208.6 Demedais in Valandia

[Corwin]

[06:05] <Kotono> ----Hidden Ko in the wall here--
[06:11] <Kotono> A night passes well enough. While Seira's off and going right in the morning, Demedais lingers behind on other business. He meets with Claris in the morning, his office also holding Pollyanna. The latter has a steaming cup of tea and bloodshot eyes, muttering for the two of you to keep your voices down. Claris look to her but doesn't make a comment, but instead, "Seira left to investigate. What about yourself? Do you want to go look into othe
[06:11] <Kotono> What about yourself? Do you want to go look into other matters?"
[06:12] <Demedais> "What other issues have arisen around here?" Demedais inquires, to the point.
[06:15] <Kotono> "Oh yeah," Pollyanna does speak up here, "Gotta talk to you about something, Claris. Don't let me forget." Groggily sipping at her tea, Pollyanna goes quiet.
06[06:16] * Demedais looks to Pollyanna for a moment before looking back to Claris.
[06:16] <Kotono> "The main problems are the transition to being a Barony. A lot of these'll take time and effort. The loose ends...well, I don't need to remind you that Olburt vanished."
[06:16] <Kotono> Pollyanna smiles thinly, "Too much gathering information in taverns."
[06:17] <Demedais> "Indeed. Any theories prevalent as to where he went?"
[06:18] <Kotono> "Suicide this, deals with Queen Tant that, mysteirous women over there," Pollyanna vaguely gestures with her teacup, spilling a bit. She scowls at the small spill like it's a personal enemy, before putting the cup down and rubbing her forehead.
[06:19] <Kotono> "Ah," Claris lightly clears his throat. "I've heard the rumors are quite varied. Officially, he's persona non grata in Malmuth and in the Barony.  Offically, he fled. Unofficially?" Claris folds his hands together, "We just don't know. There was no body that we found and no evidence of suicide or a counter coup. He likely fled or was spirited away."
06[06:20] * Demedais looks to Pollyanna before shaking his head just slightly. "I'm not willing to believe any of the three from the attitude he had and the attempt to... well. And I worry now that whatever was... influencing him... now has greater control. But as to where he may have gone..."
[06:22] <Kotono> Claris closes his eyes. "As a person...I'm worried his soul has been infected by his blood, and that it has dragged his body to a horrible place. If it has, I only hope that he does not darken our doorstep. However, I'm more worried that he's hidden away and plotting. Of course..." Claris spreads his hands.
[06:22] <Kotono> "I worry that sooner or later that he'll make himself a problem and need to be dealt with. It's just that we have no clues or leads to where in the world he is."
[06:23] <Demedais> "There's no real way of knowing... Have the men who worked with him during that time been questioned regarding this?" Demedais says, nodding once to Claris' words. "If we can eliminate most mortal methods of escape, then, well..."
[06:24] <Kotono> "We have. This doesn't leave the room," Claris clarifies, "But he went back to check over maps and do some planning and was simply gone. However...there's a few scattered reports of a woman being with him. Very unreliable and scattered, as well as inconsistant."
[06:25] <Kotono> "Yeah," Pollyanna looks up from her hateful duel with tea spills. "Seira wanted me to ask you 'bout that stuff. I talked up a former soldier who said the same thing, abou ta beautiful woman being seen with Olburt."
06[06:26] * Demedais looks to the two, before thinking. "Any details on the woman? Do we have anything to go on, appearance-wise? And... what room did he go to before he vanished?"
[06:28] <Kotono> "Nothing consistent. One said she was a tall red head, another said she was a short blonde. A third...well, you get the image," Claris smiles a little. "He went back into his private chambers. He was using a manor house for it. We went over it and I also invoked magical means, but there was nothing of note."
06[06:31] * Demedais bows his head for a moment. "Then it was either multiple women, if there was truly no agreement amongst the listeners... or it was a powerful mage, probably an outsider. That makes things far more problematic."
[06:33] <Kotono> Pollyanna rubs her forehead a little more, "Like another problem? I don't know. I'm no wizard, but I thought changing your apparence was stable and not something you shift easily?"
[06:34] <Kotono> "It would have to be someone with strong magic or free uses of a simplier spell, or some sort of alterable illusion. None of these are easily done by mortal casters. It's not impossible, but it rather narrows the field. Of course..." Claris does spread his hands here, "It's possible this is just a story that's spread around, or a few women that were seen but unrelated, and it's being connected when there's no pattern at all."
06[06:35] * Demedais shrugs at this. "I would not be surprised to learn of a spell that either provides a differing illusion of appearance, or changes forms for only a short period of time." And to Claris, "This is true, but then we are left with the same scenario as before; no hints or leads."
[06:39] <Kotono> "I even communed to request Lord Lathander's visions and aide on this, but nothing came of it," Claris shakes his head. "Perhaps he really is gone. I know not. He dedicated his life to Malmuth and Ferdi, so perhaps at that cresendo he realised that he has nothing left?"
[06:43] <Demedais> "... Perhaps. If his soul now lies unburdened by the demonic taint, I am thankful - whether he still lives or has passed on. I will inquire of Helm, myself." Demedais shrugs once. "All I can think of is that... if he disappeared that suddenly, I am forced to believe there was some magic involved. Perhaps... he has moved beyond the range of magical vision... I do not know. While he is a problem, there is not much that can be done of it. ...And of Pallan?"
[06:48] <Kotono> "Held in Malmuth proper. All I've heard says he's sitting in a cell, as well as Almand. I think Tant has a good mind to hang them, but she hasn't quite made up her mind." To that, Claris bows his head, murmuring a prayer. "Lathander watch over those that have fallen into the night."
06[06:50] * Demedais closes his eyes for a moment, lost in thought again. "So that's of no help. I was thinking maybe, if a mage, the same people tried to contact those two as well...."
[06:56] <Kotono> "Perhaps you could get Queen Tant to let you see them?" Claris considers. "I don't know if that would do any good even if they do know, however."
[06:58] <Demedais> "...It would possibly let me gauge how Olburt is doing by extension." Demedais says. "If we know how those two are progressing, we can also guess how Olburt is doing mentaly..."
[07:00] <Kotono> "That is true," Claris considers, "I can ask Her Majesty shortly if you wish." Claris bows his head, "I've kept in intermittent contact with her with sending, to help ensure that the border stays peaceful."
[07:02] <Demedais> "That would be appreciated, if you don't mind." Demedais nods, before looking to Pollyanna.
[07:05] <Kotono> "Yeah," she nods briefly, before getting up. "I'ms orry, I need a little time to get over this. If you excuse me?" She stands, and quietly to Demedais, "I'm going to lie down. We can talk after."
[07:08] <Demedais> "Understood." Demedais says with a warm smile as she exits.
[07:14] <Kotono> Once Pollyanna leaves, Claris smiles ever so faintly. "She mentioned that she spend too long gathering information with drunks yesterday," he says with a wry look to the door she went out of. "You're gathering information in the city?"
[07:16] <Demedais> "Seira wanted to see how the people were handling things." Demedais nods once. "And from the looks of it, she did spend a while gathering information. It will be interesting to see what she gathered from that."
[07:18] <Kotono> "Mmm. I wish I could tell you more news on Olburt." He closes his eyes again, "The problem is nagging at the back of my mind. Olburt was a driven, powerful man. I don't believe he'd commit suicide...and with how he healed, I'm not sure he could. He healed like a troll, and unless you take special means, you can't kill one."
[07:19] <Demedais> "Which is why I believe he is still out there, in one way or another. ...I can try... ...mmm. If he has been taken by an outsider, I believe that the one Seira ran into would be the most likely culprit."
[07:22] <Kotono> "The balor?" Claris' color weakens at that, his breath underlaid by another prayer. "I hope it's reach doesn't come this far."
[07:24] <Demedais> "Same; rather those beings not touch our world at all." Demedais growls. "But it is a possiblity I will have to look into, since the only other factor, if it is an outsider, is that it was a rather opportunistic one... placing it likely with the devils? From what I saw, demons are unimpressive planners."
[07:25] <Kotono> "It depends." Claris considers, "I could see it being a demon on a mission from Gurlan or the like. The demonic blood in Olburt and Irenes' general meddling makes it possible. Alternately, I understand there was recently a devil problem? It could be that they're butting in as well, or taking a good opportunity when they get one."
06[07:28] * Demedais nods once in confirmation. "Indeed; these two possibilities are what define the problem. There is also the chance of a normal escape, but I would expect a far greater trail to be left behind.
[07:30] <Kotono> "In the chaos of a military seige, it's not impossible for someone to slip away. It's not likely in his case, but it's not impossible." Claris steeples his hands together. "But enough. Let me contact Queen Tant now and see about Pallan and Almand."
[07:32] <Demedais> "Very well." Demedais nods and steps back, waiting.
[07:41] <Kotono> Claris is at it some time, lost in silent prayer. When he at last looks up, "Queen Tant says that she has no objections; however, they're locked up in single cells in chains and have no visitors allowed. Further, she's taken pains for arcane wards to be placed around them."
06[07:44] * Demedais nods once. "If I can look at them through the cell doors, I can likely determine if there's been any change in the auras, comparatively. A bit of a long trip, but it should not be a problem. I may wait for Seira to come back so she can handle the distances involved."
[07:45] <Kotono> "That would be wiser." Claris agrees. "Queen Tant may understand and tolerate the Crimson Guard, but common Malmuthians or even soldiers and commanders may not. You'd have to hide your identities and travel carefully. No, teleportation is far better an idea."
06[07:47] * Demedais sighs. "Acknowledged. I'll just play the mute bodyguard again, then, and Seira can handle most of the rest."
[07:49] <Kotono> Claris raises an eyebrow, "My friend, you look distressed at that."
[07:51] <Demedais> "It's just annoying to not be able to speak my mind half of the time, but it's also annoying to have to find ways to dodge around giving my name." Demedais shrugs. "I'll manage, though."
[07:52] <Kotono> "Mmm." Claris sits down, "Why not simply use an assumed name when you're somewhere like that?...though I suppose that misses the objection. But why stay silent?"
[07:53] <Demedais> "It is easier to feign silence to avoid questions than it is to dance around the topic themselves." Demedais shrugs. "Feigning muteness is an easier method of fulfilling my duty in such situations."
[08:02] <Kotono> "Yes, perhaps so. The perils of being known." Claris drums his fingers on his desk, "I have more than a few Malmuthians that would kill me given a chance." With a tired laugh, "Fame and doing the right thing are not always easy, my friend."
[08:03] <Demedais> "Acknowledged." Demedais grins at that.
[08:05] <Kotono> "Anyway," Standing now, "Go ahead and go on. My advisors should arrive soon and there's the day to day business to attend to."
[08:05] <Demedais> "Very well. Have a good day, then."

[Corwin]

[18:18] <Kokokokokoko> ------Ko Army outpost goes here--
[18:20] <Kokokokokoko> That morning, after giving Pollyanna some time to refresh and wake up, the two meet outside of the govermental buildings of Valandia. "So," she asks, squinting under the noonday sun, "Did you want to return home now? Seira went off on that bandit thing herself, so we don't need to wait on her."
06[18:23] * Demedais stands lost in thought for a few moments, staring toward the sun. "I am considering one final trip before I return home, but since Seira is gone... we will likely more easily find her once she returns to Balmuria, so that is the better course of action. Do you have interest in seeing the capital of Malmuth at a later point?"
[18:25] <Kokokokokoko> "Malmuth proper?" Pollyanna blinks once at that, "Sure. You're going?"
[18:27] <Demedais> "Not from here directly, but I wish to check in on something for Claris... as well as to give some thought as to the issue of Olburt." Demedais nods once. "And knowing Seira, she will not pass a chance to try to talk to Queen Tant."
[18:28] <Kokokokokoko> "That's true." Pollyanna starts to smile, a slow and relaxed thing. "Let's go home then? It's still several days of riding from here."
06[18:29] * Demedais nods once. "Knowing Seira, she will beat us home with her magic." A slight grin. "Not that I object."
[18:33] <Kokokokokoko> Thus the trip back to Balmuria begins. On the second day of travel away, the two head down the main road. It's flat and largely clear, little of note right now. However, as you ride along a little past 2 PM, Demedais' sharp eyes can note dust on the horizon. Horse riders, perhaps, or a few carraiges?
06[18:35] * Demedais gestures forward slightly, peering ahead. "Huh, a large group of riders?"
[18:36] <Kokokokokoko> "Looks like it?" Pollyanna glances ahead, "Probably a trading caravan from all the dust."
06[18:37] * Demedais nods once, slightly. "If they need room on the road, we can move off. Trade prospering is a good sign of the growth thus far, however."
[18:46] <Kokokokokoko> "Isn't it?" Pollyanna's smile returns, "I remember that when...when my brothers and friends and all of that saw a new town? If trade had been coming to it, we knew we'd find good work or adventure there."
03[18:47] * CC is now known as Seira
[18:47] <Demedais> "Indeed. New roads to take." Demedais smiles a bit at this, continuing to try and determine the full identity of the approaching cloud.
[18:48] <Kokokokokoko> OOC: Spot check, I suppose.
[18:48] <Demedais> roll 1d20+13
06[18:48] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+13 and gets 17."12 [1d20=4]
[18:52] <Kokokokokoko> It takes some time for Demedais to get a good luck. It's a caravan of Malmuthians, a few soldier/bodyguards with them, giving the identity away. It's six wagons strong, coming towards Valandia. A green flag with a white sparrow can be seen from the side of each wagon.
[18:53] <Demedais> "Malmuthian caravan... green flag, white sparrow? I don't know that flag. Do you, by any chance?" Demedais looks to Pollyanna with a slight shrug.
[18:56] <Kokokokokoko> "Yeah. White Sparrow. A couple of new trading groups are forming to take advantage of the new situation, or so I heard," Pollyanna explains. "It's all still muddied and unclear, but apparently it has to do with the loss of Valandia and the like."
[18:56] <Kokokokokoko> OOC: For reference:
[18:56] <Kokokokokoko> > roll 1d20
[18:56] <Kokokokokoko> * Hatbot --> "Kokokokokoko rolls 1d20 and gets 19." [1d20=19]
[19:00] <Demedais> "I see. Mmm... with the change in conditions losing Valandia would bring, there will of course be those capable enough to profit from it..." Demedais muses.
[19:04] <Kokokokokoko> The caravan comes closer. One man stands out - a young man in gold lined robes. He has an expensive looking staff in hand, gold gilded and with the image of a noble woman on it. The rest aren't so remarkable, decent looking traders and the bodyguards that protect them and the trade goods.
06[19:07] * Demedais raises an eyebrow at this, checking to see if they'll need to move off of the road to let the caravan pass.
[19:09] <Kokokokokoko> It looks like it, the caravan is rather large. Pollyanna's already moving aside, and as she does, "Cute," she observes.
06[19:10] * Demedais follows Pollyanna off to the side. "What
[19:10] <Demedais> ?
[19:20] <Kokokokokoko> "See that?" Gesturing at the gold robed man as the rest of the caravan passes, "I'd bet gold that's a Waukeenite."
[19:21] <Demedais> "Probably." Demedais nods after a moment. "Fits the themeing. Too grandiose for me.
[19:23] <Kokokokokoko> "True," Pollyanna watches them go, green and whit eflags flapping, "Still...more influence and money. Seira'll be happy. Now," With a cast look to Demedais, "Will you be happy if we see some Helmites guarding the next caravan diligently?"
[19:24] <Demedais> "I'm happy to see that. Seeing Helmites protecting the next one would be even better, yes." Demedais shakes his head, a slight grin.
[19:26] <Kokokokokoko> "At least...you protect me," Pollyanna sends Demedais a very pointed look, but hurries her horse along before he can reply.
03[19:28] * Taishyr (Taishyr@58.194.238.102) has joined #dunes
02[19:29] * Demedais (Taishyr@58.194.238.102) Quit (NickServ (GHOST command used by Taishyr))
03[19:29] * ChanServ sets mode: +o Taishyr
03[19:29] * Taishyr is now known as Demedais
[19:31] <Kokokokokoko> "At least...you protect me," Pollyanna sends Demedais a very pointed look, but hurries her horse along before he can reply.
06[19:33] * Demedais spurs his horse into motion to catch up. "I try."
[19:35] <Kokokokokoko> The rest of the trip back to Balmuria is without incident. The gate guards salute as Demedais and Pollyanna pass by in the afternoon, the entrance to the trading street overflowing with people. Amid the loud din, "Going to head home now?" Pollyanna asks. "I know you have some stuff you wanted to pray about?"
[19:37] <Demedais> "I do, yes. If I can get some idea as to Olburt's current location... perhaps Helm will be willing to aid me in this. We shall see. Your plans?" Demedais asks in return.
[19:38] <Kokokokokoko> "I was going to go rest a bit and see you after you did that," she says, "Wash the trail dust off and the like."
[19:39] <Demedais> "Very well. You know where to find me." Demedais says with a wry grin.
[19:41] <Kokokokokoko> OOC: Go ahead and set up what you're going to be praying about and all that?
06[19:45] * Demedais gets back into his room and, after setting his sword to his side and casting a look around the room, kneels. "Helm, Divine Watcher, guide me as I seek to protect this world. I now seek information regarding General Olburt of Malmuth, tainted by dark energies last we met. I seek to know if he is a threat to the Baronies and thus an interference to my current final objective. I request guidance from you, Guardian."
[19:46] <Kokokokokoko> OOC: Make a wisdom check, -2 modifier.
[19:46] <Demedais> roll 1d20 right
06[19:46] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20 right and gets 16."12 [1d20=16]
[19:51] <Kokokokokoko> Demedais spends some time praying. His mind finds the solitude and peace of inner contemplation, his earthly thoughts clearing. (It's dark. It's very dark here. It's so dark that you cannot even see an inch ahead of your face.) With this comes tranquility and clarity of vision, transcending mere needs of mortality. (The figure sits down like a discarded doll, head bobbed forward and arms at simple rest. He is shadows on shadows, no ligh
[19:51] <Kokokokokoko>  He is shadows on shadows, no light in his place.) Demedais feels closer to Helm, prayer achieving it's usual soul supporting effects. (Here he rests, save for one thing. A small figure, seen only as slightly differently textured shadows, attends to him.) (More)
[19:56] <Kokokokokoko> A sense of duty follows from an inner wellspring, as it is like to do during prayer. (This figure is not so small as not to be human(oid). It stays moving around him.)  This refreshed Demedais entirely, preparing him for his duties ahead. (Her voice is a whisper. A melodic whisper that makes Demedais' heart ache with lonliness, clashing against the prayer. "Soon...soon...soon..." she cajoles him, "My great man, my champion." A single te
[19:56] <Kokokokokoko> "Soon...soon...soon..." she cajoles him, "My great man, my champion." A single tear falls from her eye, like a diamond of light against the total darkness. "The time is coming.) (More)
[19:57] <Kokokokokoko> (She goes to his hand, picking it up. A sword is held there...? No. The shadows connect it to his hand - or what is left of it. A hand that is not quite a hand, but bleeding into a hilt like...!) With a start Demedais becomes aware of his room again, the solitude and refinement of his meditations clashing with dark visions.
06[20:05] * Demedais pauses. "He is being prepared for something... I see, and what..." A pause. "But the question still remains. Sufficently talented human, or... something worse? Likely the latter."
[20:07] <Demedais> "... well, he lives, and it seems he may well be a danger to Malmuth yet." Demedais says after a moment, standing to go find the High Priest or Father Ceiar.
03[20:20] * Ebiris (WinNT@user-54439400.lns4-c8.dsl.pol.co.uk) has joined #dunes
03[20:20] * ChanServ sets mode: +ao Ebiris Ebiris
[20:20] <Kokokokokoko> Father Ceiar is found tending to a few of the faithful in the entry hall, just finishing a few moments after Demedais approaches.
[20:21] <Demedais> "Father, do you have the capability to use a Sending?" Demedais asks, after a slight wave.
03[20:21] * Seira is now known as CC
[20:23] <Kokokokokoko> "I can get it done," He replies as he looks to Demedais. "I assume you need to contact someone?"
[20:24] <Demedais> "I'd like to contact Claris, yes." Demedais nods. "Also have a question for you, once it is done."
[20:25] <Kokokokokoko> "Come this way," Walking towards the back, "What's the message you need me to pass on to him?"
06[20:28] * Demedais follows willingly, pausing for a second at Ceiar's words. "Olburt still alive. Woman confirmed to be present. Possible outsider. Suspect not friendly to Malmuth, Baronies. Do not know where; shadows amongst shadows. Hunch: demonic."
[20:37] <Kokokokokoko> After several minutes, the task is done. Ceiar returns, saying, "His message back was, 'Thank you, I'll make preparations."
06[20:38] * Demedais nods. "Even if they prove irrelevant for Olburt, they should be useful in general. ...how have you been doing, Father Ceiar?"
[20:42] <Kokokokokoko> "Busy," With a warm smile, "Telling stories about those who come asking about the famous champion of Helm that stays in this Temple."
[20:43] <Demedais> "Ah." Demedais shakes his head a bit, beginning to grin. "Should I establish a rule about no childhood or teenager stories?"
[20:44] <Kokokokokoko> "Too late." With a straight face, "I feel it's my duty to inform them of the champion to the best of my knowledge."
[20:46] <Demedais> "Tch." Demedais grins widely at this. "And how well do the stories of Demedais the bratty kid fly?"
[20:46] <Kokokokokoko> "Well enough. Many mothers gush that their sons ar ejust like Demedais at that age."
[20:48] <Demedais> "...I'm not sure whether or not to be terrified at that." Demedais says. "... An odd question... what is it like, being a priest of Helm?"
[20:54] <Kokokokokoko> "What do you mean?" Ceiar asks, a curious look passing over his face. "You should know most of that, you see us every day and you do some of the same things."
03[20:56] * CC is now known as Teresa
[20:56] <Demedais> "...I'm not sure what I mean." Demedais says, making a slight face as he pauses in thought. "...what... what is it like to have that sort of a connection to Helm? I mean, I know what it is to be a paladin for him; but what is it like to be a cleric in his name?"
03[20:58] * Kokokokokoko is now known as Demara
[20:59] <Demara> "...mmmm. I don't know if there is much of a difference for you. You're his Favored Servant here, so..." Thoughtfully, Ceiar considers. "It's hard. We do his will and his bidding and often only have the writings and our duty to comfort us."
06[21:01] * Demedais bows his head at this, seemingly lost in thought. "I..."
[21:02] <Demara> "You're lucky," Ceiar's smile is rather strange, g uarded. "Helm speaks to you regularly from all accounts. For many of us, the Watcher was distant until just recently and even now..."
[21:04] <Demedais> "...even now, he seems to not speak to you?" Demedais says almost in a whisper, eyes closes. "That is not..."
[21:08] <Demara> "It's our lot," Ceiar interjects, "...you don't really understand that, do you?" His voice is guarded again, "Perhaps Helm has always been more responsive to you, but to us? ...yet even now, we are better off than before." With a pause after, "To all of us, your status as favored is obvious. You are his one, his special champion. It reaffirms us simply by your presence."
[21:13] <Demedais> "......then I have yet another reason to free this world from the cage enclosing it. It was never my intent to..." A shake of his head. "...I ask this, because... I wish to become a priest, Father Ceiar. ...I want to understand, and to help. ... " Demedais pauses at this, turning away a bit.
[21:18] <Demara> "You do?" Ceiar raises an eyebrow, "Then study. Study, pray and go over your devotions once more. Practice them and reach communion with the Watcher. Bulid your faith into a force that can move boulders."
06[21:20] * Demedais nods at this, before grinning sadly a bit. "Understood. I will endeavor for this." Demedais looks at Ceiar's face after this, a bit sheepish. "I... thank you, Father Ceiar. For everything."
[21:21] <Demara> "When do you aim to begin," Father Ceiar's smile grows a little less guarded at the compliments.
[21:23] <Demedais> "...Heh. Tell the truth, I have been trying to remember much of it, but bratty Demedais didn't pay as much attention as he should have." Demedais says in reply, shaking his head. "...As soon as I can. If you could help me... it would be greatly appreciated."
[21:29] <Demara> "We can begin soon," Ceiar agrees, "Jsut go start by doing some readings."
06[21:30] * Demedais nods once, looking Ceiar over to see how this is striking him.
[21:34] <Demedais> roll 1d20+19 what's bothering you, Father Ceiar?
06[21:34] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+19 what's bothering you, Father Ceiar? and gets 26."12 [1d20=7]
[21:34] <Demedais> roll 1d20+19 what's bothering you, Father Ceiar? reroll since I can likely do better
06[21:34] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+19 what's bothering you, Father Ceiar? reroll since I can likely do better and gets 34."12 [1d20=15]
[21:42] <Demedais> "...everything I have, has come from Helm... through you all. I can only hope to be able to repay this debt someday. Thank you again, Father Ceiar." With that, he turns and leaves, eyes half-closed.