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[howandwhy99]

[DAY 65 – Thunderday, Jinto 26th, CY 81]

Darius pounded on the door of the inner bailey. The two weeks of training was almost over and he had received neither word from the Dwarves nor Lady Devereaux. Hearing the guards snicker on the far side he asked them if they received their orders directly from the Lady, and whether they had seen her recently.

Originally Posted by Guards

They didn't know the origin of the orders. They were told by their Cpl. They assume he was told by the Sgt or Lt. And that the Sgt or Lt got the orders from the Capt. And the Capt. from Lady Devereaux. But that was purely speculation. They had't seen Lady Devereaux in some weeks. But again that was not unusual. And with all of the current trouble in the County from Bandits and the Giant's Army... and with preparations for the Feast. They did't see anything to be concerned about not seeing her.

Darius was concerned. As a dwarf it was difficult to trust in a person he had not met. Thor’s Might may run through his veins, but Lady Devereaux had yet to prove herself more than a myth. He wondered again about the message he had sent to the Dwarven kingdom.

So far as Darius had gathered from rumors and direct conversation, the letter and sword were delivered to the dwarves weeks ago. But dwarves were slow to make up their minds. They spend time in committees hashing out the best ways to go about things. What resources they will need, who will go, how much it will cost...etc... They are a longer lived race. They don't rush into anything without planning and with commitment on the part of those who are sponsoring the expedition. True the letter was from him, a fellow dwarf from a highly regarded family, but it would mean all the more reason to get it right.

The Dwarves were, at least as much as he'd gathered, probably fashioning some form of transport or war machine before they came. And that could take even more time.

Still he knew in his heart, “The dwarves would've at least sent a response by now.”

It was official. In Brother Ben’s mind at least. He had worked and studied and prayed fervently, but his strength in the divine seemed to have stagnated. Long hours spent memorizing temple doctrines, reciting prayers, reading scripture, and methodically repeating ritual phrases and gestures had led to nothing but near constant head pain. Sometimes the pressure in his skull throbbed so strongly it seemed to block out any thought at all. Father Hedrick said he did not know what the problem was. But Ben’s novitiate training was coming to an end. He had completed all of the requirements for priesthood. Father Hetrick would stand beside him during the ordination on the coming Holyday.

Brother Ben felt ashamed. As one of the few clergy proving capable of channeling divine power he desperately wanted to use that power to aid others. Only now he was unsure whether the forces he already controlled would continue or be revoked. The Gods could be fickle in their choice. Many of the faith grew to old age becoming important figures in the temple’s hierarchy without ever being imbued with divine power. Ben knew this, but still could not help feeling as if he had failed somehow. At least his prayers were still performing as needed. Constant practice had taught him that much. It was a penitence he placed on himself for his feelings of guilt.

Father Hetrick came up behind him quietly. “Your sequestration is complete. You should take time now to prepare yourself to receive the mantle of your religious Fatherhood. Your fast is at an end too. It might be best to go out this evening and celebrate with your friends. It is a lifelong obligation you will take. Something to lighten your heart would serve you well.” Brother Ben nodded in response. Straightening from his prostrate position on the stone floor of his meditation chamber he went to clean himself and bind the wounds on his knees. “How could this be what my parents wanted when they sent me to Father Stauk-Flezr?” he thought. “It was not for my protection or gain I entered his conclave.” Fear was the real reason. And now the voices had returned.

Quoted from Darius
Darius found each of the members of the party during their off time and asked if they could all meet at the tavern at night after their training for that day. It wouldn't take long, He had something he wished to discuss, and missed the company of his friends. He would even purchase drinks for everyone (ale for those that preferred it, wine for Kayla, and whatever was appropriate for Mirel).