Asking The Impossible

September, 15th 2007

Summary:

Troubled by the unresolved fate of those street urchins currently residing at the Stonesong Saunctuary, and by a dream-vision harkening back to the events that occurred in the PrP 'Check Your Carrion Pt1', Pinnos gets Gelthagar on board with his plan to open a hospice in Witch Hill. Flushed with success, and in the name of tolerance and community, he then proceeds to try working a minor miracle: Persuading a Paladin of Aurinko to work alongside a Priestess of Forstorelse...

White Hart Inn - Common Room

Present: Gelthagar, Pinnos

Having seen to his morning prayers at the chapel of Kunnia (Gelthagar may well have spotted Pinnos about the Open Hand Sanctuary, these past few mornings) Pinnos enters the the inn, to see about the usual mundane necessities of breakfast and some respite from the chilling winds. He pauses by the entranceway, to tap the snow from his boots.

After his own morning prayers, Gelthagar finds his way down to the White Hart Inn himself, it now being his favorite spot to eat and drink. His shield is strapped to his back, sword sheathed, and his armor freshly polished. After yesterday's adventure, Gelthagar had to bang out a small section of the breastplate, although he hasn't repaired the actual hole yet.

By the time Gelthagar arrives, Pinnos is seated and partaking of a simple bowl of stew. His own armour is commendably spotless, him having spent a goodly portion of yesterday evening cleaning and oiling it, and some time in prayer this morning to see to those arrow-punctures he received. He carries no shield this day, though his heavy mace rests by his chair. In a city on the edge of the wild frontier, it never pays to go around unarmed, after all. "Gelthagar," he says pleasantly when he sees the paladin -- this time with a degree of familiarity in his voice.

"Ah, Pinnos," Gelthagar replies cordially as he looks over, his bassy voice straining not to bounce endlessly off the walls. Approaching the table where the cleric is seated, the paladin gestures, "May I join you? I see you've been sufficiently repaired." He himself was completely healed, even the hair was starting to grow back underneatht eh stitched fabric of his clothing. Only the armor still carried the scar.

"Please," the Kunnite smiles, indicating a chair. His own tone, whilst clearly capable of deeper range than a pureblood elf, is typically soft and unassuming; today is no exception. He's neither surprised to see the fellow is in good health despite the wounds of yesterday, nor much displeased by any unkemptness in his armour. He may be rather fastidious, even somewhat fussy, but he is still reasonable. "An ale, perhaps? Least I can do after your aid, yesterday." Indeed, it was looking a bit dicey at one point, and the cleric was clearly glad to find Gelthagar by his side.

The tall man takes a seat at the table with Pinnos, his blonde hair falling behind his back. "I will never deny an offer of good drink, but my aid to you was par for the course. It is what we holy men do." Gelthagar offers a smile at this last comment, and although the man opposite him didn't mind the condition of his armor, the paladin himself did. "I apologize for the lack of repair on my armor. Master Alance of my Order is going to be working on some full plate for me shortly, and so I saw little need to repair this set now."

The barmaids are as efficient as ever, perhaps having overheard Pinnos' offer, and having little in the way of other customers to see to at this hour. Two steins are placed before the pair, and the half-elf quickly passes over the necessary coinage. He nods in simple agreement with Gelthagar's words, replying, "Just so; and my aid's as freely offered." He gives an equally simple nod regarding the apology, waving it aside with a pass of his hand. "No matter. My own's on loan to me from my order, so I take some extra care," he explains with a mild shrug.

Taking a quick sip, and enjoying it heartily, Gelthagar nods and wipes the foam from his moustache. "My father and I made this armor before I left Taldara for Vintermor. I am certain I will repair it because of that alone, although I do plan on passing it down to someone in need of it." He taps the etching on the left shoulder with his right hand, "I imagine with this symbol on it, it will likely only be good to someone of the Skylord's faith."

Prompted by his companion, Pinnos takes a slightly more enthusiastic gulp of ale whilst he listens. "A blacksmith then? A worthy trade. Had I not joined the church, I would likely be an apprentice stonemason now," he explains, providing a little insight into his own background. "No real talent for it though," he muses. Of course, Pinnos' homeland is Verkant, and that is evident enough in his accent. After some more consideration put to his ale stein, he regards the paladin evenly, saying in a slightly more thoughtful manner, "I'm glad we've found a moment to speak. There are a few matters on which I would have your council."

Oddly, Gelthagar's accent is only slightly Taldaran, with an underlying Thromgarian lilt that was even more evident in his 'barbarian' features. "Yes, my father is a decent enough Blacksmith. I only have a smattering of knowledge, I was far too busy in my religious studies and combat training to be much of an apprentice. But, I apologize, you wish my council on something? I will give you any assistance I can."

Pinnos listens politely enough, and if he's noted the Thromgarian heritage, he seems content enough to judge Gelthagar by his actions. When the Kunnite speaks, it's with a certain alacrity, seeming to have a fair few things to get through. "Firstly, I'll just pass this your way in case you hadn't heard: Polar bears by the library, just a few days go? Caused a similar commotion to the one we witnessed yesterday. It's hardly enough evidence to go on at present, but we might keep our eyes peeled for any more unnatural animal attacks. There was a spate of such attacks years previously, I'm told." He might be referring to the Steward of years back; the druid who waged a single-handed war upon the city.

"So, animals have been conducting attacks on the city." It isn't a question so much as a reiteration. Gelthagar was thinking out loud. "When I first arrived, there was a winter wolf attack at Stonesong, although I do not believe that's related. Shorlty thereafter was the dragon attack in the park. I'm not sure if that's related, either, I don't know too much about animals. However, I would say winter hares and polar bears, well... frankly, I think the connection there is a bit more evident. Someone who knows how to control animals. And they have some connection with Kobolds."

Pinnos nods in accordance with this, noting, "Yes, I heard of that," in regards the winter wolf. "There was another troubling people out at Frostward, though we dealt with it quick enough; I doubt that is related either." Another sip of ale there to ease his drying throat -- so much talking for a normally quiet man here -- and he continues with, "That's my conclusion yes; though we'd probably best keep such ideas to ourselves until we've more solid evidence. I've no desire to upset the nature priests unduly." Counting the matters off on his fingers now, "Secondly, you're aware of the trouble in Witch Hill, I presume? The street orphans, and talk of some sort of organised crime syndicate?"

Gelthagar likewise drinks before speaking, "I had heard, yes, but very little." He wonders about that druid that was with them yesterday, and during the undead fight. Maybe he could be useful. But back to the orphans, "Are the children being taken care of?"

"This was why I've been anxious to speak to you," Pinnos says levelly, and with a slight degree of reticence. "For the moment, yes, they're under the care of Dulin, the owner of the Stonesong Sanctuary. She's a good soul, and they're surely well tended, but..." Here he frowns, regarding his reflection in his ale for a second or two before looking up again. "It is a temporary solution at best. They cannot stay there. Nor can they remain outside the city. Frostward will not have them, they have their own worries, and a small community cannot be burdened by a group of city urchins. And when they grow up? They are already troubled; many traumatised. They will not turn out well without some discipline. That is why I feel they must be returned to the city, and cared for here. If they're not raised in a setting that provides structure and demands of them some character, they'll grow to be idlers and thieves." He regards the paladin, waiting for his take on the matter.

"Yes," Gelthagar replies sternly, "I agree. We should have the Temples look after them. And while I would love to see them all under my Order's purview, as I am sure you would like with your own, it is likely impractical. Perhaps a joint effort of all the good Temples?" He says the word 'good' without thought, but his meaning is clear. "That may be a decent solution from the eyes of the children, as well, since they wouldn't really be separated. When they are old enough, perhaps they will find their own path to our calling. At the very least,w e know they'll have a just and moral upbringing."

Gladdened by the paladin's agreement, Pinnos is spurred on. There's an eagerness to his words, and a quiet fire in his eyes; though whether it is the fire of conviction or of fanaticism remains to be seen. "I will not call it a Vision," he announces, rather cryptically. "...As such. But know this," he says, leaning forwards and holding Gelthagar's gaze. "Some weeks ago, I and a few companions were beset by three foul grave-things, all claws and hatred in their eyes. And three times I called upon my Goddess to send them running. And three times she ignored my words -- though my voice rang through the very pine boughs and to the heavens. And as we stumbled about like the most ineffectual peasant militia, three dogs dispatched those corpse things in a matter of moments, each working in tandem with the others, baiting, feigning, each operating as a part of the greater whole. And it was all I could dream about for nights after." The fire fades from his eyes a little and he takes a reflective sip of ale. "You might think me mistaken, but I believe my goddess has spoken to me. And in my dreams of that battle are mingled in the streets of Witch Hill, and the faces of murdered children. And I cannot ignore them."

The Paladin had had visions, of course. Real visions. That's why he became a Paladin in the first place. "It could be, Pinnos, but...." Gelthagar hesitates. He is unsure of the meaning that must be evident to the cleric, but does not want to sound foolish. "I guess, friend, I am not certain I see the message that is so clear to you. How do dogs and clawed beasts relate to children?" The Paladin resists thoughts of Kunnia's failure. They were allies in Justice, after all, and such things were impure.

"Do you not see?" Says the cleric with an eager smile. "We must build a mission. In the heart of Witch Hill -- a place for these children to be raised and given a chance at a decent life. Three Gods will stand together, a bulwark against the villainy and filth that coats that district's streets. You are the second representative, I am sure of it; I knew it on the field of battle yestermorn. We only need seek the third, and then the holy form of Kunnia will be complete: three faiths united in bonds of duty. Our holy work can then begin."

The Paladin nods sagely. "Yes. Yes, I do understand this. And, of course, I will do all I can to help. If you need me to help build and teach, I can do so. I suppose you know more about masonry, even if you're not an expert, but there are others. And yes, a third would be useful. We can still teach morality and loyalty, but perhaps it will give the children enough variety to pick the correct course of action later in life." That action being straight to The Risen One, of course.

The fire returns, and Pinnos stands, clamping a hand upon the paladin's shoulder. "Thank you, Skylord's Chosen," he says with reverential intonation. "We will start humbly. A hospice perhaps, or a simple food stall if this is all we can afford. I have money due me for my work representing the Mithril Order these past few weeks. With that we can see about a suitable property, perhaps. I shall also approach the heads of my order to get their backing; though it is our way to run a hospice in every city, and Vintermor currently has none. So they surely cannot deny me. And in time," he announces, referring back to his proposed humble beginnings, "We shall have a school of reform for all of Vintermor's beggar children, where they shall learn the values of discipline and faith, and that they too have a place in this world."

The Paladin chuckles a bit, enjoying the eagernes of his friend. "I will give you any coin I can spare, certainly. I will speak with my Order, as well, perhaps even Master Alance. If I had not already bartered a deal for my new armor, I would gladly suffer this half plate for a longer time to assist. As I am still rather new to Vintermor, we will have to rely on you for navigating the system to purchase, I suppose."

Pinnos considers this, taking his seat again and returning some attention to his ale. "I am new myself, unfortunately. And if I am honest, I'd rather not linger in this city longer than is necessary. But I know that now I must; these urchins depend on it." Eager to begin working out the details, he starts to openly speculate as to the course of action to be taken: "We will no doubt have a task on our hands gaining the custody of these children. They are not at all eager to return, and those at the Stonesong," he shrugs a little, "Well, they are good souls, as I have said, but I fear sentimentality. They do not understand as we do, the need for them to confront and master their fears. Left to the Sanctuary, they will go to seed, of that I'm certain. So. I could have a friend scout for property in Witch Hill. Perhaps put the word out for a carpenter or mason. Then we must of course seek our third representative."

The Paladin ponders for a moment, trying to think of reasonable gods he could get along with. The Mithril Lady was easy, being the Skylord's daughter, but most of the others in the house of goodness were rather nature-like. "Perhaps Rocksmasher would be alright, if the children wish to be fighters. I suppose the Albatross is not bad, at least her followers believe in the law. The Mother of the Empire or the Lawgiver, those would also be valid choices." Gelthagar doesn't like using the proper names of deities, as is evident.

Nodding his council, Pinnos considers each of the paladin's suggestions with a quiet frown upon his brow. "They are all potentially good allies, I agree. And you are most suited to the task of finding our third, since you present a bold vision. And we will need all our charisma," no stat pun intended, "to achieve this goal." A moment of silence punctuates this reflection, and lends weight to the question which follows: "What think you of the Bloodmoon's priestess, Bella?"

Gelthagar nearly chokes on the ale he was sipping while listening to Pinnos speak. "You want to ally with the Warbringer? You want children raised by the servants of evil? I think you've had too much ale this morning." His brows is furrowed in concern. "I tolerate Bella and those of her Order because, by law, I must, but I do not condone their worship in the least. The Skylord does not abide us working with evil, and even if Bella is not herself evil, opening the door to her goddess can only bring about the exact thing you wish to avoid for these children."

"Hear me out," Pinnos says, holding up a hand to stay the man. His tone is even and steady, polite; it asks patience. "I suspect we're at the edge of a long discussion as regards the nature of Evil. Whilst I... have plenty of thoughts on the matter, let me say this instead: you used an important word there: Tolerate. For me to work in accordance with one who bears my kind such disfavour is for me to tread on Holy Ground. The good of the community is my Goddess' precept; and for a community to be good it must be tolerant, not prejudiced. Yes, the Forstorelites encourage selfishness, violence... They also encourage discipline, self-worth, devotion. What we must do here is commit to teaching these children to think for themselves, to demonstrate the convictions of our faiths and leave them to make the choice themselves. I am confident that you and I will provide far better role-models than she, besides; and so in undertaking this task, we remain pious, we respect the laws of Vintermor, and we learn the value of tolerance. If, after all we offer, a child still chooses to throw in with the Bloodmoon," he shrugs, "Then so be it. Some refuse to be saved."

"But," Gelthagar is stunned, short on words. "Pinnos, I see no reason. Bloodmoon also believes that no other deities' followers can exist for anything other than being her servants. The children in our hostel will either be made to serve Her, or forced into slavery by her, and we along with it. Besides which, regardless of the laws of Vintermor, I have to follow the laws of the Skylord first and foremost. His Sister is the enemy, perhaps not as often recently now that the Dracolich has been acting up, but She is the enemy. Working alongside an evil deity will surely cost me my connection to Him, and I cannot risk that."

"Your faith is stronger than this," Pinnos says readily, looking fixedly at the paladin. A less diplomatic person would have said 'do you doubt your faith this much?' but fortunately Pinnos' isn't so much of a fool. "We're citizens of Vintermor, Gelthagar. Already we stand in relations with the Citadel, whether we like it or not. Your Order tolerates its existence well enough. We cannot ignore the fact. And do not think I insult you there or call you hypocrite, because I know you -do- oppose Her; each of you, every day: through the simple convictions of your Faith. That is why I ask you continue this peaceful opposition, and take up the task I see before us. For every mind that priestess might seek to dominate, we will be ready with our own council, ready to point out the flaws in her thinking. Whilst unified in purpose -- /as we already are/ -- there will be a war of words; I promise you."

"No," Gelthagar retorts, "you aren't asking me to tolerate Her. You're asking me to work with Her, and thereby for Her. There is a difference, perhaps a subtle one for you, but it is loud and clear to me. You are asking that we give Her access to children, and help Her teach them, even if we are teaching them in our ways, the ways of the Skylord and His Daughter, we are still also allowing them to be tainted by the Bloodmoon's servants. While I can do nothing to stop this from happening to those who wish to seek out Her favor, I equally cannot actively participate in such a thing. And no amount of argument will change the Bloodmoon's servants' minds."

Well, Gelthagar has made himself plain enough, and Pinnos, despite his insistence, seems to know when he ought to stop pushing. "Then," he says, his voice returning to its softer cadence, "I will press you no further. I still think there is value in learning to live alongside one's enemies; but I can see I press you too far. We will seek another, more palatable member."

Gelthagar had not wanted to argue so much about this, especially not with Pinnos, but his convictions were firm. To this day he is still haunted by Alance's words about tolerance in the city and how they didn't abide by preaching. Such nonsense, really. "I appreciate that. I will talk to those few I know. I will walk to the other Temples and see if we can't find another law-abiding volunteer."

Pinnos has had a similarly disappointing encounter with the fellow. But he's not likely to share that right now, instead nodding to Gelthagar, looking just a touch regretful. He thought he was close to persuading him for a moment there (though is likely kidding himself). "Then I will send my prayers along with you, that we find our third," he offers, polishing off the last of his ale.

Likewise, the Paladin finishes his ale and stands. "Then I will be off to procure us a third partner." His demeanor has lightened up again, almost back to the levels of joy he had been at when he'd first walked in. With a smile, he bows his head, "Until next time we meet, Cleric of Aegis. Godspeed to you."

Pinnos stands with the paladin and gives him a brief bow in return. "Skylord hasten you," is his religious farewell of choice. He's building quite a repertoire of those, really.

And with those last words, Gelthgar heads out the door and into the cold. There was much work to do, and the sooner the work was completed, the better for all involved.