206.2 Winter Days, Demedais

[Corwin]

[17:19] <Kotono> ----
[17:22] <Kotono> Days of rest pass. As life blurs into a pleasant respite, Demedais integrates himself back into his daily duties. On one morning, as he helps Father Ceiar inspect the front entrance, "We're thinking about redoing that," he gestures to the front door. "A more visible sign of our faith to let those seeking for it find it, and those that are not to see Helm's majesty." The morning air is cool, the noises of people going about the start of their
[17:22] <Kotono> going about the start of their day a pleasant background.
06[17:24] * Demedais looks it over, himself; he'd often looked at it but never really... looked at it. "Mmm. What are you considering replacing it with?"
[17:26] <Kotono> The front entrance to the temple of Helm is wide, but rather non descript. "A gauntleted hand with an eye in it, one of the symbols of Helm," Ceiar strokes his chin as he thinks. "Our coffers have become laden lately, so how better to use some of it than to do Helm honor?"
[17:29] <Demedais> "That is one way to use the funds, yes." Demedais nods once. "And if it brings more in, this is good as well. ... It is always good to see more people in here. Though it was hardly common even back then, I remember the occasional day with no visitors..."
[17:32] <Kotono> Ceiar smiles at that, gaze skyward. "Helm has revealed to us in time. I'm glad I'm here for this day." Thoughtful as he stares at where the new symbol may be, "Rustless iron. I here it is possible, I must talk to the high priest on it." As he talks, people come and go from around the temple. Most of them are normal Balmurians, a few stopping, but most on the way to work.  One, however, stands out. An older man, hair and beard gray-white, with
[17:32] <Kotono> An older man, hair and beard gray-white, with the white winning. His beard is full, while his hair is only a few remanants on the side of his head. Despite this, he wears a breastplate and cloak.
06[17:38] * Demedais nods. "I, too, am glad I've been able to witness this. It is also heartening to see warriors come here, as well." A respectful nod to the man. "And, by Helm, it is good to be back, for now."
[17:40] <Kotono> The man nods back at Demedais, his eyes boring a hole into him. "I suppose that under different circumstances these events would be a disaster. Several new temples opening would dilute those that truly believed even deeper, but yet our cup runs far over and continues to grow."
[17:40] <Kotono> OOC - Strike.
[17:41] <Kotono> The man nods back at Demedais, his eyes boring a hole into him. "I suppose that under different circumstances these events would be a disaster. Several new temples opening would dilute those that truly believed even deeper, but yet our cup runs far over and continues to grow." Father Ceiar smiles again at that, "Only one hasn't flourished at all of the old and new. Otherwise...I went to Gond's temple yesterday - professional curiosity. Do you
[17:41] <Kotono> I went to Gond's temple yesterday - professional curiosity. Do you know what I saw?"
[17:43] <Demedais> "I would not, I'm afraid." Demedais shakes his head once to Father Ceiar. "What is it?"
03[17:46] * ChanServ sets mode: +o Kotono
[17:49] <Kotono> "It's bustling. Tradesmen, shipwrights, masons, blacksmiths and more. I heard the ring and clatter of metalwork, the thudding of stonework and countless others. A year ago it's vitality would have amazed me. Now?" Ceiar merely shrugs, as one can note the old man behind you turning away, heading away after a slight bow to the temple.
06[17:53] * Demedais looks at the old man for a moment, curiousity waxing for a moment. "I cannot say it surprises, honestly." Then, to the old man, "Helm watch over you, sir." he says as the man turns away, before pausing for a moment in thought.
[17:55] <Demedais> roll 1d20+13
[17:55] <Demedais> OOC: 33.
03[17:55] * Hatbot (~Hatbot@70.112.23.198) has joined #dunes
[17:56] <Demedais> roll 1d20+13 fine fine fine.
03[17:56] * Kotono sets mode: +v Hatbot
[17:56] <Demedais> roll 1d20+13 fine fine fine v. 2?
06[17:56] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+13 fine fine fine v. 2? and gets 15."12 [1d20=2]
[17:57] <Kotono> The man murmurs something, but it's lost to Demedais' ears. "It's also in no small part to you. Dragonslayer? Demonsmiter?  Champion of Helm?" He lists those off with a wry grin, "You're wearing a lot of famous hats."
[17:59] <Demedais> "Mmm? Sorry, sir. I didn't hear you." Demedais admits embarrasedly, glancing to Father Ceiar. "Ah... Thricefold lucky, in that. I'm honored to have been able to help with what talent I have."
[18:02] <Kotono> The man is already walking away at a decent if careful clip. "Hm?" Ceiar glances back, "Luck, skill, being chosen by Helm. Take your pick of any of those.
[18:02] <Kotono> "
[18:04] <Demedais> "A large helping of the first and last both." Demedais grins wryly. "Do you know who that was, out of curiousity? It looks as if he's seen many a battle, himself..."
[18:08] <Kotono> "No, I've never seen him before. A traveller or an old mercenary?" Ceiar watches him fade down the street and into the crowd, "That wasn't someone you know, either?"
[18:09] <Demedais> "Uh. No?" Demedais shakes his head. "I've not met him before, myself... not that I remember, at least." A slight rub of his head. "If I have, it was perhaps only in passing."
[18:11] <Kotono> "Ah well," Ceiar turns back, "How is Pollyanna now?"
[18:14] <Demedais> "Alright. Been busy with training a batch of recruits currently, so we've talked less than desirable, but things are going... well." Demedais says after a slight pause.
[18:14] <Demedais> "And, idly, what did you mean by one temple not flourishing at all of the old and new?"
[18:16] <Kotono> "Oooooh." With a content smile, "Why don't you go visit her now? Take some time and go see her?" After that and Demedais' second question, "Do you know how the garrison has a small shrine to Tempus and a priest of Tempus? I imagine you do, his name is Al'Lamar? Have you met?"
[18:18] <Demedais> "I will, most likely. Finished my morning practice, so." Demedais nods once, before, "Ah, yes, I do. He seemed a decent man, himself. I take it his temple does not fare well, then?"
[18:21] <Kotono> "Not particularly, no. His piety and devotions are both strong, but yet..." A shrug there, light. "Perhaps with the specter of war over here, he loses appeal?" A long, ruminating shrug, "Ah, but it does not matter to us. Go see her instead of listening to my ruminations."
[18:24] <Demedais> "That is no doubt a large part of it. With peace for now... who would wish for luck at war?" Demedais shakes his head, before nodding a bit. "Very well. Take care, Father Ceiar."
[18:31] <Kotono> Finding Pollyanna is relatively simple. She and Donald are just outside of Seira's inn, in quiet discussion over something or another. It breaks up a syou approach, Donald glancing at Demedais before ducking back into the inn.
[18:33] <Demedais> "Hi." Demedais asks, glancing at Donald's retreating form with a raised eyebrow. "How are you doing today? Have training later on with that group, or..."
[18:35] <Kotono> "I was convincing Donald to help out with that. I need to make sure they get good lessons on how to defend themselves if the enemy gets in close." Smiling as she turns to Demedais, "Oh, his exact words when he saw you were 'Oh, that rusty bucket of paladin is here! Ack!'"
[18:39] <Demedais> "Hah. Good to know some things may never change." Demedais grins, before nodding. "He's got some good talent up close; just... try and get him to stick to something a little more... uh, controlled than the warhammer. I'm not a hundred percent sure your men want to be carrying around both bow, ammunition, humongous hitting stick, and all the other supplies while out on low-medium risk scouting missions."
[18:40] <Kotono> "Short swords are fine, or even a longsword if they're skilled with it already. They shouldn't be thinking about having to fight in close too much, it's not what they're supposed to do. It's only a last resort." Clicking her tongue thoughtfully, "Otherwise I'd give them greatswords like you."
06[18:45] * Demedais shuffles a bit, rubbing the back of his neck. "Agreed. Short sword or longsword and perhaps a small buckler on the wrist would work best, I'd imagine. Oh, speaking of archery..." Demedais pulls out a pair of bracers, tossing them to Pollyanna. "From what I was told, these apparently help enhance archery skills, if you're interested. Alternately, if they don't meet your current needs, we can try to find something else that'd help more. I'd be more dr
[18:49] <Demedais> "I'd be more dramatic about this, but since you know archery far better than I, you'd know how best to improve what you have here." A embarrassed rubbing of the neck, again. "So, uh, yeah. Try them out?"
[18:53] <Kotono> "Aaaah!" Pollyanna's eyes light up, taking the bracers. She wears a pair on her wrists already, "What type are these?"
[18:56] <Demedais> "Aaaah. I think I heard... between lesser and greater?" Demedais shrugs. "Heard what the enchantment was, thought you'd be able to use them well."
[19:04] <Kotono> "Oh!" Taking off her old bracers an passing these to Demedais, she puts them on. They fit quite well around her slender wrists, "Oh, these feel marvelous," she sighs happily.
06[19:07] * Demedais blinks a bit, before grinning slightly. "Excellent! I'm glad that whole trip paid off somehow."
[19:07] <Kotono> Smiling as she closes in on Demedais, "It's good to have you back. Any new scars to mention?"
[19:09] <Demedais> "No, if only because angels seem to exist as heal batteries, amongst what other traits they may have." Demedais grins as he pulls Pollyanna a bit closer, himself.
[19:10] <Kotono> "Oh good. What were they like?" she asks, as she smiles, "Were they a a suitable counter to all the devils?"
[19:13] <Demedais> "Sometimes? Though I have to seriously question why they needed us to turn the tide for them; it just seemed like they were using it as a training exercise. Sending out lesser-experienced archons with one leader's not a good way to practice when the opponent is throwing everything they can at you... but maybe I misunderstand. I don't know."
[19:20] <Kotono> "Oh come on," Pollyanna chuckles, "I can't imagine they'd drag you into that for no good reason. Right?" She asks with a happy smile, "RIGHT?"
06[19:21] * Demedais looks at Pollyanna, smile on his face stretched just a bit. "I am... I am sure they did not drag me in without a... without a GOOD reason, yes. But now I am back, and infinitely happier for it. The entire angelic camp made my skin itch."
[19:24] <Kotono> "Why?" Pollyanna's smile becomes curious, "Aren't angels all light and good and happiness?" With a frown, "Like a reason to, I don't know, spend time with Alicia because she's like that as well?"
[19:26] <Demedais> "There is... a notable difference." Demedais shakes his head. "I don't know how to put it. Just... the entire place tired me out. It's like being at a party for eternity; some may enjoy it, but god I wanted out of there after two minutes in."
[19:31] <Kotono> "You're still grumpy," Pollyanna laughs at that, reaching up to pat Deme's cheek. "Grumpy, grumpy, grumpy. Still..." her eyes slide long, "That's part of the charm."
06[19:34] * Demedais almost chokes at that. "I'm not grumpy! Usually. Am I? I don't know, I just don't like social situations too much."
[19:37] <Kotono> "Oh..." Pollyanna sighs, taking Deme's hand and leading him up the hill, towards Stronger's shop. "You're hopeless sometimes, you know that? Have you ever gone out drinking at night? How about spent a morning sleeping in instead of doing prayers?" Despite that, her look back is warm, "You're such a PRIEST about things like that. I guess that makes you a good paladin...and kinda cute."
06[19:40] * Demedais flushes a bit. "I actually don't... drink too often. And it's good to know you're a deep sleeper." An amused grin at that. "And, well, I was raised by them, you know? Byproduct of environment and all."
[19:42] <Kotono> As you weave up the hill, past people coming and going, dodging a cart of chickens and then a well dressed man who chuckles as he sees the pair going up, "Well," she turns, looking Demedais head on. "Who do you want to make happy more: Me or Helm?" Oh, she's smiling when she says that. Oh yes, she's smiling.
06[19:43] * Demedais blinks at this for a long moment, looking her back in the eyes. "Yes."
[19:46] <Kotono> "Oh, isn't that a non answer," she laughs a bit again, her mood lightening, "You're off the hook, I know that wasn't a fair question."
[19:47] <Demedais> "It wasn't intended as a non-answer." Demedais says, one eyebrow raised.
[19:50] <Kotono> "Yes, well..." With a smile, "Let's go, okay?"
06[19:51] * Demedais holds Pollyanna a bit closer at that. "Let's. ...The future's wide open for us."
03[19:58] * Demedais is now known as qwertyslp
03[20:00] * Kotono is now known as Infinite_Ko_Loop
03[20:00] * Teresa is now known as Seira
[20:01] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> -----

[Corwin]

[06:25] <Kotono> ------Tiny Ko goes here--
[06:31] <Kotono> As the warm winter days pass by, Demedais settles into a rythym. The world flows on, bustling and stirring. One evening, as the stars glitter in the night sky, Father Ceiar looks into Demedais' room. "Demedais," he says. "Come with me?"
03[06:31] * Kotono sets mode: +o Demedais
[06:32] <Demedais> "Ah." Demedais closes the book he was working in and stands. "Certainly, Father Ceiar."
[06:37] <Kotono> Father Ceiar leads you outside of the temple, the streets quieting. The white moon rises in the sky, shedding a gentle white light to everything. Angles are muted and a soft carress of shadows obscures everything into a slightly off focus. "How much do you know other religions?"
[06:39] <Demedais> "Um. From personal experience, I know little of most except from what I've seen through my journey, though I probably remember most all of their basic tenants?" Demedais hazards, looking into the shadows a moment before glancing to Father Ceiar. "Is there a reason, Father?"
[06:41] <Kotono> "Do you remember a few days ago when we were talking about how the religions are blooming? Before you went to go see Pollyanna," he adds with a discreet cough and a smile.
[06:42] <Demedais> "Yes, I do remember that." Demedais says, sounding a bit serious. "What is your concern, Father Ceiar?"
[06:44] <Kotono> "Just that you remember your basics and manners." With a bit of a smile to belay Demedais' serious look, "Like it or not, you're famous and the most prominent face Helm has in the city-no, country and beyond. I wanted to make sure you hadn't forgotten your lessons, in case you cross paths with follows of another friendly or neutral faith."
06[06:48] * Demedais rubs his head in embarrassment. "I try to keep polite as best I can, and frankly, if I can manage it with Seira in nine tenths of situations I think I can manage it with anyone else most all of the time. But..." Demedais scratches his head a bit. "Am... Surely I am not... that famous, though? Maybe to Malmuth, but I'd think of that as more of an infamy..."
[06:54] <Kotono> "If you say so," Father Ceiar jabs Demedais in the ribs with his elbow. "Like it or not, you are a prominent face of the faith."
[06:55] <Demedais> "Ow." Demedais rubs gently, grinning for a second before sinking back into thought. "...Am I really that prominent?"
[06:59] <Kotono> With a shrug, "Pay attention to how normal people see you. If you really want to get an idea, go talk and listen." With a thought suddenly, "Do you remember when you travelled? Surely you had times where you listened to other adventurers or travellers to find out important information?"
[07:02] <Demedais> "I do, somewhat, but it was mainly just of the Crimson Guard from my memories..." Demedais frowns, rubbing his head. "And that's a conversation starter, that. 'Hi, I'm Demedais of the Crimson Guard. Tell me how awesome I am!'. ...That... Seira would do that." He rubs his head at that.
[07:07] <Kotono> The snicker you get is rather loud. "Subtle. Be subtle. You're smart enough. Keep your eyes open and get people to talk."
[07:10] <Demedais> "Sometimes I feel like subtlety is entirely missed. This could, again, just be because Seira is incredibly frustrating in this regard." Demedais rubs his head. "Ugh. She deserves the hype, though. Her talent with magic and skill at fighting is notable, for all she's been through. With what she's able to do..."
[07:14] <Kotono> "I've made a point to listen to the stories lately," Down the street you go, towards the new section of town. You pass by a group of four muscled men carrying a heavy pallet, a large iron chest lugged. "Some people say that she's the reincarnation of a dragon now - a brash one, but a dragon."
[07:15] <Demedais> "Uh." Demedais watches the chest leave, before shaking his head. "In that case, truth is stranger than fiction, I'd guess."
[07:17] <Kotono> "Says the dragonslayer." With a chuckle as you walk down the fresh, cobblestoned path "You seem ambivient about that."
[07:22] <Demedais> "The entire dragon slaying incident... mrf. I try and forget about that unless I need to." Demedais shakes his head. "That battle... took everything we had, and it almost cost me, there. And Shamal... Tch."
[07:23] <Demedais> "I hardly feel accomplished or anything for that. I... did what I could, and even with that it might not have been enough."
[07:28] <Kotono> "But it was." Walking on, you pass by the streets. They are quiet and peaceful - a few here and there. You see a few men entering a discreet tavern, wearing robes and laughing amid themselves. "But no matter. How was your trial in the desert?"
[07:32] <Demedais> "...I made sure Seira, Alicia, and the rest got out alive." Demedais shrugs once, a slight grin. "That's all I had hoped to accomplish. We managed to close a large portal into this world from the Hells before a mass of reinforcements came through, we think, so there should be little disturbance from them for a while, thankfully. Alicia will, likely, want to go purge them wherever they lurk here still...
[07:32] <Demedais> " A pause, than a forced laugh. "And I guess my tone of voice there tells how interested I am in that, eh?"
[07:35] <Kotono> "Mmm. You sound weary again," Ceiar says. There's a bit of silence after that. You pass close to Alicia's house - you can hear someone practicing in the back, even at this hour. "What has made you so tired in spirit?"
[07:39] <Demedais> "It isn't weariness, so much." Demedais looks over to see who's practicing, if he can from his angle. "It's... There's something I've decided, especially during that mission. I would rather have angels than devils as neighbors, easily, but truth be told I'd prefer neither. I..." A shake of the head. "It feels like... I don't know how to put this. Bah."
[07:42] <Kotono> Demedais would have to take a moment and peek around to see. "What bothers you of them, then?" Father Ceiar asks, stopping. "Try. Just put your feeling into the words until it comes out right...oh yes, I'd been saving that for advice if you ever get into a nasty fight with Pollyanna, so remember that, too."
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[07:47] <Kotono> Demedais would have to take a moment and peek around to see. "What bothers you of them, then?" Father Ceiar asks, stopping. "Try. Just put your feeling into the words until it comes out right...oh yes, I'd been saving that for advice if you ever get into a nasty fight with Pollyanna, so remember that, too."
02[07:48] * Demedais (Taishyr@58.194.238.102) Quit (Ping timeout)
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02[07:51] * Taishyr (Taishyr@58.194.238.102) Quit (Connection reset by peer)
03[07:51] * asdgsdfasdf is now known as Demedais
[07:51] <Kotono> Demedais would have to take a moment and peek around to see. "What bothers you of them, then?" Father Ceiar asks, stopping. "Try. Just put your feeling into the words until it comes out right...oh yes, I'd been saving that for advice if you ever get into a nasty fight with Pollyanna, so remember that, too."
03[07:53] * Kotono sets mode: +o Demedais
06[07:53] * Demedais walks a few steps forward and turns to look before turning back to Father Ceiar. "I think Pollyanna's already decided I'm incompetent with words half the time anyway. Truth of the matter is probably three-fourths, but I get by." A slight laugh at himself, before... "They care for nothing but their own objectives and morals, and while, unlike the devils, they are willing to tolerate some deviation..."
[07:54] <Demedais> "...at least humans, normal humans, and even other mortals beings... we can understand each other, even if we may never agree or get along, we can find at least some road that encompasses it all. They have but one. They pursue it with... a mindset that I cannot comprehend. Even human zealotry, I can comprehend, but... they... It seems to me that all of them; celestial, eladrin, devil, demon..."
06[07:54] * Demedais shakes his head, lost in thought.
[07:57] <Kotono> Antenora is in the back yard. She swings a practice spear, demolishing wooden practice figures with an intense fury and sharp movements. "Are they not the manifestations of good and evil? But you find those pure reprensations too alien to you? Not like mortals, who are far less pure?" A thought as he listens, "Is that what you mean, that you can't understand something that follows a concept without any yielding at all?"
[08:03] <Demedais> "That is part of it, yes. The law... the law is strength, but it is also flexibility; order allows. So does chaos, notably, but...Argh. Order and chaos are far more intrinsic to each other, in many ways. They can and do coexist far more easily and simply. I will protect those who seek their road, protect and defend this world as Helm wishes it; ...In the end I don't care what the people do. Humanity's greatest weakness - our fragile souls, compared to the o
[08:05] <Demedais> "Humanity's greatest weakness - our fragile souls, compared to the outsiders - it is our greatest strength, too. It lets us change. It lets us live, damnit. But with good and evil... they are... far more breaking. ...It allows for vendettas and hatred, but... perhaps if good and evil were forgotten, order and chaos would be used for these purposes instead?" A dry laugh at that."
03[08:11] * Taishyr (Taishyr@58.194.238.102) has joined #dunes
02[08:11] * Demedais (Taishyr@58.194.238.102) Quit (Connection reset by peer)
03[08:11] * ChanServ sets mode: +o Taishyr
03[08:11] * Taishyr is now known as Demedais
[08:19] <Kotono> Father Ceiar listens well, until Demedais at last finishes. "I only have one question, Demedais."
[08:20] <Demedais> "Yes?" Demedais asks, seeming to sink back into thought again.
[08:25] <Kotono> "What would you say if Helm told you otherwise?" His voice is quiet, thoughtful. "You seem certain of your thoughts. Have you asked why these things are as such? If order was as naturally supreme as you said, would it not have naturally emerged superior to others?" His look is grave, serious now. "Why does the common man look to Good and not Law?"
[08:26] <Kotono> (More)
[08:26] <Kotono> "I'd like to know myself," he goes on, tone softening. "Do you have that answer?"
[08:33] <Demedais> "Helm is perhaps the only voice I'd trust to the contrary... I have not yet heard him speak on it, though, through meditations and prayers, so I can only go where my thoughts lead me." Demedais shakes his head. "Order... both Good and Evil give an excuse to declare what you hate as anathema, what you despise as the most hated of enemies. But while such things could be done under the aegis of Order, or Chaos... ...they are nowhere near as common. Good and Ev
[08:34] <Demedais> " ...they are nowhere near as common. Good and Evil, on the other hand... It is perhaps not that Law is superior overall, but that Law and Chaos are... more intrinsic to mortals, whereas Good and Evil, the outsiders take on more willingly."
02[08:37] * Kotono (~dunefar@ip70-177-232-165.hr.hr.cox.net) Quit (-=SysReset 2.55=-)
03[08:51] * Kowork is now known as Kotono
[08:57] <Kotono> Father Ceiar begins to walk again, letting it mull itself over as he goes. "If you were a God, what would you do about it then? Theoretically?"
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02[09:03] * Demedais (Taishyr@58.194.238.102) Quit (NickServ (GHOST command used by Taishyr))
03[09:03] * ChanServ sets mode: +o Taishyr
03[09:03] * Taishyr is now known as Demedais
[09:03] <Demedais> "Probably go on an ego bender." Demedais follows Father Ceiar after a moment. "After that... I don't know. I don't know enough of how the mechanics of everything work, and it would take immense preparation to do... well, anything. Even in such a position, I'd imagine you couldn't act without thought; there are those always waiting for advantages."
[09:05] <Kotono> "I see. What if the mechanics - the laws of the universe - are what dictate what those are and are immutable?" HIs smile returns, "What if good and evil and the actions are unavoidable?"
[09:07] <Demedais> "Then I do what I can for the beings that want no part in their conflicts." Demedais shrugs. "Which is what I plan on doing. If there cannot be change, then there can at least be protection for those under such situations."
[09:11] <Kotono> Ceiar doesn't reply at first. He keeps walking, the path to the temple trod in thoughtful silence. As you at last draw close, "You wrestle with heavy thoughts. Perhaps, being so close and favored to our Lord grants you wisdom and insight beyond ours. Perhaps he wishes for you to see these things and learn from them."
[09:14] <Demedais> "I would argue it's all the times you forcibly pulled me away from practice at the garrison to study, finally paying off." Demedais chuckles, shaking his head. "...Perhaps that is part of it. I just wish I was better at communcating what I've been shown... kinda why I've been writing some."
[09:17] <Kotono> "Good," Ceiar's face lights up at that, as he passe sinto the temple. "Keep doing that. You'll find the wisdom you seek in due time."
[09:19] <Demedais> "I hope so." Demedais nods a bit. "For now, I have time to think, thankfully..."

[Corwin]

[20:13] <Kotono> ----
[20:18] <Kotono> Rain. The rain comes down in buckets that pelt everything this night. The clouds burst in the heavens, turning Balmuria into the target of it's raining pulses. Demedais has already rested for the night, the midnight hour having passed. As Demedais walks the temple interior, he passes into the front hall. Father Ceiar is there, in one of the many deep shadows. He seems to be talking to someone most animatedly.
06[20:21] * Demedais blinks and stops for a moment, surprised to see others still awake and with such energy. After a moment of thought, he decides to pray at the altar and let Father Ceiar continue his conversation relatively undisturbed.
[20:25] <Kotono> As Demedais goes to the altar, he can catch a glimse of the other person. She has a hood and cloak on, but the shadow of her face is alluring, hints of beauty. But on seeing Demedais, she steps further back into the shadows, drawing her hood up.  Father Ceiar glances back, "That's just Demedais," he says offhandedly. "He's a warrior paladin of our temple."
06[20:27] * Demedais waves once in greeting, before kneeling at the altar. It's his own business, whatever's going on... though curiousity doesn't stop him from listening to any parts of the conversation that drift his way.
[20:27] <Kotono> OOC - Listening check, then. Nooooosy! <_<
03[20:28] * Hatbot (~Hatbot@70.112.23.198) has joined #terrorofdunes
03[20:28] * Kotono sets mode: +v Hatbot
[20:28] <Demedais> roll 1d20+13 Not my fault I have good ears now! >_>
06[20:28] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+13 Not my fault I have good ears now! >_> and gets 27."12 [1d20=14]
[20:33] <Kotono> "I see." The woman's voice is surprisingly kindly, old. "Not from nearby, no. To the other, ..." A gap here, her voice not reaching, "...knee to another. Duty above all other? I suppose I can see the wisdom in it, yet not what is truly important."
[20:34] <Kotono> Father Ceiar's voice now. "Duty is important. But...Ah, you do not sound as if you want to discuss theology?" A short pause, unsure if something was missed. "Fearsome rain tonight."
[20:37] <Kotono> "I thank you for the chance to escape it for a few minutes." Another pause, "It's only natural, though nature does not take into account our desires on timing."
03[20:37] * Ebiris (WinNT@user-54426e6c.l6.c2.dsl.pol.co.uk) has joined #terrorofdunes
03[20:37] * ChanServ sets mode: +o Ebiris
03[20:37] * Retrieving #terrorofdunes modes...
[20:37] <Kotono> "How..." Ceiar chooses a word carefully to the hooded woman here. "I suppose order would do it good, then?"
[20:38] <Kotono> "No." This is said with the slightest bit of sharpness in her voice, "No, nature would not. Nature follows it's own rythym, to manipulate is it arrogant folly."
[20:39] <Kotono> "Ah..." A pause where the words drift too slient. "...which? Are you perhaps...?" Ceiar speaks.
[20:41] <Kotono> "The Great Mother," Her voice answers. "But...I didn't come to discuss theology, either," she seconds his words, "I should go. I thank you for your kind offer inthe storm."
06[20:42] * Demedais finishes his prayer and stands again, briefly looking up and stretching. A bow and a step back from the altar, before he turns to go to the stable to continue the rounds.
[20:43] <Kotono> Outside the rain falls heavily. The horses in the stable are mostly sleeping or standing still, little to do right now...OOC - Make another listening check.
[20:43] <Demedais> roll 1d20+13
06[20:43] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+13 and gets 33."12 [1d20=20]
06[20:48] * Demedais lightly steps to the back of the stable, eyes only half directed toward the horses as he tries to catch the source of the steps out of the corner of his eye.
[21:05] <Kotono> One of the horses in the back has a guest. A figure clad in a cloak and hood stands near it, one hand on the horses head. It doesn't seem to be threatened by it, looking on at the person with it's equine gaze.
03[21:05] * Ebiris is now known as Alicia
06[21:06] * Demedais nods once to the figure, glancing at the horse and the person for a moment. "Hello."
[21:07] <Kotono> Demedais doesn't get a reply at first, her hand stroking the horse's head instead. "Good evening." The same kind, womanly voice is heard to Demedais as before. "Demedais, wasn't it?"
[21:10] <Demedais> "Ah, yes." Demedais pauses, before a nod. "That is I. We rarely have travelers here this late... though with this rain, anyone could want inside, so."
[21:13] <Kotono> "It's rather unpleasant," she agrees, hand falling away fromt he horse. "You're a paladin?"
[21:15] <Demedais> "Yes." Demedais nods once, eyes straying out to the rain. "May I inquire your name, miss?"
[21:17] <Kotono> "Kelly," she replies, "Tell me, do you leave the city often?"
[21:19] <Demedais> "...Quite often." Demedais nods after a moment, leaning back. "Why? ..." A glance to the horse, then back to Kelly.
[21:21] <Kotono> "Curiosity." Her face is still unseen, but her voice is soothing. "Good night to you, but I should continue on. I've tarried too long."
[21:23] <Demedais> "May Helm watch over you on your journey, then." Demedais steps back a bit at this, to give the horse a bit of room to get out. "And be careful not to fall ill in this rain."
[21:26] <Kotono> "May the Earthmother guide you," she repeats, taking her horse and heading out. Into the rain she goes like a ghost, vanishing as she is obscured by the storm.