Krite accepts the book, holding it in both hands. He takes a deep breath and holds it, then lets it out in a long exhale. "Thank you for returning my spellbook," he says, his eyes fading back to their usual gemstone green. "From what you've been saying, you meant well, albeit in a way that I do not comprehend.

"I do not understand why you believe that I am either a fool, or that I think I'm better than you. I have made it plain that I know that you are a much more experienced and powerful wizard than I am; the only thing I did that might even have been considered rude -- until my book was taken, that is -- was to ask that you cast a cantrip so I could be reassured you weren't a doppelganger. I mean, it was very strange that you came to Riceak and me in the middle of the night instead of addressing us at breakfast; that made me feel a bit more paranoid than I otherwise might have.

"You then cast the spell, but you also told me that they can learn spells, so that's not a good test for doppelgangers. I appreciate knowing that!

"Until my spellbook went missing, I had nothing but a deep respect for you, Master Hayton. It's clear we've had a miscommunication on a number of things and we've been talking at cross-purposes, and I'll try to listen to what you mean on my part."

"Pray tell I have nothing to say to you. Respect? You call that respect? I had scrolls willing to be provided to you and yet I was met with what you call a trade or that I could check out your spellbook. You never provide your spellbook to anyone. And I went there after the party if I may be so bold. I am not some person wandering the streets trying to part my wares for gold. And yet I felt like I was treated as such. Respect is earned not giving out. I strongly suggest you rethink what I have said and ponder it. Don't throw it aside and act like a small kid. You challenged me and believe you are far stronger then I. Perhaps in due time it may happen. But you have much to learn about yourself and what your abilities are. Focus on what you know, not your magic. Magic makes one believe they are strong. No it is what lies within your heart. You can be beaten down to a inch of your life but if you have faith like the cleric here, you would be surprised on how storng you are. You want proof I am not a doppleganger? They bleed green. Strange as it is. Even the Mindflayer bleed a different color Nonetheless..." He pulls out a dagger, and takes his hand. Lars takes the blade and puts it across his hand. And it bleeds red. "No trick. It is my blood." He takes a napkin and places it across his hand. The mage then sips his coffee "If you want to leave, so be it. Now can I enjoy my breakfast and have a civil conversation?"

Elsewhere upon the steps leading into the temple...

"I am glad that you and your friend are safe and well.  Are you here for my help?  I believe that we can help the peoples accept you here by being seen together.  People fear what they do not understand."

Krite sits down and picks out items for his breakfast. He’s positioned where he can see and hear what Lars has to say.

Seeing that Krite wasn't going to walk out, Riceak turned around, grabbed some food and sat down to see what the conversation was going to be.

Cumarinda noted the reactions of both Krite and Riceak to Lars' words.

She looks to Lars with a look of both anger and sadness. “I will say this in words to be heard by all. Master Lars Hayton I believe that you
have gone too far to make your point. You have certainly violated the sanctity of this temple, with your action and your words. While your theft
may have had some benevolent purpose, I feel that whatever benefit that may have been gained has been overshadowed by your offense towards
our other guests and your open proclamation of disbelief in the Sun Father in the center of HIS holy temple.”
She stares into his eyes for a long moment before sighing with disappointment and briefly averting her eyes.

She takes a deep breath and then looks back into Lars' eyes, speaking softly in yielding tones, “Lars, I do not expect you to pay homage to Pelor if you don't believe in him. I do expect you to be respectful and courteous to those of us that do and your fellow guests who are under our care while you are a guest of our temple. I love you as a friend and mentor yet I still believe that you owe at least one apology, if not more. Should you disagree, say so, and I will say a prayer to forgive your transgressions against us in the name of peace.”

"But after this issue is settled, we have other things to discuss," she says resuming a more normal speaking voice, “While you consider my words,
why don't we enjoy breakfast and further ponder what problems face us and those around us.”
This message was last edited by the player at 07:24, Fri 15 Sept 2023.

"Pardon but I will not give apologies nor do I feel I need to. This is your home, not mine. You wish to worship here, so be it. Everyone has a right and I do not believe in gods or putting myself out there for something I cannot believe in. Yes, I am a man of arcane lore, true. Offense? Truly you are wrong. I see two others here, Riceak and Krite and both were in the dorms together. No one else. There is no overshadowing and if you somehow believe I had offensed anyone, so be it. But I will not apologize. And its been what two to three day since you arrived and you took it upon yourself to uphold the law here believing you have a say in what transpired? You are just as much as a guest as anyone present. Are you done lecturing me and beliving you are correct in all aspects? A child believing you are right when you are not? I have raised children, rest their souls and it came down to a simple fact." Lars sips his coffee "I was correct and so was my wife. So do not ask me to give out a apology for it will be half-hearted and not mean a thing. Not trying to disrespect you, Cumarinda. For you have been through a lot in such a short timespan. Not even me or Pelor could have provided much comfort. And now Fenris lives. I do not understand why or how but he indeed lives and I am glad for you he has returned." Another sip of coffee and he starts to eat.

"Now then, what does your plans beckon you today? Dopplegangers? Exploring this town and stopping some old evils? Pray tell I wish to know."
-----------------------------------------------------------
Elsewhere upon the steps of the temple...

"No." Right to the point. Fenris watches the direwolves antics. It looks at th  warforged, barks a few times and sits down at the barbarians feet. Strange.

Cumarinda nods and then slowly stands before walking over to where Riceak and Krite are sitting.
She bows her head and says apologetically, "Krite Singlebraid and Riceak Stryfelaughter. For myself and my husband, we'd like to thank you again for participating in our ceremony.

As a priestess of Pelor and your host here in our holy temple, we are ultimately responsible for any offense you suffered while you are our guests here. I deeply apologize for the circumstances that involved the brief loss of your property and any related offense. I hope that you can forgive us and all who were involved. If there is anything within reason that I can do to restore your trust, please feel free to ask. Furthermore, I hope we can work together in the near future to bring light and hope to those who need it most. For now, I must continue to speak with Master Hayden before setting out."

She raises her head and looks them both with a hopeful smile, briefly waiting upon whatever reply they may give, before turning to rejoin Lars.

”Rest assured, you’ve no problem with me, dear lady,” Krite says with a smile for the cleric.

OOC: apologies DM; reverted to original speech color accidentally. Back to darkgreen.

Forge gathers up his things.
"Do you wish to come with me into the temple?  We can have the wolf wait out back, I am certain all would share in the glad tidings of your and the wolfs' deciding to remain  here."
This message was last edited by the player at 18:58, Tue 11 July 2023.

Lars sits there waiting patiently for the gathered group to decide what they will do if anything at all. He crosses his legs, sipping his coffee and eats at times. Apparently nothing he states will mean anything to anyone presently-especially the cleric who seemed to turn on him. A sad though. He asks so he will wait. For a city there has got to be some evil to go against. A problem to solve. And they need to solve it-not Lars. Not the priestess.

--------------------------------------------------

The look on Fenris's face when the warforged continues to talk is rather rude. He pulls out a apple and starts to eat it remaining on the steps "Wolf goes where I go. And I am not going inside." One bite. Two bites.

Riceak sighs as the mood seems to settle, or settle as much as it is going to at the moment. "Since we were 'recruited' to join you in this endeavor, that make you the de facto leader of this group, correct? Did you have something that you wanted to tackle first or are we going to charge at the first thing that pops up?"

Curmarinda replies to Riceak with a smile, "Actually neither immediately, young master Riceak. I am going to consult with Master Hayton once more to see if he has a direction to suggest, failing that, we will return to the docks to confirm and fulfill the several requests I've seen there."

After looking around for a moment, she sighs softly, "I'm certain that my Fenris is awaiting us outside. I'm taking him outside a city soon, these places with so many people, buildings and walls aren't where his joy lies." She pauses and grins before continuing, "Well except when I'm nearby."

Rejoining Lars at his table, she bows and speaks humbly, "I believe that there are a myriad of things you know that I may have to learn with time, Master Hayton. In the name of our friendship, I ask that you please forgive any offense I may have given you and continue to share your knowledge with me so that I can grow in power to help others. As we set forth to do good in the name of all that is good, do you have any further advice for me?"

The warforged head bobs back and forth....
"Apologies, I had thought you had sought my presence, pardon me."

Forge heads on into the temple....

Krite nods at Forge in greeting as he enters. He sits waiting to see where the conversation goes.

"So another person wanting my knowledge to grow in power. Has nothing change my dear? What if you were stripped of your blessings and could do nothing more? You have your wits am I correct? WIthout anyones power, you have each other. Think about it and ponder it. I could provide each of you a gift but why should I when you have not learned anything? Krite has his power from his spellbook yet when it was gone he searched for it and found it. Yet even without it, you have what you wish if you ponder it. Same as you, Riceak. Take away your weapons and your arcane gifts, what does that leave? It leaves what you know. Cumarinda has her gifts from her diety. Take that away, you have what? What you know. What ou feel and I hope I am simply more then someone you talk to. Forge has his ability to bring pain with weapons and armor. Take that away and what does he have? His ability to think and feel." Lars takes another sip of his coffee.

Fenris walks in and leans against the doorway. The direwolf enters as well and seems to copy him, pushing him slightly. His eyes narrow on the wolf as perhaps he feels mocked. The wolf moves from him and drops to the ground at his feet even as Fenris doesn't say a word. He bites into a apple, just watching.

"My dear Fenris. Surprised I see. Take your sword away, take away all your abilities-what does that leave you?" Lars leans forwards.

The barbarian snorts "Cumarinda."

Lars seems to not be surprised, and smiles at the remark "Not all of arcane are evil, Fenris. We have spoken little but your presence soothes Cumarinda. It is a good thing. Now then, what I want for the group? Nothing. Explore the city. Or rather outside of it. Get your bearings for I think this may be your home for some time. And the dopplegangers will be dealt with in due time. You can help if you wish but there are other things you can tend to. Grog is a good source. And of course I would like to know more of this dragon if there is anything else to know. Korthos is safe for now. And theres several places you can check out yet I have beena away for some time." He's been here before?

The wolf looks at Lars and then to Fenris who doesn't speak. Heck he just walked in.

"Your wisdom is welcome, Master Lars Hayton.  I hear and I obey."

The warforged salutes his right fist over his left chestplate....

Forge contemplates himself in a new way that idea of arcane and divine, in every time he had healed or repaired himself it has been the work of divine magics, the same that allows him to assist the flesh blood and bone types, though his entire being was mostly shaped in the magics that were arcane in nature...it is a mystery of his life he had not yet considered.

"Fenris spake true when he named Priestess Cumarinda, as did you, Master Hayton, in making your several points," Krite says. "Take away our powers, our equipment, even our talents, and what do we have? Each other.

"Save Fenris, Forge, and Cumarinda, though, we are but newly met," the gnome continues. "I hope and even pray that we will become bosom companions who will trust, honor, and love one another as brothers and sisters. I have adventured for years but mostly in the role of 'have spells, will travel,' a stand-in for groups that needed additional magic, or who were missing a member or two. That was all right, but what I have wanted for some time is a group to which I belong. Who I can trust to watch my back, and who in turn are willing to trust me to watch theirs.

"I like what I see of my new companions, though we've yet to be tested together as a whole. I hope that we become more than just another group of adventurers!" He grabs a flagon of some fruit juice or another and toasts the group.

Listening to all that was said by everyone, Riceak scratched the back of his head before deciding that he should probably say something. "So what I am getting from this is that we are heading down to the docks then, and then we work our way around the city to learn where everything is? Sounds like a plan. Anyone still need to eat their breakfast or are we good to begin this so that we can do this bonding thing that you all mentioned?"

Cumarinda listens to Lars and then the rest nodding in agreement with all that had been said. She stood up and bowed
respectfully to Lars and then picked up her pack and gear. "If everyone is ready to bring our skills to help those who may
need that help, let's get going. Goodbye, Master Hayton, may all that is holy bless you."

With that, she walks toward the entrance of the temple, smiling warmly towards Krite, Riceak, and Forge.
"Riceak, Krite, I promise to take you into my care as allies from this day forth. Forge, we are already bound in friendship,
fellowship and service. Fenris, my husband and my strength, I ask that you please look upon our companions as allies who
will add their strengths to our own."

When she reaches Fenris, she kisses him briefly on the lips, then shares a warm smile with the dire wolf as she leads them on their way toward the docks.

"The docks is a great place to start Grog will certainly let us know if any gossip has come about any of the enemies we have faced.  Plus the tasks that persons are seeking help with are frequently posted as well."

Forge considers the couple, formidable in their own right, and so falls into the rear position with the smaller companions in the middle.....

In reply to Riceak (msg #267):

Krite's answer was to scarf down a helping of eggs and bacon and to grab a few hard rolls "for the road." "Ready."

In reply to Cumarinda (msg #268):

Krite nods in happy agreement to Cumarinda's promise. "My arcane skills and powers are at the party's disposal," he replies. "My hope is that we will become friends as well as allies. Gnomish magic has a lot of illusion, so if you see me casting and an owlbear or something suddenly 'comes around the corner,' help me sell it to the enemy!" He winks.

The fire haired, brown eyed woman winks back to Krite nodding, "Of course we will, right My Fenris?" she said happily kissing the barbarian on the cheek as the party continued towards the docks.

==========> To the docks

Yeah right. Someone to watch the gnomes back as Fenris goes to kill him. Sounds about right. His eyes narrow, hearing the mages talk of arcane. He blinks as the cleric kisses him, seeming surprised. The direwolf sneaks some bacon and munches on it as the creature follows after the cleric. Once everyone is about to leave, Fenris watches Lars. His eyes narrow, teeth clenched and he seems about to say something but he glances at the cleric then back to Lars and nods his head, letting her lead the 'pack' Something he normally does but why? And Lars mentioned the dragon. Something the barbarian doesn't want to think about.

------to the Docks!---->
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:40, Thu 27 July 2023.

"Well, fingers crossed that the enemy buys it regardless of how much we sell it for," Riceak comments as he follows the party to the docks.

------to the Docks!---->