---

---

Liseth and Pisca’s early-afternoon walk to the Cathedral was mostly uneventful, although their battle-worn appearance drew several stares of curiosity or concern.  As they approached Sandpoint's sacred edifice, they saw Kerr Mollin at the top of the steps just outside the double doors, engaging a pair of parishioners, a man and a woman, in what looked like the end of a friendly conversation.  The women saw him reach out and bless the couple, head bowed, then give them an encouraging smile as they departed.

As the couple turned to go, Kerr spotted Liseth and Pisca approaching.  His joyful smile of greeting quickly turned into a look of concern, then what might have been terror.  The young man bounded down the cathedral’s steps five at a time, sprinting to meet his friends.  “Liseth!!!”  He said, before catching himself in his rudeness.  “Hello, Pisca,” he said, but his attention was clearly mostly on the young acolyte.  “What happened?!?  Are you okay?”  He put a concerned hand to Liseth’s forehead.  “Who did this to you?”  He looked down at the gnome, suddenly realizing that she was also quite badly damaged.

“[Language unknown: Maouet, Hi stibutcon il i sti uspemo ol hetila te elsspr sswi latourhat caerpa.]”  He bowed his head and laid a hand first upon Liseth, then upon Pisca, and they felt a powerful healing energy flow from him, knitting their wounds and mending their damaged bodies.

Prayers completed, Kerr looked up, eyes still filled with concern.

"What happened?"

OOC:  Kerr casts Cure Light Wounds on Liseth and Pisca, healing them for ten and nine points of damage, respectively.

05:55, Today:  Kerr Mollin rolled 9 using 1d8+2. Cure Light Wounds on Pisca.
05:55, Today:  Kerr Mollin rolled 10 using 1d8+2. Cure Light Wounds on Liseth.

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This message was lightly edited by the GM at 14:00, Fri 24 Jan 2014.

Pisca once again lifted the lower hem of her leather vest to inspect the now smooth and unmarred -save for the small dimple of her belly button- expanse of her stomach.  The gnome closed here eyes and sunk into a deep sighed of relief.

"Nice nice."  As the wafting breeze lofts the white down of the thistle, the two simple words carried with them bliss.  Dropping her vest back down over her bare midriff, the gnome then flung herself at the young and gifted human acolyte, wrapping her arms around his waist and hugging him with all of the strength of her gratitude.  "You're a wonderful boyfriend," she said, neglecting, in her exuberance and haste, to indicate just whose boyfriend he was.

And then Pisca was off, running back down the street in the direction from which she and Liseth had come.  "I'll see you at the Rusty Dragon for dinner tonight, Lys!" called the gnome as she ran.  With a small white hand she waved over her shoulder.

Then Pisca stopped.  Dead in the middle of the street she stopped.  For a moment, she stood stock still with her back to the Cathedral.  Then the gnome turned and ran all of the way back.

"By the by, Kerr, you wouldn't happen to have a cucumber on hand, would you?  Or a piece of boar pie?  I missed lunch and I've given my Samwitch to Shalelu."

---

HP 10/18
Archaeologist's Luck 1/7

Liseth welcomed the sun upon exiting the Glassworks.  She sighed gratefully and accepted the sun's warmth as it flowed into her body; not having realized before just how cold she felt.  Returning Ms Kaijitsu's hug before everyone split off, the girl was only too happy to begin walking towards the Cathedral with Pisca.

She had to stop herself from shouting and hurrying up the Cathedral steps once Kerr was spotted.  Seeing him there caused a surge of relief to wash over Liseth; she knew that she was finally safe and that the day's horrors were through with.  And as it turned out, her small bit of self-control was rewarded when Kerr noticed the two girls there and rushed to meet them instead.

Although the girl couldn't stop herself once Kerr was right there in front of her, so full of concern and scared for her safety.  Her arms found themselves flung around the other young acolyte as more tears made their way down her already tear-streaked face.  For several moments she couldn't even say anything in order to respond to him, but did release a gasp when Kerr's touch filled her with his own holy energy and completely mended her cut and bruised body.

"Thank you Kerr..."  Liseth kissed his cheek before releasing him so that Kerr could heal Pisca as well.  "I..." she felt her shoulder where the most painful injury she had ever received was now but a memory, "I've never actually been healed by someone else before.  I was always able to just do it myself whenever I was hurt."

"Okay Pisca, don't get..."  Liseth had grabbed Kerr again, clinging to him as though for protection, once Pisca was healed too; but stopped her farewell to the gnome when Pisca started back towards them.  "Well, I still have that other sandwich, that you made for Katrine..."  Liseth frowned thinking about Katrine again, "You can have it if you're hungry.  I wouldn't want it to spoil waiting for Katrine to come and find it..."  She dug through her pouch and retrieved the wrapped sandwich before offering it to the gnome.  Of course, that just made her realize that she was also hungry.  Breakfast felt like so long ago.

"Well, um..."  Liseth started to answer Kerr about what had happened, looking around at all of the people nearby.  She imagined that her torn, bloody appearance might be drawing a lot of curiosity.  "Kerr, we should go and find Father Zantus before I tell you what happened.  I don't think that I want to say it twice..."

When they started up into the Cathedral, Liseth paused for just a moment as something suddenly occurred to her, "Kerr, did you just pray to Iomedae?"
This message was last edited by the player at 20:30, Fri 24 Jan 2014.

"Mmm ... Samwitch."  A bit of drool escaped the corner of Pisca's mouth.  "Um ... alright."  Shamelessly the gnome accepted the delicious boar meat samwitch from her human friend.  "We'll ... we'll find Kathrine something else nice, alright?  Yeah.  Something else nice," Pisca repeated, her mind already exploring the possibilities of just what that might be.

"Tell Father Zantus hello for me.  It's too bad that Father Tobayn's body is gone now.  But at least we know where it went.  And what to do about it."

By the last of these words, the gnome was half way back to the place at which she'd turned around.  Pisca waved.  Again.  This time facing the two on the steps of the new cathedral, and then, again, she was off.  Pelting down the street with the samwitch under her arm, the gnome rushed back to the Glassworks.  The key to the guest at the White Deer Inn who had died under mysterious circumstances was somewhere in the smuggler tunnels.  She was sure of it.  And now, healed of her wounds -well, most of her wounds- she would find it.  The only real mystery left in all this for Pisca was how Lonjiku Kaijitsu fit in with the smugglers.  It was hard to imagine Lord Kaijitsu not being aware of the walled off section of the basement.  And if he knew about that, he must have known about the tunnel.  And if he knew about the tunnel, then he must have known about the smugglers.  And if he knew about the smugglers ... then he must have known why the guest at the White Deer Inn was killed.  Did he wall up the tunnel after the guest at the White Deer Inn was found slain?  Did he manage to hide his connection to these smugglers from the owner of the Black Arrows?  Maybe that was the way it had gone.  And the tunnels had gone unused since then.  Until ... until, that is, the goblins found them.

---

HP 10/18
Archaeologist's Luck 1/7

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---

Kerr’s look of concern softened into a smile as Liseth threw her arms around him; he returned her hug wholeheartedly.   He was still very concerned about what had happened, but now that she was here, with him, where she belonged, everything was going to be better.  He solemnly promised himself that he would not let anyone else hurt her ever again, not if there was anything he could do to prevent it.

Liseth pulled almost- imperceptibly away to allow him to heal Pisca.  Once that was done, he softly touched the blonde acolyte’s tear-streaked face, blushing ever-so-slightly when she kissed his cheek.  “It’s okay, Liseth.”  He smiled, took a deep breath, and kissed her in return, this time lightly on the lips.  He pulled back and looked uncertainly into her eyes to see how she might respond.  “I’m here for you.  Always.”

Kerr bemusedly watched Pisca as she took back off down the street, stopped, then came back to inquire about food.  “I think there’s some lunch left in the cathedral, Pisca, if you’re interested,” he offered.  But Liseth was already pulling out a sandwich and giving it to the smaller woman.  Before Kerr knew it, Pisca was off again, this time saying something incomprehensible about Father Tobayn.

“Father Tobayn?”  Kerr asked in confusion.  He really wanted to know what had happened, but he also didn’t want to burden Liseth by making her repeat her story twice just to satisfy his concerned curiosity.  He nodded.  “Father Zantus is inside; I think he just finished lunching himself.”  As the most beautiful girl in the world held onto his arm, he guided her up the stairs.

He talked as they walked.  “Iomedae?  You noticed that, did you?”  He grinned.  “I think I told you earlier that Father Zantus was struck by the power I was able to call when turning those skeletons we fought in the Boneyard.  He’s been encouraging me to study some of her holy texts and explore my connection with her.”  Kerr blushed.  “He thinks I may have a calling as a battle cleric.  Could you imagine that?  Me?!?”  He looked as if he couldn’t decide whether he was more disbelieving or excited.  “If it turns out that it IS my calling, he wants me to start training with Alergast Barett!”  The young man still looked a little incredulous.  “I’d have armor and everything!”

Kerr opened the cathedral doors and escorted Liseth inside.  “So that’s actually what I’ve been doing the past couple of days.  Studying and praying.  We actually haven’t had an Iomedaen acolyte since Cerdis was called away last year, so Father Zantus says he’s written an Iomedaen priest in Magnimar to discuss the situation.  If everything works out, I might take Cerdis’ old position.  Which would,” he shot Liseth a glance, “leave a permanent opening for an acolyte of Desna.  Would you, um, might you,” Kerr stumbled over his question, “do you think you’d be interested?  I mean, being an acolyte here?  If things worked out, I mean?”  His failed attempt to seem like the answer to this question wasn’t that important to him seemed almost comical.

As Liseth absorbed both Kerr’s information and his question, the pair arrived at Desna’s temple, heading inside to find Father Zantus just completing his post-lunch ablutions.  He looked up from the wash basin to give them both a paternal smile.  “Kerr!”  He said warmly.  “And Liseth!  What is it I can do for you?”

---

---

It was Liseth's turn to blush once Kerr had kissed her in return; but this time it was right on the lips!  Her eyes widened and when Kerr pulled away Liseth's mouth hung open just slightly.  She was stunned; but in a good way.  And then when Kerr told her that he would always be here for her, Liseth simply melted right there where he held her.

She was glad to have been distracted by Pisca, because the girl didn't know what to say back to Kerr at just that moment.  "Stay safe Pisca!"  Liseth managed to finish her farewell to the gnome this time, "Don't get into trouble!"

Securely and snugly wrapping both of her arms around Kerr's own left arm, Liseth leaned her body against his as he assisted her up the stairs and led her into the Cathedral.  She was still very weary, but at least she was no longer in pain; thanks to Kerr.  He really was the best boyfriend in the world.  Liseth listened intently as the best boyfriend in the world explained how he had a connection with not one but at least two gods.

"But Desna and Iomedae are so different from one another.  I don't even think that they're friends."  Liseth tried to wrap her mind around how Kerr could already be consecrated to Desna and still have a connection to Iomedae.  But she did smile when she pictured Kerr the Battle Cleric, in shining mail armor with a shield in his hand and a longsword in his belt.  She sighed, smitten by her romantic image of Kerr the Hero.

Kerr the Hero...that gave Liseth an idea.

"Maybe you have a connection with Iomedae because she chose you to be one of her Paladins.  Could you imagine that Kerr?  I think that you would be a great Paladin."  Liseth paused and looked up at Kerr.  Was that what he wanted to do?  She didn't want him to dedicate his whole life like that just because it's what she thought.  "I bet that my brother Nivlak would know for sure.  He's a Paladin too, for Sarenrae.  Nivlak told me once that a Paladin can always sense the presence of another Paladin, that they know when someone else is one of the gods' chosen champions.  No matter which god they actually serve."

Liseth didn't have much time to ponder and answer Kerr's question about her staying at the Cathedral and taking his old position as an Acolyte of Desna.  Could she even do that?  Would Desna let her be ordained like that, when Sarenrae already declined her?  And what would her father think were she to become an acolyte consecrated to Desna?  Liseth was already an unofficial acolyte thanks to Father Zantus, what would he think?

"I would love to stay here in the Cathedral Kerr, but..." she didn't finish as the two teenaged acolytes then found Father Zantus.  Liseth had more important things that she needed to say to him right now than wondering about her own uncertain future.  But it would have to be brought up at some point.

"Father Zantus!"  Liseth clutched tighter to Kerr, perhaps afraid that telling her story might somehow conjure more goblins to attack her, "It's terrible what happened!  Goblins killed everyone in the Glassworks!"  The girl paused and took several deep breaths.  It might be better if she were to start from the beginning.

"We found out this morning that Ms Kaijitsu was missing, so we, Cato and Kellan and Pisca and me, investigated and found out that her brother Tsuto had lured her into the Glassworks and kidnapped her!"  The words poured out of her now that Liseth had started, "We went to the Glassworks and it was full of goblins and all of the workers inside were already killed and Lord Kaijitsu was killed and we had to fight the goblins and then Tsuto showed up and attacked us and he kicked me when I tried to talk to him and then set more goblins at me and he beat up Pisca!"  A breath, "But Cato and Kellan chased him and all of the goblins away and then we found Ms Kaijitsu chained up in a room under the Glassworks but Pisca was able to unlock the chain and then we found Tsuto's journal and it says that hundreds of goblins are planning on attacking Sandpoint!"  Another deep breath, "And one of the people leading them is Father Tobayn's daughter Nualia!"

Liseth tried to calm down and talk a bit more slowly, "We found out that it was Nualia who sneaked into the Boneyard that night!  She was the one who stole Father Tobayn's remains!  And we also found out that she only did that so that she could burn them up in an evil ritual!"  The girl was breathing heavy now, "I think that she did it in a ritual to gain power from an evil god and become one of their sacred followers!  Maybe Lamashtu or Zon-Kuthon or even Norgorber or maybe Urgathoa!  Tsuto said in his journal that she had started her transformation and that she wants to destroy all of Sandpoint!  She wants to kill everybody!"

Pausing for several moments to catch her breath, Liseth finally finished, "Cato and Kellan already went to find Mr Barret and tell him everything that happened.  We need to go and meet with Mayor Deverin so that everybody can read Tsuto's journal and we have to come up with a plan!"

---

---

Kerr had summoned all his courage to kiss Liseth on the lips.  The ravening undead were far less scary than what he had just done.  A thousand times less scary.  The young acolyte’s heart pounded what seemed like a million times per minute and blood rushed to his face as he waited for her reaction.

But she had seemed to like it!  Well, she hadn't slapped him, at least.  Kerr wasn't really very good at reading women, but Liseth's reaction seemed promising.  She had hugged him even closer, and was snuggling up against him on their way into the temple.  She MUST have liked it!  Kerr was overjoyed.  He felt like he was floating through the cathedral.

But as his girlfriend was talking, he should probably listen to what she had to say.

Yes, that would be good.

“You’ll have to ask Father Z about it if you want the full story,” he said, responding to Liseth’s perplexed question about Desna and Iomedae.  “I had the same question myself.  How would that even work?  According to Father Z, Desna normally wouldn’t hear of having one of her acolytes train for Iomedae’s priesthood.  But,” Kerr’s eyes were big as saucers, “he says that portents of evil in Varisia are causing the good dieties to work closer together than ever!”

“He’s prayed about it and evidently Desna has blessed and even encouraged me to be an Iomedaen.  He says both goddesses agree that my talents will be better put to use in Iomedae’s service, and that such talents will be much needed in the months and years to come."   Kerr looked as if he didn't know what to think about this development. "I’ve prayed about it and I think I’ve received the same word, although of course I’m not as close with her as Father Zantus.  And apparently the Iomedaen priest in Magnimar agrees wholeheartedly as well.”

Kerr looked at Liseth.  “I don’t think that bodes very well for us, do you?  The impending evil, I mean.  But I want to do what I can to help people, and if this is what the goddesses think is best, then I’m willing.”

He paused and took a breath.  “I just have a hard time believing that goddesses and priests are discussing me like that.  Me, Kerr Mollin!  It’s just . . . it’s flattering, and frightening, and humbling all at the same time.”

“A paladin?”  Kerr scratched his head at Liseth's suggestion.  “I’d . . . I just never considered it.  I’ve been working towards the priesthood for as long as I can remember.”  He chuckled helplessly.  “I’ve never even KNOWN anything else.  And now, it seems like everything’s changing.  Maybe that is too.”  He sighed.  “A paladin, though.  It’s hard to conceive of.  But with all the changes lately, who knows?  Maybe I should talk to Nivlak.  I feel . . . unmoored.”  He gave her a sad smile.  “It’s been a rough few days.”

“And I have to say,” Kerr laughed softly, “it is certainly strange studying Iomedae’s holy texts.  I’ve always been a little more structured than most Desnan clergy, but Iomedae goes completely the other way!  It will be . . . an adjustment, I think.”

Kerr looked downward; at this point Liseth could see a glimpse, just a flash, of how shaken the young man was about how quickly his life was changing and how much courage it took for him to forsake the service of the goddess he had worshipped his whole life to take up a vocation for which he had not asked and which he had not wanted.

Kerr stopped at the entrance to Desna’s temple and turned to look at Liseth, taking a deep, calming breath in the process.  “I’m . . . I’m glad you’re here, Liseth.  I don’t know exactly what’s happening to me.  I don’t really know what I’m supposed to do.  But I know that I’ll be able to face whatever is in store as long as I have you beside me.”

---

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---

---

Both Father Zantus and Kerr looked increasingly astonished as Liseth shared her tale of what had happened in the Glassworks.  Sandpoint's chief priest paled as he listened to the young blonde’s story.  “Goblins.  In the glassworks?  And the workers?  Killed?  ALL of them?  And Lonjiku as well?”  He was clearly considering the pastoral implications of such a massive tragedy.

The older man stood.  “This is a terrible blow to our community.  All of us here at the cathedral are going to need to do everything we can to minister to the people of Sandpoint during this difficult time.  They are going to be scared, questioning . . . even doubting the gods.”  He looked back and forth between Kerr and Liseth, every inch the chief priest of a town in turmoil.  “We need to be the gods’ representatives here in Sandpoint, bringing their power, comfort, care, and grace to the suffering.  Evil thrives best in the presence of fear, anger, and confusion."  Father Zantus looked stern and commanding.  "We will prevent it from finding such a purchase here.”

His face softened as he saw the consternation on the acolytes’ faces.  He put an encouraging hand on each of their shoulders.  “But that was good work, Liseth.  By the four of you, I mean, freeing Ameiko and driving Tsuto and his goblins from the Glassworks.”  He smiled proudly.  “Mayor Deverin chose her deputies wisely.”  He looked over at Kerr.  “And it looks as if you may be pressed into the service we discussed far earlier than we ever thought possible, my boy.  But I know you will rise to the occasion.  You always have.”

Father Zantus tried to hide his sadness from the acolytes.  It was always difficult to see the young losing their innocence.  It was such a precious commodity, and once gone, it was gone forever.  Unfortunately, the priest’s recent communion with Desna indicated that these two were central to successfully resisting whatever evil was at work in Varisia.

They did not have the luxury of innocence.

Father Zantus visage clouded as he continued.  “And Tsuto is involved?”  The priest looked saddened.  “I was afraid that he might go astray given the kind of treatment he received.  But this?  It’s hard to believe.  Where is this diary you speak of?  I would like to see it for myself.”

The priest raised a hand as he thought.  “Wait.  Nualia?  Father Tobayn’s daughter Nualia?  But she . . . she was killed in the fire!  Or so everyone tells me.  How do we know it is her?”  He took a deep breath, centering himself.  “But that is neither here nor there.  Whether this is Tobayn’s Nualia, another Nualia, or merely an impostor, the important thing is that she is in the service of a dark deity who has evil planned for Sandpoint.”

The priest shot Kerr a meaningful look.  “I am sorry, my boy.  It looks like the subject of our recent discussion is now coming to fruition.”  The prelate clapped his hands together in frustration.  “If only I had known it was so imminent!  I can only pray that we have not awakened to this threat too late.”

“And hundreds of goblins . . . .”  For the first time that Liseth had known him, the normally cheerful and sprightly Father Zantus looked old.  “I’m sure you realize the severity and solemnity of that news.”  The priest paused for a moment, considering.  “I agree, Liseth.  Alergast Barett is commanding the Sandpoint Guard in Sheriff Hemlock’s absence.  If Guardsman Storval and Scholar Crispin are already informing him, then we all need to take this diary to meet them at Mayor Deverin’s office and share this tale with her.  I fear the fate of Sandpoint may hang in the balance, and time may be a luxury we do not have.”

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This message was last edited by the player at 03:33, Mon 27 Jan 2014.

Liseth really wished that she had more time to talk with Kerr about his complicated situation.  She knew how it was that he must be feeling; most likely better than anyone else could.  It was almost the same as what she had gone through when Sarenrae rejected Liseth's service as a member of her priesthood.  He spent all of his life studying and following Desna, only to suddenly be told that it wasn't what he was meant to do.  That Desna thought he would be better used elsewhere.

At least Kerr had an idea of where elsewhere was.  Everyone seemed to think that he should follow Iomedae; even Desna, and she normally doesn't even care one way or another for the other goddess!  Liseth was still lost as to what she was supposed to do, but maybe Kerr could help her out with that?  After all, Liseth came to the Cathedral to study the gods and how they interacted with each other as well as mortals; and Kerr seemed to be an object of Divine interest.

It was good that he was comforted by her presence next to him, since they didn't have time to talk right now.  Liseth could tell that Kerr was in need of some comfort and reassurance at the moment and she was happy to oblige.  After all, she felt the same way when she was next to him!

Liseth determined that she should write another letter to her family; even though she just sent one off yesterday.  That first letter was written before they had learned just how serious the goblin threat to Sandpoint was; Liseth didn't even imagine at the time that there might be over two hundred goblins readying to attack, led by the bloodthirsty daughter of a slain priest.  Maybe instead of simply inviting her brother to come visit, she should ask him to come and help Sandpoint.  Assuming he wasn't already traveling somewhere else through Varisia.

And while he was here, Nivlak could talk to Kerr and help him to figure out what he was supposed to do; whether or not Iomedae might intend for Kerr to become one of her Paladins.  In addition to bolstering Sandpoint's defenses.

But unfortunately, right now they all needed to focus on the matter at hand.

Liseth nodded along gravely with Father Zantus when he spoke, giving herself time to recover and catch her breath from giving her story.  "Yes Father Zantus..." she confirmed what she had said about everyone in the Glassworks having been killed.  "I think that Cato has Tsuto's journal right now," the blonde acolyte told the elderly priest.

Still clinging to Kerr, Liseth was discomfited by the change that came over Father Zantus at her delivery of such awful news.  She didn't like to see him like that; he seemed almost stricken.  Releasing the other acolyte, albeit reluctantly, the young blonde approached the prelate and gave him what she hoped was a comforting hug, "Don't worry Father Zantus, we won't let the goblins hurt anyone else; no matter how many of them there are."

She stepped away and took Kerr by the hand, "And I'm sure that Kerr will do splendidly, no matter what happens."  Liseth smiled up at him, "He has Desna and Iomedae supporting him.  And me too."  The girl blushed deeply, but stood up on her tiptoes to place a peck of her own upon Kerr's lips.

Her blush only deepened when Liseth brought herself back to where she was, and realized that she had just kissed Kerr right in front of Father Zantus.  "Um...Father Zantus,"  she tried to change the subject and looked down at her torn and bloodied robe, "Before we go and see the Mayor, is there another robe that I can wear?  The goblins ruined this one..."

"Oh!"  Liseth suddenly remembered Ms Kaijitsu, "Ms Kaijitsu wanted us to come see her at the Rusty Dragon tonight.  Father Zantus, do you think that you could come too?  After everything that's happened, I think that she needs somebody to talk to.  And you know her better than I do."  Liseth sighed, "I tried to talk to her already, but I think that I'm too young for her to really listen to me."

---

---

“Ah, I should have suspected as much.”  Father Zantus replied as Liseth shared the location of Tsuto’s journal.  “I suppose I shall have to ask Scholar Crispin if I might take a look at it when we meet him at the Town Hall.  It sounds as if Tsuto’s diary might be the key to defending Sandpoint in the coming days.”

The priest patted Liseth on the back as she gave him a hug.  “There, there.  It’s not as bad as all that.”  He embraced her warmly in return.  “You are sweet to worry, Liseth, but I am going to be okay.  We are ALL going to be okay,” the priest said authoritatively, stepping back and looking at both of them with resolve, “because the gods are going to give us the strength and the wisdom to find our way through this.”

Father Zantus could not hide a delighted smile as Liseth kissed a surprised and happy Kerr.  “Oh, I have no worries about our Kerr.  He is a lucky man, is he not?”  The priest winked.  “To have three such formidable women looking out for his interests?  I think even Lamashtu might think twice before crossing him!”  The prelate grinned broadly at the couple.  He could not think of two people more suited for each other.

“Oh, of course my dear!”  Father Zantus looked abashed that he had failed to immediately offer the blonde acolyte new garments.  “You can find clean robes of all sizes in the sacristy.  We’ll stop by there on our way out so that you may change.”  The priest was suddenly struck by a thought.  “Oh my, I really have been out of sorts, haven’t I?  Do you need healing, my dear?”  He looked at her with concern.  “Just let me know if you do.”

Father Zantus patted Liseth on her shoulder as she shared her disappointing experience with Ameiko.  “I doubt your youth is what affected her.”  He smiled encouragingly.  “Remember, she has just been through quite an emotional upheaval, and it was still very fresh at the time you talked with her.  It’s entirely likely that she would not have been responsive to anyone right at that moment.  Sometimes life gives people so much to process that they simply do not have the capacity to react to anything else.”

The prelate smiled.  “But I’ll visit the Dragon, for both of your sakes.  It’s been a long while since my shadow has darkened that door.”  The priest could not resist a bit of sermonizing.  “And as you two make your way in the world, keep in mind that maturity means receiving wisdom wherever you find it, even from youth.  Discounting someone simply because they have a certain attribute is folly.  It’s the content of what they say, and the quality of their actions, that should count.”  He nodded.  “Now, let’s get Liseth some clean robes and go see the Mayor, shall we?”

---

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Kerr smiled at Liseth as she gave Father Zantus a comforting hug.  She really was the sweetest woman ever.  The blonde acolyte was always thinking about other people and how to help them and comfort them.  It just made Kerr want to protect her and keep anyone from hurting her.

A shadow passed over his face at the thought.  Someone HAD hurt her, just earlier today!  Kerr felt guilty about that.  He should have been there supporting her, and where had he been?  Back in the cathedral, studying holy texts of a goddess who wasn’t even his own.  He hoped Liseth didn’t feel let down by his failure to protect her.

Kerr’s attention returned to the conversation just in time for Liseth to tell Father Zantus how splendidly she thought he would do and how much she supported him.  As Kerr blushed in surprise, Liseth kissed him!  Right on the lips!

Kerr gave Liseth what he was sure was his stupidest smile as she asked Father Zantus for a new robe.  He floated along with the other two to the sacristy, enjoying the young blonde (his girlfriend!  He still couldn’t believe it) snuggling up to him the entire way.  He watched Liseth go into the sacristy.  She gave him a wave and a smile, and he gave her a big, stupid grin in return.

He really needed to compose himself.  He did his best to stop smiling.

He wasn’t entirely successful.

Kerr was helped by the fact that he spent the time waiting for Liseth to change talking with Father Zantus about how to handle the funeral arrangements for the glassworkers killed in the goblin attacks.  It was not a subject that engendered smiles.  A lot would depend on how Mayor Deverin chose to give the township the news, but they both thought that having a public ceremony burying all those slain, much like the one following the Swallowtail Festival, would do the most to bring the community together and toughen their resolve to fight against whatever devilry the goblins had planned.

They had just agreed on the order of service when Liseth emerged from the sacristy in her stunning new white robe.

She took Kerr’s breath away.

She was so amazingly beautiful.  Kerr was sure that there had never been a more beautiful woman ever.

He tried not to stare as he stepped forward and offered her his arm in what he hoped was a suitably gentlemanly fashion.  As the three of them exited the cathedral and headed for the Town Hall, Kerr couldn’t stop thinking that, despite everything else that had happened to him recently, he was the luckiest man in the world.

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Liseth was a little bit relieved by Father Zantus's reaction to her kissing Kerr like she did.  Though that did little to alleviate her embarrassment; she didn't know how she could have forgotten herself and then done that right in front of the Cathedral's chief prelate.  She had to look away from him when his words implied that she was just as formidable as the two goddesses when it came to looking out for Kerr; to hide her shy smile.

"Thank you Father Zantus, but I'm okay."  She looked back up at the priest after he said that there were new robes for her in the sacristy.  And then showed his concern over just how her robes came to be in such a state in the first place.  "Kerr already healed me," the young blonde squeezed the other acolyte's hand as she held it, "I'm all better now.  I just need to change is all."  Then she remembered that she wasn't the only one who was injured in the Glassworks, "Oh!  But Cato and Kellan are still hurt.  And I don't think that Pisca was in perfect shape when she ran off earlier.  Pisca says hello, by the way."

The teenaged acolyte nodded when Father Zantus explained that Ms Kaijitsu just needed time to process everything that had happened.  Liseth's heart went out to the older woman; as terrible as everything happening might be, all of it was very personal to her.  Her father was just killed, as a result of her brother working with goblins in order to attack Sandpoint and kill people.  The girl just hoped that Father Zantus would be able to help her.

She nodded again and smiled as Father Zantus gave his impromptu sermon, once again wrapping her arms around Kerr's arm when they started towards the sacristy so that she could change into a new robe.  Liseth sighed as she leaned against her wonderful boyfriend; from where she was now the evil threatening Sandpoint seemed distant.  Almost forgettable.  There was no way anything that bad could possibly happen, not when she had Kerr with her.

Once she had detached herself from the other acolyte, Liseth couldn't stop herself from giggling at his big, silly grin.  Making her way into the privacy of the sacristy, Liseth started by removing the bandages that were wrapped around her arms.  She was happy and relieved to see that there was no trace of the wounds left.  Then she removed the wrapping from her shoulder and tentatively touched where the arrow had pierced her flesh and then was forced all the way through so that it could be removed.  Nothing was there, not a mark; and it felt as though nothing had ever happened in the first place.  Liseth sighed in relief; thanks to Kerr the only thing that she had to remind her of what had happened was her own memory.

The young blonde frowned at the memory of that goblin taunting her as he slashed her repeatedly with his curved, jagged blade.  Then she winced involuntarily at the memory of the arrow striking her, then being removed.  Liseth decided that she wasn't going to spend too much time trying to remember those things in the future.

Removing her tattered robe, Liseth summoned a light trickle of water to sprinkle down on her arms so that she could wash off the drying blood.  And the small amount of blood on her midsection where the goblin's blade had scratched her stomach.  Then she finished her cleaning by conjuring a splash of water into her cupped hands so that she could wash her face.

Now that she was as clean as she was going to get on such short notice, Liseth dressed herself again.  She picked out a clean, white robe from those available and carefully put it on.  Once she was wearing the new outfit, the blonde took a moment to straighten and fix her hair before stepping out to tell Father Zantus and Kerr that she was ready.

Kerr was so sweet!  Liseth smiled and giggled shyly when he looked so dumbfounded at her reappearance.  She happily took his arm when it was offered to her, linking her own arm through it.  As the couple followed after Father Zantus on their way to meet the Mayor, Liseth took her head out of the clouds for a moment to speak with Father Zantus.

"Father Zantus, I was thinking about Kerr's connection to Iomedae, and how even Desna thinks that it would be best for everyone if he served Iomedae instead," she started, "Do you think that maybe Iomedae wants Kerr to be one of her Paladins?  I mean, there isn't too much difference between what a Cleric of Iomedae can do compared to a Cleric of Desna; other than a few particular spells and domains that each deity favors."  Liseth smiled up at Kerr next to her; if he was meant to be a Paladin, then Kerr would be a hero just like Nivlak!  "But it would make sense if Kerr was supposed to be a Paladin.  Desna doesn't have any Paladins that follow her, she doesn't promote enough discipline in her followers for them to take up the call.  But Iomedae has lots of Paladins."

"My brother Nivlak is a Paladin," she continued, "I was thinking that I could write him a letter and ask him to come to Sandpoint.  I'm sure that he would come right away if he knew what the goblins were planning.  And he could speak with Kerr while he was here, and teach him about being a Paladin and help Kerr learn if that is really what he is supposed to do."  Liseth looked expectantly at Father Zantus when she finished, awaiting his reply.  Did he already consider the possibility of Kerr being chosen as a Paladin?  What if he didn't like the idea?

Liseth frowned at that thought.  Father Zantus was expecting Kerr to take over for him as the head of the Cathedral one day.  Paladins don't usually run temples or cathedrals, they're too busy being heroes and saving people and slaying evil monsters and undead like Nivlak does.  But Kerr wasn't exactly your average acolyte, he wouldn't be your average Paladin either.  If that was what he was supposed to do.

She smiled; Kerr, the Paladin Prelate of Sandpoint.  Liseth almost swooned at the thought.  And she would be right there with him the whole time.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:51, Tue 28 Jan 2014.

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“You look wonderful, my dear.  As good as new.”  Father Zantus smiled as Liseth emerged from the sacristy, clean and newly-clad in a pristine white robe.  “And I see no signs of your injury!  Our Kerr is a talented healer.”  He smiled at the dark-haired acolyte, who truth be told was paying him little attention now that the young woman had taken his arm.  And I would do the same, the chief priest chuckled to himself.  Ah, youth.

As the trio walked down to Tower Street, Father Zantus responded to Liseth's vision of Kerr's future with a surprised look.  “A paladin, you say?  I hadn’t thought much on it, given Kerr’s training for the priesthood.  Of course, I am not privy to whatever plans Iomedae might have for this young acolyte,” he ruffled said acolyte’s hair affectionately,  “though I do know that our lady Desna thinks they will help Kerr fight the evil infecting Varisia.”

“Iomedae certainly has her share of paladins,” the cleric agreed noncommittally, looking at Kerr with a speculative eye.  “And maybe that is what she has in mind for Kerr.  We’ll know more shortly . . . Iomedae’s church in Magnimar is sending someone up to help guide him through the transition.”  Father Zantus gave a small shrug.  “So all we need is a little patience.”

They walked along Tower Street, enjoying the beautiful weather and, for the moment, ignoring the impending threat to Sandpoint.  “What do you think, my boy?  Want to take up the longsword and smite evil?”  The very idea appeared comical.  That Kerr Mollin, generally considered the nicest, politest, and most good-natured young man in Sandpoint, would don armor and stand toe-to-toe with minions of darkness?  It seemed nearly inconceivable.  Father Zantus shrugged to himself.  The ways of the gods were inscrutable.

That’s why faith was so important.

“Your brother Nivlak sounds like a great man; we would be happy to put him up at the cathedral if he chose to visit.  And of course I’m sure Daena would swoon over him shamelessly.”  Daena Broadleaf was the temple’s acolyte of Sarenrae.  Father Zantus winked.  “So I’m sure he would feel more than welcome.”

The party arrived at the City Hall.  They took a left onto Main Street, moving around to the front of the building.  Father Zantus opened the door and held it for the two acolytes.  “For now, though, I think we need to concentrate on helping Mayor Deverin care for the people of Sandpoint during this difficult time.”

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This message was last edited by the player at 07:43, Wed 29 Jan 2014.

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Kerr had been enjoying the sun, the walk, the cool breeze, and most of all the feel of Liseth Thoradin holding onto his arm.  Liseth Thoradin, his girlfriend.  Happy, almost dazed thoughts on this subject had been occupying Kerr’s mind for most of the stroll down Tower Street, so it was difficult for him to take the discussion of his incipient paladinhood with much seriousness.  It all seemed so strange.

Kerr nodded at Father Zantus’ question.  “Liseth and I talked about it earlier.”  He gave the young blonde on his arm an affectionate squeeze.  “And if that’s where Iomadae and Desna feel I will be best used, then I’m willing to serve.  It just seems so odd though.  I’ve never even swung a sword!”  Kerr was pretty sure that paladins had to be good with swords.  For the whole evil smiting thing.  “Do you really think that might be why Iomedae wants me?”  The young acolyte was still a little taken aback by the idea.

“I’d love to talk to Nivlak if he ever visits.  Maybe he’ll have some insight about what I’m supposed to do.”  Suddenly Kerr was struck with an alarming thought.  “Do you, um, how protective is Nivlak, do you think?  I mean,” Kerr coughed, “about boyfriends?  Do you think he’ll approve of me?  It would be pretty awful if your brother rode into town and decided I wasn’t good enough for you.”  Kerr tried not to look too apprehensive at this prospect.

Kerr nodded to Father Zantus as they walked through the open door of the Town Hall.  The prelate was right; the people of Sandpoint should be their first priority right now.  There would be time enough later to worry about the prospect of his girlfriend’s possibly-protective paladin brother.  He spotted another group at the top of the stairs.

“Hey, look!”  He pointed up at the doorway to the Mayor’s office.  "There’s Alergast, Cato, and Kellan!  And . . . Dav Hosk?”  He looked at the other two in confusion.  “What would he be doing here?  Unless he just wants to get in on the goblin-fighting action.  And come to think of it I wouldn’t put it past him.  Come on, let’s get up there and see what’s going on.”  Kerr was excited to hear from the more-martial members of the group, but not excited enough to outpace Liseth.  He carefully helped her up the staircase, not seeming for a moment to be put out or impatient with her for her slower pace.  And he wasn’t, because he adored everything about her.

He supposed that that’s why they called it love.

CONTINUED IN CHAPTER #6d: WAR COUNCIL

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This message was last edited by the player at 07:49, Wed 29 Jan 2014.