Domitius returned Kendricks nod "I may be looking for a sparring partner later but if you are busy the Dragons Den this evening my friend."

One of the acolytes is reading in the library when you enter, but bows politely and leaves you alone in the room.  It is fairly small, and most people are expected to read books in situ, rather than taking them away.

The books are mainly factual, self-help guides or descriptions of travels - although there is a small section on the worship of Iomedae and, unusually, a small fiction section as well.

"Thank you," she told Kendrick.  "For your courtesy, and for the information.   I'd like to meet the two you mention sometime. Though I'd guess they're both very busy people."   

Stepping into the library, she examined the array of titles that were available.   She continued to converse with Domitius, as she did-  "Well, so.  Your blood appears to be a similar mix to my own.   Were you born to human and elf - or are your parents themselves half-elves?"     

She was a little disappointed there were not more religious works on the shelves - yet, it only made sense that a small shrine would focus on the god it was devoted to.   In pure curiosity, she selected one of the fictional works, to see what it was about.

"Father is elven, he is from Kyonin originally but he is seldom in one spot for long. My mother is human a native of Restov, I took my last name from her." Domitius replied, "It's easier to pronounce than Aeratholsyr. for one thing." and gave Alisa a mischievous smile.

"You said your mother was elven, does she return to her home often?  Have you ever gone with her?"

Seeing the familiar symbols of Iomedae, Dara knew she had to stop.  There was a lot of history between the Lady of Valor and herself, enough that Dara felt almost as much at home in Her holy places as she did in those of Sarenrae.  Dressed in traveling clothes but wearing her holy symbol about her neck for any and all to see, she paused at the entrance to the courtyard where she took a moment to offer a prayer she recalled from her childhood.  Behind her, Lydia also bowed her head though without the personal deference that Dara held.  They were lightly burdened with little more than personal effects though Dara held in her arms a small child and wore a scimitar on her hip.

With her prayer spoken, Dara walked into the courtyard slowly, her head turning from side to side taking in the sites.  She was brand new to this place and really to the region as a whole so she marveled at how the worship of some gods and goddesses varied from one place to the next.  A Varisian, she'd seen a number of cathedrals, temples and places of worship but it never ceased to amaze her at how each was unique in their own way.  The people, the heraldry, the methods of service, all fundamentally the same but yet different based on region.

She watched from a respectful distance as others stood and conversed or practiced their martial skills.  As a visitor, Dara did not want to simply intrude on people so she remained a quiet observer watching the activities, talking to her associate and on occasion fussing with the little one she carried wrapped in a blanket.

OOC: I did not want to have Dara simply bulge in on someone but if anyone is interested in approaching her while she takes in the sites I would welcome it.

She returned Domitius' smile, "I understand, I speak the elvish tongue, I know what it's like! I was raised amongst humans, and mostly identify with them. Elvish customs usually feel foreign to me, albeit in a beautiful way."

She sighed, expression more serious-  "My mother is a grey-elf; one of the Spire elves.   It's...something of a long story, but the Spire is like a whole other world.  They mix very little with outsiders.   But, there are those who are curious about the world beyond.  My mother was one;  who for a time felt she wished to leave the Spire for good.   Being away from it proved too much for her, though.   She went back -- before I'd seen my third winter.  I've not seen her since then.   It was a big wound, growing up.  But, I found later that Acavna wanted me here. And I believe my mother knew that. Not that it made my father feel any better."     She shrugged.

"Love between elf and human is often tragic, in some way.  Their worlds are so different. And one lives so long, and the other so fleetingly." She smiled again.    "I hope I'm not rambling?"

Dara, Alisa doesn't have a reason to exit the library, having only just entered;  though I'd be happy to interact with you a bit later.    Domitius may have things that will bring him outside;  or, you are entirely welcome to enter the library.   It's all an open thread, as far as I understand.   

In reply to Dara Algot (msg # 57):

Kendrick left Domitius and Alisa in the library as he made his way to the courtyard. There he spied two women. They seemed to be visitors by their mannerisms. One was armed and carrying a small bundle in her arms. He turned from his intended path in order to welcome the newcomers. His steps echoed on the floor. "Welcome to the House of Iomedae. I was just passing by... but I can help or find someone if you need assistance. My name is Kendrick."

Impulsively Domitius placed his hand upon Alisa's "No, not at all Alisa." he said with a warm smile "I am interested to learn more about you, I mean to say more about how you grew up.  Our past seems similar in many ways though Father was around to see my brother reach his majority, it must have been hard for you and your father. he gives Alisa's hand a gentle squeeze before releasing it.

Seeing the man take notice and approach, Dara stopped her site-seeing, tourist-like actions and turned to meet his approach.  "Thank you, Kendrick.  I'm not sure I am looking for help as much as I am taking in the sites and finding time to talk to new and interesting people."  She turned to her companion and introduced her.  "This is Lydia, my friend and traveling companion, and this little one here..."  Dara wiggled the child slightly, pulling the blanket back to reveal a healthy little girl with tufts of red hair and a determination to gnaw the dummy in her mouth to mush. "This is Sara."  Obviously Dara took great pride in her child by the way she presented the infant and because of the great joy she exhibited.  "Just passing by?  Well I do not wish to take up your time or anything."  But Dara also approved of the discussion and seemed in no hurry for him to leave.

OOC: @Alisa, that's quite all right.  Much as it is in real life, it is rude to barge in on someone when they're involved with something which is why I wrote Dara's entrance as I did.  By all means please finish your scene and if they're still around they can chat.

Kendrick smiled as he was introduced to Lydia and the little baby. He looked down at the bundled baby. It was nice that the frontier town was attracting families. "Then have you just arrived in Tusk Town?" Three months ago, he would have claimed that he knew everyone in the town. But it seemed that new people were resettling almost every week. "This frontier town is growing every week. A new business opens up almost every month. What sort of work does your husband do?"

"Indeed, with the last caravan."  The clothing she wore matched her features as someone from the lands of Varisia far to the west.  "I am glad to hear that there is some growth and life here.  It is nice to stop in places where there is prosperity and opportunity."  When he mentioned "husband" Dara paused to think for a moment.  "I am not married," she admitted truthfully.  It was not something she frequently admitted, especially on the open road, but in her present surroundings she decided that it was safe to be honest.  "It's just the three of us.  We travel the world giving Sarenrae's blessings in both faith and by healing hand.  I am a healer though I specialize more as a midwife, but my skills are always available to any in need. May I ask what it is that you pass your time doing?"  She gave the place another look around as if weighing her next words.  "We have been traveling a while and have been considering taking some time off from the road.  Do you know of anywhere in Tusk Town where we might secure affordable lodging for a few weeks?  We would be most grateful for your assistance."
OOC: For a better idea of her appearance please reference her character description.  I did not feel the need to repeat it here.

The acolyte looks up, nods to Kendrick then continues with his practice.

She blushed only faintly, difficult to see beneath a tanned complexion, and glanced down for a moment.

"We've all had our hardships, of course.   I've a lot to be thankful for, too, including an aunt who tried to be something like a mother.  And my father eventually found love again.   And myself a higher calling."   

Alisa glanced toward the fictional work she'd taken from the shelf, feeling slightly uneasy. In a good way, that she hadn't felt in some years.    She read the cover aloud, then opened the book, leafing her way through:

"Hm.  'The Adventures of Barnstable Fallowell.'   Outlandish sounding name, no?   Hm.  Seems he went over a waterfall...in a barrel.  Meets a talking ferret...in a magic valley.   Most imaginative!"   She continued leafing.  "Well, looks as if he has decisions to make, the hard sort, like saving the magic valley, or being able to go back home...of course, it is the hard decisions from which we grow the most."

"Barnstable Fallowell, now there is a name I haven't heard in some time." Domitius said with a chuckle "Father would read it to my brother Palidamus when he was younger, he always did want a talking ferret. there is a twinkle in his eye as he remembered his younger brother.

"It is often the hardest decisions that are the most rewarding as well.  It was not an easy choice to strike out here in the Stolen lands yet I think it was the correct one. A feeling that has been growing stronger of late." as he spoke he looked Alisa in the eyes.  "It would appear there are more reasons to be grateful of that vhoice everyday.

"I was just asked by the good mayor to fill the position of marshal. But I usually venture out into the wild to secure the region and map it of course." Kendrick answered before glanced back at Lydia and the child in Dara's arms. "I'm afraid the Dragons Den wouldn't be described as affordable. Tansy's Bar is quite affordable, but I'm not sure if it is suitable for you and your child." Kendrick grew thoughtful as he mind turned...

"Marshall?"  Well wasn't this a stroke of luck meeting the marshal on the first full day in town.  "It is an honor, sir."  She bowed her head respectfully but not obnoxiously, just enough to be appropriate to his station.  "I was hoping for lodging that was not subject to the coming and going of travelers and strangers on a nightly basis, yet not something where I am committing to a longer stay as there will probably be a time when we are back on a caravan and I do not wish to break a housing agreement to do so.

"Well that's good," she acknowledged.   "It is a little the same with my being out here, and leaving home.  It wasn't an easy choice, and some things have been a challenge, yet I continue to find rewards.  Don't tell me how the story ends!  I may want to read it myself, one day."   She closed the book, replaced it upon the shelf.

"Is your brother your only sibling?   Are you two much alike, or the sort of brothers who are so different, one can only tell by the family name?"   

I have opened an Iomedae's library thread.  I am getting confused trying to keep track of two different private conversations in the same thread :)

Alisa and Domitius, please continue your conversation in there.  I  will repost Alisa's last comment, to give you a bit of a start :)

Kendrick's brow furrowed and relaxed as if he was at peace with his idea. "I understand your concern by staying at an establishment with random foot traffic. Perhaps I can offer an alternate solution that may fit your needs."

"I have an extra room above my shop, Winters Wares and Spices. You're more than welcome to stay there." Kendrick paused to let the idea settle. He raised his hand, "You can pay rent when you're able. Don't worry. I have a business manager, I'll ask him to prepare the room. It should be ready in a few hours."

"That is a kind offer, thank you."  Dara weighed her words carefully.  "We have been in town for less than a day, you will forgive me if I do not immediately accept?"  Obviously Dara was doing her best to avoid offending Kendrick and his fine offer.  "We would prefer to view some of the options before we commit to anything specific.  I hope you understand?"  She judged Kendrick's face trying to read his expression.  So long as he did not seem upset or offended she continued, "I would like to see it.  If the offer is as good as it sounds it might make the decision easy for us."  Dara's eyes looked down to Sara.  "It won't be too loud, will it?"  Then she looked up again.  "Please don't let me hold you up here, I don't mean to keep you here answering all my questions.  But please indulge me this twice more.  Is there a shrine of Sarenrae in this area and is there anything worth visiting within Iomedae's house?  A shrine or library or perhaps a way that I may offer my services and skills to Her faithful?"

"Well if you do decide to accept the offer. You will need to speak with Zack Malford. He's the business manager. He'll show you the room." Kendrick smiled as he imagined Zack's reaction. He made a mental note to speak with him first.

"Not sure if there is a shrine for Sarenrae in Tusk town yet. But you are welcome to use the shrine here for prayers and a the library." Kendrick stopped an acolyte that was passing by, "Please show Miss Dara the way to the library and the shrine. See is visiting. And do you know where I might find Sir Borric?"

Edited
This message was last edited by the player at 17:46, Sun 17 Mar 2019.

Dara bowed her head politely to Kendrick.  "I will do so."  With the summons of the acolyte, Dara could see their time together was coming to a close.  "Well sir, it is a pleasure to meet you.  I do hope we might meet again sometime."

OOC: My intention is for Dara to meet some more people/players so if she is escorted to the library or other area that would suit me fine.

Kendrick left Dara under the care of the acolyte.

[Kendrick left Iomedae's House]

Have fun with the fuzzy threads.

The acolyte stops his practice and guides Dara into a smaller courtyard, where a stone pillar inscribed with Iomedae's Sun Sword, stands proudly on an open stone plinth covered by a small tiles roof set on pillars.

After a few moments' contemplation he  leads the way towards the library

Domitius hadn't been to Iomedae's house in some time, preparing for fatherhood, overseeing the building of his families villa and running WSM had taken up a lot of his time.  He nodded in greetings to his fellow worshippers as he moved to the central pillar.  There he drew his sword Blazefury and laid it before the carving of Iomedae's sword before kneeling down in prayer.  Several minutes passed in silence before Domitius took up his sword again placing it back into it's scabbard with practiced ease.

With a final nod towards the central pillar he strode out into the courtyard to watch several of the acolytes training, he moved to an empty area of the courtyard before drawing Blazefury, it's mithral blade catching the sunlight as he did.  He ran through a series of drills, first concentrating on his form in a series of simple drills he would stop occasionally to adjust his stance before continuing his increasingly difficult drills.

After ten minutes he was sweating heavily despite the cool breeze, he paused to catch his breath and realised that the other acolytes had stopped and where watching.  It had been a while since he had given a class but now seemed as good a time as any.  "Form up and I'll show you a few tricks brothers." Dom said to the group.  The net hour was spent guiding the acolytes through some of the techniques employed by the Aldori.  At the end satisfied he had contributed to the church in some way Dom dismissed the class, now he was sticking closer to Tusk he would return to train with the faithful more often.