressing Chask once again, "Casca is an avid reader, don't be surprised if you seem him again before he leaves." Looking up at Casca, "Is there anything else you would like to see or do before you retire? Do you and Zeldana have accommodations?"
"Hahaha...No not even among shadow folk. I'm fairly average but I have learned to be persuasive all the same. My apologies that joke was ill thought out given my current audience."
Um...yes...I would be happy to join you, maybe my good looks will come in handy when talking with some of the shopkeepers. I may even know a few of them already. Vailic thinks, maybe I can help ease his paranoia. It is good that Zeldana has him around. They make good companions.
It looks like it should be starting any moment now.
“’The forwardness of paranoia’ I like that. You have a way with words.” “My people come form the plane of shadow. Most have settled in Tian Xia. From there my ancestors dispersed. Some indeed went to the darklands but that has proven to be very dangerous. Drow are vicious creatures. Our naturally dark skin and fondness for shadow has fomented a lot of hate among humans and other races. Because of that most of us have retreated from the world and now live in small insular tribes." “I however, live much differently than my brothers and sisters. I embrace the light and the outside world. I have given up everything I know to do two things; help fund the temple, and fulfill my aspirations of being a businessman. I am starting from scratch to make my own way." Vailic likes to talk but this is getting heavy. “You don’t need to be liked by every tourist,” he thinks to himself. “As for my wares we specialize in the arcane but we have very recently decided to expand our offerings. I offer spell scribing services for a reasonable price and I can do this even for the divinely inclined if they are capable of casting the spell they want scribed. If you need, I would be happy to do some scribing on your behalf.” “If you are looking for information, The Way North has maps, The General store may have books - there is an assortment of things there, Standpoint Boutique has many fine imported writings, and the monks in town keep a great library. I’m also going to petition the Cathedral to let me help build one for them. It’s a passion project of mine.” “Now that I have talked you half to sleep please tell me about your journey here,” looking to the group.
Vailic walks to each of the brothers and shakes their hand. Addressing Casca, “I can see why you two travel together. You are both very kind.” Glancing back at Zeldana, “I am happy to accept any title bestowed upon me. Vailic 'Guide of Lost Souls'. I like that.”
Still a little off guard by the openness of this large man he asks, “are all followers of the Dawnflower so forward?”
“I am a Wayang. To a worshiper of Sarenrae I must be quite an oddity. My kin are found mostly in Tian Xia, we are shadow folk.” These brothers…their features are similar but Casca hands have seen effort and toil in a way his bothers have not. His eyes however seem kinder, despite his size. “There is no need to apologize my friend. It may come as a surprise, but I have looked this way my whole life and in that time people’s reactions have not changed much. It is what they do next I am most concerned with.” Vailic offers a forgiving smile. Proudly he says, “My trade is magical goods and services but I’m working on expanding that into a world-wide trading company. I’m still unsure of the steps in between. Maybe your brother has some wisdom to share.” "I would love to know your stories"
Vailic walks over to the table.
Vailic is thrown by the friendliness of this outsider. Even the most open minded people on the ship took weeks to accept him. Contemplating the last 20min, it occurs to him, Zeldana is friendly. I hope it doesn’t get her in trouble. Maybe I can slip it in that she should be more on guard in the future. “Well, one can only say no so many times before he is being rude and I pride myself on my decorum. So yes, I would be happy to join you.” “And, may I say, you’re very spooky and mysterious though in the future, you should put a bit more time between a friendly invite and an ominous warning.” Vailic chuckles, “I should know, spooky and mysterious are a birthright for me.”
“I may take you up on that reading,” Vailic says quizzically, “but first let’s meet your friend,” and walks into The Rusty Dragon.
“It is a pleasure to meet you,” Vailic affirms warmly. “The new Cathedral has a special place in my heart and in the heart of this city. It means a new beginning for all of us. I hope your adventures in Varisia lives up to the tales. I enjoy a story of heroes myself, so much so that I went sailing about he Inner Sea before settling here.”
They travel a little further. “Well, this is The Rusty Dragon Sandpoint's finest,” raising his eyes to the sign. “The ceremony should start soon. You should find your friend.” “I will find a corner to watch from. I seem to be bothering some of the tourist and I would not want to spoil their experience.” Vailic looks about at the crowd and before beginning to walk towards a break between bodies says, “Be well,” and bows slightly. I will not have Zeldana suffer my association any longer. Calling attention to here, in such a way, may make her and her friend targets of pickpockets or worse.
”No need to be so formal. No misters, call me Vailic.”
”To answer your question yes and no. I live a not far from where you are headed and I own a small shop on Market Street, but no I am not native to this city.” he stops himself from saying, “but you have noticed that” knowing she means no ill will. Shyly Vailic says, “I’m not the most qualified tour guild, but I can try.” As they walk the streets Vailic points out the businesses he recommends and those to avoid. “This place here has great food,” he says and, “this one had beautiful jewelry but watch the emeralds, they are hard to find in this area so there is quite a mark up”. At each stop Vailic gestures subtly with just his head to not draw undue attention to the young lady. Between stops when the crowd disperses a little he asks, “What brings you here Madam?” The question is immediately followed by a smirk.
Spoiler: It’s easy to forget yourself sometimes, Vailic muses gloomily. He scans the crowd for some friendly faces but as more people come to town there are fewer and fewer to be found.
Vailic smiles at some acquaintances unloading a wagon, and a halfing woman he has chatted with once or twice, but they are busy and don’t seem to take notice him. It’s good for the town, he reminds himself, mustering a smile, and drawing his hood. Pausing briefly, he makes eye contact with a Varissian woman who is looking at him. But, not the ways others are. There is a curiosity in her eyes. Not just about him but a much deeper curiosity.
Scolding himself he thinks, “You had to open your big mouth, you couldn’t just walk on by. Dominic warned you about talking too much.”
After leaving the shop: Walking, Vailic admires the bustle of a city on the verge of celebration. Enthusiasm with a hint of reservation permeates the crowds. People are carrying boxes from here to there, decorating, and chatting excitedly. Taking a relaxing walk amongst his adopted home, he meanders through the streets.
North along the river then east toward Festival Street where the excitement for the coming festival is truly palpable. Not more than 20 yards from Festival Street is Chopper’s Ally. He reminds himself to keep his eyes low as he passes. Once past, Vailic cheerfully greets other merchants, “Hi, hope the day is good to you, and the tourist are look for something special to help remember the occasion.” As he rounds a corner the temple comes in to view. What a monument, Vailic thinks. A soaring testimonial to goodness. To have something like this built in his town is amazing. When it opens, the world will see the beauty of the Sandpoint people. Pilgrims of all faiths will come to worship and support the city.
“I can’t think of anyone better to mark an end to this awfulness than Father Zantus. He knows the town and its troubles as well as anybody.” Placing a hand up to reach the forearm of Dominic, Vailic says softly, “Today Desna blesses us with new beginnings.” Perking up, “remember there is nothing wrong with the occasional hoity-toity outsider," Vailic says with a wink, adjusting his jewellery so it sits nicely against his bright robes. He walks out the door with shadow the grey rabbit in tow.
“Go easy on the kid. Girls are in their best and Desna may bless him today and send him to explore the world. If the tales are true. Think about it, how can he not be a little distracted? At his age, all I cared about were stories about adventures and slaying dragons. At least he has a second interest.” Vailic says finishing the last scroll for the day. Looking up he sees the boy blush and presses no further. “The endure elements scrolls are selling decently to sailors but it’s hard to move the rest of the product. So, I concede the point. For now,” Smiling wryly. Ponderously Vailic muses, “We will need to build some capital to re-stalk the way you want and I can’t make that stuff myself so the margins will be tight. But, we should try. Offer my services to costumers if they need arcane training, tutoring, antiques identified, anything I will do it. If the temple needs help with healing, or scrolls I can do that too. Maybe they need help putting together a library. That would be a dream come true.” Clearly and more confidently now, “I will work as much as is needed; we will make this work.” Walking about the store taking inventory and tidying, “I’m excited to see the festival this year.” “I did not really participate last year. No one was unfriendly to me but being new, I still felt out of place,” he said reminiscently. “ED. Please deal with the shutters. You're much more suited to the job than I. I can finish in here.” The final shutter clacks in place tightly. Vailic walks across the creaky floor to a board partially covered by a storage shelf, lifts it, and places the most valuable products in the stash. “You can’t be too careful, even good people succumb to temptation in the midst of a party.” Forming arcane symbols with his hands he replaces the dust over the board as if it had never been moved. The shop, clean and tended, is simple and unassuming. Closed, you may barely notice the grey brown planks of dry old wood amidst the grey brown planks of dry old wood of surrounding buildings. “I’m going to walk around the temple, then head to Rusty Dragon. I will see you both there”
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