Pathfinder Hall RP

[kleomenes]

"I'll keep trying, I promise. One day I'll read better. And I'll write as well as anyone!" the boy promises and rubs his eyes. "Can you read to me for a moment longer? Please," Timmy lays down, wrapped in his blanket.

Ameris smiles, his eyes showing warmth.

"Of course, I would be glad to."

He places the book on his lap and opens it once more, before glancing back and seeing the boy has lain down. The priest smiles again, a softer one, before he begins reading on from where he left off. He tries to put some life into the story, with a more vivid telling, in an effort to make his delivery sound less like a sermon or factual report and instead, actually like a story. Emulating as best he can how he has heard Telia tell such tales before.

///Perform roll, 12 + 3!

[Arn]

Mi-Le Shaves Timmy's Head

(As per DM Arrakeen, this RP occurs AFTER Ameris's current forum RP with Timmy. I am reposting this after (most of) Ameris's forum RP with Timmy is finished.)

Mi-Le approaches Timmy's table during breakfast. Smiling, he says, "Hello, Timmy. You did very well in meditation this morning. Do you have any questions? May I sit?"

The little boy nods eagerly making space for Mi-Le on the bench. His notebook lays in front of him. From the looks of it, he is in a middle of a drawing. Timmy looks up and squints in thought. "You look different from the others? Why?"

The monk smiles. If he understands Timmy's question, he chooses to divert it down another route. "Where I come from, many monks shave their heads because hair and looks aren't very important to us. And we wear simple robes because fashions aren't very important to us, either. We like to be able to stay focused on one thing at a time, and it's easier to do that with fewer distractions. Have you ever noticed how easy it is to get distracted?"

Timmy nods looking to his notebook and doodles some more in it, evidently already distracted. "I don't like to do one thing only. It's boring. Aren't you cold without hair?" comes another question and the little boy looks back to Mi-Le.

The monk smiles and answers, "Sometimes, yes. But usually not." Noticing Timmy's tendency towards distraction, and thinking the time is not right, the monk chooses to drop his intended impromptu discussion.

Instead, the monk simply continues his meditation sessions with the children over the following days and weeks. Mi-Le keeps an eye out for any improvement in concentration or temperament in the children, including Timmy. He waits for the right time to talk with Timmy, if it comes.

It would soon be known to Mi-Le that Timmy suffers from short attention spam problems but the little boy seems oddly interested in what the bald monk is doing. Everytime Mi-Le leads meditation sessions Timmy tries his best which sometimes produces a silly outcome.

One day Timmy approaches Mi-Le with a serious frown. "Will you shave my head too? Maybe I will be able to do it better is nothing grows on my head?"

"I think you are doing very well, Timmy." Mi-Le smiles. "So don't worry about how you're doing. Just watch one breath going in, and one breath going out. If you get distracted, don't feel bad about it. Just notice you got distracted, and go back to your breath."

"I usually get distracted when I think. Things suddenly come to my head, you know?" the little boy admits shyly. "I... start thinking different things and it all gets confusing. It makes me angry sometimes..." Timmy shrugs gently.

Mi-Le nods. "Yes, I do know." Then he smiles. "You start thinking different things. But you don't think those things forever. Try noticing when you stop thinking those things."

"But maybe shaving your head would help." The monk looks thoughtful. "Do you think about your hair a lot?"

"They get into my eyes when I try to draw. And they tickle!" the boy smiles. "I'm not very good at doing things for a longer time but I try. I want to do better for..." he cuts himself off, blushing. "Maybe without hair, my thoughts wouldn't be so..." Timmy looks away from Mi-Le and to his doodles, "messy...?" he finally finds the right word looking back up at the bald monk with eyes full of hope.

"If you wish to shave your head, I can help you." The monk smiles again.

Timmy ponders the thought a moment, the smiles brightly as he fidgets energetically. "Yes. I think that could help!"

"I'll talk to the other caretakers first, then. Go in peace, Timmy" Mi-Le smiles at Timmy and leaves.

Later, Mi-Le approaches miss Sylvi with a smile. "It seems young Timmy has gotten it into his head to shave it." The monk chuckles. "I thought it best to talk to you about it first."

The always busy woman stops in her tracks abruptly looking at Mi-Le in a surprise. "Come again?"

The monk smiles. "It seems Timmy would like to shave his head. He thinks it would help him become less distracted." Mi-Le runs a hand over his own bald head and smiles. "It does not quite work that way, of course. But if he believes it, it might help. What are your thoughts? You are in charge of the children, after all."

Sylvi brushes one of her long braids away. "That's ridiculous," the woman exhales slowly. "Fine, I suppose that won't hurt. But," she looks to the monk sternly. "If more of them decides that they want to be bald, it is your responsibility to shave all of the willing heads."

The monk laughs gently. "Only after discussing it with you first, Miss Sylvi." Mi-Le smiles and bows, and takes his leave.

Later, Mi-Le approaches Timmy and asks if he still wishes to shave his head.

Timmy can be found, surprisingly, hunched over a book. He looks to Mi-Le and a child-like resolve shines in his eyes. "Let's do it," his lips press into a thin line and he fidgets closing the book and jumping down from his bunk. This is a one, very determined little boy.

The monk smiles and gestures for Timmy to follow him. Mi-Le walks out the front door of Pathfinder Hall. He informs a guard that they will be back shortly.

Mi-Le heads towards the Chionthar River, glancing back to see if Timmy is safely following him.

The moment they exit the Hall the boy would become truly distracted. They usually play in the back alley and rarely venture anywhere else than the Theatre so the child looks around, at everyone and everything. He will most likely require to has his hand held...

Mi-Le smiles and goes back to Timmy, taking hold of his hand. "Come along, Timmy. Let's go somewhere quieter." He gently leads Timmy towards the Chionthar River.

Once there, Mi-Le looks for a quiet spot on the banks of the Chionthar River, if there is one to be found.

The boy does much better when guided by a steady hand. He cannot' stay silent blabbering about all the things around, asking a multitude of questions about things, people, and objects.

Mi-Le answers the questions as best he is able, not being a native of the Sword Coast.

Timmy settles down visibly once the two of you enter less busy areas. A suitable spot can be found few meters down the river after passing about a dozen of washerwomen. They exchange polite greetings with both of you. Timmy waves back and smiles happily at the hardworking lasses.

Mi-Le smiles at the washerwomen, and has Timmy sit down at the suitable spot on the riverbank. He takes a cloth out of his pack and drapes it over Timmy's shoulders. Filling a bowl with water from the river, he wets Timmy's hair. The monk then produces a simple shaving razor.

Before he shaves off Timmy's hair, Mi-Le speaks. He makes an effort to speak simply for the young child. "By doing this, you are trying to make yourself better. Many people don't try to improve themselves, but you are trying very hard to do it. Remember your determination today. It will give you the strength to help yourself and others in the future."

"I always try to do better!" Timmy exclaims fervently then sighs. "But it not always goes well..." the little boy grabs onto the edges of the stone on which he sits to steady himself. He still fidgets a little here and there.

The monk proceeds to gently shave Timmy's head. Clumps of hair fall to the grass. When Mi-Le is done, he smiles at Timmy.

"You are much richer now. Think about how much time and money people spend trying to make their hair beautiful!"

The child scratches the side of his head. "Ooooh..." he blinks few times, eyes going wide. "This feels funny." Timmy giggles looking at Mi-Le. "No more soap in my eyes and combing. No tickly hair falling on my neck too!" the little boy jumps happily. "Thank you!"

Mi-Le smiles. "You're welcome." The monk takes Timmy's hand and guides him back to Pathfinder Hall.

Timmy walks at Mi-Le's side with a bright smile. Once at Pathfinder Hall, he tries to find that one, most important person to share this experience with.

[Arn]

Mi-Le packs some food and necessities for a five-day trip. One of the older children, a girl named Julia, seems to have done well in meditation. Mi-Le asks her if she would be willing to lead morning and evening meditation at Pathfinder Hall for the other children while he is gone for five days.

If she declines, he would ask Miss Sylvi.

Mi-Le tells no one but Ameris what he is doing. He departs without any fuss or fanfare.

((Going out of town, will be back July 4! Stay wonderful. ))

[Legofsalmon]

Hoppy enters the Pathfinder's Hall and leaves a copy of a mission report for any who are involved in an upcoming expedition in the sewers to read.

//pm if you want a copy.

[Legofsalmon]

Later the same day a bowl of blueberries is left on the doorstep of the hall and a stone placed over it to keep it dry from the rain, if the stone were lifted up an etching of a daisy would be found underneath and small parchment would be found on one side "Telia" on the other "Sorry, best wishes"

[Nomster]

The blueberries would have picked up and examined carefully by Telia after she is informed of them. She would then leave them in the kitchen, while thoughtfully looking over the note before she gets back to her work.

---

---

The next morning, Telia would address the children after the morning prayers. She would ask for both caretakers to be present and welcome any other Pathfinders as well.

"Dear children, I received good news from Sister Juna," she pauses, then continues after a moment, "She has informed me of that the Orphanage has room once again and is capable, happy and willing to see you return and look after you."

She would pause again, to allow her words to be understood before she continues, "All of us here in Pathfinder Hall, have been very happy to receive you and it has been a wonder to see you grow and learn new things every day."

Telia then notices a certain bald child among the children and it takes her a moment to recognize the boy as Timmy. She smiles, a little amused, as she wonders how come his hair disappeared.

"I know that saying goodbye will be difficult for some of you but you are only leaving to stay in another building nearby. We will be here and you are very much welcome to visit us." She would take a moment to look at each child, watching their reactions.

"And of course, we will visit you as well." She smiles warmly, "Continue to learn and be kind, take Ilmater's teachings to heart even if you later on, find another god to who speaks to you more than He."

She would end her words with touching the Ilmateri red cord around her left wrist.

[Tsidkenu]

A group assembled in Pathfinder's Hall on the 2nd of Flamerule, seemingly preparing for some kind of expedition. After some deliberation together, they moved out into the street and disappeared towards the docks district. Priestess Aeili would have been almost unrecognisable in her drab brown robes amongst the others.

_____________________________________________________________

Some time later, the Mystran would return to Pathfinder Hall wearing her priestly vestments and smelling strongly of lavender soap. After talking briefly with Ameris, Telia and their guest Alexander, the priestess would suddenly rush outside where she met a heavily armoured figure. The two would disappear out the Eastern Gate and took a boat from the Chionthar. They looked to be heading downstream towards the sea.

[Hoihe]

A letter is left for Ameris by Hoihe. Although sealed, those curious of its nature would be told it's about the grain import.

[DM Arrakeen]

The blueberries would have picked up and examined carefully by Telia after she is informed of them. She would then leave them in the kitchen, while thoughtfully looking over the note before she gets back to her work.

---

---

The next morning, Telia would address the children after the morning prayers. She would ask for both caretakers to be present and welcome any other Pathfinders as well.

"Dear children, I received good news from Sister Juna," she pauses, then continues after a moment, "She has informed me of that the Orphanage has room once again and is capable, happy and willing to see you return and look after you."

She would pause again, to allow her words to be understood before she continues, "All of us here in Pathfinder Hall, have been very happy to receive you and it has been a wonder to see you grow and learn new things every day."

Telia then notices a certain bald child among the children and it takes her a moment to recognize the boy as Timmy. She smiles, a little amused, as she wonders how come his hair disappeared.

"I know that saying goodbye will be difficult for some of you but you are only leaving to stay in another building nearby. We will be here and you are very much welcome to visit us." She would take a moment to look at each child, watching their reactions.

"And of course, we will visit you as well." She smiles warmly, "Continue to learn and be kind, take Ilmater's teachings to heart even if you later on, find another god to who speaks to you more than He."

She would end her words with touching the Ilmateri red cord around her left wrist.

There would be some confusion among the children. Some appear to be saddened by this revelation, others not so much. Sylvi talks in hushed tones with Richard.

Eyes of a little, bald boy go wide and soon fill with tears, he clenches his fists and stares at the floor, fidgeting nervously.

Dannic watches Telia for a moment, his expression conflicted and in the end replaced by a small frown.

Andrew and Quinn seem a little worried and soon fall into a hushed, but what appears as a frantic conversation.

Mathilda simply stares at Telia from under a creased brow.

[kleomenes]

Ameris notes the reactions, his eyes flitting here and there. He does his level best to hide his own sad frown.

He would speak, a smile on his lips. "Those here shall not be strangers to you, far from it. We will still visit. There will still be theatre trips - I might even come on one! Those who help with your letters will still do so. When some of you get older, the fiercer of the Lions will still train you how to use a sword. We will still make sure there are toys to play with and we will still make sure that if you need to talk to anyone, we will listen."

He takes a breath, and taps his chest, an earnest tone.

"I will still visit during the afternoon times for reflection just as I have come back from the temple each day while you have been here. I will do it as often as I can, and I shall tell you when I cannot. You will always be able to speak to me if you are worried and upset."

[DM Arrakeen]

Three dozen children would be seen herded out of Pathfinder Hall by Ilmateri caretakers, some of them looking positive while others are saddened. The word is that the Ilmateri Orphanage have room for the children now and that the temporary care under the Order of Lions have come to an end.


Telia could be seen leaving with Ameris a while afterwards, to speak with the revered Sister Juna, who oversees the Orphanage. They would return to Pathfinder Hall with a mixture of feelings but one thing would be clear - the couple were determined. Some things would be arranged to be moved around in Pathfinder Hall. The caretakers and children had been careful with cleaning up after themselves but the couple began to move out beds from one of the sleeping quarters upstairs. Two single beds would be placed at either side, and another on the far end. Especially Telia would see it as her duty to make the room look as comfortable as possible.

A chest would be brought in, filled with various toys. An easel would be placed in the room with a wooden box filled with various colour pots and brushes. A bookcase would contain reading material suitable for a young child. A large desk would be secured and two chairs placed by it.

By the window facing the busy street below, Telia would hang up a glass decoration purchased from the Temple of Lathander. It is a symbol of a sun, which shines bright yellow when the sun rises over the city and hits the window. Next to it, she would hang up a blue glass star, infused with something that makes it glow in the night. It would be noted by anyone examining the star, that it has eight points. A Lathanderite yellow beeswax candle would have a prominent place in the room, for some reason.


When the preparations are done, Telia and Ameris would go by the orphanage. They would show anticipation and no doubt some nervousness as they stepped inside. After some time, they would emerge and each would hold the hand of an eight-year-old, -very- bald child, who they would lead to Pathfinder Hall. The young boy would seem quite overjoyed, smiling happily at the adults, particularly Telia, while fidgeting nervously and asking million and one questions. Following the couple, is the caretaker 'The Hawk' Sylvi.

The child, who many in Pathfinder Hall would know as Timmy, would be shown to the room and be told that a friend of his would soon arrive as well.

///This post has been approved.///

[sweetlikesplenda]

The blueberries would have picked up and examined carefully by Telia after she is informed of them. She would then leave them in the kitchen, while thoughtfully looking over the note before she gets back to her work.

---

---

The next morning, Telia would address the children after the morning prayers. She would ask for both caretakers to be present and welcome any other Pathfinders as well.

"Dear children, I received good news from Sister Juna," she pauses, then continues after a moment, "She has informed me of that the Orphanage has room once again and is capable, happy and willing to see you return and look after you."

She would pause again, to allow her words to be understood before she continues, "All of us here in Pathfinder Hall, have been very happy to receive you and it has been a wonder to see you grow and learn new things every day."

Telia then notices a certain bald child among the children and it takes her a moment to recognize the boy as Timmy. She smiles, a little amused, as she wonders how come his hair disappeared.

"I know that saying goodbye will be difficult for some of you but you are only leaving to stay in another building nearby. We will be here and you are very much welcome to visit us." She would take a moment to look at each child, watching their reactions.

"And of course, we will visit you as well." She smiles warmly, "Continue to learn and be kind, take Ilmater's teachings to heart even if you later on, find another god to who speaks to you more than He."

She would end her words with touching the Ilmateri red cord around her left wrist.

There would be some confusion among the children. Some appear to be saddened by this revelation, others not so much. Sylvi talks in hushed tones with Richard.

Eyes of a little, bald boy go wide and soon fill with tears, he clenches his fists and stares at the floor, fidgeting nervously.

Dannic watches Telia for a moment, his expression conflicted and in the end replaced by a small frown.

Andrew and Quinn seem a little worried and soon fall into a hushed, but what appears as a frantic conversation.

Mathilda simply stares at Telia from under a creased brow.

Aaron would stand at the rear of the group as Telia addresses the children. The young knight knew this was the inevitability when the children first arrived. They would shortly leave. He could not help a wistful moment of thought, reliving memories from the last several months.

The knight was newly arrived back in his home city of Baldur's Gate again. Traveling, in an effort to find himself once again, having taken him away for the better part of a year. The man had stepped down from his post as the Commander of the Order of the Silver Rose and went off on a journey. Word of the attack on the city by the undead army reached him too late for him to arrive in time to assist, and he was feeling without a cause, unneeded.

Unable to locate many of his old friends, the knight had wandered the roads striving for any way to feel necessary again. Brother Ameris, and old friend from before his time away, approached him and asked the knight if he would offer his services in the protection of a group of orphaned children that would be staying in Pathfinder Hall.

There were interviews with the Stewardess and Ameris, and soon the young man was readily agreeing to be a mentor as well as guardian for the children. Soon after he was offered full membership in the Order of Lions.

With a smile the knight recalled the day the first group of children arrived. Most were small and timid, some bold, others apathetic, all nervous for the change of environment; the varying stages of those trying to survive and cope after the suffering they had endured.

The young man took to the children quickly, all of them rapidly became special to him. Aaron had been struck with how fast he had become attached to these children. He had quickly tried to assess each, observing their behaviors, personalities, likes and dislikes, their preference in activities, and their learning methods.

He had taken an extra liking for Quinn. The boy was quiet, calculated, observant, and had a brilliant mind and talented hands. After displaying his skill in quickly whittling a Rook chess piece, the boy had agreed to craft a board and set for the Knight. The crafty youth had even recruited his friend Andrew to help.

His mind wandered over the many lessons he had taught the children, then the addition of the other children and the increase in class sizes. Aaron would truly miss this group of rambunctious children. So many held so much talent. Their combined possibilities seemed almost limitless. Sadly, he knew that many would not be taken in and nurtured in a family, before apprenticing or becoming too old for the orphanage. Some would not be as lucky as others and may even fall in with rogues and bandits, others their talents gone to waste with poor luck.

Drawing himself back to the present, as the children finished receiving the notice that they would soon be moved back to the orphanage, many whispering among themselves. Aaron noticed Quinn and Andrew in their hushed conversation. The young tactician made his way through the children, offering smiles, a reassuring pats on the shoulder, or a ruffle of hair as he passes clumps of chattering children.

As he nears Quinn and Andrew, the knight lowers himself to their level, taking a knee. To the two boys he would offer a big smile, though tinted with sadness, and says "I know this is another big change for you. How are you boys feeling?"

Andrew shrugs, "Not like we didn't know that this would happen. I have some friends in the other building that I miss but I also liked being here more than there," the boy sighs but his slightly sad expression is soon replaced by a bright smile. "We are going to visit I hope!"

Quinn looks to one of the children, skulking by the window then back to Aaron.
"We will be fine," the boy says half-heartedly.

"We are almost done with the chessboard!" Andrew chimes in. "We are waiting for the varnish to dry and some of the last paint touches on the actual board. All the pieces are ready," he relays the information enthusiastically.

The Knight's ocean blue eyes settle over each as they speak. A sad smile would evolve as he listens as each. "We will come visit the Orphanage. I was asked some time ago if I might come teach lessons. Perhaps they will still let me." At mention of the chessboard he would place a hand on each of the boy's shoulder. "I want to thank both of you for your time, your dedication, and your talents in making this for me." His hands would slip off their shoulders, to rest once again at his sides.

"I also want to thank you for.." The man who had always seemed to know his words, to have his emotions in control, paused. A soft sigh slowly escapes him. "For letting me be a mentor. For letting me watch you all grow and develop, for a time. For letting me be a guardian." He would pause again briefly, moisture forming in his eyes, though no tears fell as he said, "For letting me feel needed, again."

Straightening himself, Aaron would pull from a small hip bag, two small bundles. Unrolling the cloth coverings, two King chess pieces carved from garnet rested in the palm of his hand, each hung from a leather thong. Handing one to each, Aaron would say with a smile, "For each of you, for work well done on my chessboard. That you know that good work should always be rewarded. And, so that both of you will -always- remember that you are kings, in my eyes."

Andrew, with little thought behind it, hugs the Knight tightly. "Thank you, sir Aaron. For everything! I will never forget you and what you did for us," the emotional boy solemnly nods accepting the gift.

Quinn on the other hand respectfully bows to Aaron. "Thank you, sir, for giving us something to work towards."

A day later the chessboard with all its pieces would be waiting for Aaron at Pathfinder hall.

Day dawned on Pathfider Hall. The halls were strangely quiet. The lack of giggling, hurrying, yelling, and whispering children was almost oppressive. A young knight walked unhindered, his hand tracing the wall as he went. Accustomed to dodging between children moving between meals, classes, at play, the Hall seemed much larger to him. He visited the rooms that once occupied the children during their tenure there. The extra sleeping mats, storage chests, toys, and other furniture and objects brought in for the children had been removed.

The man had been apprehensive when the children first arrived. He had spent time in the field with grown men and women, giving orders, discussing tactics, teaching. He had assumed his lack of experience with children, at the time, might be a hindrance. But, as with all things, he studied their methods, ways of learning, their mannerisms, and he had adapted his teaching to fit them. As he did so, he realized the importance these children had become to him.

Pushing the door open to the living quarters for Pathfinder members, Aaron sat heavily on his sleeping pallet. He had said his goodbyes to the children the night before they had returned to the orphanage. He found it difficult to be present as the children left. He had stayed behind as they filed out of Pathfinder Hall, standing in the doorway waving and offering them an encouraging smile. Pulling off his gloves he reached for the finished chess board and pieces. Picking up each he looked over the quality skill in their design, paint, and varnish. The game board would be always be a cherished item for the man, just as the children would be.

His examination complete, he set the chess board down. The light of the day warmed him as it entered the window of the room. A slight smile graced his face as he allowed this rare time of melancholy to invade his thoughts.

[TarnishedSoul]

(Pictured, from left to right: Quinn, Telia Santraeger, Mathilda, Ameris Santraeger, Alexandra Keenan, Olrich Gaelin, and Tarina Mazir.)

Quinn and Mathilda, two of the three dozen children who gathered alongside their caretakers inside Pathfinder Hall, presented flowers and colorful cards to some of the people who housed, fed, guarded, and instructed the orphans for the past four months. The children returned to the orphanage a short time later.

[kleomenes]

Ameris adds a new step to his daily routine. Rising early, while it is still dark, he is seen leaving Pathfinders Hall and going for a run in the quiet, predawn streets, doing several laps of the main square in the east gate. These first few days he returns home breathless, although determined.

[Arn]

Although he still shows up daily to lead meditation sessions, Mi-Le's time at Pathfinder Hall has dwindled in the last few days. Indeed, those paying attention would notice that he only shows up at Pathfinder Hall for the meditation sessions; outside of those times, the monk seems to be devoting his attention and energy elsewhere.