The Shrines of Eternal Battlefield

[vojdan]

Thread meant to follow mainly the activities of all Tempurians in Cormyr but everyone else is more than welcome to participate in it.

[vojdan]

Another rainy day in Suzail and yet the streets are still crowded with people. Chatter, laughter and whispers fill the market. Calina, Bens and Kell have a hand full of work.
A slightly taller man with soaking wet blond hair walks among the crowd, wearing a fully battered plate armor, covered with bloody red tabard and spikes on the shoulders. His battle axe, hanging on his hips, clings with every slow step he makes. A bit of worried expression is painted on his face as he scans every face on the market. With the obvious failure of his search he decides to head to the shrine of Tempus.
Suddenly the door of the shrine opens and a hearty chuckle fills the hall. The man enters inside and starts to look for Jart. A few moments pass before his chuckle dies completely. Glancing around he slowly starts to mutter to himself as he flicks backwards the wet hair from his face.
"By the Foehammers might!... Where in the hell is everybody?"
Glances around one more time, this time searching for some quill and paper. After writing a few notes and carefully placing them in a scroll case he runs out and hands the case to one of the kids along side with a small amount of coins.
"Take one of these notes to each of the following places which are written on the first paper and hand the rest to Derner boy. He'll know what to do"
He taps the boy on the shoulder before he enters the shrine again and starts his prayers.
Not much time passes before a note can be seen on the walls on almost every inn in Cormyr. The note calls every follower of Tempus to journey to the shrine of Tempus in Suzail. The notes are signed on the bottom right corner by William Vaughn, War-priest of Tempus.

//OOC: I hope we can make a gathering and discuss the newly ongoing situation in Cormyr. Pm me here or in game so we can set a date appropriate for everyone who wishes to attend to the meeting.

[Melinda]

*A green-clad gnome reaches to Marensber holding a letter with sealing vax*:

To the Battle Priest of Tempus, William Vaughn.

Dear William,
I hope the days are bright and the training proceeds with success. Forgive me that I could not visit the training grounds recently but many things have happened, that keep me occupied near Greatguant.

I am sure you already are aware that Fiona, has to retire cause of her pregnancy. I’d say to make a gift to her as a sign of respect for what she has offered.

Also, I wanted to inform you about the matter of the Bonemaster, which we had talked about. I had the change to gather some information about him, not by adventurers this time, but from his own Knights. I did not choose to fight that Knight, not from cowardice of course, but keeping him alive seemed wiser. Killing one of the Bonemaster’s servants would have minor effect to his power after all. I hope Tempus would approve my judgment.

I choose not to write down much on this paper cause the gnome, that hopefully will deliver it, is not of my trusted friends.

May Tempus lead you hand and give you wisdom.

Eternally yours,
Nyxta.

[heartofsilver]

Fiona is seen much more frequently at the shrine these days. It was uncommon, though not rare, to see her present for a quick prayer or to pay her respects to some long forgotten warrior. These days seem to be different. She assists more with daily rituals and training of some of the temple regulars. The red-headed warrioress devotes a lot less time to adventuring and more time here in easily observable spans. A lot of people point to the idea that Fiona is pregnant, and that this has something to do to with her failed marriage and her sudden resignation from the corps. While this explanation fits neatly to explain these events, the Ace of Blades shows no slow-down in her physical activity and her stomach doesn't really seem to bulge - which seems to undermine the idea and leaves minds to wonder.

[heartofsilver]

* A letter is delivered to William Vuaghn, battle priest of Tempus *

Willy!

I need you to do me a favor, pal. I need you to cover for my blade-master classes at the temple for me. See, I'm sort of sitting in a jail cell in Great Gaunt and I won't be back in time to teach the youngsters.

What happened you ask? Weeeeelll, it was a total misunderstanding, you see. Slate was running his mouth like he normally does. While doing so, I grabbed a bar stool, you know, just to move it. Well, do you know the little silver mirror Kale has sitting on his mantle? Well, there was a glint from it and it flashed right in my eye! Out of reflex, it covered my eye but was still holding onto the stool. In doing so, I ~might~ have hit Slate over the head (Totally by accident) and smashed the stool to bits. Oh sure, there was a lot of blood and a whole bunch of screaming, but I mean, it was an honest mistake!

So, I'm stuck with this totally unwarranted over-night jail sentence and won't be able to teach my class in time. I need you to help me out. Thanks, bub.

~Fiona

[heartofsilver]

*another letter comes for William*

Willy!

So, uh, funny coincidence. So, ok, I was out in Greatgaunt again, when this mouthy elf was giving me attitude. Sure, it made me mad, but I played it calm and collected. Instead, I hand Kalia my gauntlet so I can lace up my boots, right? Well, of course there is a mud puddle RIGHT WHERE I AM STANDING and I slip. Needless to say, I thrust my arm forward to balance myself, like any good warrior would do, and I ~might~ have ~accidentally~ punched that mouthy elf in the back of the head. Oh sure, there was a lot of screaming again, and a few arrows shot my way, but it was just another honest mistake!

Anyhow, Im stuck in this cell, unwarranted, for two days. Think you can pick up those classes for me again? Thanks bub, your a life saver.

~Fiona Lightfellow, Ace of Blades

[vojdan]

*Returning one late night in Suzail William heads directly to the temple to see his father Jart and learn of the new things that happened recently. Greeted with a tap on the shoulder from Jart he receives a couple of letters as he breaks some bread and ale on the tables with the youngsters. Flipping trough the letters he seals his gaze first on the letter from Nyxta, swiftly breaking the seal and reading it with great anticipation. After a few moments he sighs with slight relief and asks one of the boys to bring him some paper, ink and quill. While he waits for the ordered stuff he reads the rest of the letters and starts laughing hard as he reads them aloud to everyone still awake the letters from Fiona. Few of the young fellas throw over a few comments...
"Pitty that another good stool gone to waste *with a wide grin*"
"... What's the next thing that's going to be punishable with a jail time? An occasional "flying Mug" towards your "comrade"? *with a mocking tone*"
*William wipes the dripping ale from his mouth and beard with his sleeve, smiling wide and speaking with a mocking tone .. " So... we found the weak spot of our dragon slayer. Best warn all the near by dragons to grab some bar stools instead of gold and magical stuff, they'll have a fairer chance that way! Barad, Kellen, Doran.. quickly grab some ink and paper and start writing those letters" .. letting out a loud laughter. The boys continue with the mocking talk as he gets his ink and papers and starts writing a few letters before he heads to the Waling Wheel Inn*

*After a few days a letter reaches Nyxta in Greatgount*

My Love,
Its good to hear your thoughts again. I can finally say that the training sessions are going according to the plan. We've eliminated those who are strong only in heart but lack the physical potential and ability to advance in the training. Maybe the word "eliminate" is a bit strong but its the most accurate. We've rescheduled their force to other, more fitting positions for their abilities. I have also made a short list of those who might be able to use your guidance in uncovering some hidden potentials of their own.
I have received a few letters from Fiona as well. I'm not sure about her pregnancy since she seems to be surrounded but some "accidents" around Gaunt as well, Im sure the dragon slayer will be able to tell you more about this, but by the time this letter reaches you I sure this will be an old news for you.
Lastly and most important of all is the talk you had with one of the knights of that prick Bonemaster. I would really like to see you again soon love and share these news with me face to face.
I miss your touch my love.

Forever yours,
William.

*Another letter is sent to Fiona Lightfellow*

God's Blood, Dearie!
Forgive me about the delayed response but I just got back in Suzail. Dont worry about these young hairless pests, I'll deal with them while you are on "vacation". Rest yer legs and have some fun with those jailers, I bet those swag-bellied fellas wont put up with you much longer and they'll let you out sooner then expected. I am in Suzail for the next tenday and I'll look over the training of the youngsters.
On another account, my training lessons are taking a good swing. I've finally put down a Frost Giant with the blade you gave me. That encounter was something, I tell ya! That was a ... terrible death dearie but it revealed quite a few new things, new possibilities of how one can control his movements, bide his time and wait for the perfect situation. Patience and ultimate precision is the key!I begin to feel like Im starting to understand that I knew very little if not almost nothing before about the ways of combat. I would like to see you again very soon in Suzail. We must continue our training and I must ask you a few more questions about it.
Tempus Thanks you Fiona Lightfellow, Ace of blades.

-William Vaughn, War-priest of the Foehammer.

P.S I've made some arrangements with Derner, he says he has a few extra bar stools, you know... in case you need them.

[heartofsilver]

* A letter is sent to William in all due haste*

Willy my boy!

Glad your back! I got a few things to talk to you about. Yes, we have to continue with your training, but I also have some work for you, and Nyxta too if she is interested.

~Fiona

[vojdan]

*The same courier runs back with a response*

Glad to be back and we awaiting your arrival at the shrine In Suzail.
Tempus thanks you.

William Vaughn, War-priest of the Foehammer.

[Melinda]

*A letter to father Jart's hands for William*

//pm sent.

[heartofsilver]

The Ace of Blades, Fiona Lightfellow comes to the temple to mourn the loss of a fallen friend. She honors him by drinking and holding a feast in his name, and tells the others at the temple of his accomplishments and feats of valor.

She spends some of her personal time honoring him too. Her prayers to Tempus asking that her fallen companion be allowed to join Tempus at his feasthall, and make war with him on the fields of eternal battle fill the hall as she whispers them. The redhead lights a few braziers around his corpse while weeping, and eventually journeys out to slay some great beast in his honor.

After that, Fiona disappears somewhere for a time to be alone.

[Razgriz]

*Luke, Kalia and Holance would have visted Suzail's Halls of Eternal Battlefield as well and honor the fallen Battlepriest*

[Jarec]

Sept 2, 2014 11:20:23 GMT -5 heartofsilver said:

The Ace of Blades, Fiona Lightfellow comes to the temple to mourn the loss of a fallen friend. She honors him by drinking and holding a feast in his name, and tells the others at the temple of his accomplishments and feats of valor.

She spends some of her personal time honoring him too. Her prayers to Tempus asking that her fallen companion be allowed to join Tempus at his feasthall, and make war with him on the fields of eternal battle fill the hall as she whispers them. The redhead lights a few braziers around his corpse while weeping, and eventually journeys out to slay some great beast in his honor.

After that, Fiona disappears somewhere for a time to be alone.

Joric would attend the feast upon hearing of his old comrades departure. He'd join in and reminisce tales of the great warpriest's exploits, aswell as the occasional joke. Finally when all would be settled, he'd rise to his feet and raise his mug, his voice a sombre tone that echoes across the room. "Let us all hold our mugs to the ceiling and have one last drink in remberance of the dead. William was an honourable and proud man worthy of a place in the great Warrior's Rest. A battle death is a holy ending friends. The sun rises out of blood and sets into blood and all the time between belongs to the lord of battles. A drink to the dead!" He'd finally knock back the mug, draining its contents before slamming it back down on the table. He'd continue eating, drinking and sharing tales and conquests alike with those gathered.

Eventually he too would pay his own quiet respects before silently leaving out the door and into the Suzail night.

[StabbingNirvana]

A hooded man in white on horseback approaches the Tempurian temple in Suzail. His dismounts and walks towards doors of the temple, entering and pulling his hood back. His armor engraved with the the symbols of the Triadic faiths and the emblem of the Order of the divine resurrection on the center of his breastplate. He approaches the priest present and speaks in a solemn manner.

"I've come to bring news that your fellow faithful, Katessa Fensbain, has fallen at the hands of Zyraxas of Bane. After repeated attempts to call her spirit to return, they have been left unanswered. We retain her remains at our Keep. May she be with Tempus."

He looks around the temple and offers comfort, condolences and sympathies to any who are troubled by the news inside the temple, then makes his exit.

[heartofsilver]

The red-headed Tempurian steps into the temple and lowers her hood. A few of her brothers and sisters in faith notice her and greet her - some with quiet congratulations, and others with loud boisterous cheers. Fiona grins and takes time to address each before moving to the giant flaming sword serving as the temple's altar.

"Brotha'" Fiona says, inclining her head to Jart.

"Ace" Jart replies with a smirk.

In a crisp motion, Fiona removes one of her blades from it's scabbard - a blackened weapon with a wicked edge that glows and hums with power. She holds the blade with a respectful pious manner before carefully kneeling in a submissive manner, her head bowed and the point of her planted neatly into the ground. A silent prayer escapes her lips;

"Ta' the Lord o' Battle, whom I owe all I am ta'," spoken as a common refrain, spoken boldly, to open her prayer.

"My prowess in personal combat is well-known. I can only offer you so much glory on that count. My fearlessness is also well-known. I already have put to you the strength of my courage. I thank you for this and credit it to you as I have so many times before in prayer."

Fiona quiets for a moment and takes a breath.

"The challenges of 'Boot's Keep' were new. As were the fears. Its ok fer' /me/ ta' fight as I do - It's ok that I should risk myself ta' a cause, and fight as I do...but its anotha' thing ta' risk otha's. I couldnt be reckless and I had ta' think o' the well-bein' o' otha's. Honestly, I didn't know iff'n I was cut out for' that responsibility. "

"Initally, I relished the idea' o' gettin' ta' spit in the eyes o' authority one more time. But the realization that I had ta' get otha's ta' take the same risks I was became dauntin' - I felt like I was punched in the gut. How do I ask good people like Isabel ta' do a thing like this? Stormin' a Banite fort was one thing. Doin' somethin' that could cause her ta' be hanged by the very people she is protectin' is anotha'. I had ta' stop thinkin' 'bout what is best fer' me and start thinkin' whats best fer us. I want to thank you fer' my friends - you have taught me responsiblity through them.

"For some reason, Arak saw somethin' in me enough ta' dare ta' beleive in me, and I am most blessed fer' his confidence and friendship. I didn't know him before comin' ta' Valkur's Roar, but he chose ta' stand for me inspite o' our distance. He saw me fer' somethin' more than I seen in myself. His good example o' kinship inspired me ta' rise ta' more. Thank you fer' the strength ta' be worthy o' his friendship. Through him, you have taught me ta' be betta' than I am."

"I know Torm patrons Holance, but there is a bit o' yer' fire in 'im too. I know 'e and I have had our differences from time ta' time, but he was a real brotha' in battle. His friendship required a growth in me. Sometimes I rebel fer its own sake. Too many people like ta' remind me o' the perfectness o' law and it rubs me the wrong way. I am learnin' that there is a time and place fer' that fight, and I need ta' hone it. If I do not, then I stand ta' lose one o' the most rewardin' friendship I have discovered. I want ta' thank ya' fer' Holance. Through you, hes taught me temperance."

"Glory was had on the battlefield. Our enemies crippled, those standin' before us defeated, and those who remain know ta' fear and respect us. I freely give all those up ta' ya', knowin' ya' have given me greata' rewards in the people and lessons ya' put before me. I am, and foreva' will be, yer' appreciative warrior in battle."

The doors open behind her as Fiona concludes her prayer, Mirrir slipping curiously in

"We are the few, the willful, and the bold. We whom are about ta' die, hona' you. Glory ta' Tempus! Strength and Hona'" the least few whispered words slip out of her lips and she stands. After putting her sword in its proper place at her hip, she deposits a chunk of coinage in the tithe plate.

"Mirrir", Fiona turns to the feircesome red-winged woman, who is eyeing the combat dummies dangerously "even our train'n tools arnt up ta' the task o' one o' /yer'/ beatin's..."