Pathfinder Hall RP

[DM Arrakeen]

A month after the relocation, children at Pathfinder Hall are definitely past the stage of initial uneasiness. Most of them have adjusted well, feeling more at home under Lions' roof than one could hope for. The schedule of daily activities, schooling, games, and chore has already solidified and everything seems to be going as smoothly as it is possible where the children are concerned. Whenever a conflict arises caretakers try to diffuse it as quickly as possible but at times they miss first signs of it and then yelling, crying and some fighting happens and disrupts the atmosphere. More often than not, however, it's laughter, vigorous discussions, squealing, and singing that can be heard within the walls of Pathfinder Hall.

[Nomster]

Continued from Subject: Orphanage and Orphans of Baldur's Gate (Player/DM IC RP)
//Posted a bit late!//

After all thirty-six children have arrived to Pathfinder Hall, Telia has been kept quite busy. She sees it as an important duty to interact with the children as much as she can while trying to juggle everything else she is supposed to do.

Telia would not bring up the note in the conversation, especially so after Dannic left the room when Sister Juna was visiting Pathfinder Hall. She seems content to wait and let the boy think over what she has written.

Dannic continues to avoid Telia and Timmy as much as it is possible for him. He seems to keep more with the new arrivals than with the previous group.

Telia takes note of Dannic's continued behaviour but she does not speak to the child of it, letting him be.

~~~~~~~

Telia would continue to ask Timmy what he has drawn and painted. She would always offer praise, despite the art work not being very good from an artistic point of view. She senses the insecurities Timmy has and wants to make him grow, rather than withdrawing into his shell. More so, she wants him to find something within himself rather than to look to her. Whenever Timmy would struggle with drawing, she would suggest things he can write a story about.

By now it would be painfully obvious Timmy's main focus is on everything that Telia is and does. He created few drawings since the inspection:

• Magical closet for all the magical dresses the sorceress has. The closet contains also a few bottles of wine, pillow on which Silvyr sleeps. For some reason, in the same closet Telia would find a very crude drawing of Ameris and a tiny, little sketch of Timmy. It bids a question... What are these two doing in sorceress' closet?
• Timmy riding a Lion that has wings with Telia against some monsters. Telia blinds the monsters with magic lights and Timmy is slashing them with a sword.
• Telia surrounded by magical effects - which make her crude silhouette barely visible - and with angel wings finding many toys and cakes and sweets and a puppy in her pockets and giving them out to other kids.
• Telia, Raindog a Timmy fighting monsters and saving Ameris from being eaten by a big, green blob of something. In this one Ameris is in a really poor condition, looking like a red-purple blob. Two words written by Timmy in his very bad penmanship can read "Lik Imatel".

Timmy refrains from writing down stories, having troubles discerning between letters and struggling with not being able to write down the words he has in his mind. But he continues to draw his picture stories and is always very eager to show them to Telia.
The little boy seems to be even more needy and clingy since the new arrivals.

Timmy may notice that Telia has less time for him now with the other arrivals.

She is still amused whenever the drawings are shown but tries to encourage him to show others them too and to tell stories with them.


~~~~~~~

Some days later, Telia sits down with Mili and she reaches for her eight pointed silver star, letting the symbol hang visibly from her neck. She smiles warmly at the girl before she speaks, "Sister Juna has approved of that you can be tutored under the care of the Temple of Mystra, if this is what you wish. I believe it is Priestess Neela who will be your main tutor but I am sure that Priestess Aeili will teach you a thing or two as well."

A look of utter surprise is given to Telia. Mili appears overwhelmed by the proposal.

She watches Mili's reactions before she continues, "You have a kind heart and I know you do not mind giving a hand around here. However, magic studies are difficult and if this is a path you wish to pursue, you need to dive head first into it and devote yourself. Perhaps, with time, you could even become a Priestess yourself. You love the Mother of Magic and I believe she loves you too, as she guided you to us."

"I.. I am honored." Mili blinks tears of joy away, smiling happily. "Of course, I am honored that you thought of me. How could I not? I know how intensive and demanding studies are I'll devote my attention fully to them. I'll not let you or Lady of Mysteries down. When can I start?"

Telia would explain that Mili can start when she feels ready to and when the Temple of Mystra has made the necessary preparations. When the preperations are done, farewells are said to Mili with Telia and Aeili both walking her to the Temple of Mystra.


~~~~~~~

Whenever Silvyr gets attention, he purrs happily. His soft tummy however would be a no-no area. He never scratches Amanda but he would look offended if she tried to poke his paws or reach his tummy and he would simply move out of the way. The tributes of ham are as usual, devoured.

Unusually so, one day Silvyr drops a jam filled pastry in Amanda's lap and then curls up next to the girl. The cat appears to have brought Amanda a tribute in return.

Amanda is very careful with the cat, never doing anything that could bring a discomfort either to him or her. She only pets and brushes his head and back keeping away from paws, abdomen and tail.

The girl seems to grow more and more used to Silvyr's presence and can be spotted reading to him quietly in her shy, trembling voice. The pastry tribute is welcomed with a shy smile. Amanda eats half of it and the other she stuffs in her pocket for later.

With the arrival of the rest of the kids Amanda grows more agitated once again. She does her best to keep away from the children and can be seen keeping very close to Silvyr whenever the cat is present.

The cat continues to keep near but he would seem more alert lately to the little girl's needs and her actions as well as anything that occurs around her.

[kleomenes]

Another step is added to Ameris' daily routine. Either before he leaves for the temple in the morning, or before he arrives back at Pathfinder's Hall at night, or at some point during the day (but usually before or after his quick afternoon visit), the priest dons his armour and heads off in the direction of the nearest sewer entrance. He would invite any of the other defenders of Pathfinder's Hall to accompany him, if they were available. He would emerge from the sewer some time later having wandered the tunnels beneath the east gate, and cleanse himself in the Temple; disgruntled a little, perhaps.

///PM me if you want to interact with this!

[sweetlikesplenda]

The lessons with the children continue on a regular schedule. On days that the knight teaches his classes, eighteen of the children at a time can be seen entering the meeting room that has been converted in to a classroom. The lessons continue to focus on history of war, peace, law, technology advancements, and government; both local and distant.

It so happens during said schooling sessions that girls, usually in mid and late teens, giggle and pass notes between themselves. Obviously, the handsome Knight is a much more interesting topic of a discussion than some boring political structure of a country they are probably never going to see.

After some time, Miss Keenan and Aaron can be seen discussing lesson plans as well as the children. The two, at the request of Miss Sylvi of the orphanage, work together to focus the lessons for the children. They can be seen reviewing the needs of the children as a whole and individually.

After a few of these meetings Aaron begins his lesson by introducing Miss Keenan to the class, indicating that she will be joining the children in their lessons to observe and assist them.

Aaron would give free reign to Alexandra to wander the classroom during the classes to watch over the children’s work, assist them with answering questions, help with any reading difficulties, or partake in the classroom discussions.

Children greet Alexandra with smiles, waves, and polite phrases. There is some curiosity in the air about the new teacher. Especially among charges more interested in learning than looking at local prince charming.

After each class the two can be seen reviewing their observations from the day.

[Miasmata]

. . .the priest dons his armour and heads off in the direction of the nearest sewer entrance. He would invite any of the other defenders of Pathfinder's Hall to accompany him, if they were available. . .

Eldarian would make it known to Ameris that he is more than willing to accompany him on a few rounds of the underground tunnels per tenday; his look would tend to something a bit more seething as he speaks on continuing their duty from last time that they did not quite finish.

[Nomster]

Shadows Cower Away From the Sun

A few days after Telia has spoken to Amanda, she speaks with Ameris and then visits Priestess Alesea in the Song of the Morning Temple in Beregost. It is decided then that Amanda will be brought to the Temple. While the Priestess looked tired and overwhelmed by some events, she understood the plight and the fears of the child - even offering up her own holy symbol, for it to comfort Amanda.

Telia would have prepared a wooden box for Amanda, where the girl could put all her belongings inside. The sorceress would herself add to it a book about different cultures in Faerun. It would not be a children's book but perhaps the sorceress thinks Amanda would enjoy reading it anyway. There are numerous exaggerations in it and the sketched images do not really depict reality accurately. In it, would also be a brush for Silvyr and some hairbands, either used for Amanda's own hair or for ribbons to tie around Silvyr's neck.

When Amanda is ready and any necessary farewells have been said, Telia would lead the girl and the cat to her bedroom, meaning to Teleport from there. Ameris would already be present. She sets the box down and reaches into a pouch at her belt, "Dawnpriest Alesea wanted you to have her own holy symbol, so that Lathander can watch over you better." Telia smiles reassuringly as she places the holy symbol made of rose gold with a mosaic of a rising sun around Amanda's neck, if the girl does not refuse it.

A light, shy smile shows on Amanda's face, she nods accepting the gift, looking it over curiously then glancing back and forth between the red ilmatari cord and the lathanderite symbol. Her eyes finally settle on the box and things packed. "Thank you, Mrs. Stantraeger," girl says quietly.

"Now... I would like you to hold on to Silvyr and take a deep breath as you hear me chant. It might be scary but we will be safe." Telia would ask Ameris to pick up the box and reaches for the scroll of Greater Teleport she has tucked into her belt. She would direct Ameris to place a hand on Amanda's shoulder, then she would place her own free hand on Amanda's other shoulder. The scroll is read in a chanting voice.

The girl holds onto Silvyr, small hands buried in the beast's fur, shaking a little as the anxiety makes its way through child's body.

The bedroom would fade away and in its place would be cobbled ground and a large stone building with wooden doors. Two Templars would stand guard outside the door, having been prepared for the arrival, with a Sending spell being sent to Priestess Alesea prior.

Amanda would gasp softly, hugging Silvyr a bit tighter, but after the initial shock wears off, she puts the cat down.

They head into the Temple. The sorceress would stay for a while then Teleport away, somewhere else.

[kleomenes]

Having hurried back to from the temple - apparently quite rushed off his feet after speaking with Alexandra there and sending off a long letter - and with a large back over his shoulder, Ameris does as he is bid, obediently taking up the box. Resembling something like a packmule, at this point!

The teleportation would lead him to stagger and near overbalance, given how loaded up he is.

He would trail after Telia as she approached the Song of Morning Temple. A small smirk would be on his lips as he did so, as if such trailing had some amusing significance to him.

[Dagesh]

A blonde-haired green-eyed fellow in full plate remains watching nearby the entrance to the Pathfinder Hall. He's friendly to passersby but doesn't leave his position.

Hidden: show

[TarnishedSoul]

After some time, Miss Keenan and Aaron can be seen discussing lesson plans as well as the children. The two, at the request of Miss Sylvi of the orphanage, work together to focus the lessons for the children. They can be seen reviewing the needs of the children as a whole and individually.

After a few of these meetings, Aaron begins his lesson by introducing Miss Keenan to the class, indicating that she will be joining the children in their lessons to observe and assist them.

Aaron would give free reign to Alexandra to wander the classroom during the classes to watch over the children’s work, assist them with answering questions, help with any reading difficulties, or partake in the classroom discussions.

Children greet Alexandra with smiles, waves, and polite phrases. There is some curiosity in the air about the new teacher. Especially among charges more interested in learning than looking at local prince charming.

After each class, the two can be seen reviewing their observations from the day.

The young woman spends several days in the classroom alongside Sir Lyonaler, effectively serving as his aide, until the time arrives for her to conduct her own lessons independent of the armored knight. Per her agreement with Miss Sylvi, Alexandra primarily focuses her efforts on the students who need the most assistance with their basic reading and writing skills, although she does offer the more advanced students some opportunities for discussion and debate of age-appropriate literature.

Alexandra would note that most of the children have been taught at least the basics of both reading and writing. But there are some, among the three dozens that are much less proficient than others.
Her attention would perhaps be caught most by little Timmy and Dannic.

The younger boy has real troubles with reading and writing. The letters appear way to similar and confusing to him. He keeps on mistaking "b" for "d" or "p", no difference seems to be there between "n" and "m" and "w". Timmy's temper flares each time he fails.
"I hate this!" Boy's brow furrows and he crosses his arms in frustration.

Dannic, on the other hand, doesn't have much problem with reading, it is the writing that is boy's sore point. His letters barely resemble what letters should look like. His script tends to either go downward the page or upwards, characters happen to change sizes for no reason or blend together. His penmanship is terrible.

Her teaching methods are decidedly less formal and strict than those of her counterparts, although she makes it clear from the start of her lessons that she expects decorum while she instructs. Ever the one to encourage new ideas and ways of thinking, she permits her charges to speak amongst themselves and towards her as long as they are discussing whatever story or piece of literature is the focus of the lesson.

In the beginning, children would be confused by Alexandra's approach and only few speak up in class when some questions are raised.
For the time being the group is behaving properly.

At the end of the learning day, when the children are off to their martial lessons, prayers, or leisure time, the young woman lingers a short while at Pathfinders' Hall in order to discuss the day, the progress of the children, and any other relevant matters with her fellow instructors.

[sweetlikesplenda]

While the children had free time between classes, prayers, and meals, Aaron would approach Quinn and Andrew and inquire on how the chess set they were designing and constructing was coming along. When seeing the sketches Andrew was designing and the work done on creating the board and pieces by Quinn, the young knight would offer compliments and encouragement. As each piece was reviewed the tactician in him would come out and he would speak on the strengths of each piece, how they can be used in combination with each other, and some of the more commonly used openings and moves.

[kleomenes]

Ameris returns to the hall in a hurried manner. He would greet those who were present in a friendly manner, but his sadness would be evident. He explains he is in a rush, as he has been teleported back to attend to urgent matters but tragic events unfolding in Beregost require his attention, so he will be away a few days yet.

A note is left for those who hold keys to the hall to read.

[Arn]

At Ameris's request, Mi-Le has been spending time with the children in the mornings, evenings, and during some meal times. Where Ameris led the children in morning and evening prayer, Mi-Le makes an effort to guide them through brief breathing meditation.

((RPing this out via PM with DM Arrakeen! Just putting this here to establish that Mi-Le is indeed spending time with the children.))

[sweetlikesplenda]

With many of the Lions away or attending the temple of Lathander in Beregost to express their grief, Aaron is seen to be more active within the Hall then he already is. He spends a great deal of time with the children and caretakers, ensuring that what is transpiring within the Pathfinders is not hidden from them, but also ensuring that everyone will remain cared for and looked after. The young Knight would also often be found conversing with those assigned by the orphanage and temples to stand watch over the children, discussing patrols and schedules.

His classes would continue as they have, in an effort to maintain the children's routine, while still allowing time for prayers and grieving for the departed.

[DM Arrakeen]

While the children had free time between classes, prayers, and meals, Aaron would approach Quinn and Andrew and inquire on how the chess set they were designing and constructing was coming along. When seeing the sketches Andrew was designing and the work done on creating the board and pieces by Quinn, the young knight would offer compliments and encouragement. As each piece was reviewed the tactician in him would come out and he would speak on the strengths of each piece, how they can be used in combination with each other, and some of the more commonly used openings and moves.

The first batch of pieces resembled some of the designs Andrew had done but since then the two boys have redone and upgraded their work. Aaron would notice that they are in the middle of a selection process to choose proper colors.
After listening to the small strategy lesson, Andrew approaches the Charming-Knight with a question.
"Sir, we may need special paints to color the pieces properly. Unless you just want us to coat them with varnish?"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

With many of the Lions away or attending the temple of Lathander in Beregost to express their grief, Aaron is seen to be more active within the Hall then he already is. He spends a great deal of time with the children and caretakers, ensuring that what is transpiring within the Pathfinders is not hidden from them, but also ensuring that everyone will remain cared for and looked after. The young Knight would also often be found conversing with those assigned by the orphanage and temples to stand watch over the children, discussing patrols and schedules.

His classes would continue as they have, in an effort to maintain the children's routine, while still allowing time for prayers and grieving for the departed.

Guards and caretakers, after being briefed about some new security measures and matters relating to such, follow the instruction and schedules without much of a discussion.

Certain uneasiness can be noted among some of the charges. It is not lost on the children that noticeable amount of Lions is gone from their usual posts.

[Arn]

((Mi-Le's first couple of days with the children, posted with permission from DM Arrakeen.))

Mi-Le enters Pathfinder Hall with a smile. He hopes to meet the children and observe their schedule for a day, before taking over Brother Ameris's duties for a few days.

Primary caretaker and teacher, miss Sylvi, greets Mi-Le and introduces him to some of the children. Waves, nods, and many helloes are exchanged. The middle-aged woman also lets the monk shadow her throughout a day, so he could observe the schedule and activities from a close perspective.

As he shadows Sylvi, Mi-Le keeps an eye out for any children who seem calmer and more introspective, children who might be receptive to meditation. As he keeps an eye out for individual children, the monk also tries to gauge whether it would be unwise to teach meditation to the children as a group.

After shadowing Sylvi and meeting the children, Mi-Le takes over the time slots reserved for morning and evening prayers while Ameris is away from Baldur's Gate.

The first morning, Mi-Le greets the group of children with a smile. He explains that he will be spending time with them in the mornings and evenings while Brother Ameris is away, and asks the children to sit comfortably.

At first, children seem a little confused. Be it due to early morning hours or the fact that Mi-Le is still stranger or perhaps mostly because he doesn't appear as priestly as the other Ilmatari that usually tend to morning prayers.
Children slowly settle down. Yawns, eye rubbing, and stretching can be noted especially among the older charges. Youngsters stare curiously at the monk.

"I'd like to show you a good way to start the day."

Still standing, the monk smiles and takes out a corked bottle of water. Dirt and sand sit at the bottom of the water. Mi-Le swirls the bottle around and around, and the dirt and sand muddy the water so that it is brown and opaque. "As we go through our lives, as we go through each day, our minds tend to get distracted and stirred up. Sadness, disappointment, anger, and emotions cloud our minds."

Sylvi and Richard make sure the large group behaves. Either stern or pleasing looks are directed towards the uneasy elements.

Kids observe the bottle. Some with more curiosity than others.

Mi-Le holds the bottle still, and the dirt and sand gradually settle back down to the bottom of the water. "In meditation, we let our minds settle and calm. When our minds are calm, we can see clearly. Let's try it for five minutes."

Mi-Le puts the bottle down and sits on an armless chair, so that the sitting children can all see him. "Sit comfortably, with your back straight, hands in your lap. Close your eyes.

Watch the breath where it makes contact with your nose. Just one breath at a time. Watch one breath going in, from the beginning to the end. Watch one breath going out, from beginning to end.

Now, this is very important: don't control the breath. You're just watching it. Everyone breathes, right? But most people never pay attention to it. Here, we are just paying attention to the natural process of breathing."

Mi-Le pauses and lets the room sit in silence for a minute.

Older kids seem to follow the instruction easily enough. Confusion is brief and most likely caused by the unusual practices more than anything.

The younglings struggle a little more. They are sneak peeking, giggling, and playfully nudging one another. Richard tries to keep them in line but in the end it's Sylvi's stern, unyielding gaze that keeps the children seated.

Timmy crawls closer to the monk, eyeing him with intense, curious gaze then tries to take on the pose and follow the instructions with a little, serious frown showing on his forehead. Everyone could tell that the little boy tries his best to concentrate but, as usual in the situation new or stressful to him, he fidgets a bit.

"If a thought or distraction comes into your mind, just notice it. Don't follow it, don't fight it. Just acknowledge it. Then go back to the breath."

He sits quietly for the rest of the five minutes.

Finally, a blissful silence stretches over the group filling the corridor that usually buzzes with sounds, steps, and cacophony of voices.