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Post by DM-Delfon on Mar 8, 2012 8:58:52 GMT -5
You wander the halls of the Light Shrine, and notice considerably more than you did on the tour. There are tapestries depicting people in armour or robes shining with an inner light. Some fight twisted monsters, or other horrors. Other's show prayer, compassion, and several show magical spells in action. You recognize one depiction of a woman being healed by magic. The swirls of colour as the magical energy is released is very close to what you have created yourself. However, these bands of colour are thicker, and the pattern is much more intricate.
In alcoves set along the walls, pedestals hold artifacts from prior eras, weapons, armour, and trinkets of various types can be found. Some of the items have placards (which look remarkably familiar from your tunnel trip) detailing what the item is, who owned it, and why it gets a place of honour here in the halls of the Light Shrine.
Standing in the door to the magical workshop you can see a full alchemy lab, beakers, vials, tubes, heat sources, and several contraptions that you can't seem to make out the function of stand along one wall. The back wall has a host of reagents, roots, leaves, stalks, berries, seeds, pieces of animals and monsters, powders, bars of metal, strips of leather and a wild assortment of other things are neatly arrayed for ease of use.
Several workstations line the last wall, some of which are in use. One such workstation has a swirling network of magical weaves spinning around a pair of gloves, sometimes a strand of magic will fall away from the pattern and set itself into the gloves, only to be replaced by a new strand. Each work station has a small piece of slate, and a piece of chalk attached to the front of it. The slate for the station in use says "Cory - enhance dexterity, two days remaining."
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Post by DM Quietus on Mar 8, 2012 12:16:27 GMT -5
The private walk through these halls allows Mortimer to spend more time gazing on the things put on display. The scenes depicting battles with horrible monsters hold his attention, as he realizes - if magic is real, just how many other things that he'd only heard of in stories were real as well? If these tapestries were to believed, possibly all of them, as what he was seeing seemed to have leapt from some horrible nightmare. As he continues his walk, his attention lingers on the items placed on pedestals, particularly those that are neither weapon nor armor. Old robes worn by important believers are far more interesting to him than sacred maces used to put undead to their final rest.
Once in the magical workshop, Mortimer is overwhelmed by everything there. All he'd needed was words and gestures to make magic happen, what were all of these roots, leaves, and bits of monsters needed for? Above it all, however, it's the gloves that most catch his attention, as he hadn't really been able to examine the effects of his own magic prior to this. Refraining from touching anything, he stands transfixed, watching the strands as they weave their pattern and seep into the gloves.
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Post by DM-Delfon on Mar 8, 2012 12:43:32 GMT -5
One robe that you see doesn't seem all that interesting, but you still skim the placard and stop dead. The placard reads "Worn by Ellsman Nishant in the battle of Rothenhelm" The placard goes on to say that Ellsman wandered the battle tending to the wounded of both sides indiscriminately. Angry warriors from both sides would shatter their blades against the holy man while he went about his business. One survivor of the battle said that Ellsman kept apologizing to the warriors for getting in their way while he worked. The placard is dated about six generations ago.
The weave circling the gloves is hypnotic, it seems like every time a single strand sinks into the gloves another two shimmer into the pattern. You don't know how long the gloves have been soaking up weaves, but if this process is to continue for another two days you have no idea how complex the weave will become. You are already having trouble following the intricacies of the flowing magic.
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Post by DM Quietus on Mar 8, 2012 23:56:10 GMT -5
Questions. So many questions... as Mortimer loses himself in the threads of magic around the gloves, he can feel a dull pressure pressing at him from behind his eyes. The day had been a long one, and he'd experienced so much, heard so many things, learned the horrible fate of his hometown.. it was all rapidly becoming too much for him, and he suspected the only thing preventing him from developing a full-blown headache was the magic that had kept him alive to reach this place.
When he finally pulls himself away from the gloves - a difficult task, even with the dark cloud of his headache on the horizon - Mortimer sighs, and tries to push all thoughts from his mind. It would be interesting to see the gloves tomorrow, see how complicated the pattern had become, and once his headache wore off, he'd have to ask about Ellsman and this battle of Rothenhelm. But for now, the day was beginning to wear on him. Hoping he could remember the route, he turns around and heads back to his room, intending to lay down and sleep off the headache if he can.
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Post by DM-Delfon on Mar 18, 2012 20:08:31 GMT -5
"Wake up Mortimer..." "Mortimer, wake up... " "It's time for you to wake up Mortimer..."
Your eyes flutter open with a strange sense of deja vu, and immediately slam shut again when they once more see nothing but pure white light. Instead of thoughts that you're dead, this time you think that the stresses of the last few days may have finally broken your mind. You're brought to your senses when you recognize Melanie's voice, "Open your eyes Mortimer, it's time for you and I to talk."
Slowly opening your eyelids, the world is still far too bright, but you can make out the lavish surroundings of your room within the Light Shrine. Once your eyes adjust to the brightness somewhat, you now see Melanie standing beside your bed, her body radiating light almost too bright to look at directly.
"I'm glad you made it to the Light Shrine Mortimer, not everyone who is chosen does..." Melanie says trailing off with an odd expression. It could have been pride for your accomplishment, or embarrassment that she sent you on a potentially deadly quest.
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Post by DM Quietus on Mar 19, 2012 23:53:59 GMT -5
The bit of rest he'd managed to get had helped soothe Mortimer's aching mind, but when he opens his eyes to Melanie's glowing body, it stabs back into existence, just for a moment. When he opens his eyes once again, it's slowly, allowing himself time to adjust to the light. The sight of Melanie tears him in two different directions; on the one hand, the sight of her made it easier to believe she really was right there. On the other, he'd all but been told outright that she was dead, and here she was, looking for all the world like a spirit free of its body. And to add his possible mental breakdown on top of all that..
With all of that running through his head, Mortimer has only the energy to nod when he's addressed, sitting up slowly in his bed and turning his head so he's looking as directly at Melanie as he can manage. When she praises him for reaching the Shrine, he joins her with an odd expression of his own. Mostly, he's proud of the fact that he'd made it, and happy that he's safe, at least for now. But he can't help but think about those people he left behind, that column of smoke burnt painfully into his memory. "Thanks.", he mumbles awkwardly. "I'm safe, because of you. If it weren't for your help, I'd still be stuck in that cell. What is it you want to talk to me about? And.. why me? This seems like a lot of work to go to, when there are so many people here who had already passed those tests.." Mortimer seems to gain in vitality as he speaks, shaking his body from sleep.
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Post by DM-Delfon on Mar 26, 2012 7:49:53 GMT -5
When you open your eyes more slowly Melanie seems less bright, and you find yourself able to look directly at her. "Mortimer, I have much to say, and very little time before I must go. So allow me to cover some of the questions that you won't ask because you're afraid of the answers." She waits a moment before continuing, "The Melanie you is knew is dead, but those that are responsible for her death will be dealt with in time. My condolences on your loss Mortimer, but she looks down upon you with every ray of the sun." The Melanie before you looks truly saddened to deliver such news so abruptly, and without preamble, "I take this form to speak with you because it's someone you love, and my true form would be beyond your ability to understand. What you need to know about me, is that I walk in the Light. I could not be here otherwise, this place is protected against such intrusions. You may ask your Light Bringer about that to confirm." Her tone there suggests that you do just that, she seems to want you to believe in her, no just believe her, "You have not lost your mind, and are not going to loose your mind. You are however faced with impossible choices, and stress that nobody your age should have to face alone, but you will. I chose you because you're a descendant of Ellsman, and you have great potential to do good in this world."
"You now have a choice before you Mortimer. You can choose to live out the rest of your life in safety here in the Light Shrine, or you can accept the task I have for you. The task will put you in danger for your life again, but you will be bringing the Light into a very dark place. There is a cave that I want you to go to, and abolish the darkness within. Then return to the Light Shine, and I will be able to visit you once more. If you accept this task, a map will be under your pillow when you awaken. Mention this task to nobody here at the Shrine."
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Post by DM Quietus on Mar 26, 2012 23:36:13 GMT -5
Mortimer takes the confirmation of Melanie's death surprisingly well - it's saddening, true, but he'd already learned it was a possibility. The sheer emotional burnout of the day so far might have also had something to do with it. His eyes mist up, and his chest heaves with one heavy breath, but he gives a quiet nod of acceptance. Knowing that she has moved on to the Light seems to help. As Melanie speaks, he listens carefully, taking her words to heart. He would definitely ask the Light Bringer about what she'd mentioned, taking a lesson he'd learned in the darkened caves beneath the Light Shrine - that faith was good to have, but blind faith isn't always the answer. Still, whether this Melanie is a figment of his imagination or not - and he is quickly coming to believe she isn't - it did feel good to hear from someone other than himself that he wasn't losing his mind.
When she mentions the special task that she needs him to complete, Mortimer's mind is already made. "I wouldn't be happy living quietly on top of a mountain for the rest of my life, wasting the gifts I was given.", he responds, "There's a lot I can learn here, but it wouldn't seem right to do only that." There's an edge of fear to his voice as he speaks, wondering what sort of danger might be involved. The thought of having to deal with Imperials again makes him unsure, as he doesn't know what he would do if he ran into them again, but if he was needed...
"What kind of danger do you mean, and how soon do you need me to go?", he asks, trying to think about what he could do before he left. "I still know almost nothing about the magic you gave me, and I'd like to hear more about Ellsman if I can." He'd like to add more, but is trying to keep his speech brief, hoping to give Melanie time to answer. From what he'd read, Ellsman sounded very much like the sort of man Mortimer would look up to, and if he'd been one of Mortimer's ancestors.. the young man's curiosity was growing steadily, as was the mental image the placard had built in his mind.
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Post by DM-Delfon on Mar 28, 2012 7:32:15 GMT -5
(I love that fact that the thing that is potentially a figment of Mortimer's imagination is the thing that makes him feel better about not being potentially crazy.)
Melanie smiles, "I was expecting you to at least sleep on it, but I knew you would take on this task. There is a holy relic, a mace, which was taken by the forces of Darkness when a champion of the Light fell to overwhelming odds. This weapon can not be destroyed by anyone who walks in the shadow, so they hid the weapon away. I want you to fetch the mace, and return it to the Light Shrine. You will face horrors that you have never imagined while on this quest, but be steadfast, and remember the gift I have given you and you will be triumphant. The weapon has been hidden for many years, and I see no reason why the Shadow would move it now. Rest, recover, ask your questions, but do not dally. There are other tasks of some import for you to accomplish."
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Post by DM Quietus on Mar 30, 2012 0:07:34 GMT -5
((Isn't it grand?))
In truth, the thought of resting has suddenly brought its weight upon Mortimer. With all he'd been through, it might not be a bad idea to take some time and deal with it all. Even if he hadn't yet lost his mind, with the stress he'd been through recently, a little time to decompress would be welcome. Maybe.. maybe... in the current situation, he finds it difficult to finish that thought, but thinks to revisit it at some point. Being more stable, mentally, would only help if he was to face horrors as Melanie was describing.
Realizing he'd fallen quiet, Mortimer turns his eyes back up to his visitor. "I'll do it, as soon as I'm able. If you don't have anything else you need to tell me.. can I ask you something? I know you can't show me your true form, but do you have a name? I keep thinking of you as Melanie, and I'm not sure if that's right to do."
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Post by DM-Delfon on Mar 30, 2012 7:26:30 GMT -5
Your visitor laughs, "It would have been disrespectful of me to assume the form of someone you knew without their permission. Melanie is alright with me assuming her visage, however if it would make you feel better my name is..." The melodic sound of bells, with an undertone of awe follows. Melanie sees your confusion, "I'm sorry Mortimer, my name is spoken with the Celestial tongue. Perhaps it is okay if you just continue to think of me as Melanie?"
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Post by DM Quietus on Apr 5, 2012 23:51:54 GMT -5
"I guess..", he answers, though to him it feels strange to think of this being of light as Melanie. Not because it was hard to think of her as an angel - that was easy - but because Mortimer has many fond memories of time spent with Melanie, and though this person looks and sounds like her, the whole 'made of light' thing makes it clear to him that she isn't. Still, the thought that there might be a way to still have contact with her, even if only by proxy, does put him at ease. When Melanie speaks her real name, however, Mortimer's face does in fact show confusion; part of him wonders, for a moment, if that's actually a name. But if he's willing to accept that NotMelanie is here and is made of glowing light, then he can accept a name that sounds like bells. Maybe he'd have to learn some Celestial, though he doesn't think his voice could make that exact sound.
Still, she'd warned she didn't have much time, and while it would be nice to actually learn something about her, Mortimer recognized that it'd be better to use any time she had left wisely. "So, if I'm going to be doing this task for you, do you have any advice for me? Anything you know of that would help?", he asks carefully, unsure if he's treading into dangerous territory. If she really IS an angel, like he'd suggested to the Lightbringer earlier.. it didn't seem right to ask things of angels. But then, he didn't know of anyone who'd had an angel show up and ask them for things, either.
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Post by DM-Delfon on Apr 10, 2012 18:05:39 GMT -5
Not Melanie smiles, seeming glad that you recognize how short her time is, "The only advice that I have left to give you Mortimer is this: The magic I gave you to heal the living can also be a weapon. Some things are so unnatural that your magical healing actually causes them harm. Now, I know you're opposed to causing other beings harm, but these beings are living a tortured existence." She twists the word living oddly, but continues before you can comment, "Healing them allows them to finally get some true rest."
Not Melanie begins to fade, and her eyes open wide in surprise, "No time left, walk in the Light Mort...!" Your name is cut off as she fades out completely before she can finish speaking.
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Post by DM Quietus on Apr 12, 2012 0:21:39 GMT -5
For some time, Mortimer simply stares at where Melanie had been, wondering what had cut her off like that. The only answer he can come up with is these forces of darkness she'd mentioned - the forces that he, impetuously, had agreed to chase after, to take a weapon from. A weapon which had, originally, been wielded by a 'Champion of Light'.. the odds of things were quickly stacking up in his mind, and he falls back onto his bed, images of terrible creatures floating through his mind, with him using his magic to cut through them, literally. Finally, he sees the mace he was sent after, glowing with its own light, and as he approaches it, he feels himself beset on all sides by the only half-seen creatures he'd thought he'd cut down. Quickly, the mace's glow brightens, until...
Mortimer wakes, panting, covered in sweat, the sun shining brightly in his eyes as it rises outside his window. Closing his eyes tightly against the sudden brightness, he groans softly. The fighting, the chasing.. it had all been a dream. Had Melanie, too, been a dream? He takes a moment to check under his pillow, remembering her words the previous night, and gives only a moment to glance at the map he presumably finds beneath it. He didn't know what this temple's habits were, but didn't want to miss worship. In Urutah, they had always waited, rather than worshiping precisely at dawn; only proper holy days prompted worship at sunrise. But this was a proper temple, and to what he'd seen, it didn't support a village of farmers who had to do chores before they went to worship. Stowing the map in the first safe place he can find that isn't likely to be stumbled across - probably his backpack - Mortimer does what he can to quickly clean away the nightmare-induced sweat, before dressing and heading out into the halls of the Shrine, listening for any cues as to where people might be gathering, and what they might be doing.
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Post by DM-Delfon on Apr 15, 2012 11:18:00 GMT -5
The map is indeed located under your pillow, and it has exacting directions written in a flowing hand on the back. You realize with mixed feelings that the hand that wrote the instructions either was Melanie, or someone who can forge Melanie's hand remarkably well. After the instructions on the page there is a P.S. which reads:
"Thank you Mortimer. Your kindness will always hold a special place in my heart. I will be watching over you, Melanie."
After stowing the map, and making yourself ready you head out into the hallway to find the morning service. One of the people you saw on the plateau yesterday is waiting for you outside your door. He nods, and gestures that you follow him. Assuming you do so, he silently leads you to the main cathedral. You realize that you were here yesterday on your tour, but never saw just how resplendent this place is. Statues, stained glass, artwork on the walls, and row upon row of polished and carved pews for practitioners to sit line the room. Everyone you saw the day before sits apart, you suspect for your benefit, so you don't feel bad for sitting alone if you so choose. Once you're seated the Light Bringer begins the service.
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Post by DM Quietus on Apr 18, 2012 23:57:48 GMT -5
The sight of Melanie's script tugs at Mortimer's emotions, but it's the note written from Melanie herself that finally causes the tears to flow. More time is spent simply looking at those words than he'd intended, and while he does, the fragile hold he'd kept on his emotions is shattered. It's only when his tears begin to fall onto the paper itself that the spell is broken, and Mortimer wipes away the tears and stows the map in his backpack. "I'll make you proud, Melanie.", he says quietly, for both the real Melanie and his possibly-imagined angel that had borrowed her shape.
When he makes himself ready and opens the door to find the man waiting for him, Mortimer feels a wave of embarrassment flow through him, turning his already-reddened cheeks redder. The man's silence suits Mortimer perfectly fine, for now, and it's a result of keeping his attention anywhere else that he notices all of the details he'd passed over yesterday. Once they reach the main cathedral, he offers a quiet "Thank you", entirely certain that he would have gotten lost if he'd tried to find the place on his own. With the flush of his cheeks fading, he feels slightly more comfortable, and actually picks up on why everyone seems to be sitting apart. In an attempt to break what seems like an uncomfortable situation, Mortimer seeks a seat near to someone, be it his impromptu guide, or someone who seems generally welcoming. It's only if that fails, that he takes up a seat near the front of the cathedral, as was his custom when he wasn't directly involved in the prayers at home.
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Post by DM-Delfon on Apr 22, 2012 11:32:11 GMT -5
Before your guide takes his seat he does make a slight gesture to the seat beside his, an offer if you're interested in sitting beside someone. Once seated the Light Bringer begins with the simple prayer that Light Shrines throughout the empire begin with: "Let us be an instrument of peace. Where there is hatred, let us sow love; Where there is injury, pardon; Where there is doubt, faith; Where there is despair, hope; Where there is sadness, joy; and Wherever we find darkness, let there be light; By the Light, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled, as to console; To be understood, as to understand; To be loved, as to love. For it is in giving that we receive, It is in pardoning that we are pardoned; And it is in dying that we are born into the Light." (Modified from a quote by St. Fransis of Assisi 1181-1226) The Light Bringer continues somberly, "May The Light shine ever brighter, with holy radiance, In the world that The Light shines down upon, revealed in the Light, and may The Light establish The Radiant kingdom. In your lifetime and in your days, and in the lifetime of all those that walk in The Light, Speedily and soon. And let us say amen. May The Light's be blessed always and forever. Blessed, praised, glorified, exalted, extolled, Honoured, raised up and acclaimed, Beyond every blessing hymn, praise and consolation that is uttered in the world. And let us say amen. May abundant peace shine down, and life be upon those that walk in the light. And let us say amen. May The Light make peace in high places, Make peace upon us and upon all those that walk in The Light, And let us say amen." (Modified from the Mourners Kaddish) Your guide gives you subtle hints as to when you should sit or stand, and when you should repeat things. You find that the service is remarkably similar to the services you're used to, but the only time you've heard this liturgy back home is when someone has died. With your thoughts so jumbled it takes you a few minutes to realize that this shrine is mourning the loss of those in the Urutah Valley. When you tune into your empathetic side you realize that the Light Bringer has silent tears running down his face, and the pure sorrow you heard in his voice when he prayed and chanted must be for his son, your Light Bringer who died with so many others below.
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Post by DM Quietus on May 3, 2012 23:53:07 GMT -5
The beginning prayer, as Mortimer listens to it, feels like it holds greater meaning to him now than it had before. After swearing to uphold those tenets in Melanie's presence, he hadn't really had time to slow down and think about things. Now, as he sits among these worshippers, he finds himself following his guide's hints while losing himself in his thoughts. Had he really sworn that vow before an angel? It made little difference with regard to his intent to uphold it - that wasn't in question - but it did lend greater weight to the promise he'd made. Was he just imagining the weight that she'd placed on those words? And what had she meant by calling him 'Exalted One'?
It's while having these thoughts that Mortimer realizes that the shrine is mourning Urutah, and that pulls him back to the present, feeling the weight of emotions in the room. This time, no tears pour from his eyes - he'd done enough of that the previous day, in his private hour of prayer, and then again this morning thinking of Melanie, that he felt like he had none left to shed. The depth of his emotions, however, hasn't changed, and he understands this Light Bringer's loss all too well. Where one man had lost a son, the other had lost a father figure - where Melanie had been a focal part of his life, his Light Bringer had been a stabilizing presence. If it weren't for that, and the temple, he might not be in the position he'd found himself in now, a fact for which he would be eternally grateful.
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Post by DM-Delfon on May 8, 2012 11:11:23 GMT -5
The service continues for considerably longer than the services back home, but the people of the Light Shrine do not have farms to work, and animals to tend to. Both the Urutah Shrine, and it's Light Bringer were practical, yet provided much needed spiritual guidance. After the service has truly ended, your guide stands with all the others, nods to you, and waits to see what you will do next. You notice that the others around the room are still milling about, but nobody is speaking, or even forming groups. You also note that nobody has left, everyone seems to be waiting, perhaps to see what you would be most comfortable with.
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Post by DM Quietus on May 14, 2012 1:31:27 GMT -5
Under any other circumstances, Mortimer might have found himself fighting the need to fidget. The extra-long service, on any other day, would be an adjustment.. but the subject at hand left him in a quiet mood, and kept him from realizing how long he'd been sitting. It's when everyone gets up and mills about that Mortimer thinks about how things would have gone in Urutah, and realizes how much longer the service had been.
Seeing the plain awkwardness of the people around him, and intuiting that they're waiting to see his response, Mortimer considers announcing himself loudly, but rejects that idea. Instead, he puts on a brave face and the best smile he can muster - a little weak, given recent happenings, but genuine enough - and offers, "Thanks for your help today. I don't think we've been properly introduced, I'm Mortimer."
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Post by DM-Delfon on May 14, 2012 6:51:37 GMT -5
Genuine smiles break out across the room, as people nod to you and leave the room. As people leave, they begin to chat idly. Confused at the response you look to your guide. "They will be in the mess hall, this room is too sad this morning for friendly greetings. That and we're all starving, breakfast is normally an hour ago." He laughs, and extends his hand, "The name is Tad, a pleasure to finally meet you Mortimer. Let's get to the mess hall where we can get some food, and everybody can meet you properly."
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Post by DM Quietus on May 30, 2012 0:21:59 GMT -5
"That's a relief.", Mortimer admits, when Tad tells him that normally they eat earlier. A part of him had begun wondering if this was the norm for this temple, for sermons to be this long. He'd been wondering if anyone else had become as hungry as he was. Accepting the handshake, he adds, "That'd be good, as long as I'm not going to have to give a speech. I couldn't manage that, but it'd be nice to have names to put to faces here."
While they're walking toward the mess hall, Mortimer asks, "If I wanted to near more about any of the things on display in the halls, is there someone who'd be best to talk to?", allowing his curiosity about Ellsman sooth over any thoughts about his earlier conversation with Melanie, and what he could - and couldn't - say about that to anyone.
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Post by DM-Delfon on Jun 15, 2012 16:01:49 GMT -5
Tad smirks, "You only have to make a speech if you want to. For the most part life at the Light Shrine is like that, you choose what you want to pursue, then do that. Some people can't handle the freedom, but we have enough rules and structure in other things that makes those people happy." he smirks again, shrugging. At your question Tad raises an eyebrow and asks, "Something in the halls catch your eye? Over time everyone picks up a few details about everything in the Shrine. What caught your fancy?"
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Post by DM Quietus on Jun 18, 2012 0:33:27 GMT -5
"Sounds nice.", Mortimer says, his word genuine but his heart not truly in them. If he'd set off a week ago, that might have sounded like an idyllic life to him. Now, it seemed hollow, unable to fill the hole he was left with. Ironically, it would be that freedom which he'd be using to come and go while pursuing his new goals, which *did* feel like they might fulfill him. Tad's question, thankfully, gives him a chance to keep speaking without seeming awkward. "I saw some robes, the plaque said they were worn by Ellsman Nishant. I'd like to learn more about him, he sounds like he was a very interesting man."
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Post by DM-Delfon on Aug 13, 2012 6:04:08 GMT -5
"An interesting tale that placard tells, unfortunately not much more is known of the man. He was a pacifist in the extreme, never raised a hand in anger to anyone. He was truly blessed by the Shining One himself. The story that made him famous was the battle of Rothenhelm, but the placard tells most of what I know about the battle." Tad shrugs, then continues, "My favourite part of that story is Ellsman apologizing to the soldiers for getting in their way. Can you imagine the scene? Pitched battle rages around this unarmed man while he stoops to bandage a wound. The soldier that just gave that wound gets angry that his victim might live to fight again, and stabs the would be healer only to have his weapon shatter!" Tads voice builds in excitement while he tells the story, ending with a heartfelt, but quiet burst of laughter.
"If you wanted more information about the man, you could check the library. There are books in that place that date back over a thousand years, so there could easily be something from six generations ago."
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Post by DM Quietus on Aug 14, 2012 21:39:09 GMT -5
"Yeah, I can.", Mortimer answers, when asked if he can imagine that. In fact, a portion of his attention is wandering just talking about Ellsman, picturing himself in that role, walking through the ruined streets of Urutah, using his newfound magic to heal the fallen... as his imagination takes a turn for the dark, he snaps his attention away from his daydreams, before his smile entirely falters.
"Thank you. I'll have to look him up when I get the chance. It'd be nice to have a role model...", he says, trailing off. That last is more murmured to himself, and he subconsciously glances at his fingers, still in awe of the magic he'd been given. He hadn't read anything about Ellsman outright using magic, but what else could cause weapons to shatter on his skin? Mortimer might not have that same magic, but he'd discovered the usefulness that he did have, after those endless falls making his way up that first cliff. The memory still hurt, even if the wounds themselves had healed.
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Post by DM-Delfon on Aug 17, 2012 6:03:19 GMT -5
"Role model eh?" Tad blows out a soft whistle, "I feel that I am a devout follower of the Shining One, but the level of faith that Ellsman had makes my faith look like a candle beside a bonfire." A trio of acolytes passes through, and Tad steps aside to let them by, "If you're going to try to live up to one of the Exalted Ones standards you're going to have to speak to the Light Bringer so that you don't break one of their Vows without knowing that they existed." You note that Tad adds serious importance to the words Exalted One, and Vows. You hear the capital there just as you do when he says Shining One.
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Post by DM Quietus on Aug 18, 2012 9:15:47 GMT -5
"Faith is the easy part. Taking action is where things get hard.", Mortimer thinks to himself, though he bites back on actually saying those words. Instead he simply nods, saying, "I just think that even if I can't quite reach the same point that Ellsman did, I could at least try. I've seen enough violence to understand where him as a pacifist, and I want to follow in his footsteps. It helps that I'm a healer, as well."
When Mortimer hears the capital-emphasis 'Exalted One' and 'Vows', that calls him back to the first time he'd seen the angelic Melanie, and how she had used those same words. While he considers that connection, he also decides to refer to his angel as Melody, both in homage to the musical sound of her real name, and to help differentiate her from Melanie in his mind. "I think that would be a good idea.", he finally says, with regard to Tad's suggestion he speak to the Light Bringer. "I don't know if I can match Ellsman's faith, but I think I should try. He sounds like the kind of man I want to be. I have a lot to learn before I get there, though."
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Post by DM-Delfon on Aug 21, 2012 17:33:50 GMT -5
Tad smiles, "Another healer? This place seems to attract that sort. You should swing by the 'hospital wing' " He says making air quotes with his fingers, "More of a small room if you ask me. It only has three beds! Mostly because nobody used them for long."
Tad nods seriously, "Life is a journey of learning, once you've found that you are no longer learning then you might just be dead." He adds the last with a wink to show that he's trying to make a joke.
Tad's stomach gurgles, and your stomach growls in response. Tad looks down and laughs quietly, "I think they're trying to tell us something. Shall we go get some breakfast?"
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Post by DM Quietus on Aug 24, 2012 14:01:32 GMT -5
The growl from his stomach brings an embarassed smile to Mortimer's face, and he nods with Tad's suggestion. "Yeah, let's. I can't remember the last time that I was this hungry. Pretty sure I could eat a horse.", he says, realizing he has no idea how they get food up here. He hadn't seen any farmland up this high on the mountain, and it certainly wouldn't be easy to bring it up. So where did it come from?
It was difficult for Mortimer to focus on that, however, as his thoughts drifted to the mention of the hospital wing. Were there other healers here? Like, the magical sort? If so, he would have to make a point of speaking to them, finding out what sorts of experiences they'd had. Had they met angels, too? Could they teach him how to actually use the magic he'd been given? None of these thought processes went particularly far, however, as each one interrupted the other during the entire trip to the dining hall.
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