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Post by ambnz on Sept 13, 2016 11:42:51 GMT -7
Similar to Gaston's old thread, I've been absent for a bit and figured I'd give Turlagh a return. RP is open to anyone.
It has been over a year since the anniversary of his last death. Having built a cozy log cabin in the woods, away from Rook and civilization, Turlagh, for the first time he could remember, felt at peace. His strangely talkative Weasel, Flullfsy, had taught him much about what it meant to forgive himself, about honing his body and mind, and the sweetness of silence found in these woods. During the past year, he has spent his days meditating, learning to center himself in the solitude of nature, speaking with Fluffsy on all manner of topics he would have once been too impatient for, and practicing his skills with sword and bow.
Though it has been a long while since he had been on a "quest", and he no longer harbored the same bloodlust he once had, every now and then Turlagh feels a sharp pull of wanderlust form in the very fibers of his soul. He hears the whispers of the forest in the winds and the falling leaves. They, along with Fluffsy's quiet voice, told him that change was coming, and he had to be prepared.
He knew his return to adventuring would be soon. He still wanted to use his skills to help others, he still wanted to find love, and he still wanted to be a knight. But before all that, he needed some things from the city.
Turlagh walks into Rook for the first time in a few months. He's buying some supplies he needs for his cabin and decides to visit some of his old haunts and maybe see some old friends, eventually making his way to Arlen's church to see what the paladin had been up to. Anyone who recognizes Turlagh will notice a few things that have changed about him, while he's still a short, scrawny boy, he seems much cleaner and put together than he used to. He also doesn't appear drunk and isn't reeking of alcohol, which is unusual. Finally, he has a small, red haired weasel perched on his shoulder as he goes about his dealings.
(Turlagh will be all over Rook tracking down the supplies he needs. Feel free to detail where you would like to run into him at the top of your post. Again, anyone who would like to is welcome to participate)
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Zen
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Post by Zen on Sept 14, 2016 14:11:03 GMT -7
Turlagh feels a slight tug on his leg while nearby a potion shop.
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Post by ambnz on Sept 14, 2016 14:34:36 GMT -7
Turlagh looks around to try and find the source of the pull, obviously startled.
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Zen
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Post by Zen on Sept 14, 2016 14:52:21 GMT -7
"Whatchya lookin' for?" A high pitched female voice says coming from seemingly nowhere, though originating on top of his backpack.
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Post by ambnz on Sept 15, 2016 6:44:16 GMT -7
"I, uh, well Miss" he stumbles out as he continues, confused by the seemingly body-less voice. "I need some supplies for my cabin, but I like to keep my eye out for the odd useful weapon or magic item. I used to be an adventurer, you see, and I'm thinking of returning, though it has been quite some time......"
He trails off for a moment. " OH, also something just tugged on my leg.""Erhm, pardon my forwardness Miss, but what are you exactly? ? You aren't a ghost, are you?"At that point the weasel perched on his shoulder chatters a bit to him excitedly. "Coming from my pack?? I guess I better take a look. And I am NOT stupid, you ungrateful twat of fur."
The weasel chatters at him some more, a little angrily this time. " You feckin little shit, say one more word about my mother and I swear I'll toss you into the bay of stars. Go on, say something else, I dare you." He takes off his backpack, sets it down, and opens it up to see if he can find the source of the voice.
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Zen
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Post by Zen on Sept 15, 2016 17:18:57 GMT -7
"Oh, that was me, a little hard to just jump up there." The voice says, coming from next the weasel. "If you feel that this pet has unjustly harmed you, all you have to do is tell me." Coming from the opposite side and the weasel feels a poke with a finger as that is said. "As to your question, that's classified information. Running around the city is still quite the workout, so I decided to just hop onto you."
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Post by ambnz on Sept 16, 2016 6:34:36 GMT -7
"No no no that's alright. Fluffsy just has a bit of a temper sometimes. I admit to the same m'self. Oh, and he's not a pet exactly. He's my uhm....what's the word....the wizard thingy?"
The weasel squeeks a bit.
"Yes, that's the one. Familiar. Thank you Fluffsy."
The weasel squeeks alot for awhile.
"Well said Fluffsy, I agree. I tell you what, ma'am, whatever you are you seem like you mean us no harm for now and your keeping invisible is impressive to say the least...and while I would at least like to know WHAT you are, and even more what your doing, feel free to keep on for as long as you need, and let me know if there's anything I can do to help."
"Although, I would like to know exactly who classified you in the first place?"
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Zen
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Post by Zen on Sept 16, 2016 7:36:48 GMT -7
"Let's just say I work with a third party business who deals in espionage. Why? Did you need something done? Before you ask, no I'm not on a job right now."
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Post by ambnz on Sept 16, 2016 8:02:44 GMT -7
Turlagh is a little more than surprised.
"Espionage??? So your like, a spy?"
He whistles, impressed.
"That's...awesome. I don't really need any spy-stuff personally, though if you knew any good rangers or protectors of the wild, I'd like to meet them. You see, for the past year or so, I've been working to protect this...place.. from loggers. It's tough because its beyond Rook's ju-ri-sti-ction (He sounds out the word, as if he rehearsed it) and these loggers are after these trees but the trees have pretty ladies living inside them and if they get cut down the ladies die. Anyway, the loggers keep sending mercenaries out to get the trees cause the pretty ladies fight them off and I try my best to help fight them off but the ladies don't like me either cause I accidentally hurt one of them when I didn't know they were living in the tree....".
He pauses for a moment.
"Sorry for rambling. It's been lonely out there and I seem to have forgotten some of me manners. "
"Anyway, I've never met a spy before. Do you have cool stories you can tell me? Something to help pass the time while I'm carrying you around?"
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Zen
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Post by Zen on Sept 16, 2016 8:55:06 GMT -7
"Hmmm....let's see....." Half an hour passes before another very slight tug on the back of his leg is felt. "The festival where an abnormally large amount of cakes were distributed was an effort against an extraplanar threat."
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Post by ambnz on Sept 16, 2016 11:24:46 GMT -7
"Well, that's, erhm, not the type of story that I was expecting. Uhhhh, thank you for......saviiing the world I guess? Was that you tugging on my leg again, Miss? Is this your stop?"
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Zen
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Post by Zen on Sept 16, 2016 16:33:17 GMT -7
"Oh, I had nothing to do with it. I just went to find out what it was about, seemed interesting."
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Post by ambnz on Sept 17, 2016 15:16:40 GMT -7
"Oh, sorry then. Yeah that is..interesting I guess. Were the cakes any good? Its been years since I've had one."
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Post by ambnz on Sept 19, 2016 11:01:37 GMT -7
"Ah, just realized as well. I never got your name. I know I can keep calling you "Miss" but surely there is a name you'd like to go by, even if its a fake one? Ya know, for your espionaage-y stuff. Do you think you could teach me to be as stealthy as you??"
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Zen
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Post by Zen on Sept 20, 2016 4:40:32 GMT -7
No response for 2 hours/dig deep into backpack.
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Post by ambnz on Sept 20, 2016 8:37:23 GMT -7
"Umm, hello??? Little-phantom-Miss???...Is she still around Fluffsy?"
Turlagh will continue to make his way around Rook, visiting various shops and taverns to see if he spots any friends or any adventuring items that pique his interest. Whenever he bumps into anything or feels a tug on his leg again, he'll speak aloud to see if the voice has returned before checking his pack. Eventually though, he'll make his way to Arlen's church.
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Post by gaston on Sept 20, 2016 12:03:36 GMT -7
Arlen had been quite busy since his return to Rook; temple expansion, relief effort projects in the slums, convincing noble families for support and to top it all off the violence is prevalent in the city-state. Through some good-natured sponsors and a lot of hard work, the young holy warrior was able to expand the relief efforts: some citizens were re-homed, some citizens' homes have been refurbished and Arlen was even lucky enough to find recruits for the Order of the Climbing Ivy. Dame Lianna should be pleased, very pleased indeed. The work put into making the city a better place has garnered attention from high-ranking officials and some charitable benefactors have given monetary donations to the temple as a result; comfortable furniture, classroom supplies and even enough left over for Arlen to acquire some new equipment.
The plans were in motion to make this whole dream bigger than initially realised, and Arlen took a deep sigh of relief; happy in this knowledge. Still, it meant putting his own personal goals on the back burner for now. His armor-clad and knight-like visage is always prelude with the long, red, magnificent cloak he always wore with the suit. His long red hair matched almost identically, sometimes comically so depending on the light. Arlen's surprise and shock at the attendance and willingness of the people to help his cause still affected him, even more so now that he was in the company of Miere Klerrin, who took it upon himself to see how well the temple and its projects were doing. His appearance at the temple has definitely bolstered the number of visitors and while it may be beneficial from a professional standpoint, Arlen conducted himself around the man half as a religious representative and half as a friend.
The fire at the other end of the hallway cast an aura; the eternally burning pyre, radiating warmth, shining upon the large statue in the centre of the chamber and basking it in a fiery silhouette. In the great hall, Arlen decided to hire a choir and several musicians for some lovely music; to celebrate all the hard work everyone had put in so far. For guests seeking more peace and privacy, rooms had been set aside for silent prayer. Arlen looked about at the congregations, the visitors and all the people coming to-and-fro from the large open arch that prelude the oak doors to the temple. He started to wonder how much work he could manage at once, but as he was pondering this thought, a very familiar man walked through the archway. Arlen turned to face the man from where he stood, aside the resting Dawnfeather and he awaited to greet Turlagh with open arms.
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Geckilian
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Post by Geckilian on Sept 20, 2016 14:08:46 GMT -7
It had been a while since Miere had spent any true length of time in Rook, aside from the occasional work meeting, social dinner to help foster connections or simply checking on his entourage still based in Rook. Arlen's temple was one of the few places Miere actively enjoyed visiting, for seeing the impact the paladin was having gave him some measure of faith in the ability for people to impact the world around them. Most of his similar endeavours had ultimately been for financial gain regardless of the social benefit they provided. It seemed only fair that he pitched in to help, now someone else had demonstrated a change was worth making. Processing several lines of thought at once, Miere directed his team in Lucror to amass the materials ready for delivery.
"Arlen, it's good to see your work is progressing well. As you may know, I own a chain of stores focusing in healthy food supplies and textiles." With a smile he inclined his head to the side. "This temple accepts donations from what I can tell, but I propose a joint venture. My operations generate far more food, clothing, insulation, blankets and so forth than I can reasonably sell in each seasonal timeframe." Gesturing out to the other end of the hallway, Miere looked Arlen in the eyes, a smile spreading over his face and remaining unmoving as he continued to speak.
"With your permission, I can open a gateway to Lucror, my demiplane, here at your temple. If only temporarily. I currently have a team of craftsmen there, as well a multiple wagons filled with a variety of food, clothing and other relevant cloth-based items." Raising his hands placatingly to forestall any comment, Miere chuckled. "It's a modest contribution for me. The clothing has been fashioned to either be practical for common trades and weathers, or suited to be presentable and comfortable. Intended to help people find work, or go to formal occasions. The food should last several hundred people multiple months, or a much greater number a naturally shorter duration. I can provide you with this roughly every three months if you would find it useful."
Leaning forwards, Miere's took on a slightly deeper and more intense tone, still maintaining total eye contact. "What I would require in exchange is that you maintain and expand your holdings and work here. It's more important than you know. The craftsmen can stay on as retainer for you, to expediate any building work. Do you agree?"
Noticing a newcomer heading towards them, Miere leaned back and turned to look at him. Seeing Arlen stand to greet what was presumably an old friend, Miere took his cue and rose to face the newcomer fully. Forming a polite bow, Miere continued to go over the logistics of moving equipment from his demesne.
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Post by ambnz on Sept 20, 2016 14:46:01 GMT -7
Seeing his old friend's familiar face, Turlagh sprints to Arlen and embraces him in a bear hug with that signature unexpected-strength from his small frame. " It's been too long, my friend. I trust you've been well? Looking 'round here it seems ya have..." He leans in a bit closer to whisper "Say, I just saw that spit-fire of a Guard-Captain you've got here. She a married woman? Because I'd like to..." Before finishing what you assume was something of a vulgar statement, the red weasel perched on his shoulder bites his Turlagh on the ear and begins chattering incessantly. "YOUCH. You little piss-ant, I ought to...what's that?? Oh. Manners.. Right right. "He stands up straight and attempts to puff out his chest, but his attempts do little to increase his size and the effect comes across as more comical than noble. "Arlen, I'd like you ta meet Fluffsy."He holds out his hand, and the weasel scatters down his shoulder and out to his outstretched palm before chittering excitedly. The weasel stands up and dips its head rather low, almost as if it's bowing, and starts chittering. " Mhmmm. Yeah ah'll tell im. Fluffsy says its an honor to meet you, that your efforts have not gone unnoticed, your tales of chivalry "regale even the quietest of forestfolk" and that he hopes that you continue to prove yourself as one of the few noble, selfless spirits left in this bitter land. Something like that anyway, he talks a bit fancier than me but that's the jist of it."As he turns to finally address the stranger with Arlen, Turlagh begins "Oh, scuse me there. Sorry didn't mean to interrupt or nothing, just been a long time since I seen Arlen ere. M'names Turlagh, Turlagh Sweeney. And you are..."A look of recognition, then incredible shock washes over the face of both the weasel and red-haired boy almost simultaneously, and Turlagh falls on his behind as his legs give way. "Oh...fuck. I mean, oh shit. I mean, oh shit, you're...you're" Turlagh scrambles to his feet, legs still shaking as if they might give in again. " M-my apologies. Mr. Miere Sir. I didn't mean to, uhm, I didn't mean at all to be rude." He attempts something that looks like an uncertain cross between a bow and a curtsy. |
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Zen
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Post by Zen on Sept 20, 2016 15:03:10 GMT -7
Miere hears an incredibly faint "You've got to be kidding me." of disbelief as a blurry unsaturated furry head pokes out of the backpack.
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Post by gaston on Sept 21, 2016 8:39:05 GMT -7
Arlen embraces the short man in a hug, dwarfing him in size and quite comically so. A rush of emotions fills the young man's head, which is only added to as Arlen is taken aback by Turlagh's crude and blunt gestures... He found a chance to laugh. The holy man remembers his current environment and the company he's keeping, thus he lets go of Turlagh and moves his hair out from his face, adopting a more authoritative stance albeit with a friendly smile plastered on his face. He certainly had a lot to think about; with Miere's business proposition practically making the small hairs on his neck stand on end, a great expedition is planned is fast approaching realization and his own personal investigations are growing more intense. Uneasy, he shifted his feet a little bit and loosened up the nerves in his shoulders. The young man addresses the familiar with a slight bow and his stiff posture finally relaxes when Turlagh comes to his realisations and subsequently bumbles over his words.
"It is good to see you again, Mr. Turlagh Sweeney. And a pleasure Fluffsy; Turlagh does deserve the guidance so he can find the joy he wants out of life."
The contrast between professionalism of Miere and familiarity of Turlagh here is very much a relief and it gives Arlen something to address, in order to take his mind away from other matters, if only for the briefest of time. Arlen adjusts his necklace and unfurls his cloak behind him, out of the way from his appendages. The symbol of his faith, a golden fist holding a sword surrounded by fire, was emblazoned squarely as the centrepiece to this fabric and no expense was spared to give it an aura of grandeur. In conjunction with the tapestries, the candelabras, the great pyre at the end of the hallway and the other fabrics and decor that dot the hallway, Arlen certainly looked the part of an official in this temple.
"Believe me, Mr. Sweeney, I'm just as baffled and equally humbled to be in the company of, LET ALONE be in a business conversation with Miere Klerrin..."
Arlen clutches his chest, with then transitions to wrap the fingers of his hand around the holy symbol dangling from his neck. He takes a very deep breath and the previous nerves he had were washed away... Only to be replaced with another set of nervous feelings intensified by a feeling of elation.
"... But I'll be DAMNED if I didn't accept the offer! So considered it accepted, Sir. Women, children, the elderly, everyone... They're all going to be safe and happy here for a lonnnnng time to come."
He continues by making a gesture to present Miere Klerrin's visage and overall appearance as a presentation to Turlagh, in order to illustrate the situation.
"For this man has seen it within his nature to help the people at this temple with some MUCH-needed supplies, that I am thankful for. Your temporary portal can be set up in the courtyard outside. I'll have some guards provide escort and vigil."
There are very few times when Arlen has a chance at respite and to feel some modicum of joy. His past experiences in dealing with families has been a series of turbulent affairs and through no lack of Arlen's efforts, he has certainly endeavoured to keep families together as best he can. His past adventures and missions serve as grim reminders of the people that have been killed, the families that have been hurt and the general lives of the innocent that suffer, either directly or indirectly because of the paladin. Supposedly a bastion of goodness, his will and morals have been tested at every single turn; the burden weighing heavy on his back with regret and mourning. Yet even in horrible and shitty situations, it is times like these when he can feel that small amount of joy. Children are happily playing in the gardens with their parents, widows and widowers finding new purpose, the poor being able to take control of their lives. All of the people with their smiling, content faces and the willingness to cooperate with each other just shows the stupid, foolish and reckless holy man just why he can't stop walking this path. Even if he never experiences his own personal joy, Arlen can still experience it through sharing in other people's moments of happiness themselves. Miere's words of advice and encouragement, alongside Turlagh's interpretation of his familiar's words have lodged themselves in the back of his subconscious and give off a faint hum in his head. This would undoubtedly unsettle his inner demons; to have some hope and determination, a will to fight back. He could laugh with glee at this notion.
After daydreaming for a few moments, pondering on these very thoughts, Arlen snaps back to reality rather abruptly. He shakes his head and rubs at the sides of his head softly, before returning his focus to his prestigious company.
"So Mr. Klerrin, Turlagh, I hope you're doing very well today. I'm glad you could come by and provide encouragement; it does remind me why I chose the hard way instead of the easy way out. It still hurts thinking about the children that had died, but at least the ones here will be able to have a second chance. Now..."
Arlen puts his thoughts to something a little more amusing than the incredibly morbid ones of what happened in the past.
"As far as I know, Mr. Turlagh, Miss Damodred is not married n'or engaging anyone in courtship, but... If you try things like that, then you might be singing a different tune, sir."
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Geckilian
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Empires Mierely require time.
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Post by Geckilian on Sept 21, 2016 9:56:01 GMT -7
As comments are exchanged, Miere's expression will take on a slightly glassy complexion as Gaston mentions the deceased children, his outline briefly flickering as the agitated mantises briefly contain a surge of thought.
Raising an eyebrow and appreciating the change in tone of the conversation, Miere turns to Turlagh. "An octave higher, perhaps, but it is nearly always worth a try, wouldn't you say?" Chuckling, Miere holds a hand out to Turlagh, giving a small nod to the little fox-like form in the backpack. "A pleasure to meet you. All of you. I can see you recognise me, but I'll introduce myself anyway. Miere Klerrin, at your service." Glancing to Arlen, Miere nods again at his acceptance.
"Always good to broker a profitable deal Arlen, financially or emotionally. I would hope we're on good enough terms that you feel comfortable addressing me as Miere."
Looking at Turlagh, Miere smiles again. "No need to worry about offence either, it takes an astounding amount to get close to my annoyance threshold. After all," he says, glancing at Arlen with a slight grin, "I'm friends with Char."
Still holding his hand out to Turlagh, Miere shivers slightly as a smaller duplicate emerges from his back, his form rippling. Without preamble, the smaller Miere starts walking to the courtyard as it swarms in size back up to normal. The first, still in place, glances at the replica before addressing the others. "Don't mind me, I'm simply going to set up the gateway whilst we talk. Efficiency is key, after all."
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Post by ambnz on Sept 21, 2016 11:19:50 GMT -7
Turlagh eyes Miere for a moment, still slightly aghast, before flashing a wide grin and shaking Miere's outstretched hand firmly. " The pleasure is all mine, Mr. Miere, sir"Turlagh shifts his stance uncomfortably at the mention of deceased children, but seems to purposefully ignore it in order to steer the conversation to brighter subjects. A twinkle in his eye flashes at the mentions of the guard captain by the other two. " Aye, well, I guess I'll have to figure out m'self eh? Lioness like her might make it worth it though...Anyway, like I said I didn't mean to be disruptive to any business and I apologize if I have. Really I just wanted to stop by and see how my old friend has been. You still owe me a few rounds in the practice yard after all, Arlen."The weasel perches itself high on Turlagh's shoulder and begins chittering again. " Right, I'm getting to that. I actually wanted to ask your counsel about something else as well, and, uh, Mr. Miere, if you've got any advice for a scrapling like me I'd surely treasure it."He steadies himself before continuing. "You remember my little, uh, breakdown last year, yeah?? It was you who set me straight and all, but I'm eight months sober now" He says proudly. " S'been good having a little place in the woods all to m'self after all that, though it does get a bit lonely at times. Fluffsy keeps it tolerable though, he's been teaching me bout e-ti-quite and manners and stuff. You should see my cabin, it's tons better than me old place, it's got a little garden and everything. I've even started meditating and its helped uh, keep the night terrors out."
"And all that's fine and good, between the garden, practicing my sword-style, and driving them dam loggers off I've been plenty busy. But lately I....I've just felt a bit o' a stirrin again. It ain't bloodlust like before, those days are done for. I've been thinking of taking back to it, bein a sellsword again. Except this time I wanna do it right. I don't want to work with any more of those psycho types, and I don't wanna involve me'self in any shady business. I want to help folks like, uh, like you've managed to do here." He says, a little embarrassed, but he continues. " I guess what I'm asking for is a point in the right direction. If either of you has any work that you think might be suitable for someone like me, or if you know someone who does, I'd like to know. I know I'm not the, uh, most powerful or talented among the adventuring rabble you can find here, but that's why I need work, to hone my skills a bit. I just want....I just want to be able to protect the things I care about and help all those folk that can't help themselves"
His tone gets a bit graver as he goes on, but it lightens as he adds " OH, and of course I've got to show off some brawn for the future Mrs. Sweeney!"
He turns to Miere, scratching the back of his head as if embarrassed. " Sorry you had to listen to my ravings there, sir. Sometimes I can get a little carried away. Just ask Mr. Holy-britches here." |
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Geckilian
Leadership Council
Empires Mierely require time.
Posts: 1,026
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Post by Geckilian on Sept 27, 2016 11:19:11 GMT -7
After listening to Turlagh, Miere nods. "There is no need to apologise for asking a friend for his advice. I'll be happy to give mine, since you asked for it." he says, clearly pondering his next choice of words.
"For those in the sellsword profession, it can be a burden to pick and choose your employers based on their beliefs and merits. Decline too many jobs and you'll not be called for future ones. Accept all and sundry and your reputation takes on a darker shade, a person who is willing to do anything for coin, costs cast aside." Looking seriously at Turlagh, Miere crosses his arms behind his back. "I used to be the same, and as I'm sure you know, such approaches can cause you to lose sight of what's important. I'm glad to hear your new arrangements are working out for you, and I understand why you'd feel wanderlust again, a desire to forge your way and improve yourself."
Leaning in, Miere gives Turlagh a steely look with a hint of sadness in his swarm-like eyes. "Your premise is flawed however. You say you want to protect what you care about and protect those who cannot protect themselves, but such an approach is inherently selfish and will inevitably fall in to ruin. What happens when you find a situation where you may not quite care? Where it isn't quite close enough to matter to you? The line will get blurred. It always does. It leads to apathy, a cynical and jaded viewpoint of the world where only those closest to you truly matter."
Standing straight, Miere sighs. "I know that path, and it is never pleasant to reflect upon your actions and know you have let nations burn because they didn't matter enough." Closing his eyes and pinching the bridge of his nose, Miere continues. "I've stood back and let allies immolate entire armies because they were on the 'wrong side', as if that mattered. If you want to become a sellsword again Turlagh, I heartily encourage you to do the right thing by others, all others, because it is right. Not because it satisfies a need to feel better of yourself. I apologise if that comes across harshly, but I speak from experience." he says, his hand dropping to his side as he looks back at Turlagh.
"The stronger you get, the harder the choices you have to make become. At some point you'll be faced with a compromise and that's what can truly make, or utterly break, your spirit. It's one of the reasons I admire Arlen here. He's faced more than his share of unfairness in the world, and still soldiers on trying to improve the lives of those around him, regardless of who they are to him."
Outside, Miere strides in to the courtyard and looks around, making sure there is enough space. Once sure people are no longer in the way, he raises his arms and mutters under his breath, a quick prayer to luck leaving his lips and coalescing in the air as a shimmering veil. Within moments it spreads and opens, revealing Lucror - his demesne. Almost immediately a smile spreads across his face as he waves in greeting to some of his team, masons and carpenters, stonecutters and weavers, as they start to lead multiple wagons through the gateway.
"I take it he accepted then sir?" one of the men cheerfully asks, leading a mule laden with wrapped bundles of cloth.
"Yes, he did Mayers. Everything should be good to go. I'm also inside chatting with him and an old friend of his, but as always ask if you need anything." he replies.
"Well you know me sir, always could use some tea!" he chuckles, before moving out of the way of those behind him.
Smiling, Miere waves down another of his workers and starts going over the plans to set up long term storage for the food supplies.
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Post by ambnz on Sept 27, 2016 14:57:30 GMT -7
Surprised by Miere's prompt response to his rather vague question and plea for advice, Turlagh cocks his head to the side a bit out of curiosity. The 19 year old was eager to hear what the man would have to say.
As Miere leaned closer, Turlagh couldn't help but swallow instinctively, for while those eyes did contain sadness, which he could of course empathize with, there was also an alien quality in Miere's eyes that somehow put Turlagh at once both at uncanny ease and greatly struck him.
He knew that in this very moment, with Miere towering over him, he realized two things. The first was that while he was in Miere's presence, that absolutely no harm could come to him. Not that he expected harm to burst through the doors of Arlens church, and he was confident he would meet any threat head on if that happened. No, he was coming to the realization that the Grim Reaper himself could break through the ceiling, right now, and Miere could prevent any harm from being done.
The second realization, was that, while Miere was friendly enough and seemed to be much more easy going than Turlagh had built up in his expectations, if he wished he could simply end the lives of him, Arlen, and everyone in Rook without bringing sweat to his brow.
While his thoughts swarmed vaguely, he almost missed what Miere had to say and he find himself snapping to attention, determined to make the most of what the man had to say.
"....flawed however. You say you want to protect what you care about and protect those who cannot protect themselves, but such an approach is inherently selfish and will inevitably fall in to ruin. What happens when you find a situation where you may not quite care? Where it isn't quite close enough to matter to you? The line will get blurred. It always does. It leads to apathy, a cynical and jaded viewpoint of the world where only those closest to you truly matter."
Miere's words stung him more than any undead spider ever could. Was he selfish? Who did he really want to protect? He hadn't considered any of those things. Had his time alone in the woods separated him this much from his humanity?
"If you want to become a sellsword again Turlagh, I heartily encourage you to do the right thing by others, all others, because it is right. Not because it satisfies a need to feel better of yourself. I apologise if that comes across harshly, but I speak from experience"
If Miere's words could sting, then they could also heal. Butterfly's swirled in Turlagh's stomach and head as he felt a deep hope light up inside him. He at least knew now what he had to do.
He couldn't summon a response as Miere finished giving his advice, but Turlagh knew he would remember those words for a long time.
Silently, he turned to Arlen, curious as to what the Paladin would have to say after that.
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? You aren't a ghost, are you?"
