Re: An Acolyte's Intermission (Liseth)
"I can't believe you're going to let everyone else eat my strawberry cake," said Kerr as he opened the door to the cathedral courtyard for Liseth, giving her a look so mournful she knew he must be faking it. Unable to keep up the facade, he grinned. "They definitely won't appreciate it like I do! But if you want to waste such excellent cake on those who can't truly appreciate it, well," he sighed, "I guess that's okay."
The two acolytes stopped by Liseth’s room to stow her knapsack and the picnic gear, then strolled out into Northchurch Square arm in arm, drawing smiles from most of the townsfolk they passed as they began making their way down to The Rusty Dragon to help with the dinner preparations. "I'm just really happy we get our afternoon together," Kerr brought his far hand over to cover Liseth's, which was holding his arm for balance as they walked. "There's only so much training a guy can take before . . . ."
"Before what, Mister Mollin?" Ser Minton Klerris' voice made Kerr start so badly that he nearly knocked Liseth over. Kerr overreacted to her loss of balance, reaching out to keep her from falling just when she recovered her equilibrium, an act which resulted in his nose suddenly being smooshed against her cheekbone as she brought her head back around.
Kerr sighed at the indignity of it all. "Nothing, Ser Klerris," he said, rubbing his nose ruefully as he straightened up and tried to pretend he hadn't just been startled half out of his wits or nearly given himself a concussion. "Just saying it's nice to have an afternoon off every so often." Kerr greatly hoped that his afternoon with Liseth wasn't being cut short for some reason.
"And so it is. Downtime is very valuable.” His eyes flicked to Liseth. “And maintaining your relationships is very important. They—along with Iomedae’s grace—are what sustain you in the difficult times.” The paladin’s posture was ramrod-straight, as always. “But,” Ser Klerris’ voice took on an instructor’s tone with which Kerr was very familiar, “there are all sorts of relationships you need to maintain.” He raised a finger. “And there is no reason to needlessly antagonize influential members of the community.”
Kerr’s face fell. “You talked to Mister Poliska?” He asked without much hope for response to the contrary.
“I talked to Mister Poliska.” Ser Klerris confirmed. His voice softened slightly. “Kerr, there’s no reason for you to alienate one of Sandpoint’s founding families simply because you’d prefer to spend time elsewhere. I know you don’t like the Scarnettis. Truth be told, I don’t like them much myself. But their help and support could be critical for your further activities. If you are standing up for your principles, that is one thing. But sometimes you have to do things you’d rather not do for the greater good. Do you understand?”
“Yes, sir.” Kerr tried not to sound despondent.
“Good. So you’ll need to attend their dinner tonight and give them a report on your recent activities.” He held up a hand to forestall Kerr’s objection. “But in return, since you’re having your afternoon and evening spoiled, and I realize how important this is to you, you can have tomorrow afternoon and evening off from training as well.” The paladin suddenly noted Liseth’s distressed look. “And you can spend it all in the company if Miss Thoradin if you so desire. Do we have an agreement?”
"Yes, sir. Thank you, sir." Kerr responded. That was something, at least.
"Good. I'll look forward to hearing about your successful presentation." The two acolytes watched Ser Klerris stride off.
Kerr sighed as he turned to Liseth, looking unhappy. "I'm sorry about that, Lise. But at least we get another afternoon tomorrow! Right?"
This message was last edited by the player at 18:52, Wed 22 July 2015.