Baldur's Gate : The Sword Coast Chronicles : NWN2 Persistent World

*Amalie and Aearion stumble into the shrine, each bearing an armload of plush arctic pelts, a dozen in all mostly tiger and wolf with a couple of bear.*

"Where would you like these, Meri?" Aearion allows himself a proud smile, having fulfilled a promise. She shows them into a side room where they unburden themselves of the soon-to-be blankets for the orphans onto a long side table.

[comfortable in the din of children, teaching reading and writing, preparing meals and snacks, coordinating the mass of donations that pour into the temple. Food, clothing, shoes, toys, books, blankets, pillows.

She worries about permanent solutions though, she knows she can't keep them forever. In fact she is afraid to. Talk of the orphanage being built is again forefront now that the war is passed. Some have come asking about squires and apprentices, blacksmiths, carpenters, wizards... Meri considers each option carefully.

For now she is content to be exhausted at the end of a good day's work, and she smiles to see the joy on their faces. It warms her heart to see so many willing to help. Mercy smiles on these small ones. Mercy smiles, and even Meri can find a smile or two.]

[she stood there looking at the man, his arrogance practically palpable. He had come here hearing that she was giving away fine blankets to children and such, rich pelts, fine food, and he was... well it wasn't wholly evident what he was, aside from pompous. Meri stood addressing him as patiently as any could:]

'I do beg your pardon most humbly, Sir, but ALL present in the eyes of Mercy are equal regardless of station, background, [the list goes on]... I don't care how poor they are, they are entitled to a decent meal, even if I have to pay for it out of my own pocket.'

[He looked her over with that smug smirk, and something flashed in her green eyes. She wanted to slap him. Addy was brandishing her ladle, chasing the children from the cookies. Rachel was serving rabbit stew to the sick, who were well enough to eat, and broth to those who could handle little more. Juna was serving those at the tables, friend and stranger alike, all clothed in decent attire, clean and well rested. Brother Marcus could be heard murmuring just barely about disrespect.]

'Who ever told you that there is favoritism in this temple was sorely mistaken. No one eats finer food than the other. I cook and provide for those who come through that door, provide them what they need and do not ask questions because that is as Ilmater would wish it. Now if you don't need something, Sir, I am going to have to ask you to leave. You are interrupting the children's lessons.'

[He scoffed and muttered about -urchins not deserving- and it was a prayer and a prayer alone that stayed her hand. That and the impetuous man from Calimport was leaving. His hand on the door, he was about to shut it when Iliara spoke up.]

"How dare you come into the Sanctuary of Ilmater and disrespect the Saint!"

'Lady Iliara. Please. I will not hide behind my own titles in th--'

'Oho! A Saint, forgive me mi'lady.'

[Meri met his sardonic appraisal with the closure of the door.]

"I am sorry Rosy, I know you don't like to hide behind your titles. You are The Living Saint whether you agree with or like it or not. You can feed, clothe and tend people as you see fit in the temples of Ilmater. You don't need to justify anything to the likes of him or any other for that matter!"

'Peace Iliara. You are dear to me as a mother, and thrice as protective. Now lets put this aside for now and get back to the writing lessons?'

[Soon thereafter routine resumed, peace overtook the temple yet again, and Meri continued to happily coordinate the chaos into neat order. Though things such as that self-righteous sort was common enough, Meri did bear in mind that she was doing things differently. She was well aware that the more traditional, and the selfish alike would frown upon it. Aside from that, she would be an idiot to turn away the generosity of the people.]

[Meri, exhasperated does a head count. 33. THIRTY THREE Children.

It takes a day or so, but order is restored to the temple. When things are moving smoothly again Meri takes inventory. Word goes out the temple is short of shoes and stockings, most food stuffs, especially things like flour and sugar.

Due to a fight of some sort resulting in bloodshed at the temple, the entire temple is cleansed. The children were unharmed, but many seem skittish. For reasons known only to a few, Meri has asked the Tormites to post guard outside the temple and quote 'a good pair of eyes' inside.

Other than that, things run smoothly as can be expected with so many children, and a steady stream of hungry, tired and poor. Fortunately Meri is good at organizing, and has maximized the space available, and keeping things running.]

Jonas is seen carrying a crate from the palace district to the Sanctuary. He beams as he walks, and cannot seem to contain his excitement as he walks quickly through the city toward his destination.

A Sack of food appears at the door step, a note is found on it.
From Brent Celek, Cleric of Eldath and guardsman of the Red Field Guard

[The Sisters frown. It is widely known the Red Field Guard is to be considered criminals. It is decided that the generosity is none the less appreciated, but donations from such will be politely refused in the future.]

May as well not waste it since it was just left here. We can pass it out at the docks or something.

[Meri sighs as the others nod. and she is heard muttering]

The last thing we need is -more- trouble.

The heavily covered female Kaltyra continues to be a regular visitor for food, often trying for seconds or more to take with her. Those who get too close when she’s eating will note her distinctly inhuman features, but she does not go out of her way to show what she is and causes no trouble. She appears less skittish than her first visits, mostly fascinated with the goings on of this chaotic place.

Sir Rokranon enters the Sanctuary dressed in a simple tunic and trousers (with his heavy gray cloak and hood up) instead of his usual armored finery. He flashes a smile and asks Sisters Addy, Juna, and Rachel about Meri. Finding her out, the paladin proceeds to help out around the temple as needed for about an hour or so, at which point he states he must prepare for Court.

Jonas seems much happier than he has been of late. In fact, the Ilmateri Sisters comment they haven't seen him this happy since his return to the Baldur's Gate area this year, and quite possibly since he's come to the region at all. They speculate this has something to do with Meri's improved spirits, and also a certain leader of the Performers guild.

Tessian spends most of his time in a numb shock, laying abed for hours at a time in phobic panic of something that is not present. He has calmed somewhat over the last two days, and he has started eating normally again, but he still tries to avoid talking to anyone but Merielle and Adolina.

[Meri seemed exceptionally cheerful today... When asked why, she simply stated that they had pancakes for breakfast. She frowns slightly saying that there was left overs... but Still. There are a few who understand the significance of this.

Things go well with the children. It was once said that children who are loved are content and well behaved... The kindness of the people continues to amaze those within the small temple. Surprisingly, it manages to maintain cleanliness and a constant semblance of order.

The temple is in a constant state of busy motion. Donations, activities for the children, and the normal duties that befall the temple, run as smoothly as one can expect for the small resident staff of Ilmatari, and the good works of generous hearts]