"Nice run, ladies", says Alexian, dripping with water and slightly bruised...but still grinning.Shuriken bows with gratitude, she smiles as she stands back up, giggling, that obstacle course was fun! she says excitedly. her pupils had widened greatly with extreme bliss. appearing almost normal.
"That wouldn't fall under my catagory of fun, princess", says Alexian as he wrings out his pants leg, while still wearing them of course. "Now MY definition of fun is the drinking that will occur once these tests are thru."
i beleive the celebration may be fun as well! but i just love obstacle courses. she says whilst still smiling and giggling as per pupils widen further. her excited twirling continuing unhindered.
"That wouldn't fall under my catagory of fun, princess", says Alexian as he wrings out his pants leg, while still wearing them of course. "Now MY definition of fun is the drinking that will occur once these tests are thru."
Agreed Sir Alexian. A nice glass of a sweet red wine, or a decent dry white would be wonderful right now.
"My tastes run more towards ale than wine, gentlemen, but I agree with your sentiments," says Garion, with a smile.
whilst still giggling, twirling and smiling, Shuriken says, you guys really need to lighten up. heres some good news, last night at the crimson coin, i didn't have that depressing dream i normally would.
whilst still giggling, smiling and twirling, as the goddess Amaterasu said, the sun shines brightest in moments of pleasure.
whilst still giggling, twirling and smiling, Shuriken says, you guys really need to lighten up. heres some good news, last night at the crimson coin, i didn't have that depressing dream i normally would.
"That is good news, Shuri. I am happy for you." Daryan pauses for a moment in putting his armor on to give a smile at the young ninja.
whilst still giggling, twirling and smiling, Shuriken says, you guys really need to lighten up. heres some good news, last night at the crimson coin, i didn't have that depressing dream i normally would."That is good news, Shuri. I am happy for you." Daryan pauses for a moment in putting his armor on to give a smile at the young ninja.
"Thank You! i currently feel the warmth of the the sun and the peace of the rain." Shuriken says, her twirling and giggling have paused, but her pupils were still widened with joy and her smile still present
"That wouldn't fall under my catagory of fun, princess", says Alexian as he wrings out his pants leg, while still wearing them of course. "Now MY definition of fun is the drinking that will occur once these tests are thru."Agreed Sir Alexian. A nice glass of a sweet red wine, or a decent dry white would be wonderful right now.
"Just Alexian is fine, Samant", says Alexian as he pats him on the back. "But I can tell we will most definitely get along." With that he turns to Nicephora, giving a most elaborate bow; something of a jest, mocking the courtiers and fashions of the high courts of the realms. It becomes both ironic and obvious that this man of possibly high-birth, has a certain degree of resentment and contempt for those noble-born. "As always you amaze us with your beauty and grace, lady Nicephora", says Alexian with a grin, obviously laying it on thick. With that said he gives a curt nod and goes back to wringing out his damp clothes...
NIK answers by giving a dancer's bow to the noble Alexian, happy the tests are finally done! and that she didnt end up falling in the water!
"Why thank you Sir Just Alexian!"
Shuriken bows before everyone in the area. giggling playfully yet again. her pupils, still widened with joy, and her smile, more joyous than before. the tests were fun, and i feel that our efforts alone are enough for celebration. i beleive that Kodachi would be proud if she were still here. her smiles were quite happy, and her pupils had further widened with joy. she was excited at the thought of her older sister's pride.
I have a confession to make. I am actually 16 years old, i just merely exploit the fact that i appear to be 12. my childish behaviors are just part of the act. in fact, my body ceased to age the moment i witnessed my sister's last breath 4 years ago. Shuriken seems perfectly honest about her confession. she then, continues, a little more serious, i am sorry for decieving you all about my age. i guess that i should stop acting. her pupils were beginning to narrow slightly. she was thinking to herslf. That confession was rather draining. but it had to be done.
Smiling at Nik and Alexian, No mi'Lady Nik it is the Just Sir Alexian. A fitting title for one such as he. He let's out a hearty laugh, fitting for his size, but odd from the previously soft-spoken man.
To ShurikenNo worries young one your secrets are yours to keep, but thank you for trusting all of us with your secret. Also you did masterfully on the course... I just wish I had thought of asking about armor. He shrugs, and again that laugh comes forth. Samant's nerves finally leaving him, allowing him to act more himself.
Smiling at Nik and Alexian, No mi'Lady Nik it is the Just Sir Alexian. A fitting title for one such as he. He let's out a hearty laugh, fitting for his size, but odd from the previously soft-spoken man.
To ShurikenNo worries young one your secrets are yours to keep, but thank you for trusting all of us with your secret. Also you did masterfully on the course... I just wish I had thought of asking about armor. He shrugs, and again that laugh comes forth. Samant's nerves finally leaving him, allowing him to act more himself.
Alexian bursts out laughing at Nicephora's and Samant's comment, clearly caught off guard.
Zeldin is enjoying the others jovial celebration, but hangs back and does not do more than smile. Suddenly a cloud crosses his forehead, and he says softly, to no one in particular, Let us not celebrate too early. We have completed the tests, not recieved our marks and I for one know that I did not make an outstanding performance on several of the tests."
Brow furrowed, he wonders what his next steps will be if the society does not accept him.
Wandering closer to Daryan he seeks to engage the man of Irori, seemingly clueless that this might not be the best time for a deep religious conversation, [b] Daryan, to answer your earlier question,I am not sure that I worship any god. If they need my supplication to gain thier power, they are not worthy of my adoration, and if they do not need my adoration then my worship seems frivilous when compared to the matter of survival. I do respect Irori, and his apotheosis and would like to discuss that if you care to.
Zeldin suddenly seems aware of the looks he is getting and realizing he may be making a social blunder but is not clear which one it might be.
Zeldin is enjoying the others jovial celebration, but hangs back and does not do more than smile. Suddenly a cloud crosses his forehead, and he says softly, to no one in particular, Let us not celebrate too early. We have completed the tests, not recieved our marks and I for one know that I did not make an outstanding performance on several of the tests."
Brow furrowed, he wonders what his next steps will be if the society does not accept him.
Wandering closer to Daryan he seeks to engage the man of Irori, seemingly clueless that this might not be the best time for a deep religious conversation, [b] Daryan, to answer your earlier question,I am not sure that I worship any god. If they need my supplication to gain thier power, they are not worthy of my adoration, and if they do not need my adoration then my worship seems frivilous when compared to the matter of survival. I do respect Irori, and his apotheosis and would like to discuss that if you care to.
Zeldin suddenly seems aware of the looks he is getting and realizing he may be making a social blunder but is not clear which one it might be.
Alexian grins at Zeldin and assumes a very pious posture, placing his fingers together and looks towards the heavens; sarcasm and humor clear in his voice. "Although you may all think me a deeply pious man, do not be alarmed when I proclaim that I am not! I do indeed revere the gods as much as any foolish mortal, but I prefer to leave the gods alone unless desperately needed, as I believe they have more pressing business then to watch over someone as insignificant as I. That being said, it doesn't hurt to throw them a bone every now and then, making them feel loved and wanted. Now someone pass me a drink before I digress anymore and bore you all with my prose...", says Alexian with his typical nonchalance.
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Let us not celebrate too early. We have completed the tests, not recieved our marks and I for one know that I did not make an outstanding performance on several of the tests."
"True enough, Zeldin, but we have completed our trials and there is no reason not to celebrate that ending. There is nothing more we can do to influence the judges' opinions so we might as well enjoy ourselves while we wait."
Although Daryan is much more at home with religious discussion than normal social banter, he's noticing that some in the group would rather not discuss deep topics at the moment. However, Zeldin had brought up the topic, so a bit of talk should be fine, right?
Daryan switches from putting on his armor to packing it in a bag to carry with him, not wishing to be encumbered by it if there is no battle upcoming. He says, "I do not view Irori as a being that I must forever be falling to my knees to worship. He is my guide through his teachings. He grants me magic to aid me in my journey. It is as close to a partnership as we can get when he is a god and I am not. We can discuss more at a later time, however. I believe that all of us did our best in these tests, and I look forward to a small celebration of sorts if at all possible."
I am still in the beginning stages of recovery, that confession was draining enough, discussion of religion or politics would only exhaust me further. i still need time to refresh my mind. just as i need time for the scars upon my heart to heal. Shuriken Announces with heavy mental fatigue. she seemed pretty darn exhausted. she begins to ask the judges is there a place for me to nap? the tests, as well as a particular confession, were quite tiring. the confession was especially so. Shuriken appeared exhausted enough to really need a nice long nap. 2 hours at the minimum. sleep was an important step in her recovery. she may have to take more of these naps in the future. but anything to help stabilize her recovery sounded good.
"Shuriken, if your dreams vex you, perhaps if I were to help you communicate with Desna, goddess of dreams, you might gain some measure of ease," Garion says to the not quite as young as she looks girl.
"Shuriken, if your dreams vex you, perhaps if I were to help you communicate with Desna, goddess of dreams, you might gain some measure of ease," Garion says to the not quite as young as she looks girl.
"i have actually grown quite accustomed to these vexing dreams. the same dream has went on for years on end. i finally got to have a night without it." shuriken struggles to look Garion in the eye, as she was rather tired at the moment.
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Sabine, being a clever girl, casts expeditious retreat prior to beginning, then carefully begins the climb up the rigging, near the top she looses her grip and falls back to the bottom, but she is persistent and reaches the top on her second attempt. With her magically enhanced speed, Sabine moves across the beam at a brisk pace, before heading along the trapped walkway, when the floor pivots away, she launches herself forward to land near the next beam.
The sorceress begins to duck low to evade the blows of the dummies, but overcompensates and falls into the water with a splash. Quickly regaining her composure, she swims to the stairway leading up to the final obstacle and in a deft move seems to casually stride across the gap between her and the finishing area.
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"Well done," Merisyl says with one of her small smiles as Sabine climbs down from the finishing area of the course, "That was almost as fast as Ferrilinth's time."
"Almost," the elf agrees, "that is an impressive trick."
"Is that a note of jealousy?" the old woman teases, "You know the rules allow for any talents to be used."
"Well," Darstave says to the group, "you have all done well, but we still need to confer privately before announcing our decision."
"Elena here," he indicates the grey dressed girl who brought the water earlier, "will take you back to the training room to wait for us." He leans down to talk to Shuriken, "We shouldn't be long, and after that you'll be able to get some rest either in your new quarters, or at your own accommodation, depending on whether you are accepted... can you wait?"
"Certainly, sir, take your time. We want no hurried decisions," says Garion, with a bow to the judges. "There wouldn't happen to be any more of those delicious rolls from lunch, would there, Elena?"
Zeldin nods in assent and murmers a thank you. His stomache is in knots thinking of what is riding on this.
Daryan nods to the judges, much calmer than the others around him. He doesn't believe that he did any better than anyone, but is simply using his years of trained discipline to suppress his anxieties. As the group turns to follow Elena, he briefly puts a hand on Shuri's shoulder, reassuring her with a smile that all would be well. She seems to be the most stressed in the group currently.
Sabine bows at the praise after completing the course, a smile playing across her lips as she looks at Ferrilinth.
"Thank you. I just hope that I can be as effective out in the field as part of your organization."
She turns and flashes a smile to the others assembled awaiting her run. "I could certainly go some of that food," she says as she catches the conversation between Garion and Elena. She waits for the others to move out before following them all towards the training room.
Samant follows for refreshment, and awaits nervously the decision of his fate. Quieting once again as his nerves get the best of him.
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After a short trip to the kitchens to collect something to eat, Elena leads the group of prospective Pathfinders back to the circular testing room to wait for their results. "Good luck!" she announces with a bright smile that wrinkles her eyes before leaving the room.
Some twenty minutes later, the door opens once more, and the three judges enter the room. Darstave gives a pleased grin, looking at each of the aspirants gathered in the room, "It isn't often I get to say this, " he begins, "usually no more than half of a given group are accepted to become initiates, but you have all proven yourselves to be capable in your own fields. I am happy to say that you have all shown the skills necessary to begin on the path of becoming Pathfinders. Congratulations."
After giving the group a few moments to absorb what Darstave had said, Merisyl speaks up, "You will all be assigned quarters in the Quadrangle... I hope none of you are shy, the rooms can be a little cramped."
A smile lights up Sabine's face as she pats the Wayfinder at her belt. "Thank You for this honour," she says to the three judges before them.
Samant finally exhales, not relaizing he was holding his breath. Congratulations to all of you.
Words fail Zeldin. He tries to say thank you, but catches himself. His eyes welled with tears. He thinks of Pither again, and how thankful he was to meet that man.
Daryan nods with a smile at this news, his mind already racing ahead. Now that he knows that he has been accepted, he starts thinking about what he wants to get out of his time training with the Pathfinders. From his time at the monastery, he already was used to menial labor as part of training. Classes on far off places, access to magical items... the Pathfinder Society is surely where Daryan is supposed to be.
Shuriken smiles, "Thank You!" she says as she bows. she then asks, "may i please ask where my sleeping quarters are?" she seemed curious yet anxious. her exhaustion really began to show. "I would prefer a darker room over a brighter one."
Garion grins, "Congratulations, Pathfinders! May we all find what we seek! Right now, I believe we should seek somewhere to have that celebration we were speaking of. I sense a round of drinks with our names on them, the first of many, I hope."
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You are once again led through the hallways of Skyreach, exiting through a different door this time. You emerge out to a well manicured lawn, stretching across to a darkly gothic structure with a pair of circular towers. Leading diagonally across the lawn to the left and right of the imposing building run cobbled paths, you are led along the right pathway, to a horseshoe shaped group of ivy-covered stone buildings.
Once you cross the tidy lawn in the enclosed area between the stone buildings, you are taken inside though a heavy wooden door and through another maze-like series of corridors until you finally reach a small suite of rooms consisting of three bedrooms and a lounge area. Each of the bedrooms contain three beds with matching desks and trunks, and the lounge has comfortable seating and a bookshelf stocked with common, but popular texts.
...
After about a week, Lathario was transferred to more spacious individual accommodation in the wing refurbished by the Gellent family donations. He stayed in occasional contact with you, and assured you, "It isn't that I don't enjoy your company, I do find you all most pleasant. But if the Society wishes to express their gratitude, it would be quite rude of me to decline. I do hope you understand."
Lathario's space in your suite was not immediately filled, and so you where afforded a little extra space for the few months before a new initiate is assigned to his bed, a rather nervous young man by the name of Omari. He is friendly enough, but it is clear that he will not be ready for his confirmation any time soon.
After the first few months of simple lessons and mind numbing chores, your instructors eventually noticed your potential as a group and advance you on to more in depth lectures and assign you to tasks with more importance usually reserved to initiates in their final year.
Each of you displayed a particular aptitude with one of the core areas of Lore, Spell and Sword, and the dean in charge of that aspect of your training; the Master of Scrolls, a seemingly absentminded elf named Kreighton Shaine; the Master of Spells, a stern and unpopular Keleshite wizard by the name of Aram Zey; and the Master of Swords, a boisterous ex-solider named Marcos Farabellus, each took a direct role in your studies, something reserved for initiates close to their confirmation.
...
This quick progression through the training has brought you now to a hall deep within Skyreach, in the presence of each of the three deans. Aram looks over the group with obvious disdain, only softening his expression when he looks on those in the group who have demonstrated some talent with the arcane arts, while Marcos nods a friendly welcome to those who had taken to his lessons well, and smiles easily at the others. Kreighton, as those of you who have taken the most to his lessons have come to expect, is yet to arrive.
Aram lets out a long sigh as he moves to a table covered by a white sheet, "should I send someone to fetch Master Shaine?" he asks of his fellow dean, irritation plain in his voice.
"Don't you worry about that," Marcos says, grinning at the wizards impatience, "I have already arranged for someone to remind him about our meeting. I'm sure he's on his way."
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After a little while longer, the door opens to admit a quite dishevelled elven man with distant eyes. His long blond hair falls smoothly on his left side, but is heavily tangled on his right, almost as though he stopped half-way through brushing it, and his shirt is buttoned unevenly.
“Nicephora!” he exclaims cheerily at the familiar face, “how is your work on the Keleshite courtship dances coming along?”
“And Daryan,” He says, turning to the cleric with a childlike glee, “I have good news… oops! Mustn’t spoil the surprise!”
“I haven’t forgotten you, Samant! I’ve found another rare volume of the Chronicles for you,” he announces, rummaging through his pockets, “Hmm, I must have set it down somewhere… Ah well, it shall turn up eventually!”
“Now that you have finally deigned to grace us with your presence,” Aram says sternly, brushing his black hair away from his face, “perhaps we can get this over with, I have other things that demand my attention.”
“Oh yes,” the elf replies excitedly, apparently oblivious to the wizard’s scorn, “Let’s start!”
“Very well,” Marcos says, placing a friendly hand on the elf’s shoulder and gently leading him over to the table.
“I’m sure you are all curious about the reason for this meeting,” the imposing ex-soldier says to the group, “so I won’t keep you in suspense any longer. You’ve all been showing great progress over these last 11 months, and we each agree that you are ready for your confirmation. Now, usually these exercises are an individual effort, but the teamwork you have displayed through your training has led us to believe that you would gain most from working as a group… or rather two groups, so you each have more opportunity to display your talents. So, if you’d like to decide among yourselves how to split up, we can move things along.”
NIK's face lightens up when she sees the elf (I get a feeling we probably got along GREAT!)
"Master Shaine! Keleshites sure know their stuff! By Calistria how many of those see-through veils can a lady be expected to dance in anyway? Me, that's why I skip all those extra layers!" giggle
Daryan nods calmly to this news. "How we divide is not important to me, as I have learned to work with all of my peers to some degree." After some quiet discussion with the others, Daryan ends up on a side of the room with Shuri, Alexian, and Sabine. He smiles at both the members of his group and the other group, confident that all will find ways to excel.
NIK wishes Daryan, Shuri, Sabine abd Alexian good luck on their first adventure.
ALEXIAN gets a big hug and kiss on the cheek for Desna's luck!