in the House of Healing; (An Ongoing RP Thread)

[Defunct Fiddlesticks]

//if the server is up in time and I am not asleep on my desk//

*Henrik would be making preparations to leave and make his way to assist her, carrying a special selection of fresh food and ingredients in his kit bag as well as spring water and anything else he or anyone else might need*

[Pedantry INC]

Self sacrifice - The moral duty of those that serve the noble ideals of compassion and mercy.

Evalynn felt a hard won peace, and yet, redemption is never so simple. A call tugged her from her rest, urging her to return to her duties, demanding that business not be left unfinished. How could she remain so, when others suffered?

In the house of healing, Evalynn opened her eyes after the prayers of resurrection, with a wary expression despite being fully healed in body. Yet as she hears of what has passed she looks somewhat relieved.

Learning of the lost one though seems to strike her hard, and excusing herself, Evalynn retires to her room. Despite an ever stoic demeanor, an uncharacteristic sound comes from her chamber, a heartbroken sobbing.

[Defunct Fiddlesticks]

A weary Henrik is summoned out shortly after returnng to the House to raise a further group of adventurers.

Finally the exhausted healer reportedly collapses in Greatgaunt where he's carried off to the inn to sleep for 13 hours.

He returns to the House the next day and heads immediately to the room he shares with his wife and goes back to bed for quite some time. When he eventually emerges he is serious, thoughtful and occasionally a pained look will cross his face, thinking about recent events.

The only things that seem to ease his mind are Lynn's company and his duties in the House.

He is immensely relieved when Evalynn is returned but thoughts of the other's loss, unknown to everyone except the Triadic Order, still brings terrible sadness and tears to his eyes.

[offduty]

*Lynn would go about with cooking and cleaning stoping every so often to fuss over both Henrik and Evalynn, bringing her tea and food, leaving it on her desk*

[Pedantry INC]

After a time Evalynn emerges, her expression strained. She spends some time speaking to staff and visitors to the house saying some farewells and offering well wishes. After visiting Henrik and Lynn she collects her gear, her cracked and burnt shield slung over her packs, and departs the house.

[offduty]

Goes about cleaning and fixing dinner for everyone. Her eyes sad over Evalynn leaving them. She turns and looks at Henrik.

"What you did was good love. A lot of lives was saved. I hope she can come to terms with that and returns to us."

Hands him the dishes for the evening meal.

[Defunct Fiddlesticks]

"Thank you, swweetheart." Henrik accepts the dishes, nodding in thought he places them on the plain table in front of him. "I pray she does. I feel we made a mistake we could not have truly avoided. We are doing all we can to correct it, I hope she sees that and is a part of it."

He reaches for a ladle and scoops vegetable stew with round herb dumplings into each plate, continuing to do so until every plate has some and is served with torn chunks of bread. Offering a dish to her after they have finished serving everyone else, he joins her at the long table outside and they eat with the rest of the house's inhabitants...talking over the day's events and listening to news among the clergy and the poor.

[offduty]

Once she finishes her meal she goes about cleaning the table and doing the dishes.

"First there was the Rod and now this, add the investigation on top of everything else. Doesn't he see whats really going on around him? If he can be influenced so easily by just the words of others, who will he attack next with his slander? Doesn't he see that in itself without evidence with no kind of proof is only playing into the hands of evil, making his very actions evil? This will spread like taking a feather pillow out in a storm and ripping it apart letting it's feathers spread on the winds, then thinking the next day you can gather every feather and put them all back in the pillow. It can't be done. The damage is done, it can't be undone. He screams how Vel and the order should not mind this investigation yet why was someone else against Vels offer to prove or disprove corruption in the Temple of Sune? If nothing else in Eds own reasoning why doesn't he question what the temple of Sune is hiding? What does he personally have against Vel?"

Hands him the clean plates to place on the shelf she cant begin to reach.

[Defunct Fiddlesticks]

Henrik towers over her and places the crockery on the shelf before planting a kiss on the top of her head. "I wish I knew, my love. In a time of public speculation and gossip about that church and that priestess in particular, it could have been a good situation for that faith to reinforce good reputations and foster ties. The Lord knows, I did try to understand that convuluted web of relationships...even though it's not my duty to do so. I think people forget what my duties are and push me into roles I am honestly not comfortable with." He pauses, picking up a huge jug of milk and pouring it into bowls, each bowl has a twice-baked rye sourdough biscuit added to it to soak. "I know I don't wish to be distracted from my primary duties by this -" He throws his long, elegant hands in the air in a confused gesture. "-whatever it is. I will relish the chance to speak the truth of what went on from my point of view."

His gaze fixes on a sleek black cat sleeping in the hall as a mouse makes its way across the kitchen floor, still talking he calmly picks up a box and traps the rodent before it gets eaten. "It's best we let him get on with whatever he wants to do...but I can't help wondering at his motives though. I fear he is being played." He pauses and carries the mouse outside the back of the House to release it, walking past the sleeping cat.

Upon his return, he picks up a pitcher of springwater, pouring them drinks and looking over the counter.

"Time for pudding if anyone is still hungry, come and get it!"

[offduty]

She giggles as she watches her husband.

"Oh that sounds wonderful. Shall we take ours and enjoy the fireplace?"

Picks up two bowls of pudding waiting for him to go unlock the door for her. Looking around smiling at everyone as she walks past.

"Have a wonderful night and breakfast will be served on time. If you need anything you know where to find us."

[bentusi16]

Edthin shows up one day in the early morning with a eleven year old child in tow. He sets the child down at a table and stands over him, looking as grim faced as ever.

The child seems fairly healthy but low educated. He also doesn't seem very happy to be around Edthin, and it's clear he would happy to be rid of him.

His hammer is slung across his back and he crosses his arms, seeming willing to wait and nice and patient.

[Defunct Fiddlesticks]

Henrik emerges from the clerical area in his long robes and stops, casting an eye over the scene in front of him, his eyes keenly make a cursory check on the paladin's state before appraising the boy's condition and his body language. He closes the door behind him with the look of a man expecting and preparing himself to endure criticism and disagreements before quietly approaching with a more neutral expression.

"Edithin, how may I help you?" He speaks in a polite tone, his gray eyes look down at the boy with a faint smile in them. "Hello, young man."

[bentusi16]

Edthin gestures to the boy, speaking in his neutral tones as usual "This is Cecilius. His father was hung for murder and his mother passed away several years ago. I am arranging for him to be moved west but in the meantime he requires food and a place to stay.". He doesn't seem to be injured.

The boy glares at Edthin and then Henrik in turn. His eyes are still red rimmed from crying though. He doesn't seem to have any physical issues on him though.

[offduty]

Stepping out of the kitchen with a huge serving plater full of bacon, eggs, toast, an assortment of fruit.

"Breakfast is" Lynn stops and looks at Edthin. "Will you be joining us for breakfast?"

She then notices the little boy and Henrik. A huge smile crosses her lips as she walks over to the boy and puts a large plate of breakfast in front of him.

"Hello. I'm Lynn and this is my husband Henrik. I do hope you are hungry." Ruffles the boy hair playfully, as she looks up at Edthin. "Please sit down" Motioning to an empty spot as she sits the plate in front of it.

"Love will you get these big strong men some milk please" Winks at the boy. "Go on dear enjoy your breakfast" Looks at Edthin not giving him a chance to respond. "Eat your breakfast and don't argue with me about it Edthin. When you show up in my home at meal time you will have good manners and respect the fact that I cooked. Now enjoy your meal. There is plenty more if you are still hungry after you have finished that plate."

Again ruffles the boys hair, as she smiles down at him. "It's good to see such a strong young man with such a healthy appetite. I'll get you some more bacon and eggs."

"Love can I have your help in the kitchen?"

[Defunct Fiddlesticks]

Henrik winks at the boy. "Best not to argue with her, you and Edithin get to eating that breakfast and I will return, we'll find you a place to sleep and look after you until you're sent away." He speaks in a very calm, gentle voice. He reaches into the pocket of his robes and produces a cloth, applying some water to it he offers it to the boy."Use this on your eyes, Cecilus, it will cool them down..and please, don't worry. You're in a safe place here. I won't be long then we shall sit and talk about what going to happen to you now."

Stretching up to his full height, he nods and follows his wife into the kitchen to help her.

[offduty]

"Can you reach those glasses for me?" Grabs the pitcher of milk and serving tray.

"What happened? The little boy is awfully upset, and why is he with Ed? Where is he being taken to?"

Finishes making there plates. Smiling as she takes the tray and places it on the counter.

"He's such an adorable little boy maybe he would like to go swimming today with us?"

[Defunct Fiddlesticks]

"Edithin said his father was hung for murder and his mother passed several years ago" Henrik talks as he helps her. "He's arranging for him to be moved west, I am uncertain why or how far west. Have to ask him what his plans are." He looks at her and checks she's ready to head back out. "Ready? Let's go see how they are doing and ask some questions."

They emerge from the kitchen.

[bentusi16]

Edthin doesn't offer any argument, but sits down and quietly eats his meal; he eats like most people who grew up without much food, which is quickly and furtively, like he's worried someone is going to take it away. The boy, on the other hand, eats a little more easy and looks much happier then he did when they first walked in.

He and the half-orc exchange a few short words before the two comes up, and Ed looks up at them "Thankyou for breakfast. The boy is a bit saddle sore from the ride here."

[Defunct Fiddlesticks]

"Perhaps you could tell us a little about this young fellow, how he came to be in your care and what plans there are for him?" Henrik studies the boy studiously.

[offduty]

Sits another plate of food, and large glass of Milk down in front of Edthin. "Its good to see you have a healthy apatite. I hope you don't mind milk. Outside of water it's all we have at the moment"

Smiling at the boy as she puts a large glass of milk in front of him. "I do hope you get to stay for a few days at least. I'm taking the children swimming later, and then tonight if everyone is really good today Henrik and I will have our shadow theater. We also have reading lessons this afternoon if you would like to join us for that as well."

*Looks over at Henrik. "He's more then welcome to stay here."

[Defunct Fiddlesticks]

Henrik nods. "He most certainly is, we can keep him educated, occupied and entertained until it's time for him to go".

[offduty]

"What if I don't want him to go?"

[Defunct Fiddlesticks]

"I'd keep them all too, but..." Henrik chuckles and reaches over taking his wife's hand, smiling. "He may have a home waiting, we don't know...I'd be happy to try and find him a loving home, myself." He looks at Edithin. "What provision is being made for Cecilus?"

[bentusi16]

"As I said before, the boys father was hung for murder. I was the one who found him guilty and as such the responsibility of the child falls to me" Edthin accepts the milk "Thank you. I would like to send him west to the Temple of the Faithful in Tethyr. That was done for me and I would be remiss in duty and honor not to offer the chance to another young man."

Cecilius looks sour about the whole thing, but he does say thank you to the lady when she gives him things.

"It would be for a few days, I need to arrange safe transport all the way to Tethyr. It's just a matter of timing."

[Defunct Fiddlesticks]

Henrik looks at the boy intently. "Cecilus, what is it *you* want to do? Do you want to go to Tethyr or would you like to do something else with your life? After all, Tethyr would take you away from this land and everything you have ever known...is this what you want to do?"

[bentusi16]

The boy hesitates and then says "I don't know. I don't have anyone here or in Tethyr. Ser Edthin says this land is to chaotic and dangerous right now."

Ed gives a firm nod at the boys words.

[Defunct Fiddlesticks]

Henrik arches a brow at that.

"Well, if I may say so..before I became a fully-fledged healer I used to seek out homes and employment for displaced people. If the idea of Tethyr does not fully enthuse him then there are other options. Entering a monastery for one, in Damara at the monastery - which has an excellent reputation for truth and diplomacy - he would be well-looked after, given training and education among young people of a similiar age...shown the ways of healing, compassion and discipline. There are even more options, he could be found an apprenticeship with a local business or adopted into a good household? I would advise exploring his options fully."

[bentusi16]

"I can turn him over to you," the boy seems happy about that prospect "And you may do with him as you think best. I am not comfortable with children." the boy nods firmly at this.

Ed looks at the boy then Henrik "This is rather why I chose to come here."

[Defunct Fiddlesticks]

Henrik nods and smiles. "I'd be delighted and you may be assured he will be very well cared for, we can keep the lad busy here until we come up with some options for him and he can choose what he wants to do. A young man on his own should be given a sense of control over his life, having lost so much." His gaze flickers a moment as if he is speaking from experience. "So Cecilus, if you want we can find out what it is you want to do from here on in and help you, does that sound like a good plan?"

He looks to Lynn with a smile. "Love, will you show our guest to the nearest bed he can call his own for now? I am sure he wants a rest after the journey...when you wake up, fellow, we'll have a chat."

[offduty]

Takes the boys hand smiling. "I'll show you to your room and when you wake up we will all go swimming talking and plans for the future can wait. Today is about having fun and being a family." Gives Henrik and Ed a stern look that clearly says she wont take no for an answer.