Sanria spent long enough hiding in the Illuminati Clan Hall, and she knew this fact in that the words on the pages of her book were starting to move of their own accord against the eggshell-colored pages. She slammed the book closed, after all, she really did know all there was to know about herbs, and grabbed her pack.
Using all the magic of her clan, she arrived in Market Square unnoticed and headed south. She could already see the bench in Festival Square and Tony's pizza stand. It was familiar, even for all the idiotic rantings Tony spouted, doubly amplified by the raging, bible-thumping prophet. They were at odds, those two, forever locked in a battle of indulgence and piety. Sin of gluttony, and sin of... of... ungluttony.
Sanria walked to the bench, her mind flashing back to a time long past and friends long gone. Sitting upon it, she ran a hand on the white wash and tears sprang to her eyes. Here was where she realized what she had to do to change the course of her life. Here, they had all realized just how much Sanria loved Thasmudyan. Here, she understood that she would never be happy unless she were given fully to the man dressed in white. Here, on this bench, she stopped lying. "Damn, whore, buy somma my fuckin' pizza!" Tony Jr. yelled. "You come here every day - buy some-a goddamned pizza! You think you're-a too good for my-a pizza?"
The words meant nothing to her as Sanria's eyes connected to the fountain. She was losing herself to her past, seeing it as though she were still there, when a familiar voice pulled her to the loveless place she currently resided. Green eyes and a kind smile greeted her, as Throm invited her to his home. It was a tour for tour, and though part of Sanria's heart ached to leave the square, she wouldn't deny someone else happiness at giving back.
Throm's home was massive and absolutely beautiful. Everything about the home was stunning, right down to the indoor stars. He had fountains, balconies, fireplaces, and a ballroom that put almost everything she had seen to shame. The music filled the room and she wanted nothing more than to dance - but it was a desire that would not be spoken of - not here.
They ended their tour (after so much by way of enjoyable chatting, a quick snack of chicken... or was it dinner...), in the one place Sanria had already drawn into her heart. The Glade. The magic took the sound from the city away and in the heart of the trees and the blanket of sky above, her very soul was soothed. They both lay there, looking up at the sky (occasionally Sanria would steal a glance at Throm, her eyes lingering a hair too long before she would remind herself that it was rude), until at last - Sanria knew she had to go. With a peck on the cheek in way of thanks, she went back to her clan hall.
Sanria stared now at the table, not aware that she didn't even have a book in front of her, and thought of the paths life can take, and how sometimes, things really are a matter of black and white.
My Own Worst Enemy
“Not again." Colin thought to himself. Here he stood in a stairwell of the temple. Alone. Emalia had just stormed off, obviously angry with him for how he had acted when he found her talking to a very shady looking character by the name of Xarkuss.
"Just what exactly am I doing here anyway?" Colin asked himself; but he knew the answer. When they were alone together, things were so much better. The time in her cabin on the sailing vessel which brought them here. The other night in Emalia's chamber in the temple. Ah, that night. It had remained in the forefront of his mind ever since. They had been so close, and how Colin had wanted to take that step. To just lean down and draw her lips to his. To take her fully into his arms and become one. Yet he couldn't. What if she rejected him? He did not want to jeopardize the closeness that had just begin to grow between them.
Yet here he was, standing by himself in the cold stone stairwell. It was just when they were around these "believers" that seemed to be popping out of nowhere. He just didn't trust them. The way that they sucked Emalia in. She was too vulnerable, they could hurt her too easily. And then the fact that each of them seemed to be trying to turn her away from him, looking upon him like an intruding outsider. His behavior was only pushing Emalia away but he just couldn't help himself. Apparently thoughts of distrust and jealousy still had a place within him. "Damn Sandorin, who qualified you to decide..." Colin's thoughts immediately ricocheted off in another direction, "I'm going to have to talk to her, and I'm going to have to change this. Otherwise I'm going to lose her."
Colin took a deep breath, straightened himself, and moved on.
"Just what exactly am I doing here anyway?" Colin asked himself; but he knew the answer. When they were alone together, things were so much better. The time in her cabin on the sailing vessel which brought them here. The other night in Emalia's chamber in the temple. Ah, that night. It had remained in the forefront of his mind ever since. They had been so close, and how Colin had wanted to take that step. To just lean down and draw her lips to his. To take her fully into his arms and become one. Yet he couldn't. What if she rejected him? He did not want to jeopardize the closeness that had just begin to grow between them.
Yet here he was, standing by himself in the cold stone stairwell. It was just when they were around these "believers" that seemed to be popping out of nowhere. He just didn't trust them. The way that they sucked Emalia in. She was too vulnerable, they could hurt her too easily. And then the fact that each of them seemed to be trying to turn her away from him, looking upon him like an intruding outsider. His behavior was only pushing Emalia away but he just couldn't help himself. Apparently thoughts of distrust and jealousy still had a place within him. "Damn Sandorin, who qualified you to decide..." Colin's thoughts immediately ricocheted off in another direction, "I'm going to have to talk to her, and I'm going to have to change this. Otherwise I'm going to lose her."
Colin took a deep breath, straightened himself, and moved on.
Cookies
Sanria walked had just left Throm's company when she ran into Kaz. She was still elated with herself, having made it through showing her home to someone that she barely knew and that she had hardly even been back to even clean since Thasmudyan's departure. At this point, she was enjoying with her whole soul, a pot pie from Tom's Bakery. Throm, as it turned out, had been absolutely right – the pies were extraordinary.
She was walking back to Market Square when she spotted Kaz on the bench. Of course she felt the need to offer the silver-haired wizard her new found treat, and lead him to Tom's. Eventually, she felt her elation leaving - how was she to know Kaz didn't like meat?
As they spoke longer, Kaz made mention of his distinct lack of friends. Taking a moment to introduce Rakasha to him, the three found themselves being stared at by a very impatient Tom. hey relocated to Annie's and spoke at length of names and homelands until Rakasha found herself called away on clan business.
Once alone, Kaz and Sanria spoke even more about life, age, and Emalia's ability to heal while lacking the many years of study that most priests endure. They talked about pasts, mainly Sanria's, since kaz still couldn't account for time from his last visit to Westbridge.
When things got onto the topic of Emalia's father – all Sanria could think to do was leave. Thasmudyan was always there - as was the fact that he wouldn't be there for her, or, more importantly - their daughter - the very one that needed him the most in order to truly understand herself.
She was walking back to Market Square when she spotted Kaz on the bench. Of course she felt the need to offer the silver-haired wizard her new found treat, and lead him to Tom's. Eventually, she felt her elation leaving - how was she to know Kaz didn't like meat?
As they spoke longer, Kaz made mention of his distinct lack of friends. Taking a moment to introduce Rakasha to him, the three found themselves being stared at by a very impatient Tom. hey relocated to Annie's and spoke at length of names and homelands until Rakasha found herself called away on clan business.
Once alone, Kaz and Sanria spoke even more about life, age, and Emalia's ability to heal while lacking the many years of study that most priests endure. They talked about pasts, mainly Sanria's, since kaz still couldn't account for time from his last visit to Westbridge.
When things got onto the topic of Emalia's father – all Sanria could think to do was leave. Thasmudyan was always there - as was the fact that he wouldn't be there for her, or, more importantly - their daughter - the very one that needed him the most in order to truly understand herself.
Star Catching
A page from the journal of Throm uth Bannon...
1st Day of Hammer
The Year 1274
I can't help but smile as I write the latest entry into my journal as this morning I awoke within the Glade beside my house. Reminiscent of days when I was far younger (minus the influence of a strong drink) it has been ages since I last awoke in a strange place.
Returning from the Market Square Pub yesterday, I ran across a friend of which I have met many times within the course of the past month. Again it seems I was to meet Sanria Haverland in Festival Square as I was walking home. I wonder if Festival Square holds a special meaning for Sanria, or if perhaps it is just chance that I have run into her twice there. The first time I thought she meant to kill an ex-Guardian named Kaz. This last time the way she sat alone in the Square I wouldn't have been able to picture her even holding a sword, much less wielding it against someone. Once again we found ourselves caught in a tide of conversation. I find that words seem to come easier these days, whilst she is around. This leads me to reflect that for one who speaks little, do I now make an ass of myself. Again I'm forced a smile, as I couldn't care less whether I appear an ass or not in this sense. The conversations we hold peak my interest (apparently hers as well as we've had many now), and this is enough.
As just the other day, she allowed me a peek of her world by inviting me to her home, I wished to show the same this time. Often times as I meet others I have been told I am loathe to open up. Perhaps in revealing the place in which I live...each room containing a piece of my core being...I may have been able to compensate for this shortcoming. Though the sound of another voice within the Manor is rare indeed, I am happy to write that hers was a welcomed voice in every sense. She was kind enough to allow me to tour the greater part of the Manor with her, indulging me even by allowing me to keep bantering on as we went. Sanria seemed especially drawn to the Forest Glade just outside. I suppose for one who follows the path of nature, the indoors hold very little in the way of comfort.
(*The next paragraph has been scratched out in pen beyond legibility*)
At the end of the evening we parted ways within the Glade once more, as she returned to the city. I remained however, watching the stars above, until I finally could stay awake no longer. It was there I awakened this very morn. Covered in the dew of the morning, and still filled with the recent memories of the previous day, I left a Glade which now strangely felt more of a home than any building.
1st Day of Hammer
The Year 1274
I can't help but smile as I write the latest entry into my journal as this morning I awoke within the Glade beside my house. Reminiscent of days when I was far younger (minus the influence of a strong drink) it has been ages since I last awoke in a strange place.
Returning from the Market Square Pub yesterday, I ran across a friend of which I have met many times within the course of the past month. Again it seems I was to meet Sanria Haverland in Festival Square as I was walking home. I wonder if Festival Square holds a special meaning for Sanria, or if perhaps it is just chance that I have run into her twice there. The first time I thought she meant to kill an ex-Guardian named Kaz. This last time the way she sat alone in the Square I wouldn't have been able to picture her even holding a sword, much less wielding it against someone. Once again we found ourselves caught in a tide of conversation. I find that words seem to come easier these days, whilst she is around. This leads me to reflect that for one who speaks little, do I now make an ass of myself. Again I'm forced a smile, as I couldn't care less whether I appear an ass or not in this sense. The conversations we hold peak my interest (apparently hers as well as we've had many now), and this is enough.
As just the other day, she allowed me a peek of her world by inviting me to her home, I wished to show the same this time. Often times as I meet others I have been told I am loathe to open up. Perhaps in revealing the place in which I live...each room containing a piece of my core being...I may have been able to compensate for this shortcoming. Though the sound of another voice within the Manor is rare indeed, I am happy to write that hers was a welcomed voice in every sense. She was kind enough to allow me to tour the greater part of the Manor with her, indulging me even by allowing me to keep bantering on as we went. Sanria seemed especially drawn to the Forest Glade just outside. I suppose for one who follows the path of nature, the indoors hold very little in the way of comfort.
(*The next paragraph has been scratched out in pen beyond legibility*)
At the end of the evening we parted ways within the Glade once more, as she returned to the city. I remained however, watching the stars above, until I finally could stay awake no longer. It was there I awakened this very morn. Covered in the dew of the morning, and still filled with the recent memories of the previous day, I left a Glade which now strangely felt more of a home than any building.
Tea for Two
Sanria sat in the study within the halls of the Illuminati. The tome before her, "Haon'Dor - A History", lay open; its spine ponderously flat even as the leaves of pages made a small arc. As seemed to be the case with her lately, Sanria was thinking as she stared at the same word she had been for hours. Since the note left to her by Thasmudyan, her days had been spent in and out of the depths of despair, or the height of some sort of eerie elation.
At this very moment, Sanria's mind wrapped around a simple cup of tea. Not a few days prior she had met Throm and Kaz, and spent a good deal of time talking with them. They were like old friends almost, catching up on things, though none of them knew anything about the others. In her typical nature, she offered them hospitality if ever they were in the area of her home... a place she hadn't been back to since she got her letter.
It wasn't unusual for Sanria to find herself in the bakery, for after she had tired of her chicken or mushrooms (thank the stars and Gods above for magic), she often found comfort in the various breads Tom whipped up. She was selecting a loaf, one to take back to the hall and dip into a bit of herbal oil, when Throm walked into the shop to purchase his own luxury item - pot pies.
They chatted easily - Sanria felt quite comfortable knowing he was a guardian and a father, someone to watch over Emalia while she couldn't. It wasn't long into the conversation before Sanria felt it right to invite Throm to see her home. She led the way, heedless to the fact that many were not accustomed to such a distance, until they arrived into the shimmering cavern entry.
And here was where Sanria's mind stood. Throm had come in for a cup of tea. Grinding the herbs and boiling the water had been so natural for her and soothing. She sat across from him as they chatted about their children, the Jihad, and small matters - and it felt absolutely natural. She had contemplated since Thasmudyan left how unnatural things in the cavern felt, and just how she never would have believed herself capable of sitting with any other man in her home.
It wasn't that she had a love for Throm, in fact, though he was stunningly handsome, she didn't know him any more than many she had chatted with in the realms. It was, more than anything else, that a man was in her home and she wasn't absolutely dejected. That she wasn't dwelling on Thasmudyan came as a bit of a shock to her. Even when they went to the observatory, having what felt like the entirety of the realms spread out before them, it didn't feel the least bit strange. Nothing was forced, no one was nervous. Her whole idea of what would happen if she were to walk back into the cavern; the thought that having anyone else in her home would be wrong... simply wasn't happening. It was disturbing.
Sanria gave Throm a tour of every part of her house, watching his face and green eyes as they would light up in awe of the natural stone, the shimmering of the crystals, the absolute harmony of nature and civilization. He was so interesting, so intricate, so full of kindness for his fellow beings of the realms, and so full of love for his son, that she felt a connection. Odd, she thought now, still staring at the same word in her tome, how a cup of tea could reveal so much.
At this very moment, Sanria's mind wrapped around a simple cup of tea. Not a few days prior she had met Throm and Kaz, and spent a good deal of time talking with them. They were like old friends almost, catching up on things, though none of them knew anything about the others. In her typical nature, she offered them hospitality if ever they were in the area of her home... a place she hadn't been back to since she got her letter.
It wasn't unusual for Sanria to find herself in the bakery, for after she had tired of her chicken or mushrooms (thank the stars and Gods above for magic), she often found comfort in the various breads Tom whipped up. She was selecting a loaf, one to take back to the hall and dip into a bit of herbal oil, when Throm walked into the shop to purchase his own luxury item - pot pies.
They chatted easily - Sanria felt quite comfortable knowing he was a guardian and a father, someone to watch over Emalia while she couldn't. It wasn't long into the conversation before Sanria felt it right to invite Throm to see her home. She led the way, heedless to the fact that many were not accustomed to such a distance, until they arrived into the shimmering cavern entry.
And here was where Sanria's mind stood. Throm had come in for a cup of tea. Grinding the herbs and boiling the water had been so natural for her and soothing. She sat across from him as they chatted about their children, the Jihad, and small matters - and it felt absolutely natural. She had contemplated since Thasmudyan left how unnatural things in the cavern felt, and just how she never would have believed herself capable of sitting with any other man in her home.
It wasn't that she had a love for Throm, in fact, though he was stunningly handsome, she didn't know him any more than many she had chatted with in the realms. It was, more than anything else, that a man was in her home and she wasn't absolutely dejected. That she wasn't dwelling on Thasmudyan came as a bit of a shock to her. Even when they went to the observatory, having what felt like the entirety of the realms spread out before them, it didn't feel the least bit strange. Nothing was forced, no one was nervous. Her whole idea of what would happen if she were to walk back into the cavern; the thought that having anyone else in her home would be wrong... simply wasn't happening. It was disturbing.
Sanria gave Throm a tour of every part of her house, watching his face and green eyes as they would light up in awe of the natural stone, the shimmering of the crystals, the absolute harmony of nature and civilization. He was so interesting, so intricate, so full of kindness for his fellow beings of the realms, and so full of love for his son, that she felt a connection. Odd, she thought now, still staring at the same word in her tome, how a cup of tea could reveal so much.
Chance Meetings and Uncomfortable Circumstances
After such a long time away from the world he had departed so long ago, Kaz sat in Festival Square watching the people he did not know walking past. He adjusted the sword that was strapped to his back carefully. He was still not accustomed to carrying it. It had been years since anyone had attacked him openly, but twice Kaz had found himself at the point of a weapon and had to talk himself out of it. Luckily Kaz knew some tricks to make himself more persuasive, and he walked away with his coin purse and life both intact.
After some time a beautiful woman walked into the square with her eyes down and headed straight for the fountain like she had no intention of stopping. "Before you decide to walk clean through that fountain I would recommend a small spell." Kaz says jovially with a slight smirk on his face. The woman looks up at Kaz slightly startled and says "You mean Me?"
Kaz nodded slightly from his place on the bench "you look as though you have plenty on your mind." Kaz comments casually. The woman explained about her husband leaving and Kaz offered his limited experience on the matter of Love. She also talked about her young daughter Emalia, which led to conversations about the "Jihad", yet one more thing that Kaz must have missed in his long absence from the workings of this world along with the giant Rock sitting practically motionless over head. The conversation turned from that to weapons as the Woman asked about the Sword strapped to Kaz's Back. "You don’t appear to be the sort to wear such a weapon." She said with a slight smile on her face. This eventually ended in the woman challenging Kaz to a sparring match in which she pulled out her two hulking swords and twirled them menacingly obviously ready to take out some agression. The situation was quickly diffused by a tall man sporting the insignia of the Crimson Guardians, Kaz's clan from before his departure.
"Stand down My lady." The man said evenly. The woman looked at him and obviously noting his insignia said hurriedly, "Nay, it was just to spar." And quickly followed with a barrage of questions about her daughters whereabouts and if she was ok or not, All of which the guardian answered reassuringly.
When the woman mentioned that Kaz had been a Guardian at one point the hair stood up on the back of Kaz's neck as The Man looked him over and introduced himself as Throm uth Bannon. The family name sounded familiar though it had been a long time and his old memory failed him. The woman introduced herself as Sanria Haverland, and Kaz introduced himself as just Kaz, purposefully leaving out his complete name in hopes that his first name would not tip the scales of the Guardian's memory as to who he was.
After some small talk Kaz politely excused himself and slung his sheath back across his back and murmured some hasty goodbyes and promises of help should it be needed to Sanria. and Excused himself to head back to the Yawning Portal Inn and the Much needed drink that awaited him.
After some time a beautiful woman walked into the square with her eyes down and headed straight for the fountain like she had no intention of stopping. "Before you decide to walk clean through that fountain I would recommend a small spell." Kaz says jovially with a slight smirk on his face. The woman looks up at Kaz slightly startled and says "You mean Me?"
Kaz nodded slightly from his place on the bench "you look as though you have plenty on your mind." Kaz comments casually. The woman explained about her husband leaving and Kaz offered his limited experience on the matter of Love. She also talked about her young daughter Emalia, which led to conversations about the "Jihad", yet one more thing that Kaz must have missed in his long absence from the workings of this world along with the giant Rock sitting practically motionless over head. The conversation turned from that to weapons as the Woman asked about the Sword strapped to Kaz's Back. "You don’t appear to be the sort to wear such a weapon." She said with a slight smile on her face. This eventually ended in the woman challenging Kaz to a sparring match in which she pulled out her two hulking swords and twirled them menacingly obviously ready to take out some agression. The situation was quickly diffused by a tall man sporting the insignia of the Crimson Guardians, Kaz's clan from before his departure.
"Stand down My lady." The man said evenly. The woman looked at him and obviously noting his insignia said hurriedly, "Nay, it was just to spar." And quickly followed with a barrage of questions about her daughters whereabouts and if she was ok or not, All of which the guardian answered reassuringly.
When the woman mentioned that Kaz had been a Guardian at one point the hair stood up on the back of Kaz's neck as The Man looked him over and introduced himself as Throm uth Bannon. The family name sounded familiar though it had been a long time and his old memory failed him. The woman introduced herself as Sanria Haverland, and Kaz introduced himself as just Kaz, purposefully leaving out his complete name in hopes that his first name would not tip the scales of the Guardian's memory as to who he was.
After some small talk Kaz politely excused himself and slung his sheath back across his back and murmured some hasty goodbyes and promises of help should it be needed to Sanria. and Excused himself to head back to the Yawning Portal Inn and the Much needed drink that awaited him.
Seeking-out the Faithful
Making his way through the crowds, and towards the center of the temple's courtyard, the cloaked figure stopped at his mark. Slowly turning around and taking notice of his surroundings from under his hood, a grin formed upon his face...
"Sheep... SHEEP! All nothing, but cattle!" "Livestock...! Eating, drinking and sleeping, as you are meant to... As you are made to!". As the people began to gather, taking notice of the scene, his hands began to slowly emit a dark-greyish mist, from within the robes that concealed them. Now, with a slightly more audible growl "Such are the ignorant, the unworthy creatures you are...! Unworthy of His GLORIOUS coming..."; as he began to pull-back the hood, he continued "... unworthy of His glorious rebirth", revealing his long raven-back hair, scarred & marked face, and, at the gasps of many, his greenish-yellow snake-like eyes.
The crowds hissed and booed and some had begun to depart, when a massive figure suddenly thrust from between the crowds, bellowing with rage "Wretched creature! Your kind took my sister's life with your lies and deceit!".
Unsheathing a 2-handed longsword, and charging with all his might, the man produced a magnificently vengeful slash fully intended to cleave the dark figure in two, before being rendered off-balance, as the dark figure swiftly dodged the attack. And before anyone could react, a dagger had been pressed upon the tender flesh of the large man's throat, supported by the dark figure who had taken position behind the now helpless attacker, down on one knee. He leaned to the man's ear and hissed "I know not of whom you speak... but if you aim to test your faith in Lathander's rebirth, right here within his temple... I would be more than happy to oblige..."
Moving his unoccupied hand to the side of the man's head, the figure murmured something under his breath, more visible weaves of mist escaped his hands, and he quickly left the sizable form of the man lying unconscious in the middle of the temple grounds. As he rose, he spoke again, "I do not come to preach you, heathen, for 'He' chooses those worthy of his worship". "Rather, I come to seek the faithful... the true! The followers of the one true power!". "I seek the chosen... of the Apprentice".
"Sheep... SHEEP! All nothing, but cattle!" "Livestock...! Eating, drinking and sleeping, as you are meant to... As you are made to!". As the people began to gather, taking notice of the scene, his hands began to slowly emit a dark-greyish mist, from within the robes that concealed them. Now, with a slightly more audible growl "Such are the ignorant, the unworthy creatures you are...! Unworthy of His GLORIOUS coming..."; as he began to pull-back the hood, he continued "... unworthy of His glorious rebirth", revealing his long raven-back hair, scarred & marked face, and, at the gasps of many, his greenish-yellow snake-like eyes.
The crowds hissed and booed and some had begun to depart, when a massive figure suddenly thrust from between the crowds, bellowing with rage "Wretched creature! Your kind took my sister's life with your lies and deceit!".
Unsheathing a 2-handed longsword, and charging with all his might, the man produced a magnificently vengeful slash fully intended to cleave the dark figure in two, before being rendered off-balance, as the dark figure swiftly dodged the attack. And before anyone could react, a dagger had been pressed upon the tender flesh of the large man's throat, supported by the dark figure who had taken position behind the now helpless attacker, down on one knee. He leaned to the man's ear and hissed "I know not of whom you speak... but if you aim to test your faith in Lathander's rebirth, right here within his temple... I would be more than happy to oblige..."
Moving his unoccupied hand to the side of the man's head, the figure murmured something under his breath, more visible weaves of mist escaped his hands, and he quickly left the sizable form of the man lying unconscious in the middle of the temple grounds. As he rose, he spoke again, "I do not come to preach you, heathen, for 'He' chooses those worthy of his worship". "Rather, I come to seek the faithful... the true! The followers of the one true power!". "I seek the chosen... of the Apprentice".
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