Chapter 13: A Ghostly Glow

[Darren]

Kal taps Streko on the shoulder. "The last time we were here, we left rather abruptly." He smiles, and then a shiver shakes his shoulders. Damned rain, he thinks, trying to shrug it off. "Perhaps we should go inside and see if our friend Cael Duryn is still around?" Kal begins to stride towards the temple behind Adamant. "Are you coming, Streko?" he calls over his shoulder.

[Joe]

May 26, 2016 21:06:13 GMT -4 Darren said:

Kal taps Streko on the shoulder. "The last time we were here, we left rather abruptly." He smiles, and then a shiver shakes his shoulders. Damned rain, he thinks, trying to shrug it off. "Perhaps we should go inside and see if our friend Cael Duryn is still around?" Kal begins to stride towards the temple behind Adamant. "Are you coming, Streko?" he calls over his shoulder.

Streko nods. "Of course. And I will also want some potions. I must investigate what is here and what can be afforded, but we shall NOT be left wanting for necessities in the coming journey. Shorak, Adamant, if you would be so kind as to inquire as to what can be picked up here regarding potions and such. Kalarian and I are looking for a friend we once met here and should not be long at all. I shall want to purchase some items prior to leaving. Gods above, Kalarian, my legs are shorter than yours!!! I'm coming as quickly as I can! And this time, I promise to keep my opinions to myself. As best I can," he adds with a grin.

Streko scampers off after Kal.

[Dave W.]

May 26, 2016 17:30:59 GMT -4 Jeff said:

The kneeling warforged instantly rises to his feet. His gem-eyes—a dull red—flash briefly. "Greetings, brother-in-arms." Up close, Adamant can see this warforged is covered in battle scars. He's in fine shape, no major wounds, but his composite plating is heavily scarred. Adamant can also see he once bore an Aundairian insignia, but it's been crudely rubbed away.

The warforged turns as if to follow. "May I?" he asks, rather deferential.

"Greetings. Follow me into the Temple? Certainly you may." Adamant continues up the steps, "I am Adamant, a simple vassal of Dol Arrah. Do you greet me in your name or on behalf of the Church?"

[Ken]

"Getting revenge against those who've wronged you," says Belarin to Condign after Shorak goes inside, "might as well be on the coat of arms for every redcap clan in Thelanis. It's a source of their power... which means it's a source of mine." There's a wicked gleam in his eyes as he looks at Condign. "Krez, Branash, and no, I haven't forgotten Larest... they'll pay. I just want to sure that we don't join them in death."

[Jeff]

May 26, 2016 23:29:48 GMT -4 Dave W. said:

"Greetings. Follow me into the Temple? Certainly you may." Adamant continues up the steps, "I am Adamant, a simple vassal of Dol Arrah. Do you greet me in your name or on behalf of the Church?"

The other warforged suddenly stops on the steps, forcing Adamant to pause as well unless he wishes to enter without him. Kal, Streko, and Shorak therefore are forced to go around the two warforged to enter.

"Adamant," the other says, repeating the name. "I am called...Aven. I do not wish to enter this temple without the permission of an ordained Vassal—a curate, a priest, a holy one—for I am myself unworthy of its grace." He points one thick metal finger at Adamant's symbol. "You appear to be more than a simple Vassal, Adamant. You...seem more. Do I have your permission to enter?"

---

Guys, actually, as has come up a few times in the past, temples aren't really the place to get healing potions in Eberron. House Jorasco (or any skilled apothecary) would, however. Whereas in standard D&D worlds, temples are the go-to places for healing, in Eberron Jorasco fills that niche as a business. Temples might have priests who can use healing magic but it's not usually for sale—one must be affiliated with the faith in question (usually) to partake. Exceptions exist, of course. However, temples would sell holy water, however, and possibly other religious supplies.

[Jeff]

As with the first time Kal and Streko entered this temple, they find it to be quiet, dark, and despite its draconic designs, not particularly ostentatious (like dragons themselves have a reputation to be). This time it's even darker, though, because daylight isn't filtering through the few stained glass windows inside. Numerous torches make the shadows cast by the temple's many columns flicker as you enter.

In contrast to churches of the Silver Flame, there are no pews, just a few benches and altars. An open space in the center. And arrayed around that central axis point are smaller shrines devoted to each of the nine gods of the Sovereign Host. Each figure is represented by statue in dragon form and worship alters lie below them.

Shorak has never had cause to come in here before. He's surprised it doesn't really smell like a temple, of tallow and incense. It actually smells like a dungeon, but one that's cleaned, maintained, and lovingly shaped and curated. Not musty or dank, but still dark and firelit.

Standing within the shrine of Arawai, goddess of fertility, agriculture, and abundance, are two lavishly-robed priests, a man and a woman, both human. The elf priest Kal and Streko spoke with before is nowhere in sight. These two appear to be having a hushed conversation and from the tone, it might be an argument. The man is considerably older—but Kal vaguely remembers seeing him once before. The elf priest Cael had consulted with the human—presumably, the high priest of this temple—before offering to take Kal and Streko to the vaults below.

Both of them glance over and note your arrival but keep speaking quietly.

Tangat chooses that moment to suddenly shake, sending droplets of water scattering in all directions—and spraying each of you. The elder priest frowns deeply at this.

Rinti giggles quietly, but quickly covers her mouth.

[Darren]

Kal scowls at Tangat and offers a bit of that look to Rinti. "Please, behave yourselves," he says. "Remember who you represent." Then, straightening his new cloak on his shoulders, Kalarian strides forward and stops a respectful distance from the priest, making it clear that he is not trying to eavesdrop. He clears his throat, but otherwise remains standing and waiting to be acknowledged.

[Dave W.]

May 27, 2016 9:44:56 GMT -4 Jeff said:

"Adamant," the other says, repeating the name. "I am called...Aven. I do not wish to enter this temple without the permission of an ordained Vassal—a curate, a priest, a holy one—for I am myself unworthy of its grace." He points one thick metal finger at Adamant's symbol. "You appear to be more than a simple Vassal, Adamant. You...seem more. Do I have your permission to enter?"

Adamant stops and looks studiously at Aven. "Oh, Aven, you don't understand... no one is 'worthy' of grace. All beings are flawed constructions. I am flawed. The gods offer us grace out of Love. We can only do our best to reflect that Love back though our actions and intentions."

"If only the worthy entered, temples would be lonely spaces."

"So what is your intention? If you do not intend to do Evil in the Temple, then please, walk with me as my brother."

---

Okay, that's a pretty modern view on these things, hopefully accurate enough for Eberon. And I'm not sure if Aven is thinking he's not worthy because of the warforged thing but Adamant is in the atonement headspace right now so I went with this.

Resisting the urge to do Divine Sense just in case this is the yugoloth in disguise... But I don't think Addy would come up with that...

[Dave B.]

Shorak enters the temple with Kal and Streko. "I doubt they have healing potions to offer for donations, but you might be able get holy water and maybe some scrolls or other priestly items." He says to Streko. "I'm happy to help 'negotiate' with you, if you think it would help." Looking around, Shorak doesn't show any reaction to the temple itself. He just waits for Kal and Streko to talk to the priests.

[Joe]

"Of course. Perhaps it is wiser to have you negotiate. Last time I was here, I almost talked us right back out."

[Jeff]

May 27, 2016 12:10:28 GMT -4 Dave W. said:

Aven gives a single nod but doesn't budge yet. "I am very flawed, Adamant. I have committed many crimes. I have destroyed the lives of...many. Our kind, and human, dwarven...elven. I have done so in the name of nothing. For no one. Only my commanders." Adamant sees his head swivel to regard the shield he holds, emblazoned with the symbol of Dol Dorn. "The gods have watched all of this." Adamant assumes he refers to the Last War in all this, but he's not sure.

Aven's head turns back to face the doors of the temple again. "I would like to speak with them, if they allow it. I just do not know."

May 27, 2016 12:05:23 GMT -4 Darren said:

 He clears his throat, but otherwise remains standing and waiting to be acknowledged.

The elder meets Kal's eye, nods, and the two priests conclude their conversation and emerge from the Arawai shrine. The older man gives a slight bow to Kal, for Kal's dragonmark is obvious (and Streko's is not). He looks to the large violet and blue hues swirling across Kal's forearm and one eyebrow raises almost imperceptibly. "My lord d'Deneith," the priest says. "What brings you back to the temple of the Wyrm Ascendant?"

The younger priest is closer to Kal's and Streko's own age. Her face is pretty but she has taken no pains to make herself more so; like her elder, her robes are voluminous and flowing, ornate with draconic designs, and it conceals her frame well. She, too, gives a slight bow to Kal.

---

It's all good, David. I think that doctrine is most in line with Dol Arrah, anyway, and possibly Boldrei, or really any of the good-aligned gods. Probably love has less to do with the neutral deities (like Aureon or Kol Korran), but even so it's fitting talk for Adamant and his particular part in the Host.

[Dave W.]

May 28, 2016 10:07:54 GMT -4 Jeff said:

Aven gives a single nod but doesn't budge yet. "I am very flawed, Adamant. I have committed many crimes. I have destroyed the lives of...many. Our kind, and human, dwarven...elven. I have done so in the name of nothing. For no one. Only my commanders." Adamant sees his head swivel to regard the shield he holds, emblazoned with the symbol of Dol Dorn. "The gods have watched all of this." Adamant assumes he refers to the Last War in all this, but he's not sure.

Aven's head turns back to face the doors of the temple again. "I would like to speak with them, if they allow it. I just do not know."

Adamant once again looks at Aven's expressionless faceplate. Is this a test my Lady? "Aven," Adamant gently puts a hand on Aven's shoulder, "you can not change the past. You can only do your best to right what can be righted. And then go forward living correctly."

"If you allow yourself to be mired in your past wrongs you sacrifice yourself needlessly. This is also a sin. Take heart that you feel badly about your past. That means you are worth saving; you are capable of living better. The quantity of forgiveness is beyond counting. It is more than the drops of water in the sea or the stars in the sky."

Is this your message to me, my Lady? I'm I speaking the words you want me to hear as well?

"Aven, I must tell you, I was not speaking in generalities when I said that I am flawed. I am coming here for atonement as well. I have done a terrible wrong recently. I know all that you are feeling; I feel the same. But you can not be stuck forever in the mud of regret. Life requires that you continue traveling."

"Come. We are brothers in every meaningful way. If they will not speak with you then you must speak with me, though events may require that you travel with me for a while. My friends and I are in the midst of several... adventures I suppose."

---

[Jeff]

"I will follow, then," Aven says, and together they move into temple interior and regard its many-columned, dungeon-lit decor. Adamant sees his other friends speaking with two priests.

Aven stares in silence all around, then at least turns toward the shrine to Dol Dorn. "I will try first and speak with this one," he says to Adamant and approaches the shrine.

Here in this temple, Dol Dorn is depicted as a silver dragon, which perches majestically over a small alter. The grey hues of the marbled statue doesn't make the dragon species immediately evident, though it is polished to a near shine. Adamant is studied enough in religious lore to know of the draconic associations the gods of the Host are sometimes given. The regal fin-line spines that crown the statue's head make it clear to him that this is a silver dragon. The shrine is carved with martial designs and real weapons and pieces of armor are strewn about the alter or hang from hooks sprouting from the walls for just this reason. These are sacrifices to the Sovereign of Strength at Arms, the Host's deity of war and physical prowess. Though Dol Dorn is the most warlike of all the Host, Adamant knows he is no warmonger. Although he is said to be brash and chaotic, Dol Dorn is the brother of Dol Arrah and his goodness is no less than his sister's.

Aven stares in silence at the shrine, and at the dragon statue.

[Ken]

Belarin continues to keep watch outside with Condign. "You know," he says casually as he gazes around, "I'd like to sit down and chat with you at length again. I've been having... visions that are tied directly to my task for the Wood Mistress. Understanding them could be the difference between life and death for me." He chuckles. "Yes, I know. Never a dull moment. In any event, I value your insights. Greatly."

[Brian]

Condign listens to Belarin. The constant rain muffles their words, ensuring privacy. "When we get back to the Inn," he assures his friend. "I too have things to discuss." He pulls out the note from Black Wolf, careful not to let it get too wet. "The ghoul I killed in the Shadowfell spider chasm, he spoke of a tiefling named Orvak, here on Stormreach. I have heard the name before. He is either a warlord or a seer, or perhaps both. But he is involved in the hunt for the Eye." Condign slips the note back into his pouch. "I too have a mission. There is trouble in the Demon Wastes. The barbarian hordes have been gathering. The Ghaash'kala have always stopped their incursions into the Five Nations, but this time, it is different. They have gathered under a banner. The tribe is called Ebonfire--the tribe where I was raised." He grows quiet. "Tieflings have been spotted traveling into Aundair, near the Icehorn Mountains. We think they are spies, running reconnoissance of the Five Nations in preparation of an invasion. The Ghash'kala tasked me with learning about this tiefling activity. This Orvak may have information, which means I may have to confront him. I would prefer not to do it alone." His gold eyes find Belarin's. "I would do anything for my friends, you all know that, but I need to learn what I can about these tieflings and eventually return to the Demon Wastes with the information." He abruptly looks away. "Until I do, I cannot reclaim my true name, but the thought of leaving is something that pains me, and I would appreciate your advice. Greatly."

[Dave W.]

May 30, 2016 12:26:57 GMT -4 Jeff said:

Aven stares in silence all around, then at least turns toward the shrine to Dol Arrah. "I will try first and speak with this one," he says to Adamant and approaches the shrine

"I will pray to my Lady for a moment." Adamant whispers to Aven. "But there is another task I will attend to then. If you wish, please find me later or ask for me at the Cornerstone Inn." Adamant again places his hand Aven.

Adamant quietly chants a prayer of gratitude in front of the shrine to Dol Arrah. After a few minutes, he looks around for an acolyte or priest and notices Kal and Streko talking to two. He heads over. "Hello, Kal, Streko..." Adamant turns to the priests, "Blessings of the Host upon you both and my apologies for interrupting, but I would like to speak with the high priest of the Temple if that's allowed. Or someone in some sense of authority please."

---

Aven went to the Dol Arrah shrine first but you described Dol Dorn. Did you mean that? Adamant will go to the Dol Arrah shrine if Aven is at Dol Dorn.

We've been having issues at work, sorry if I'm slowing the flow of things...

[Jeff]

Ooops. Mistyped. So used to typing Dol Arrah. Corrected. Dol Dorn shrine.

[Jeff]

Adamant finds Dol Arrah's shrine to be a pleasant one. Here she is depicted as a red dragon, which does not surprise him, given the configuration of her horns and the broad arch of her wings, and she is perched upon a stone slab carved to resemble a cloud. The flames of the torches that hang at the shrine's entrance are caught in the statue's eyes—which Adamant sees are actually pieces of amber, catch the light and give her eyes a golden glow. It's a very artful trick, and he doubts it's even a magical effect.

When Adamant turns back away from the shrine, he sees Aven over in the other one kneel down and place the shield he's been carrying on the floor. The warforged steps back away from it, but keeps facing Dol Dorn's statue.

Shorak, standing watchful nearby, sees the arrival of the two warforged, one his ally, one a stranger. When he sees the two priests approach Kal and Streko, both of them cast quick glances towards Shorak. The elder's face is inscrutable, but the young woman's definitely exhibits some intrigue at Shorak's dusky appearance.

---

Going to wait for Kal and Streko before continuing with the priests, since they engaged them first.

[Ken]

Belarin's eyes briefly go wide as Condign finishes speaking. "My friend," he says cheerily, "oddly enough, my mission may also involve recovering a lost name. We were fated to help each other, it seems." He resumes his watch through the rain. "Or it's an elaborate jest. Either way, my skills and wits are yours."

[Darren]

May 28, 2016 10:07:54 GMT -4 Jeff said:

May 27, 2016 12:05:23 GMT -4 Darren said:

 He clears his throat, but otherwise remains standing and waiting to be acknowledged.

The elder meets Kal's eye, nods, and the two priests conclude their conversation and emerge from the Arawai shrine. The older man gives a slight bow to Kal, for Kal's dragonmark is obvious (and Streko's is not). He looks to the large violet and blue hues swirling across Kal's forearm and one eyebrow raises almost imperceptibly. "My lord d'Deneith," the priest says. "What brings you back to the temple of the Wyrm Ascendant?"

The younger priest is closer to Kal's and Streko's own age. Her face is pretty but she has taken no pains to make herself more so; like her elder, her robes are voluminous and flowing, ornate with draconic designs, and it conceals her frame well. She, too, gives a slight bow to Kal.

Kal nods politely at both priests. "Thank you for the welcome, father (or whatever the appropriate honorific is...I assume Kal would know)," Kal says, "and for your previous..." Kal waves a hand, searching about for the appropriate word, then settles on, "hospitality. As you can see," he gestures to the enlarged dragonmark on his arm, "there have been some changes since last I was here. I don't know if that had anything to do with your," Kal looks at the statue of Arawai, then briefly and pointedly towards the floor, "friend, but I appreciate the chance to visit, all the same. I must apologize for our rather abrupt exit the last time we were here. I simply wanted to return and thank you, personally, and perhaps also speak with Cael again. Is he about?"


________________
Guys, I'm really sorry for the long delay. I wish I could say I had a good excuse, but I don't. For some reason, every time I would sit down near a computer for the last few days, I just couldn't find anything to write.

[Dave B.]

Shorak nods and smiles friendly to the two priests, but does not speak. He holds a relaxed and nonthreatening pose, his arms crossed in front of him. He remains a step behind Kal and Streko.

When Adamant greets Kal and Streko, but not him he just shrugs. The warforged has seemed a bit distracted since their return to Stormreach and certainly a little anxious to come to the temple. Shorak takes no offense. The dark half-elf does have a tendency to blend into the background without really trying.

[Jeff]

Kal isn't really very familiar with the Sovereign Host's formal titles but he thinks they are few. Most priests, except for high priests like this one, are not part of a formal structure and do not have intricate ranks. (He knows that the Church of the Silver Flame is another matter.) He's heard the title of prelate used back in Karrnath to refer to a high priest, so he does not think that inappropriate. Then the elder priest introduces himself.

"I am Maru Sakhesh," he says, and all who hear it think it's Draconic in origin. Then he indicates the young woman, who smiles shyly at Kal. In fact, she hasn't really stopped looking at him, except to notice Shorak's half-drown self nearby. She seems to have almost completely ignored Streko, although the elder has not. "My chief acolytes are Tania Drake"—the younger priest here—"and Cael Duryn, although I'm afraid Cael is away from the temple attending to other duties at present."

Eyeing Kal's dragonmark, Maru Sakhesh says, "The gods have favored you, it seems, my lord. I trust your audience with one of our temple's most esteemed and aureate patrons has been meaningful?"

Tania, the younger priest, regards her elder with some surprise, then looks to Kal again. "If you or your party are interested in spellcasting services, we can provide some in exchange for gold donations to the Wyrm Ascendant. If it is counsel you seek, only a small donation is asked. Are you a Vassal, my lord d'Deneith? What of your compan—?" Now she regards Streko and notices his holy symbol at last. "Ahh, a servant of Olladra. Welcome."

Watching this, two items of local lore about this temple come to Shorak's mind. One rumor is that this temple harbors great wealth in the form of a dragon's hoard, in keeping with its Draconic interpretation of the gods; dragons are even said to visit from time to time, although in secret. The other rumor he's heard is that this high priest, who has named himself Maru Sakhesh, has been slain before and was resurrected. Whether by the power of cleric's magic or the services of House Jorasco, who knows? That is, if the rumor is even true.

---

I don't recall what, or how much, has been said by Kal or Streko about their experience beneath the temple. Vassal is just the term for any follower of the Sovereign Host, whether clergy or layman.

[Jeff]

Standing together in the rain, positioned where they can see the entrance to the Temple of the Sovereign Host and yet make some attempt to get shelter from the downpour beneath an outcropping of rock, Belarin and Condign see very few people pass by. One group that is notable, however, is they watch as a company of hobgoblins marches past mid-way through their conversation, heading north and east towards the Deneith enclave. Their armor is matching, but nothing about it makes it look specifically aligned with Darguun. More mercenaries, perhaps. This city is thick with them now.

The goblinoids give the two men only a quick look, but are utterly disinterested as they continue on.

[Darren]

"A vassal?" Kal says, rolling the word around in his mouth. "No, I don't think I would say that. I've never been particularly...I guess you would say devoted? It's not that I'm a non-believer," he says quickly. "I've seen enough in my time to know the works of the gods are true. My friends here," he places a hand on Streko's shoulder and gestures with the other towards Adamant, "have shown me that more times than I care to admit. I just haven't found myself spending much time in public devotions." Kal looks around the building he is standing in and seems to realize he may have offended his hosts. "Oh, it's a lovely building, and I do not mean to denigrate. I guess you could say that I keep the gods in my own way." He smiles at both priests.

"Maru," Kal says, taking the man's elbow and drawing him slightly aside, "the manner of our leaving was...a bit mysterious. Even to me and Streko. We were speaking with your...associate...and then woke in the Jorasco enclave. Can you tell us how we came to be there?"

[Brian]

Condign's eyes follow the hobgoblins as the march past the Temple. "That is interesting," he says to Belarin. "What need would a well-armed Deneith enclave need of mercenaries? I have always thought they preferred their own soldiers. Unless events have proceeded at a great pace, and reinforcements are too far away for them to wait." His eyes narrow. "Do we know how long we were absent from Stormreach? It felt only like a day or two, but could it have been longer?"

[Ken]

"I don't think we were gone for long," says Belarin uncertainly. "Larest or Sem would've commented otherwise. So, yes, what is Greigur doing recruiting hobgoblins...?" Belarin concentrates and summons a fey enchantment onto his vision.

________________________

Belarin invokes Eldritch Sight and checks out the hobgoblins.

[Jeff]

Not to derail what you're saying, guys, but...

Condign, in learning from his Ghaash'kala mentors, learned that during the Last War, the dragonmarked house that bore the Mark of Sentinel—House Deneith—did employ mercenaries of many kinds. In fact, it's well known that House Deneith is largely responsible for Darguun's emergence as a sovereign state after Deneith expeditions made contact with the goblinoids who laired in the Seawall Mountains—remnant tribes descended from the ancient empire of Dhakaan. As the years went by hobgoblins and other goblinoids started to supplement the mercenary armies that Deneith sold to both Breland and Cyre during the Last War. In time this backfired, as over-reliance gave the goblinoids the upper hand: a Darguun warlord named Haruuc organized the chieftains of many tribes and they turned against the humans they'd been hired to fight for. In the massacres that followed, Haruuc established Darguun as its own nation of goblinoids and it has been recognized by the Treaty of Thronehold that ended the war.

What surprises Condign is that after that notorious betrayal, Deneith might still have dealings with goblinoids. But then this is Stormreach, and all bets seem to be off in this town. Kal, as a dragonmarked heir, knows the fuller story about this, and anyone from Breland knows that King Boranel has since brokered peace between his nation and the goblinoids'. As for Cyre, it hardly matters now anyway. This was before the Day of Mourning.

Belarin, meanwhile, really didn't pay much attention to military history. He knows more about Brelish lore than military matters abroad and certainly personally never witnessed actual war-time battle. But even he heard of Darguun's betrayal.

One thing that is more commonly known is that House Tharashk, the house of Finding, have become rivals in the mercenary trade to House Deneith. In particular, the half-orcs of Tharashk have greater traction with more monstrous races than Deneith. Briefly, Condign recalls a lady of House Deneith once mentioning the more monstrous races to him.

Belarins sees nothing unusual when he perceives the company with his arcane sight. Just a few minor enchantments on some of their weapons.

---

Condign's Intelligence (History) check: 21
Belarin's Intelligence (History) check: 5

[Joe]

Jun 1, 2016 6:25:42 GMT -4 Jeff said:

Now she regards Streko and notices his holy symbol at last. "Ahh, a servant of Olladra. Welcome."

Streko bows. "It is an honor to be welcomed here. Thank you." He says nothing more, recalling Kal's sharp rebuke to remain quiet. He watches Kal take the high priest aside, but remains still. He finds himself looking around, considering the impact dragons have had upon his life. Upon the world. He wonders, briefly, how they fit into the search for the Eye, as they seem to be a part of everything else.

[Jeff]

Jun 1, 2016 10:08:52 GMT -4 Darren said:

"Maru," Kal says, taking the man's elbow and drawing him slightly aside, "the manner of our leaving was...a bit mysterious. Even to me and Streko. We were speaking with your...associate...and then woke in the Jorasco enclave. Can you tell us how we came to be there?"

Maru Sakhesh shakes his head. "I'm afraid I cannot. If you had an audience with our guest, the particulars of that meeting are between you and he. However, Cael spoke with me some time afterwards about his brief discussion with you." Kal suspects the old man knows a little more than what he's saying, but even so, he goes on: "It was his impression that you are struggling with the concept of prophecy. How can I assist?"

Tania is left standing with Streko. She looks down at him and gives a polite smile. "Are you a retainer of House Deneith? Is there anything you seek here? From your arms, I guess that you are not idle long." She gives a small chuckle. "Then again, the only Olladrans I have met who remain in one place are also gamblers and merchants."

[Darren]

Kal opens his mouth and draws in a breath to answer, then looks over at his friends waiting for him. The air comes out as a sigh. "I struggle greatly with prophecy, my friend," he says. "Unfortunately, I also struggle with time. And right now I don't have enough of it to ask you all the questions I want to and still fulfill my obligations to my friends and to those in need. Perhaps, when time permits, I might return and speak with you again?"

Kal smiles at the man and begins to turn away. As he does, he catches sight of Rinti playing with Tangat, and he pauses, watching the two. He is on the verge of scolding the girl for being so frivolous with a warrior such as Tangat, but instead he turns back to Maru. "Perhaps I could ask one more favor of you? That girl there, her name is Rinti. I plucked her from the street, and am trying to train her to be a retainer for House Deneith, but I admit that Stormreach politics are not well known to me. I am going to need to leave here soon, and where I am going is no place for a young girl. I hope that my house will take her in and treat her well, but I fear for her." He steps closer to Maru and lowers his voice, fearful that Rinti might overhear. "May I ask...should the girl need help...can I tell her to call on you? I would consider it a great personal favor from one who has already done so much for me..."