For the Greater Good

[Velenne]

Norin continues his selfless acts well into the night. He finds that the need for sleep does not come upon him as readily as most. Heironeous meets the needs of his physical body for him, allowing him to focus on the spiritual.

In the meantime, he speaks with each needful individual personally. He shares his faith, and indeed practices it in serving them. He says that he finds he has little else to give them but this, and in doing so hopes that they will partake of these gifts and spread them freely to others.

 

[Jaik]

Darren turns his chair to more directly face the performers, then closes his eyes and breathes in the sounds of music, laughter...and joy. "A happy time is a holy time" preach Lliira's priests, and Darren prepares to enjoy the worship.

 

[Isida Kep'Tukari]

*Nessa bows her head in greeting to Rekash, both pleased to see a familiar face, and saddened by the reminder of her current troubles.*

"The past few days, I have found the marketplace more comforting than my own quarters in the temple." She sighs again, looking somewhat morose.

"I think the brothers and sisters of my faith do not take kindly to my choice on the undead debate. For that matter, neither does your own church, and I am sure you have little pity to spare for me over that issue. Let us speak of other things. How do you fare at the moment? I hope the Gods views you in more favour than I."

*Rekash nods, and sits on the low wall next to Nessa.*

"The Mistress of Disease favors those that follow Her will, as well as those that offer respect to Her and Her priests," she says, giving Nessa a sidelong glance. "Why do you fight your own church? One who has devoted their entire life to prayer and contemplation of one's god hardly seems the type to go against her church's best interests." She pauses for a moment to let the comment sink in, then continues as if she hadn't spoken the last comment at all. "I do well enough. There are many new illnesses brewing in the Hollow, and much work for my sisters and I to do. New poisons too I think. I've seen some odd things... odd people have been brought to the temple, strange symptoms. New assassin or poisoner in town, no doubt. Hard times are coming."

*Norin, many of the people you speak seem to be hardened and unwilling to really listen to you, but you do find a few that seem to take your words to heart. Many have not had a kind word in a long time, and your kindness seems to help them, at least in spirit. During one of your trips back to Honor's Shield, one of the priestesses waves you over to the boy missing a foot.*

"Brel?" she says softly, putting a few pillows behind the child so he can sit up. Even in the short time since you've brought him in, the priests have cleaned him and dressed him in fresh clothes, and tended to his wounds. The boy looks to be no older than ten, thin to the point of being gaunt, and slightly flushed with fever. "Brel, this is Saint Norin. You wanted to know his name, and here he is. I need you to tell him what you told me."

*The boy swallows a few times, gathering his courage, then bursts into tears. Hugging the lad to her, the priestess murmurs over his sobbing.*

"He lost his parents to fever when his was five, and was taken care of by some of the older beggars and ne'er-do-wells for a while, learning to be a beggar. But a few months ago they were struck down by some strange fever, something that destroys the mind, though he was spared. He says that 'The Beggar King' took a liking to him, but every time I try to get him to say more about this King he can't go on. Shhh, sweetling, it's ok..." she says, stroking the lad's short hair. "We've heard rumors of this Beggar King for a while. Terrible things, more like nightmares and rumors that real knowledge. I think he's just..." She breaks off and comforts the child until he slowly manages to uncurl from her and go to sleep. She pulls Norin away from the bed to talk to him in private.

"There have been rumors of some kind of Beggar King for years, but I think it's just a kind of smoke screen for some unsavory types to abuse anyone they want to. Be careful out there, Saint Norin."

*Sebastian, as you sob against the wall in the alleyways, your sorrow is interrupted by a light touch on your arm. Looking up you see a young girl with luminous white hair, wearing pale blue and white robes with a pendent of a unicorn head with a tiny shepherd's crook dangling below.*

"Are you lost?" she asks, her blue eyes bright. Sebastian, you recognize the holy symbol, it's the symbol of Alnaria, the goddess of innocence and children. What one of her holy children is doing out here at this time of night is anyone's guess.

*Lyssia and Darren, as darkness falls, the Dancing Phoenix begins to fill to capacity. Lyssia recognizes Beauty, along with a large portion of what must be Sune's clergy, while the High Revelmistress and nearly the entire temple of Liira catch Darren's eye. Not to mention the many other people, most of them young and looking to have a wonderful time. Several other bards have played tonight, but now an expectant hush comes over the audience as the magical lighting in the Phoenix focuses on the stage, catching hidden prisms and making the place dance with rainbows. To a great upswelling of applause, Brightfire saunters onto the stage.*

*She's a voluptuous woman with cerulean blue skin, and long dark pink hair. Her gown, a few shades lighter than her skin, is cut to emphasize her form. Smiling brightly, she launches into an aria, each note out of her mouth creating a solid structure of rainbow light over the dance floor. This is what Brightfire is known for. These music-formed light-sculptures can linger for weeks, as a reminder of her passage.*

*Backed by an ensemble of over a dozen talented musicians, Brightfire begins to sing a bright and upbeat song, sending most of the crowd hunting for their partners to dance with. There's quite a press of people here tonight, many of them pressing close to the stage to see the talented bard. Subtely a few peacekeepers ring the stage to prevent the overzealous from climbing on top.*

 

[Halivar]

Sebastian looks up, red-eyed, at the youth. "Daughter of Innocence, I have been lost for five years. And I shall never be found again." He looks down at his knees, avoiding eye contact. "Go and help those children who can be helped. I will remain and mourn those who cannot."

Sebastian once again buries his head in his arms, but is nagged by his conscience. He's forgotten something; something important that he ought to be doing.

Then it comes to him: they are in an alley. The denizens of the dark are everywhere, and the innocent are always without help against them. He bolts to his feet, wiping off his tears. The duty of the paladin trumps all, and iron-hard resolution pushes emotional anguish to the back of his head, where it can only make a dull whisper in his ear.

"Young lady, this place is not safe. There are thieves and assassins crawling throughout this city. l will escort you back to Godswalk. No... I will escort you home. I cannot let you go on without protection." Sebastian's voice contains a slight tinge of pleading.

 

[KaintheSeeker]

Lyssa smiles and motions for the barmaid to come over. As she listens to the music she slips the girl a coin and whispers to her to offer the bard a glass of wine when she is done. "Surely such a strong voice should be greeted with a soothing drink when she is done." smiling she returns to listening and sipping her wine.

 

[Velenne]

Ascetic Human Monk, Saint

"Please Galtheia, just call me Norin," he says, smiling softly to her, "Heironeous is my shield. He goes before me and alights my path. He will surely speak into the hearts of those who would do me harm or grant me the strength to demonstrate his justice to them. But yes, I will be careful."

Placing a comforting hand over hers, he turns back to the sleeping child, back to her, and winks.

He moves back over to Brel and sits down at the boy's remaining foot. Norin takes his time cleaning the foot, deliberately moistening a cloth and wiping gently between the toes and under the nails. He then leans forward, places his forehead against the child's big toe and begins to pray.



After a few private moments, Norin raises his head and pulls from his back one of his few possessions. According to his ascetic vows, he was permitted to carry nothing of value. Yet it had been none other than Heironeous who had entrusted him with the Shroud of Saint Felis. Its touch, he has seen, brings healing and sustenance to those in need. This boy, it seemed, was in such need. And so, reverently, he places the Shroud around the boy's clean foot...

 

[Jarval]

Nessa Caoilfhionn, Female Aasimar Arcane Disciple

"It is strange, I admit, that I feel this drive to go against the High Priest's will, but should I blindly follow where I am lead, trusting entirely on the will of others, or trust what my own conscience is telling me?" She looks questioningly at the woman sitting beside her, hoping for affirmation of her own belief.

"I pray I do not offend my Lord Boccob with my stance on this debate, as He sustains both myself and my Art. Yet Orshallan tells me that the magic used to animate the dead force the soul into tortured servitude. I cannot contemplate Lord Boccob would wish this on any mortal, even given our small place in His Art.

"I am glad that I find you well, sister. But you sound as if these odd people and odd things trouble you. Do you any an clue as to what these event might indicate? I doubt an assassin's knife goes long unpaid in this city, but this seems removed enough from the normal sights of your duty to warrant attention."

 

[Isida Kep'Tukari]

*Sebastian, the child takes your hand trustingly.*

"Yes, let us go home," she says, her smile bright.

*She has to lead you somewhat, through the twisting alleyways until you once again stroll the Godswalk. A few minutes later you stand outside the alabaster, tree-pillared temple to Alnaria, its gentle, shallow steps swarming with children that are being ushered inside by many white-robed priestesses. Like a mother duck with her ducklings, the priestesses are quite efficient in gathering up their stray flocks. One older woman seems to be waiting for someone, and when she spots you, smiles and waves you forward. The girls lets go of your hand when you draw near, and the priestess gestures for you to sit down.*

"You're seeking guidance," she says matter-of-factly, as if commenting that the sky is blue or the sun rises in the east.

*Lyssa, your coin is accepted, and a glass of fine wine is brought to Brightfire. Along with, you notice, several others. She takes sips from several, listening to the serving girls and nodding to each individual person as she drains their chosen cup. During a break, she goes and speaks to each one briefly, offering her thanks. Finally she comes to you, sitting at an empty chair at your table.*

"My thanks for the wine, sister," she says brightly. You note without real surprise that even her speaking voice is musical. In the slightly dim light near your table, her skin even seems to glow, and her colors seem even more intense from this close. But what really catchs your eye is that embroidered on her shirt, over her heart, is the symbol of Sune.

*Norin, your attentions have the boy somewhat baffled, as if he has never received such kindness before. But he lays quietly, not having the strength left to fight. When you lay the shroud of Saint Felis over him though, the boy gives a shudder, and you can see the false-health glow of fever leave his face. Gasping slightly, Brel looks at you with awe.*

"How, how... how did ye do it?" he asks, his eyes wide, "I feel all right!"

*Nessa, Rekash contemplates your questions for a moment, her thin fingers idly tracing her pox scars in a deliberate pattern, almost like a mantra.*

"It would be unwise for a god or goddess to have cattle for followers, but neither is it wise to have those that cannot accept that a higher power knows what is best. But then it is said that sometimes the words of gods are twisted to suit the priests.

"My goddess will accept no priest who has not come to Her touched by those sacrements that She commands. But this is both a difficult and deeply personal decision. Many have been touched by plague or disease, yet my goddess' faith is hardly the largest in the world. My goddess does not accept sheep. I can hardly believe your God, which requires one to control and understand magic, wants sheep in his church.

"As for the servitude of the undead's souls... whether or not they are in torment, I would consider it just. They are merely viscious criminals, serving out their sentence in a form that cannot disobey or escape. If their souls are tormented, better that they learn torment there and be born better in the next life then leave them in any state to do further harm to other people.

"And for the assassin... my goddess is the Goddess of Poison, all such subtle poisons fall under Her sway. It is the duty of my temple to have the antidote for every poison. This is a new poison, hence there is no antidote yet. We fail in Talona's mandate if we do not fully understand all poisons. So a new assassin in town is very much in the sights of our duty, Sister of Boccob."

 

[Jaik]

Darren sits quietly wrapped up in the music, a small smile on his lips. As the break begins, he seems to relax slightly and settles back into his seat. He takes his eyes from the stage to take a sip of his drink, then watches Brightfire as she travels around the room. Darren looks down at his hands. They have pronounced sets of calluses, and any seasoned fighter who saw them would know him as dangerous man. I always wished I could play or sing, just do something to bring some joy into the world. He glances longingly at Brightfire, then back at his hands, so familiar with the hilt of sword and dagger, so foreign to lute and drums. I guess I'll live with removing misery from the world and leave it to those like Brightfire to fill the void with happiness.

 

[Halivar]

Sebastian pulls back Shadowhood from his head. That girl was sent for me, Sebastian thinks to himself. Mysterious, but I trust these people. Perhaps the innocent have need...

"Good sister," Sebastian says softly with his eyes downcast, "Darkness has descended, and everywhere evil reigns. There is naught that good can do but blindly stab out into the night." Sebastian looks the sister in the eyes and continues, "But if my feeblest attempts may aid the blessed daughters of innocence...? You have but to ask."