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

LeslieMS wrote:[smiles up from her work]

"Of course, Sister. How may I help?"

//should be on Meri a bit this evening, but if it is time sensitive, send me a PM here =)

//In PMs until we can catch each other IG... sorry that our schedules don't match up real well, hun. I'll try to catch you ICly soon. //
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Kenshin wrote:The following letter has been left for Sister Merielle at the temple of Ilmater in Baldur's Gate.

Bonjour,

Fair shepherd of the Ilmatari flock of Baldur's Gate. I bring you (through my person) the salutations of the Order of the Eightfold Path from the sublime city of doors that you may know by the name of Sigil. I am but a celebrant of our esteemed order and, seeing as how I was found wanting in the requisite enlightened "stillness" so prized by our masters, I was sent forth in order to gain in understanding by undertaking a journey of discovery. My masters have decided that a roadmap, in either the literal or spiritual sense would be counterproductive. And so I have chosen my way and my experiences in something of an ad hoc manner though of course the four noble truths and the eightfold path do provide the solidest of philosophical foundations. But I digress...

The purpose of this missive is to explore or perhaps merely wonder at the mystical and mysterious ways of the multiverse as it relates to suffering, which is possibly the one ubiquitous and unifying principle of life. To wit, the Order of the Eightfold Path is not dedicated to or directly connected with the worship of The Crying God. Yet, through providence - and undoubtedly through our work towards ending the cycle of suffering in the the multiverse - some of our acolytes have been granted the blessings of Ilmater. To the (only halfheartedly suppressed) consternation of my teachers I am such a one.

And so my path has eventually led me here to this quaint duchy on this verdant world. Let me therefore offer what humble help I may be able to provide to you, your flock, and indeed to anyone of good will and intention in these lands. In return, perhaps you can tell me of your journey - nay, I should probably rightfully call it an ascent - to becoming a living saint. For undoubtedly there is a lesson in it to us all in how to achieve the enlightenment that will one day free us all from this vale of suffering known as life.

While we have not yet had the pleasure of meeting in person - though I have dreamt of chatting with you in an otherworldly foyer - let me end my letter with the hopeful parting words of,

Au Revoir,

Raimon

[Meri collects the odd letter from Sister Juna, and reads it... a faint crease to her brow.]

"How very... interesting. Goodness I hope this fellow heard of me -after- he arrived here..."

[She looks to Sister Juna, brow creasing further. Sister Juna merely shrugs, not understanding the priestess's words, having only delivered and not read the letter. Meri sighs.]

"Apologies, Sister... this is just... I've met more from other planes in my time that I ever thought imaginable... and this one... is by far unique. Can you imagine...?"

[She halts her musings, and Sister Juna smiles, now used to Meri's often distracted state.]

"Sorry dear. Well, no doubt the person won't be hard to spot... We should see to the children, I trust they were well behaved while I was in the city?"

[The two women fall into the normal chatter, and duty, working to maintain order among the younger children.]

// As always, toss me a PM on the forum, and I can work my schedule around so that folks can chat with Meri as needed, otherwise catch me in game when you can =)

// out of town at the mo, pm sent

Arabella, eyes facing down is seen leaving the orhanage heading towards the Gate and hence to the Church. She is muttering to herself and seems dejected barely acknowledging those that greet her on the way.

She carries on her duties, but is clear her mind is on other matters and doesn't emerge for several days.

[Meri follows her out the door of the orphanage... and speaks softly for a moment, before sending the woman on her way, allowing her the time and space she needs for her duties and her thoughts.]

"Mercy be with her..."

[She murmurs as the woman steps out of sight.]

"Sometimes I think we forget the Mercy we are to offer ourselves..."

[She glances skyward to the answering rain that starts to fall... a slight smile on her face as she starts to head back in to the orphanage... Just before she remembers the linens on the clothes lines and hurries to get them indoors.]

Subject: ATTENTION ILMATARI: FOR BOTH OLD AND NEW CHARACTERS

Quickrunner wrote:A tall human looking man except for his eyes hands a note to Brother Marcus in the temple.

The note reads: I wish to join one of the many Knightly orders of Illmater's Faith. In that regard I would request to have a meeting with the local High Priest or Priestess which ever it may be to start my journey into working towards that goal.

Signed
Allen Aermane

// log in Quickrunner

[Meri gets the note on her next visit and smiles]

"When he returns to the temple, If I am at the orphanage, please point him my way or send a runner? I do want to meet with the gentleman."

[Brother Marcus smiles and nods. Meri tends to her prayers and duties at the temple, much of the day before making her way back to Mercy Orphanage.]

// PM sent =)

[The saint is seen arriving in the city on horseback, and swiftly moves from the stables to the temple... After seeing to some things in the temple, and leaving instructions with Brother Marcus as well as updating him on the pertinent details, she moves with as much haste to the orphanage.

From the light seen through the orphanage windows... she does not rest much... She begins organizing... and cleaning with haste and fervor.

When dawn arrives, she tends to breakfast, and leaves yet more instructions for Sister Juna and those who see to the orphanage. That done she departs again heading South, and leaving no clear answer on how long she intends to be gone.]

Paus Nefzen writes: With a heavy heart, I find that this is not my calling to be serogate father to the many children in the orphanage. After all this time it still fells awkward and unnatural. It seems illmater has a different path laid out before me. Thank you good sisters, it has been a pleasure to serve with you.

[Smiles as she reads the note, murmuring a prayer.]

"May Mercy guide your steps in whatever path you must walk..."

For several days now Aethor Siger has been seen dropping off two infant children at the orphanage. He never stays long, but is courteous and frequently expresses his thanks to the Saint and her helpers.

He returns every night to pick up the same two infants. Never with good news and certainly never without a grieved expression.

However, last night the children were picked up by an older gentlemen who looks as though he has spent many years hard at work. The man never mentioned anything concerning the young paladin, only that he his name was John Miller and he was the grandfather.

[Meri frowns, wondering where Aethor has gotten off to, and rather worried about Adara...

In light of issues, she dispatches a runner to the Temple of Torm, asking for Sir Rokranon.

It would be a lie to say the Saint hasn't enjoyed watching the two twins for the Sigers... but she did wish it under better circumstances.

She tells Mister Miller to seek her out if there is any need, or news]

"Mercy of Ilmater... What is going on around here?"

[None however are able to answer her question.]

Jonas Rokranon returns with the runner in short order, the expression on his face seeming suggest his thinking something was terribly amiss at the temple or orphanage. The runner obviously was not very forthcoming with information for the paladin. The tall aasimar's fingers slide along the baldric that hold's his holy greatsword against his back, as if he is itching for a fight, or perhaps dreading one.

"Meri, what is it? I came as quickly as I could."

Aethor returns to the orphanage in the early afternoon after the night his father-in-law picked up the twins. As usual, he comes with the twins in his arms to drop them off. He seems outwardly calm, but those who know him well enough would notice that it is taking all of his effort to appear so. He offers a smile to Meri and the children.

Instead of leaving immediately though, he remains as Jonas is also at the orphanage.

rokranon wrote:Jonas Rokranon returns with the runner in short order, the expression on his face seeming suggest his thinking something was terribly amiss at the temple or orphanage. The runner obviously was not very forthcoming with information for the paladin. The tall aasimar's fingers slide along the baldric that hold's his holy greatsword against his back, as if he is itching for a fight, or perhaps dreading one.

"Meri, what is it? I came as quickly as I could."

Aethor Siger wrote:Aethor returns to the orphanage in the early afternoon after the night his father-in-law picked up the twins. As usual, he comes with the twins in his arms to drop them off. He seems outwardly calm, but those who know him well enough would notice that it is taking all of his effort to appear so. He offers a smile to Meri and the children.

Instead of leaving immediately though, he remains as Jonas is also at the orphanage.

"Since you are both here... What can I do to help, anything?"

[Gives Aethor a worried look and then looks at Jonas]

"And what in the name of Mercy is going on? You've been rather upset the last few days... If we need to have another meeting for the Radiant Heart we can do that here?"

[She takes the twins, deftly, and with the skill of a mother, gets the pair calmed and settled, and waits.]

The hawk-like gaze of Jonas falls upon Aethor for a few moments before shifting back to Merielle. He strokes his beard for a moment but then lays a reassuring had on his fellow paladin's shoulder as he speaks to the tiny, red-headed Ilmateri in soft tones.

"Adara has been missing for a few days, with no leads. Miss Devany Dulcet of Istari Tower also went missing, although several members of Istari found her in the Underdark of all places through the use of. . .a portal. . .that Charraj seems to have opened in the main lab of the Tower. I have heard other rumors of missing women as well, though I have no idea if they are all connected in any way. I've been trying to see to the security of Istari Tower while Aethor continues to search for Adara. I have not heard the full report, but it seems Sinqnew, or perhaps you know him as Iron, managed to close the portal at least. Rumor has it he is as upset as I am about the breach. Charraj has some explaining to do, but our priority is to find Adara and anyone else missing first.

We could scry for her, but I can already hear Rith'alaria berating me for even suggesting that idea. You know as well as I do our horrid experiences with that particular divination. I would prefer to find her by other means, but I can also understand all too well Aethor's desire to have his wife safe and sound."

[The tiny saint listens carefully, frowning deeply as the telling unfolds. She can be heard grumbling under her breath about 'Wizards' and 'Curiosity', given her stance on curious wizards... and most wizards in general it isn't hard to surmise what she is thinking or saying.

As the telling continues her eyes widen, and she frowns deeper.]

"The Underdark? Blast it! Why in the name of all that is Mercy is he opening portals to the Underdark? (More grumblings about fool wizards)

I'd rather never have to scry for another soul again, Jonas. Though I see your point. The Sister's of St. Jasper can send us a nursemaid if needed for the twins... but Adara must be found, and quickly."

[She looks to Aethor before continuing, her voice and expression offering hope and reassurance.]

"She will be found... That she hasn't is a blessing. If it were the workings of Bhaalists or their allies... we would have... found her..."

[The exact implication of that statement hangs for a moment. Meri sighs heavily]

"Tessian would tie me up and drag me to the most fortified tower he could find if I even suggested going down to try and look for her. Those caverns are endless... and the trip is... dangerous, even prepared and protected. If she is there... It would be nearly impossible to find her without scrying..."

[She looks between the two.]

"Mercy willing that blasted portal sent her some place more reachable and we will hear from her soon as she makes her way home. She is a strong and resourceful woman. Where ever she is, we will find her.

In the meantime, I can see to the children so that you may focus on finding your wife... And do let your father-in-law know he is welcome to leave them here as he needs.

Besides, if I am here tending the children, Jonas can focus on tracking down wizards, and helping you, instead of worrying for us."