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Post by casualmodejeremy on Jan 28, 2016 10:44:47 GMT -7
Part I: First Steps Forward Like clockwork. The news from her homeland always arrives at the same time, on the same day of the week, every week, without fail. No doubt my mother's work, Arenia thinks to herself. She always did prize punctuality. Her thoughts briefly drift back to her childhood, wherein her mother had impressed upon her the importance of punctuality, especially in matters of state. Being too early means you're too eager, and being late means you're not taking it seriously, she recalls her mother saying. Best to be just a bit early or on time, as that is more sincere. She smiles, then opens the letter and begins to read. Most of the letter is what one would expect from parents to their young adult daughter, catching her up on the state of the family. Her father is doing well, despite bearing the weight of an impending war. Her mother is busy, communicating with all their current allies. They express concern for her safety, and reaffirm that while they respect her independence, they wish she had taken some of the family guard with her, or at least allowed them to outfit her. Arenia makes a note to reassure them that, while she has a few more scars on her than she had when she left, she is very much alive and surviving. Then comes the hard part. The part where they treat her as another one of their remote ambassadors. She would have it no other way, but the way they describe how both her house and Driedé are beginning to assemble their forces betrays their worry and desperation. To them, she is not just another diplomat in their employ. She is still their daughter...their only child. She is the only heir they have. If Arenia dies far from home, they may not have the opportunity to create another heir before war comes. Driedé hates them after all, and they especially hate her. No doubt because of his growing influence, she deduces. Him. That Heretic Bard. Singer of the Dark Songs. Charmer of pureblood Elves. Her former classmate. His power is greater than Arenia's right now, she knows that much. If he desired, he would wipe the floor with her. And yet...his designs are greater. And much as she'd told the Grand Magistrate of Order, his potential for destructive potential is great. In her nightmares, she still hears the Dark Song he had sung over her, the one that paralyzed her. He could've killed her then...and the fact that he didn't still gnaws away at her. What did he have to gain by leaving me alive? My house knows he's coming for us now...so why would he bother letting that information be known?As she finishes reading the letter, it comes to her that the Grand Magistrate, her newest allies, do not know of that important detail. She also recalls Tenjin asking her to create a write-up on the situation for the Grand Magistrate. Arenia closes her eyes, sighs, then lays the letter from her parents aside. She lays a piece of blank parchment before her, takes a quill out of the bottle of ink from her pack, and begins to write. Honored Tenjin and fellows of the Grand Magistrate of Order,I have been asked to write down an account of the threat my house and my lands face in the Heretic Bard. I know there is much you already know of my activities in Rook, and this account is my attempt to fill in the rest of my experiences in my own homeland. I hope that this will be satisfactory in providing a clearer picture of what my parents and I face, and why I have come to Rook.In my days studying the bardic arts, I was surrounded by many colleagues of various races. There were even a few other children of Elven nobles, including one of the sons of House Driedé. Unlike me, this male, Prince Brakeri, is pureblood Elven, and his house stretches its lineage to the most ancient of houses. He is a very proud man, as per norm for his house, but he also possesses a deep disdain for non-elves. One particular target of his prejudice was one half-Elven, half-human female. No doubt you know that I am referring to myself.Disdain for my half-human nature aside, he also possessed a deep-seated hatred for my house. An upstart house, mere centuries old as opposed to millennia. It is safe to say that by consequence, I received twice as much hatred pointed at me as any other non-elf. Such is not too big of a deal for me; I am used to the discomfort some less-enlightened Elves have toward my dual heritage, and I knew of his heritage as well. Where I began to be concerned came in our later years in Bardic College.I had entered the library to study one day, when I found him looking through a particular tome. This tome was bound in the darkest of leather, with trimmings of an almost-blood-like red. I heard him mumbling to himself, humming tunes so dissonant and grim that the hearing of them set me on edge. Suddenly, without warning, he snapped the book shut and stood, his eyes filled with hatred the likes of which I had not seen. And then...he began to sing his song. The darkest tune I had ever heard.The tune was so atonal, yet not unordered. It was chaotic by design, and it was designed to be disquieting. I felt the tune seep into my head, and while I attempted to resist it, I found myself bound by it. I stood transfixed, unable to move or even to scream. I was entirely helpless as he approached me.He could've killed me in that instant. While his performance was rough, there was enough power there that he could've easily ended me. And as he came up to me, I could've sworn that was his plan, to kill me for discovering him learning such evil magic. And yet, while he brandished a knife at me, he still held back. Instead of stabbing me and leaving me to die, he merely snipped off a bit of my hair. Afterwards, he spoke words that chilled me to the bone: "Not today. But one day. When I want you to die, there will be nothing you can do about it." With not a word more, he left, and I was unbound as soon as the door closed.I scrambled over to check the book he had left behind. It was marked "The Book of the Dark Songs". It was one of the books that we had been told was in the library not for study, but for safekeeping. And he had been studying it; in fact, not long as he had left the college, word came that the book had gone missing from the library. I have little doubt that he has that book, and if he was able to paralyze me totally while not yet fully trained as a bard, I fear the potential for destruction he wields if he masters the darkest songs in that book.To this day, it bothers me that he left me alive. I know not why he decided not to kill me. I can only surmise that either he's saving me for last, or he's got some other plans for me. Whatever the reason, I cannot let him succeed. I will not allow him to destroy my family. And also, somewhat selfishly? I wish to make him regret not taking my life when he had the chance.I appreciate the opportunity that you have given me to ally my house with your order. I believe that Brakeri's...no, the Heretic Bard's elimination will benefit us both. I will be able to live without fear for my family, and there will be one less potential mass-disaster in the world. My only request is that when we take him down, I want the final blow. I owe him for the violation of my mind.Respectfully,Adjudicator Arenia ArchosArenia folds the letter, places it within a envelope, then seals it with a seal bearing her house emblem. She then lifts up her head to stair into the mirror on the wall of the inn, seeing a slight dark twinge of pain and hatred in them. Gods help me, before my hatred makes me the monster I fight, she silently prays. She then turns her head and summons one of the Grand Magistrate's servants that was with her and hands him the letter. "Please take this to Tenjin and the others. I believe they'll be expecting this." The servant takes the letter and scurries off. Arenia then stands and looks over at her recently-purchased masterwork rapier. She walks over to it, picks it up, and straps it to her side. Enough of the formalities, she thinks. I still have work to do...and I still need to grow stronger. I owe my parents that. ...I owe myself that.**END PART ONE** |
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Post by casualmodejeremy on Jan 31, 2016 23:00:22 GMT -7
PART II: A LIITLE NIGHT MUSICSince coming to Rook, most of the money Arenia had made for herself was as an adventurer. And that was all well and good, to be fair. It helped her learn more about her new home, help the people around the area, and gain some influence amongst the leaders. But Arenia still feels like the songs she plays on the field cannot compare to the simple, light melodies she plays to calm her nerves. And since the Golden Plow always seeks solid entertainers, she decided to attempt to make some small coin playing for the tavern's patrons. She ponders her selection of song carefully, wondering if the patrons, in varying states of inebriation, would be willing to appreciate the softer melodies she prefers to play. Ultimately she decides, nothing ventured, nothing gained. Besides...this is as much for myself as it is for them. She also knows that often the songs you play the best are the ones closest to your heart. And so, with expectant eyes upon her, she begins to strum her lyre. The tune she plays is a simple but beautiful melody, one she knows by heart. It is her father's favorite tune, a song he'd sang to her many a time while growing up. Though she does not sing along, she can hear his baritone voice ring out with the words he would so often sing as he tucked her into bed: I see the stars a-shining, clear and bright in the skiesI hear the nightbirds whistling; I hear the dire wolves' criesI understand the beauty of it all, and yet I seeIt cannot match the joy I feel when you are here with meIt was a romantic ballad, though her father was skillful enough to alter the words to turn the song into a sweet song of a father's love for his daughter. Of course, when she grew up, he no longer sang that song, but he didn't need to; it was the first song she'd learned to play. And it still holds a dear spot in her heart, even now. She misses her father so. And her mother. She feels a bit homesick playing this song here and now, and she knows her melancholy has seeped into the music. And yet, she also knows that she is here, in Rook, for their benefit, and that her parents support her in her journey. It was, after all, her decision to study the bardic arts. It was not an uncommon practice for elven heirs of her land to do so, and yet, many thought she would stay to learn the art of nobility at her father's side. But the day she left for college, her father had put all fears (including hers) aside. All your life, he said, I have loved you and cherished you, my only daughter. My greatest wish has always been to see you grow up to be a true lady, able to command respect because of who you are. I have seen you rise above the childish awfulness you faced and the sidelong, hateful stares of grown Elves. You have grown smart and savvy and beautiful, and you will only become more capable as a result of your Bardic training. You are no mere half-elf. You are my daughter. You are Arenia Archos. And I am proud of you.Even now, she knows that his words from that day still hold true. The letters her parents send remind her of that on a weekly basis. And here, in Rook, she is being seen as more than the hated product of a distasteful romance between Elf and human. Here, she is becoming her own person, and yet, she is also becoming the representative of what House Archos brings to the world: diversity, an open heart, a keen mind, a stout blade, and most of all, inspiration. Her father allied with other races believing they would make his house wiser and more strong...Arenia now seeks to prove that his beliefs were not in error. The final note is struck. It echoes through a silent tavern. People are silent, moved by this ancient ballad. Arenia can even see a couple in the corner, clearly newly joined together, shy and awkward when they came in. Now, their hands are clasped together, and love shines in their eyes, as they look at each other in the same way Arenia's father and mother always did. Arenia smiles, nodding graciously as the patrons begin to clap, barely suppressing tears in her eyes. She had come originally seeking light work and a release from her burdens through song. She leaves, purse slightly heavier, but her heart lighter. My efforts are not going to waste, she thinks to herself. If I can inspire love, perhaps, in time and with effort, I will inspire enough confidence in my house. And then maybe...we will be able to survive to sing the songs of peace.Perform (String): (10 + 8)/2 = 9GP earned
**END PART TWO**
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Post by casualmodejeremy on Feb 7, 2016 0:33:58 GMT -7
**PART III: LOVE AND NIGHTMARES**The nightmares come again. The nightmares always seem to come at the worst possible time. Whenever Arenia is feeling as good about herself as she ever has, the nightmares come. And Arenia had had much cause for elation recently. Between the purchase of a new magical item that would boost her martial prowess even more and the newfound romance with the Inquisitor Eltaor, Arenia had been riding high. Keywords: had been. Until tonight, when the nightmares returned. She awakens, still lying flat, in a cold sweat. Her skin crawls with the memory of umbral tendrils affixing her in place. Her eyes still see the image of Brakeri approaching her with foul intent in her eyes. Her face still feels the tingle of his magically-charged hand as he touches her, bringing her close to utter those terrible words. He could've killed her that day, or worse. Instead, he chose to terrify her, and it still works with brutal accuracy. Slowly, she pulls herself up, the blanket falling off of her purple and silver nightgown. She slaps herself, as she always does, desperate for the pain to wash away that terrible feeling. It always hurts, and yet, it is still a preferable experience. Still, she can't help but grunt when her hand comes in contact with her face, louder than she'd want. Loud enough to awaken the half-elf beside her. Eltaor. Iomedae and Sarenrae bless him. The handsome inquisitor, heart so incredibly golden. Hair as brown as earth, eyes that can pierce the darkness. Those eyes slowly open and look at the worried lady next to him. He rises, seeing Arenia slap herself again; he has never seen this side of this woman. She prides herself on being so charming and capable...he now sees her at her most vulnerable. He hesitates, but he starts with a whisper. "Arenia. Arenia. Please...stop." At the sound of his voice, Arenia's hand falls to her side, and in addition to hearing her heart's pounding rhythm of fear, she feels the sudden chill of shame wash over her. "Eltaor...I..." She is shaking, barely able to hold herself together. She is unable to put forward her usual image, as he is now seeing her in the heat of panic. "I...had some nightmares," she says, unable to lie to him. "Some bad memories." "Memories bad enough to make you want to slap yourself in the face?" His voice is entirely serious and concerned. "What could be so bad that pain would be a preferable experience?" She hesitates. She'd not told him about that moment yet. She's scared, wondering what he'll think of her. Wondering if he'll hate her for her weakness. Ultimately, she convinces herself that lying to him would be far worse. "I've...told you a bit about the Heretic Bard before, haven't I. He's...had a special place in my nightmares for several years now. The entire reason my family knows about his rise is because of...what he did to me." She gently touches the place she had slapped, gently probing the tender redness that now adorns her face. Eltaor places his hand over hers and brings her violet eyes to meet with his own ice-blue pupils. "Please," he implores. "Tell me what happened." She tells him everything that happened. Every evil look he cast her, how the spell that froze her in place felt, and especially how he terrified the life out of her. Even though Brakeri had never taken her blood or her maidenhood, he had most certainly stripped her of her innocence, her pride, and her feelings of personal security. It had taken years for her to open herself up to true friendship or even, as with Eltaor, the possibility of love. And even now...those points of light still struggle to remain alight in the darkness that Brakeri had left in her heart and mind. Eltaor responds wordlessly, simply bringing his cheek to her wounded one. His hand on her head feels so warm, and Arenia closes her eyes. Eltaor closes his as well, and the warm spreads to the spot where their cheeks meet. For a brief moment, her cheek becomes hot but not painful...only for the pain to return when he separates from her again. "No scars of magic left in you," he remarks. "The pain isn't an enchantment, which is good. But...even now knowing what I know, I worry for you all the more." "...I'm so sorry..." Arenia's normally confident contralto voice breaks. "I feel...so weak..." "You are not to blame for what he did to you, Arenia," Eltaor states. "And you are not weak. Even in moments like this, to open yourself up and trust someone with your pain; that's strength, my dear. And I assure you, I will not leave you. Not tonight, nor ever. I'll stand by you and help you fight the nightmares." "Do you promise me?" Tears begin to well up, causing her violet eyes to sparkle in the moonlight. "In Sarenrae's name, my dear Arenia." Eltaor smiles. "I promise you." Before another word can be spoken, Arenia brings her lips to his in a deep, emotional, appreciative kiss. Not much long after, with him beside her, she falls asleep in his arm. The nightmares stay away for the remainder of the night. She feels the light and warmth of love, and it holds the darkness at bay. By the time morning comes, her cheek is still bright red and sore. But nothing a tap from the Wand of Cure Light Wounds can't fix, she thinks to herself. For now, though, she thinks she'll stay in bed...and ponder how she'll tell her parents about this wonderful Inquisitor she's involved with. The thought puts a smile to her face...any fear from the night before has already been wiped away. It's a new day for Arenia. And she's going to be one busy lady. **END PART 3** |
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Post by casualmodejeremy on Feb 13, 2016 9:00:26 GMT -7
PART IV: EQUIVALENT EXCHANGEThe Wayward Path would be a ticket to new worlds and new allies, she had told herself. As she thinks back on this particular trip to the New Island, Arenia realizes she was right. She truly feels like an ambassador for once, with a true diplomatic mission. For the sake of the Path, she had offered herself to learn Vanaran for the sake of ease of communication, in exchange for teaching Khetsix a bit of Elven. She goes now happily for another lesson with her student/teacher, eager to see his progress. For her, learning Vanaran has been somewhat easy. But then again, she has the advantage of high-level education, and she knows that. She's had to be more patient with Khetsix, as for him, learning Elven has not been so easy. Similarly, his sister has been trying to perfect her Common. Arenia took it upon herself to help her with that as well. After all, these villagers are just trying to survive against a tide of barbarians that want them dead, it seems. That desire to survive is something Arenia knows too well. She arrives at the village, greeted by Khetsix. He's been expecting her, he says, or tries to say, in Elven. To a native Elven speaker, he sounds more like he's saying that he's expecting something from her, but the smile on his face belies his more innocent intent, as does the frown when he realizes he didn't quite get it right. Arenia chuckles, then reassures him that he was close enough. "Close enough" being the first phrase he learned in Elven, that is. The two of them work together for several hours. While Khetsix is still working on the spoken word, they'd decided last time that this day would be devoted to learning the written language. Their combined goal is to also try to create a sort of a Rosetta stone for Common, Elven, and Vanaran, to make it easier for other villagers to learn to communicate with the people coming in and out of the Wayward Path portal. They realize that such will take even more time, but since it also helps them both get a better handle on each other's language, it is a worthy pursuit. And as they work through the day, they can tell it is making both of them stronger in both Vanaran and Elven. Khetsix's sister takes a look at their work with similar interest. Particularly the comparisons with Vanaran and Common. It's very rudimentary right now, of course, but it's enough that she can pick out words here and there that she recognizes. Arenia and Khetsix share a smile; their work is still nascent, and already, it's having its intended effect. As night falls, Arenia realizes it is time for her to depart. Khetsix's Elven is a bit stronger, and his sister's Common has improved. As for Arenia, she has taken her first steps into becoming fluent in written Vanaran. It'll still take some time for all three of them to become fully fluent, but each day brings them all steps forward. As Arenia enters the portal to return to the Grand Library, she smiles to herself. Her parents are going to love hearing about this. **END PART FOUR** |
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Post by casualmodejeremy on Feb 16, 2016 9:39:48 GMT -7
**PART V: SHATTERED**She finds herself walking in a blank white space, covered in fog. She has no idea what's more than 10 feet in front of her, or if there's even anything there at all. It all seems so...devoid of everything. No divine warmth to soothe, nor painful flame to torment her. In all truth, that disconcerts her all the more, that on the other side of her crushing death by the stone golem appears to be... Nothing. She tries to speak, but the words are absorbed into the white void. She screams in anger, only to be met with silence. She feels desperately and utterly alone. No one is there to comfort her, and she knows not if anyone will save her. As far as she knows, she is now dead, and this is where souls rest. At absolute zero. In her mind's eye, images flash ever so briefly, but their weigh crushes her spirit again. The foolishly mistimed jump. The first hit, headlong into the side of the pit. The final collapse at the bottom that shattered her legs. And the giant stone fist slamming down onto her. She remembers the faces of her companions, and wants to cry, not knowing their fate. Not knowing if they had survived to see her body off, or if they had all died. And the realization that she may have failed them all, even that cocky, abrasive Malecki, hits her harder than the golem ever could. She slumps to the ground, as shattered a mess in spirit as she was in body. She collapses, looking upward into the infinite fog. She lets out a terrible, anguished cry of pain...and this time, it echoes for what feels like eons before fading into silence once more. She resigns herself to this fate of eternal separation, convinces herself that this is her just reward for failing her comrades, her companions, her friends. With one last thought of the inquisitor she is leaving behind, she closes her eyes, and everything becomes dark... When finally she opens her eyes, she finds her sight is having to take time to adjust. Instead of endless white, multicolored shapes slowly fade into existence. As they come into focus, she recognizes them one by one: the companions with which she had just been traveling. Wyn. Isum. Abernoff. And closest to her, with an empty bottle of salve in his hand, Malecki. She blinks before to clear her sight a little more and to ponder if what she's seeing is not some figment of her imagination. The image remains, confirming to her that this is real. "Wha...what in the name of the gods--" she weakly begins, only to be cut off by Malecki. "Dammit, Arenia, can't you shut up even when you're coming back from the dead?" the tiefling growls, though not with his usual viciousness. Arenia simply glares at Malecki. Then it dawns on her: they are not in the same field where they fought the golems. They had moved her. And the only one strong enough to do that with all her equipment was..."Oh gods, I owe you my life, don't I, Malecki." "Well, him and me," the elder wizard Abernoff remarks. "You owe me for that Salve of the Risen Dead. Don't worry, I'll take it out of your share of the profits, plus the remainder out of your gold." "Fine. Thank you, I suppose..." She struggles to pull herself upright, and with a bit of aid from Malecki she does so. As she looks around again, she notices the ninja Shadow is missing. "Let me guess...Shadow absconded as soon as he could." "Well, he certainly ran off," Malecki grumbles, always uncomfortable with conversation. "Now, are you going to get to your feet, or do I have to carry you again?" "Give me time, and I might," Arenia responds. "I...am grateful that none of you died as well. And I apologize for my foolish failure." Malecki chuckles. "Oh come off it, woman. Sure that was stupid as shit. But the world's not gonna revolve around you. Have a little more faith in us." Arenia brushes a stray lock of white hair from in front of her eyes. "You're right. I'm sorry. I just...wish I had been stronger. More capable. I feel like a letdown." Wyn speaks up now. "There will be time enough to worry about that later. We finished the job we set out to do. Let's go get rewarded for it." He holds out his hand to her. "Come on, Lady Archos. You won't do your house any damn good on the ground." "You're right, Wyn..." She takes his hand on her left side and Malecki's on her right. "Let's get the hell out of here. I don't ever want to see creatures of living stone again." With their aid, she pulls up to her feet, and though she is still stiff from the revival, she is able to move. But in her heart, doubt still lingers. After all, if she dies again, and no one is around to give her a second chance...will she be doomed to that white void forever? Or might a more hellish fate await her? She notices a shaking in her hands as the thoughts wash over her. I am useless, she says to herself. I am unreliable, to my companions and to my parents. I should've stayed home. Perhaps I should've stayed dead.She successfully chases the thoughts away, for now. Even so, while her body is now once again whole, deep within her, she still feels as if she has been shattered into pieces. **END PART FIVE** |
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Post by casualmodejeremy on Feb 20, 2016 1:58:50 GMT -7
**PART VI: BEGGING FORGIVENESS**May Iomedae's light shine upon me. May her warmth fuel my heart, and may her justice flow through me. If despair assail me, or if darkness surround me, may her light be as a beacon to guide me.May Sarenrae's fire burn within me. May it remove all doubt from my heart, and may it turn away the shadow of falsehood. May I ever walk as a paragon of her healing power. If I should falter, may she shine her mercy upon me.These two prayers play on repeat in Arenia's mind. As she leaves the church, her clothes still smoking from the lightning bolt Malecki had thrown at her, she finds herself lost in thought again. While she had gained a respect for and even developed a begruding friendship with the tiefling, this was an action she could not condone or forgive. He'd killed children in cold blood. Gleefully. He had approached innocents with sword drawn, ready to strike. She'd barely had any time to speak before the shit hit the fan, and while there was a moment of confusion where she had to defend herself against a planar hyena that was ready to maul her...he had to go and commit such an evil act with no remorse. She'd had no choice, then. She had to leave then. And she got shot in the back for it. She had thought about retaliating. Ultimately, she reminds herself, she did the only thing she could've done. Malecki could've killed her and didn't. And as her father taught her, strength not only comes from being able to fight; it comes from knowing when not to fight. So she goes, directly to the guard. To tell them everything that she knew. A church assaulted. Her decision to defend herself. And the slaughter of two innocents. Despite being assured that she did the right thing, her heart still feels uneased. She feels guilt, not only for leaving her comrades, but for her being present for a crime. So she goes, with her mind still running prayers on loop, to the only place in Rook where she feels loved and safe: to Eltaor. She knows he is an Inquisitor. She knows his devotion to Sarenrae. And right now, Sarenrae's redemption is what she needs. That, and the love he has willingly given her. So she goes to him. Wordlessly, she wraps her arms around him and buries her face in his chest. He asks what is wrong. And she tells him everything. The paladin that allegedly went rogue. The clerics that freaked out upon sight of Malecki bearing a blade at them. The planar beast that she had to defend herself against. And of course, the children struck down in cold blood by Malecki's hands. He holds her close and lets her speak, listening intently. He runs his hands through her hair, touching her head with the practiced intimacy that has come with being with the same person for several months. And he lifts her head to bring her eyes to match his, guiding her to look ever so slightly upward at him. He smiles. And he tells her that he understands. And that he knows Sarenrae does as well. He forgives her, in the name of the goddesses they serve. And he reminds her that he loves her. They kiss, and Arenia's eyes close. Then when they break the kiss, she exhales, symbolically releasing her guilt. She begins to cry, feeling relief. And she tell Eltaor that she loves him as well. They kiss again. Her heart feels so much lighter. Any anger and pain are forgotten, for now. She still feels that she will never be able to trust Malecki again, but her faith in herself is restored. **END PART SIX** |
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Post by casualmodejeremy on Feb 29, 2016 0:43:10 GMT -7
**PART VII: A NEW HOME**And so it begins. Arenia had longed for a place to call her own for quite some time, and while she very much appreciates the hospitality of the Grand Magistrate of Order, to see her own house begin construction is a source of pride for her. At last, after purchasing the materials, after hiring the workers, and after purchasing the perfect plot in Rook, her house has begun to take shape. It's nothing super-ritzy, as she never was a very flashy person. A simple house, with a few small additions. A laundry room, so that she can keep her clothes looking pristine. A bath, because she prides herself on cleanliness. An extra bedroom, in case her family comes to Rook to visit. And most importantly, a book repository, a necessity given her ties to the Wayward Path. No, it would not be a symbol of decadence, but it would be cozy. And most of all, it would be all hers. Maybe she'll expand it out in the future. Put in a garden to add a touch of vibrancy and color. Put in a dedicated office at some point, perhaps. But that can wait. Right now, she needs to see it built and functional. And according to the contractor, it looks like it'll be 24 days before it's complete, but again, she can wait. It's worth the time to make sure it's done right. Besides, she has plenty to do in the interim. There's still some work to do with Khetsix on creating that key document to help others learn Vanaran. There's more exploration to be done for the Wayward Path as well. She has duties to attend to for the Magistrate. And her core mission, to become stronger and to build up allies for the battles to come for her house, is still at the forefront of her mind. But she is becoming more confident and more capable of a leader now, bit by bit. Her influence in Rook is growing. Her relationship with her beloved Eltaor is becoming ever stronger. Things are looking up for the half-elven noble, and after a long string of disappointment and despair, all of this is a sorely needed panacea. Sure, it'll take most of a month to complete her house, but that month will doubtlessly fly by. Her heart is lighter than ever, and may the gods have mercy on whomever tries to bring her down now. And in her mind, she knows it's still that watching walls begin to take shape should have such an effect on her morale. Even so, sometimes, in the darkest of hours, the little candle in the shadows shines brighter. She smiles as she turns away, leaving the workers to their labor. She intends to go see how Eltaor is doing after recovering from the wraith attack...after all, she's got some good news for him. Her home... their home, should he so desire...is finally taking shape. (House cost: 2300G [Base house 1290 + 1 bed 300 + 1 bath 130 + 1 laundry 120 + 1 book repository 460])**END PART SEVEN** |
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