025. A new team is born!

[Corwin]

[19:11] <Kotono> "Tomas," The onew ith the swords says respectfully, the last murmuring, "Artignan."
[19:16] * Taishyr nods to the three. "I'll be confessional here; I've come to discuss something with the head of the Academy, but not only am I unsure as to who to address, being new to the Crimson Guard in many respects, I am unsure who amongst you and the other classes would be interested in my proposal."
[19:22] <Kotono> "Commander Oberuth commands it, and Lord Salman is the theoretical head," Lukah provides helpfuly. "What's your proposal, sir?"
[19:24] <Taishyr> "Is there anyone that manages the day to day command? ...and no wonder Commander Oberuth needs the vacation. Sheesh." Demedais muses.
[19:24] * Taishyr is now known as Demedais
[19:26] <Kotono> "Our individual teachers," Artignan chimes in, looking over Demedais with admiration, eyes romaing.
[19:26] <Kotono> "Commander Ob eruth mostly comes to instruct us on battle practice...he's very good and very...direct..." Lukah winces and rubs his arm.
[19:30] <Demedais> "Heh. He does not pull punches." Demedais nods. "I came here to try and determine if there was interest in the Academy working with local temples to train paladins. I, of course, have the backing of the temple of Helm in this venture; however, for those who are not Helmites nor convincable to become Helmites..." Demedais gives a wry grin at this. "I would encourage talking to their temples. The extra training required to
[19:32] <Demedais> The extra training required to become a Paladin would vastly assist most members of the Crimson Guard in their duties, I feel."
[19:35] <Kotono> Lukah looks on at that, surprised, "Real paladins, sir?" He marvels, "That does sound interesting, if we could do it.
[19:38] * Demedais nods. "As I said, the temple of Helm is quite willing to assist any who wish to try this path."
[19:40] <Kotono> "Talk to the commander?" Tomas suggests, wiping at his brow. "I get the impression you know him already, sir...erm, he's your direct commander?"
[19:46] <Demedais> "Mmm. I will do so, although I'm admittedly reluctant to give him one more thing to do right before he leaves to the capital for a while." Demedais grins. "But this idea interests you three, at least in part?"
[19:49] <Kotono> Lukah nods gravely, "It interests me," he offers, "I cannot speak for the others."
[19:50] <Kotono> Artignan shrugs, "I'd at least hear it out and see.  It can't be any worse than the commander, epespecially lately. Training against magic weapons?" Rubbing his shoulder and wincing, "I think he's actually getting -better-."
[19:52] <Demedais> "I... may be partially to blame for that, what with bringing back an enchanted blade he finds extremely comfortable to wield." Demedais rubs the back of his head a bit.
[19:55] <Kotono> "Our bruises can thank you," Artignan grumbles right back, as Tomas agrees very quickly.
[19:57] <Demedais> "How was I supposed to know he'd take to it like a fish to sandwiches?" Demedais asks rhetorically. "Anyways, I'll go ask the commander about it, and see what can be done from there."
[19:58] <Kotono> Tomas nods and starts to pratice again, "Yes, sir, but we need to get back to practice now or we'll hear it. Sir."
[19:59] <Demedais> "Right. Understood, gentlemen. Thanks for your time." Demedais says as he moves to go find the Commander.
[20:00] <Kotono> Commander Oberuth is found in the meeting room, doing some work at a good, quick clip. He looks up as Demedais enters, "Sit down," he instructs absently, "Trying to finish this up before I leave."
[20:08] <Demedais> "Understood. I have a proposal for you, regarding the Academy." Demedais says as he salutes and sits. "The temple of Helm is offering to train students who are willing to become Paladins, to assist them in their work."
[20:09] <Kotono> "Your brainchild?" He inquires as Demedais sits down, curious sounding. "It's a fine idea, H elm's well suited to defenders as well."
[20:11] <Demedais> "Yes." Demedais said. "That was my primary line of thought, and the temple is willing to back the idea. Besides, after a certain amount of training you begin to save on horsefeed."
[20:12] <Kotono> Chuckling a little at that, "I have no personal objection offhand, but I'm sure it'll be looked into. Very well."
[20:14] <Demedais> "Alright. Thank you. I was hesitant at first, but since other temples can also offer this at their wish... perhaps it will encourage them as well. My thanks, sir. Is there... anything else you need me for?"
[20:16] <Kotono> "At the moment, no. OnceI finish this..." Pushing aside his paper and dropping his writing quill down, "I'm leaving in the morning."
[20:17] <Demedais> "And I can't blame you. Running the Academy and working with the trainees there, running the Crimson Guard and the city guard... yeah. You deserve a vacation." Demedais says.
[20:19] <Kotono> "This should become easier, actually," Oberuth notes as he finishes, stretching back with a crack of his back. "With the growth of the city we'll get more manpower so we won't be on a shoestring. Further,  if Khardon's insisting on staying or stuck here, he can handle certain aspects as well. Finally, if the Crimson Guard continues to grow, I may start coming with you to degree."
[20:22] * Demedais nods. "The growth of the city, while I'm sure it'll be challenging at times... should prove quite useful in bolstering our strength and prosperity, as well."
[20:23] <Kotono> "Yes." Commander Oberuth gets up, stretching and starting to walk. "Come, let's go see how the construction's going, on that note."
[20:24] <Demedais> "Alright." Demedais nods, lost a bit in thought.
[20:25] <Kotono> LEading you outside of the garrison, Commander Oberuth turns to the west. It's a nice view, the city walls being changed for gates, slowly opened. The sunshine cracks out as you do, the Commander beginning to smile. "It's good progress, isn't it?"
[20:25] <Kotono> Looking beyond, you can see buildings beginning to be constructed, work proceeding at a good clip. The noises can be heard, stone, wood and iron being wrought.
[20:27] <Demedais> "Indeed." Demedais nods, becoming eerily aware of a feeling of deja vu. "Hopefully this rate of growth keeps going. It may offer a more succulent target for Malmuth... but also a far more dangerous target. Thus the expansion of the Crimson Guard will also prove useful."
[20:29] <Kotono> "Yes, the expansion..." Commander Oberuth looks on, thoughtful. Demedais gets a strange chill down his spine, sudden and abrupt. It seems to disorient him, making OBeruth's next few words lost. "...About her? After losing her family like that..."
[20:31] <Demedais> "...what?" Demedais said, a bit confused. "I'm sorry, sir, I missed what you said."
[20:33] <Kotono> "Oh." Starting to grin a little, "Did the mentino of her distract you?" The smile doesn't really last though, instead shaking his head. "...no, I suppose that's not it here. I asked if since we're expanding, fi you know what Pollyanna's doing now. If she stays in town one step logically follows another."
[20:36] <Demedais> "I don't know what she's doing, sir, but..." Demedais considers, before shaking his head. "I just got disoriented for a second. As for Pollyanna, the temple of Helm is having a funeral for her family. ...I should find her, on that note." A pause, then: "One more thing, Commander. Do you have any plans for bringing Donald into the City Guard or the Crimson Guard?"
[20:38] <Kotono> "I'm not entirely sure. I'm inclined to leave him where he is until I return and then see how he's done." Commander Oberuth keeps his gaze on the construction, "Do you have an opinion? You've worked with him directly, haven't you?"
[20:41] <Demedais> "I'm unsure as well." Demedais says truthfully. "I've not seen him in his capacity as teacher, but... May I propose that he be given a temporary official position until you return? It is likely that it will boost his morale and make his efforts in training the others more sucessful."
[20:44] <Kotono> "Yes," Oberuth ponderst hat long moments, watching as workers slowly craft the skeleton of what looks to be a large hall. "We'll need more defenders as the town grows...I keep remembering that, doubly so since we aren't without our own losses to consider."
[20:50] * Demedais nods, saying nothing at first, but... "As the Crimson Guard's reputation grows, more and more skilled fighters will come, I believe. To continue looking toward the future... that is the sort of spirit she had; I cannot but think that this development is represenative of her spirit."
[20:53] <Kotono> "...heh." Commander Oberuth shakes his head, "I was thinking about Lyselle, actually. That we can even lose members to innocent things within our country, on top of the normal hazards."
[20:59] <Demedais> "I was never told about Lyselle, and only met her while we explored the Gnomish ruins. What happened involving her?"
[21:04] <Kotono> "SHe's the heir to the barony of Armasea. She came needing resources and power, but the situation in her barony degenerated far faster than anyone imagined. So Lord Salman supported her in reconginition of her duties thus far and that's where she is now."
[21:06] <Demedais> "I see." Demedais nods. "Such things cannot always be avoided... at least she is there if an emergency calls for it."
[21:31] <Kotono> "Yes." Oberuth continues to look on, before turning away. "Keep an eye on them while I'm gone, Demedais?"
[21:32] <Demedais> "On who? The town, Seira and Alicia, the students...?" Demedais asks, a bit confused.
[21:34] <Kotono> "All of them. Just make sure nothing gets hurt while I'm gone," Glancing back, "Just in case anything happens."
[21:35] <Demedais> "...Understood, sir." Demedais nods. "I'll do my best."
[21:39] <Kotono> "Good luck," OBeruth wishes Demedais well, beginning to walk away.
[21:40] <Demedais> "...You too, sir. I shall pray for you." Demedais says simply, with a salute.
[21:44] * Demedais nods slowly as Oberuth leaves, before heading to track down Pollyanna.
[21:46] <Kotono> After a bit of searching, Demedais finds her in Seira's backyard. She practices quietly on archery targets, a steady stream of arrows fired. She's lost in her work as often she is, face a stormy blank as she fires.
[21:48] <Demedais> "Pollyanna." Demedais says softly so as not to startle her.
[21:48] <Kotono> She finishes her last series of shots, before gently putting her bow down. "Yes," she asks, turning around. Her face slips into a quiet look, muted.
[21:51] <Demedais> "The temple has agreed to hold a funeral for them." Demedais says. "It would probably be best if you went there and told them what you would like."
[21:52] <Kotono> Pollyanna nods, a shadow going over her face. A few twitches, not forming anything quite in particular. "Thank you," she bows, "I'll go as soon as I freshen up."
[21:53] <Demedais> "Not a problem, Pollyanna." Demedais says. "How are you doing?"
[21:55] <Kotono> A pause to quickly gather up her arrows and bow, getting them back in the right places. "I'm okay," she says at last, not looking at Demedais the entire time.
[21:57] * Demedais tilts his head slightly, looking at her. "...you sure?" Demedais shakes his head. "Doesn't seem like it."
[21:59] <Kotono> "I'm okay," Pollyanna repeats, turning around. Her face is still firm, held together. "I need to be for this, anyway.."
[22:04] <Demedais> "...very well." Demedais says. "When you go to the temple, ask for Father Ceiar. He's a very good man. ...would you like me to accompany you there?"
[22:07] <Kotono> Pollyanna smiles a little bit, and then after a moment, she nods. "Alright, would you take me there?"
[22:08] <Demedais> "Certainly. Tell me when you are ready."
[22:13] <Kotono> Pollyanna doesn't take long. After basic preparations she is ready, making a swift pace for the temple. Quite fast, even for a small woman like her. Yet it hesitates at times, Pollyanna looking to the sides and breathing in and out quickly.
[22:14] <Demedais> "...What is wrong?" Demedais asks after one of these incidents. "Nervous...?"
[22:19] <Kotono> "...I'm fine," Pollyanna repeats, shaking her head and keeping her voice level, almost toneless. "...I'm fine."
[22:21] <Demedais> "I'm not sure I'd call that 'fine'." Demedais says, a hint of frustration in his voice. "Is there anything I can do?"
[22:25] <Kotono> "...I'm okay," Pollyanna shakes her head after a pause, face flickering with near emotion. "Just..let's go and get there already?"
[22:27] <Demedais> "...very well, Pollyanna." Demedais says quietly, hoping Father Ceiar can help her more than he can.

[Corwin]

[16:37] <Ko-breakfast> On reaching the temple you find a few priests about - including Father Ceiar. Pollyanna looks about, hesitating.
[16:38] * Demedais nods to Pollyanna. "Let me go get Father Ceiar, alright?
[16:41] <Ko-breakfast> The archer merely nods after a moment, waiting on Demedais to lead her on.
[16:43] * Demedais nods, attempting to look reassuring to Pollyanna, before quickly moving over to Father Ceiar. OOC: Is Pollyanna following me to her, or waiting at the entrance for me to bring him over?
[16:45] <Ko-breakfast> OOC: Well, as only one refers to you bringing a male over, the latter.
[16:45] <Demedais> OOC: Simply confirming.
[16:46] <Ko-breakfast> OOC: Okay. <_< Go on.
[16:47] * Demedais nods to Father Ceiar. "Father, do you have a moment?"
[16:49] * Ko-breakfast is now known as Kotono
[16:51] <Kotono> Father Ceiar finishes his conversation with another priest, "I do. What do you need, Demedais?"
[16:54] <Demedais> "There is a woman here, Pollyanna, who is having a funeral for her family with us. If you could help her set it up, it would be greatly appreciated. ...the reason I ask you this is because I believe her to still be deeply grieving, but she is reluctant to say anything. I know it is a sudden request, but..."
[16:55] <Kotono> Father Ceiar follows your words, an understanding look. "I shall try," he begins to go forth at that, heading towards her.
[16:56] * Demedais nods, following Father Ceiar. "Father Ceiar, this is Pollyanna, the archer that guided us to Kondrux's lair and trained our archers for our fight with him. Pollyanna, Father Ceiar, the man who took me in here."
[17:03] <Kotono> Extending hsi hand, he takes Pollyanna's in his own. A quick shake, while the small archer girl tries to smile, almost pulling it off well. But her eyes don't really shine. "Thank you..." she murmurs.
[17:04] <Kotono> "We'll set everything up. With no complications we can do this on the morrow. Now then..." He begins, breathing out.
[17:07] * Demedais inclines his head toward the two. "Do you desire my assistance at this juncture?" Demedais says, looking between the two.
[17:10] * Ebiris is now known as Alicia
[17:11] <Kotono> "I'll call you," Ceiar smiles briefly, taking Pollyanna and starting to lead her back. Pollyanna follows, head low. "...Demedais?"
[17:12] <Demedais> "Yes...?" Demedais says, stepping forward.
[17:16] <Kotono> "..." She breathes out, "Will you come to the funeral?"
[17:18] <Demedais> "Yes, Pollyanna." Demedais nods gently.
[17:20] <Kotono> With a smile, Pollyanna takes those words and heads along with Father Ceiar.
[17:21] * Demedais considers them for a second, before going to his room to meditate.
[17:29] <Kotono> A few hours pass. Demedais is at last disturbed from his meditation by a knocking on the door.
[17:29] <Demedais> "Enter." Demedais says, getting off the bed.
[17:31] <Kotono> Pollyanna enters in, closing the door behind her. Her eyes are a bit reddish, her posture slumped.
[17:33] <Demedais> "...are you alright?" Demedais says, looking over her.
[17:37] <Kotono> "I'm okay..." she murmurs, smiling and wipping at the edges of her eyes.
[17:39] <Demedais> "You had a good talk with Father Ceiar, I take it." Demedais smiled slightly.
[17:39] <Kotono> "Yeah...I guess I did," she murmurs, leaning on Deme's door. "Thanks."
[17:41] <Demedais> "Not a problem, Pollyanna. I'm glad he could help." Demedais says, waiting on her for the rest of the news.
[17:42] <Kotono> "It'll be tomorrow and...just..." She looks down a moment, breath quickening. "Thanks. I...they'd like a funeral. I know that."
[17:43] <Demedais> "Alright. Where and when will it be?" Demedais says, trying to meet her eyes.
[17:46] <Kotono> "At the funeral grounds for the temple," Despite her smile, she doesn't meet Deme's eyes at first. Instead she breathes out and, "You said you'd come?"
[17:47] <Demedais> "I did, and I will." Demedais nods. "Barring something I cannot foresee, I will be there."
[17:48] <Kotono> "Thank you," sh emurmurs, finally smiling a little bit. She goes to the door, closing it gently. "I'll see you tomorrow."
[17:49] * Demedais nods. "See you tomorrow, Pollyanna."
[17:51] <Kotono> With that she closes the door behind her, leaving Demedais alone again...
[18:10] <Kotono> The next day is solemn. The funeral is a quiet affair, bodies being laid to rest. Pollyanna wears black, watching solemnly as the rituals are chanted. A contrast to tehs ummery, clear sky above, as three ceremonial coffins await. They are taken into the crypt, watched all the while.
[18:12] * Demedais stands a few feet away, watching the coffins go in with a somber eye.
[18:13] <Kotono> Pollyanna bows her head as she watches, sniffling as Father Ceiar intones, "The Great Endless Guardian shall watch over them, leading them to their final rest faraway. He will protect them with viglience on this last journey, forevermore."
[18:15] <Demedais> "...everything is a journey; may you, Helm, guide and defend us now and tomorrow, for as long as tomorrow lasts." Demedais intones, speaking softly with the crowd.
[18:20] <Kotono> Wiping a tear away from her face, Pollyanna watches as the crypt doors are closed. She slumps a moment at that, but then, "Please, please let that be true..." she murmurs.
[18:23] <Demedais> "Everyone takes the first step between this world and the next on their own; but once that step is taken, you see all those whom you have known." Demedais says softly, before looking to Pollyanna. "Sorry, it's an old little rhyme I was taught at the temple when I was 10."
[18:25] <Kotono> Another quiet sniffle, but Pollyanna is clear eyed when she looks at you. "...I'll remember that," she smilse wanly.
[18:27] * Demedais smiles back to her. "It's always helped me when one of the priests passed away. ...although, thinking on it, it might have been a bit morbid to teach a kid that."
[18:28] <Kotono> "No...maybe it's a good lesson," she admits, looking on. "I'll miss them so much, but maybe if I can remember things like that?"
[18:30] <Demedais> "It should keep you strong." Demedais agrees.
[18:31] <Kotono> Pollyanna smiles, standing on tiptoes and suddenly hugging Demedais. "I'll try," she says into his ear, only there a moment. "I need to decide what I'm going to do now."
[18:33] * Demedais is taken by surprise for a second, before returning the hug. "I understand. I get to try and figure out what I'm doing around town for a month or two, myself."
[18:41] <Kotono> "I will," she allows, "Thank you so much..." With a fond, if red eyed look, Pollyanna bows and slowly begins to walk away.
[18:41] <Demedais> "Take care, Pollyanna. If ever you want to talk, I'm at the temple or at the garrison." Demedais says as she walks away.