Prayers of Thomas Sharpe

[Psycho1976]

He stumbled into the temple, by the time he had walked all the way from the caves out by Beregost, the dawn had turned into a full day. The Helmite guards almost drawing their swords seeing him as he was; dirty as a beggar of the street and eyes that spoke of seeing things that should not be seen. Still he was recognized by a novice, smiling softly she offered her help which he accepted mutely, just nodded, gesturing to himself and upstairs. With heavy steps he was helped to a chamber where he then found a bed. Sleep took him instantly; a sleep without dreams as heavy as it was.

The following morning, a fresher and more somber Thomas walked down the stairs and into the main part of the temple. Here he made sure of saying his utmost heartfelt thanks to the novice, giving her praise for the way she had acted before he gave her the blessings of their Lord.

After a hearty meal he then proceeded to the benches that were placed for prayer before the altar of Helm. Clad in his prayer robes of old, he kneeled gently, putting the hood over his head and started to pray with a voice clad in steel and zeal. Only food, water and that which the body demanded of him made him move. Those coming to speak with him, were gently asked to leave him be for now. He had three days of prayer to do he said, and his voice and eyes brokered no discussion of the matter.

Holy Ones, you rescued me with your divine magicks from that which took me and my Sister. More than a ten-year ago I pledged myself to your service, and you have given me much in return…yet…I fear I must ask one more thing of you. I beg of you, grant my sister the strength and will to live and see her prison through and I shall do whatever you demand of me. I am yours.

Kissing the medallion around his neck, he started anew. The day was still young and his sister had three days to survive, had to survive. His mind accepted no other option.

((Anyone can freely say they have seen Thomas at the temple, praying, he would have gently asked anyone also to please accept his solitude for now))

[Psycho1976]

He knelt before the bed, on the ground he had drawn up the holy symbols of Helm, Lathander and Selune. His voice was that of a crusader before going to war, yet part of it had a gentle, caring sound to it. With his hands together he started to pray.

Holy Ones, thank you for granting me my sister Natalie back to us. You have again given your servant hope in the darkness the Herald has been trying to impose on us. I shall do whatever I can in giving my sister the strength she needs so she too can be part of facing our Foe and bringing light into the shadows he casts. This I swear to you as a soldier of Helm.

Taking a deep breath, he steeled himself for the next part.

I only pray our strength is enough to keep her troubles at bay, she seems quite troubled after her experiences. If she does in deed turn weaker because of it, I beg of you, let her stay strong enough till we can strike the final blow against our Fiend. If need be, I walk willingly to my death if that is what is needed.

Rising, he smiled to himself. His Path was clear, and it was good. He felt at peace, yet at times he also felt the longing for his love at home. Emma Denton...the thought of her cut through his fervor and zeal like a knife through butter, causing him to emit a soft groan.

With an effort of will he pushed Emma out of his mind before lying down on the bed. He would sleep, blade next to him. Dennis would make sound of alarm if need be.

[Psycho1976]

With a deep, heavy sigh he slumped into the bed at the inn. Lying on his back, fully dressed still in the prayer robes of old, he looked up into the ceiling. With both hands he brushed his hair back and away from the eyes. He really needed a haircut it seemed, but it was his sister Natalie and Dennis that occupied his mind now.

How does the two do it…at times Sis is great, yet…she and Dennis can make a stone crack apart if they so wished it! Can’t she see that Dennis’ seeing Mother is too early, that there is only a slim chance he will be able to stay that ego of his? His eyes narrowed in deep thought as he lay there, pondering the troubles they had ahead of them, how to help and not make it worse. He knew that his anger had not helped the day before, and soon Natalie and Dennis would set for home. He had to act.

Getting up, he gathered a quill and ink, writing quickly on the paper he always made sure to have at the desk.

Mother, Father

I know I have not been the best of sons when it comes to writing. I hope you can forgive me for such and be pleased instead with the writings you have received from Natalie.

Life here in Baldur’s Gate is a busy one, by far from the quiet, almost peaceful life at home. This is partially the reason for my lack of letters. Another is that I have found many duties to attend to and help people with. I am sure sister have said so, and as usual, exaggerated a lot.

The real reason for me writing this letter though is to say give sister time to speak about Dennis. Get to know him before you judge him. I know he can be a true pain in the end, yet, he is also a good man.

Love

Thomas.

Before heading out to give Natalie the unsealed letter, he kneels by the bed, praying softly.

Divines…please allow my sister and Dennis a safe journey across the seas. Shield them from Umbeerlee’s wrath and guide them home. Give Natalie some peace of mind, she has so well deserved it.

[Psycho1976]

He knelt before the altar, fidgeting ever so slightly. There was almost as if he could feel the eyes of Mary the novice looking at him from the entrance, where she tended to her duties, diligently as always. Why did he promise Natalie to consider Mary before Emma!? The question rang in his head as it had since afternoon. With a firm push of will, the troubles of his private life was set aside. It was not time for such now.

Lord, protector of all that is good
thank you for providing us with the means
, to see our Natalie strong.

I kneel here this night,
to seek guidance in our plight.
The Herald has become mortal of this realm,
I swore before you, to see him dead.
Yet some says he has left us,
to wreak his ill upon others.

Lord, grant me the wish,
of giving the Singer the steel,
he so rightfully deserves.

Kissing the fingertips he touches the altar before rising. His eyes again having that hard look, of one setting a path before him. He softens somewhat seeing Mary the Novice, enough to give her the blessing.

May Helm bless you and guide you sister.

[Psycho1976]

The home-coming, part 1

He stood on the deck of the ship, the waters rolling underneath as they picked up speed. Thomas smiled warmly and waved to the people at the docks that soon were too small to make out who were who. For weeks, perhaps even months, he had been looking forward to this trip back home so he could have his wife-to-be come with him. His Emma. A shiver of anticipation yet also reluctance travelled down his spine. Telling Mother and Father would be no true joy. He also had the duty as a brother to Natalie to calm the troubles that the coming marriage between her and Dennis was causing.

Looking towards the docks a final time, he softly spoke a prayer

Helm, our Guardian
Please hear my words
I travel away from the troubles

I travel away
Away from troubles too great
My sister will need all her strength
I beg of you, stand by her
In the weeks to come

I regret with sorrow
With sorrow in heart that
I did not get the time to make amends
Too harsh were my words
To Dennis my friend

My friends two
Raymond and Eleanor need you
I ask of you, to aid the birth
Grant them to strength
Give them happiness

Pledge my friend
Can you give him a hand
Show him your strength, show him light
Guide him as you did me
I beg of you

Helm, our Guardian
Please hear my words
I travel away from the troubles

With a soft sigh he gathered all his belongings, making sure for the tenth time that day that the letters he had been given were with him, before heading for his cabin. It would be an arduous trip and he would need all his strength.