[Nexus/Town] The Temple of Inari XLIX

[Lady Serpentine]

(OP by Fenric)

You have entered the temple of Inari, in her capacity as the Goddess of Foxes.

You walk down an elegant white gravel pathway between full-grown pines. Stone lanterns provide a pure white light to the path, while casting elegant shadows among the trees.

At the end of the pathway, a bright red gate stands. A large fox carved from white alabaster gleams at each side of the gate. As you pass between the foxes and through the gate, you feel the presence of the goddess. Gentle and caring, but mischievous and lighthearted, you are never quite certain what will happen.

Past the exquisite formal gardens, you finally step into the pagoda itself. There, at the end of chamber is a raised dais. There rests a statue of a beautiful werefox woman, flanked by two snow-white celestial foxes. Offerings of rice and incense stand before the statue.

In a niche off to the right side of the door sits a Fox-Cola vending machine. Next to the coin slot, the sign reads "10 cp".

To the left side of the door is a magic mirror. This mirror is actually a portal to Trog's Tavern.

Profile for InariAlignment: Chaotic Good
Primary Domains: Good, Plant, Chaos, Healing
Secondary Domains: Magic, Sun, Animal, Trickery, Knowledge, Water
Forbidden Domains: Evil, Law, War, Death, Destruction

Goddess of the cultivation and growth of rice, including rice products. This gives her minor coverage for fertility. She is also the racial goddess of foxes, werefoxes, and kitsune.

Priest Granted Powers

Rice Paddy: Once per day
As Entangle, but the ground changes to knee-deep mud, and instead of creepers, mature rice plants twist and writhe to grapple anything in the area.

Sushi Bar: Once per day
You create rice, fish, and sake. You can create enough to feed one medium sized creature for each two caster levels.

Summon Celestial Fox: Special
You summon an image of Myobi (if you are a priestess) or Myobu (if you are a priest). The fox has HD equal to your level plus your wisdom bonus. In combat, the fox fights the same as a normal fox, but with appropriate bonuses for HD.

Cumulative Fox Abilities
{table="Head"]Priest Level|Times per Day|Special
1|1|Fight, scout, and Cure Minor Wounds
3|2|Cure Light Wounds
5|3|Status
7|4|Magic Circle Against Evil
9|4|Cure Serious Wounds[/table]
Temple Facilities

Everything but the Sanctuary and Garden has Dimensional Lock. The entire facility is Hallowed as per the spell with the Bless effect. A permanent Flame Quench (the reversed form of the 2nd edition Fire Storm spell) is on in a quiescent form on all the buildings. It can be triggered by any full priest.

- Sanctuary: the main sanctuary has the altar. This is where you must pray to speak to the goddess directly. There is a general magic circle in the center of the room.

- Meditation Gardens: accessed through a door at the far end of the sanctuary. This is a standard zen garden with raked gravle, shady nooks, picturesque pines, stone lanterns, and small intricate bridges. An artifical stream hosts large koi, and a grand cherry tree resides on a picturesque island in the middle of a good sized pond.

- Priest's Quarters: accessed by going down the stairs - halfway down the sanctuary, to the right -, which leads to a covered pathway (technically under the garden)

[Beans]

In through the front gate walks a girl (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showpost.php?p=14405112&postcount=798) who looks about 17, though her eyes and the way she moves tell a different story.
She looks nervously around before stepping into the sanctuary; her violet eyes are anxious, nervous.

[Lady Serpentine]

Another girl, this one perhaps a year or two older than the other seems to be, with pale hair, and golden eyes, rises from her place on the floor nearby, and slowly starts to approach her, smiling gently.

[Beans]

The turquoise-haired girl fidgets with the buttons on her coat.
I'm not intruding, am I? Sorry, I just...

[Lady Serpentine]

The other girl shakes her head, extending a hand.

"Not at all... It's nice to see someone new around, in fact. Welcome to the Temple."

[Beans]

She smiles weakly.
Oh, thank you... m-my name is Neca, what's y-yours?

[Lady Serpentine]

"Kinari," she says softly, letting her hand fall back to her side. "It's nice to meet you, Neca. Do you want something to drink, or some food? There's plenty here..."

She sounds rather shy and nervous as well, apparently not very good at social situations either.

[Beans]

Er, not at the moment, but thanks...
S-so. Er.
What's it like here?

[Lady Serpentine]

"It's... Nice. Peaceful, quiet. I don't know if it's just because of... what I am... but it always feels safe here, too. I think it's protected somehow."

[Beans]

"Er, and what are you, if I can ask that?"

[Lady Serpentine]

"It's kind of complicated, but I don't mind explaining, if you've got time for a long story... Do you want to sit down somewhere?"

[Beans]

She nods, and will sit down wherever she is led.
Long stories are okay with me... I have one of my own after all.

[Lady Serpentine]

"Would you mind telling it to me, once you've heard mine?"

Kinari leads her to a quiet, shady, spot in the Gardens, where something similar to a hammock, but anchored at all four corners, and sized for five or six people, with cushions and pillows strewn over it, hangs, presumably what she intends them to sit on.

[Beans]

Neca nods, slipping out of her shoes to get on the macro-hammock thing.

[Lady Serpentine]

Kinari slips her shoes off as well, and settles onto it next to her, curling up in a comfortable-looking ball at the center of a nest of pillows.

"So... Do you know what Kitsune are?"

[Beans]

Some sort of... I think, um, fox spirit with multiple tails or something?
She shrugs, rubbing her neck.

[Lady Serpentine]

The odd girl smiles, nodding.

"Yeah, basically... I'm sort of half-kitsune. But not exactly. My mother's town was attacked, which is how she got me.

'Fox-woman, sister, we are one.
Give me vengeance though my life is done.
Fox-woman, sister, name your fee.
Grant that I may strike my enemy.'

She managed to get away, to a warded temple, but as part of a bargain she made to get there, she was just about ready to give birth by the time she did.

Once she started to, she gave up her life as the rest of it, in order to bind the kitsune to me - the priest had to cut me out of her, in fact - which is why I'm not exactly human.

It also put me under a geas, but being here seems to break that, at least for now...

[Beans]

Oh, I... I-I see...

I'm not entirely human either... not normal.
I was born to be part of the army of the Stroheim Empire, a heavy gunner. I underwent operations a few times in my life, joint replacements, getting my eyes out for synthetics, telomere radiation treatments...
I went through years of training, and I spent the next seven at war before I got out on the first honorable discharge I could manage.

Because I'm sick of fighting and war and hurting. I just want to live life being able to help people instead of gunning them down.

[Lady Serpentine]

Kinari hesitantly reaches for her hand, nodding.

"This is a good place for that... I'm here for similar reasons, actually."

[Beans]

She blushes, squeezing back gently.
So, er, what do you do here?

[Lady Serpentine]

Kinari blushes just a bit as well, and smiles, revealing her teeth to be more like fangs, presumably an artifact of her unusual nature.

"Just live here, mostly... I haven't had a chance to actually get a position yet or anything. And it's not like I have any useful skills or anything anyway."

[Beans]

I'm sure you do, more useful than mine---mine are only any use for hurting people.

[Lady Serpentine]

"And mine aren't?" she says quietly, shaking her head. "Since I was born, I've been under a geas to track down that raiding group, or their descendants, and kill them. That didn't exactly leave much time for learning anything but fighting and sneaking, even just dealing with people."

[Beans]

Well, I guess we're sort of in the same boat... I want to help you, but I don't think I can lend my hand to killing, even if it is justified.

[Lady Serpentine]

She shakes her head, squeezing Neca's hand again.

"That's fine... I don't want to do it anyway. I just don't have much choice if I ever leave here - hence my self-imposed exile."

[Beans]

Oh... that sounds so difficult! What if you need things from outside?
W-wait, I could get those for you!

[Lady Serpentine]

"It can be, yes...
And that sounds lovely. It won't be as nice as travelling again, but it'll definitely be quite a help."

Kinari awkwardly goes to hug her, seeming very grateful.

[Beans]

She hugs back, blushing.
I'm glad to help... anything you need me to get you soon?

[Lady Serpentine]

Kinari blushes as well, shaking her head.

"Not really..."

[Beans]

Well, let's just talk then... what things do you like?

[Lady Serpentine]

"I'm still figuring that one out...", she admits shyly. "Music is good, I guess?"

[Beans]

"Yes, it is indeed... any kinds you like particularly?"

[Lady Serpentine]

She nods, smiling a little.

"Yeah... If you want, I've got some of it in my room you could listen to?"

[Beans]

She nods. "Sure... speaking of rooms, are there more? I don't have anywhere to stay, and, er..."

[Lady Serpentine]

"I don't know... I mean, there are, but I'm not really in any position to give one to you... You could share mine, though, if you don't mind..."

She trails off nervously, blushing rather heavily.

[Beans]

Er.
I g-guess?
She squirms a little, turning red as well.

[Lady Serpentine]

Kinari fidgets nervously, then, after a minute, goes to gently squeeze Neca's hand, before leading her off to their room.

Should Neca go along with this, she'll find it to be rather bare, with another macro-hammock set up in the left half, a desk with a fairly nice computer on it in the lower-right corner, facing the wall, and a door, presumably leading to a bathroom, opposite the desk.

[Beans]

Oh, er, this is pretty nice...
She smiles, looking around.
Mind if I bring my bag in?

[Lady Serpentine]

Kinari shakes her head, smiling a bit as well.

"Of course not..."

[Beans]

She trots back out, returning with her bag and setting it down in a corner.

[Lady Serpentine]

Kinari is at the computer when she returns, on Nextube, looking up music, per their discussion earlier.

[Beans]

She peeks over her shoulder, smiling a little.
Nice computer...

[Lady Serpentine]

Kinari smiles, blushing again.

"Thanks... I tried to get something good."

She ends up picking this (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Fzc3H6Zl4s) to show Neca.

[Beans]

Neca smiles. That's pretty interesting... Let me show you some of what I like.

She pulls out her tablet and brings up this (http://electrocado.bandcamp.com/track/californicado).

[Lady Serpentine]

Kinari smiles as well, nodding.

"I like that..."

She turns back to the computer for a moment, pulling up this (http://music.sjtucker.com/track/the-train-suite-i-viscous-oil-persimmon-tea).

[Beans]

So, besides music, what do you like?

[Lady Serpentine]

"Books are nice... I don't really have any anymore, though."

[Beans]

Oh, that's a pity! What ones do you like? I'm sure I could help get some for you!

[Lady Serpentine]

"Well, the ones Anne McCaffrey did dealing with the Brain Ships are good... The Dreaming Tree's another one, and some of C.J. Cheryh's other stuff... Andre Norton does a lot of good things too, especially the Witchworld series, and a lot of the other authors who have written in that world are good too. Then all of the Darkover books..."

[Beans]

She types this down in her tablet, nodding.
I'll see about getting those for you, then!

[Lady Serpentine]

Kinari hesitantly goes to hug her, smiling.

"Thanks!"

[Beans]

She gently hugs back, blushing.
Um, anytime...

[Lady Serpentine]

Kinari blushes as well, leaning into the contact a bit.

"So, um... Will that work as a bed?"

[Beans]

I... I wouldn't want to keep you up, I get nightmares and night terrors fairly often...

[Lady Serpentine]

Kinari shakes her head, frowning.

"I do too sometimes, so I don't mind... Besides, if you have that sort of thing, it sounds like you could use someone to help you out anyway."

[Beans]

Well, um, if you don't mind...

[Lady Serpentine]

She shakes her head again, smiling.

"Not at all..."

[Beans]

O-Okay, thanks...

[Lady Serpentine]

"You're welcome..."

She smiles shyly, and goes to head over to the macro-hammock.

[Beans]

She follows, but keeps a little distance in the hammock.

[Lady Serpentine]

Kinari seems okay with that, curling up in/on a mass of a cushions and pillows a short way away.

[Beans]

Neca lays back, staring at the ceiling silently for a while, fingers twisting over and around each other lazily.

[Lady Serpentine]

Kinari smiles idly, curiously watching her roommate's movements.

[Beans]

After a while the young woman's eyes slide shut and her movements and breathing slow; she seems to have dozed off for now.

[Lady Serpentine]

Kinari reaches over and flicks out the lights; unless something would interfere, she soon dozes off as well.

[Beans]

She may be woken by small, erratic movements from her roommate; Neca's fingers twitch and she curls in on herself---less in a fetal position and more in the hunched, defensive posture of a burnt body.

[Lady Serpentine]

Indeed she is, and reaches over to gently touch Neca's shoulder, making a soft, unhappy, noise as she does.

[Beans]

She calms a bit, her movements slowly lessening until she's mostly tranquil.

[Lady Serpentine]

Kinari smiles a little, and settles back down, leaving her hand where it is to hopefully keep Neca calmed through the night.

[Beans]

Seems to do the trick, as she at least doesn't show any outward distress from then on!

[Lady Serpentine]

Kinari grows a tail sometime during the night, which twitches oddly, as though trying to pull itself away from something, and she curls back on herself somewhat around that point, as though trying to shield herself from being kicked; her movements will gradually intensify for a bit before plateauing, though unless Neca interferes, she'll stay asleep until morning.

[Beans]

Neca manages to sleep through it, and will probably wake later than her.

[Lady Serpentine]

Kinari goes to slip out of bed and make eggs, bacon, sausage, pancakes, and milkshakes for them both when she wakes up, then.

Should Neca be up when the foxgirl comes back, she'll see that Kinari now has a large fox-tail, and her hair has changed color, now being coppery instead of pale - it's much the same shade as her fur, in fact.

[Beans]

She's rubbing her eyes, looking a bit confused.
... K'nari?
Why're you all... vulpine-looking now?

[Lady Serpentine]

She shrugs, sitting down next to Neca and handing her a plate.

"It happens sometimes... Normally I try to blend in, but it usually doesn't last long, and since you already know what I am, I figured I wouldn't bother."

[Beans]

"Well, that works for me, I guess... your ears and stuff are pretty nice, I think." She smiles a little, digging into her food happily.

[Lady Serpentine]

Kinari smiles as well, blushing a bit, and also begins eating.

"Thanks... I'm glad you like them."

[Beans]

Um, so, uh...
What do we do here at the temple?

[Lady Serpentine]

"Er... I don't know, really. It's nice here, but most of the stuff to do takes having a position and such..."

She trails off, looking somewhat nervous.

"I guess maybe we could try something that might let me leave without the geas for a while?"

[Beans]

Er, what is it?
She sits up, interested as much as she is blushy.

[Lady Serpentine]

"Theoretically, if I wear something blessed by Inari, the Geas won't take hold for a while after I leave the temple, I just don't know if it'll work..."

[Beans]

What do I do if the geas kicks in when we're out somewhere? She frowns, worried.

[Lady Serpentine]

"Just head back here, I guess... Not like there's much else you can do, other than try to drag me back, is there?"

[Beans]

Would I have to... restrain you?

[Lady Serpentine]

"I don't know. I mean, it's not like I can't ever do anything else under the geas, but it is something I an never really stop working towards, so... I'm not sure if you'd be able to get me to come back without that or not."

[Beans]

If it came to that, I would do it so you could be safe.

[Lady Serpentine]

"I don't want you to risk getting hurt for me, though..."

[Beans]

I think I'll be okay...

[Lady Serpentine]

"If you're sure..."

She smiles, and goes to hug her.

[Beans]

She blushes, but hugs back a with a little smile.

[Lady Serpentine]

Kinari blushes as well, nestling against her.

[Beans]

S-so, um... I, uh.
You're okay, right?

[Lady Serpentine]

Kinari nods, looking a little confused.

"Why wouldn't I be?"

[Beans]

Just making sure...

[Lady Serpentine]

"Alright... What's the plan now, anyway?"

[Beans]

I guess the plan is to... um... uh... I have no idea.

[Lady Serpentine]

"I guess maybe head out somewhere? Though considering we're both, y'know, not exactly social, I'm not sure on that...

[Beans]

Know what I think the room could use?
Paintings of things. I know there's often cheap ways to get some nice pictures...
((Related: been spicing up my new room [my brother's old room; we switched] with seaside paintings we got at a church rummage sale years and years and years ago. Is most good!))

[Lady Serpentine]

"That sounds nice...
Off to acquire artwork, then?"

She smiles, apparently pleased with that idea.

((:smallbiggrin:))

[Beans]

She stands, slipping off the macrohammock and nodding!

[Lady Serpentine]

Kinari heads over to the desk, and pulls a small, plain, ring out, slipping it on, before the pair, presumably, head out.

[Beans]

Out they go, the ex-soldier keeping an eye on her companion.

[Lady Serpentine]

And I believe that you should post first for wherever they go, since Neca would be leading?

[Lady Serpentine]

Presumably, the pair return eventually?

[Beans]

Back they come, holding their lovely new stuff! Neca looks excited!

[Lady Serpentine]

Kinari does as well, and carefully sets what she's carrying down out of the way, then goes to help Neca divest herself of the packages she has.

[Beans]

Neca gets everything out, then starts looking around to figure out where she wants to put things.

[Lady Serpentine]

Kinari smiles, apparently willing to simply go along with Neca's suggestions for the moment.

[Beans]

She helps arrange the stuff, grinning!

[Kenyon]

A plot-cloned Kenyon approaches the gate of the temple. The rifleman certainly doesn't look like one to follow Inari, but all the same, he eagerly pushes the gate open, a wistful look on his face.

"I...I wasn't even aware this place was still around."

His normally loud, trompy boots are silenced to a quiet padding, as he treads gently toward the Sanctuary and statue of Inari.

"Lot quieter 'n I remember...shame."

As Kenyon approaches the statue, he carefully sheds his weapons and satchels, placing them in a neat stack off to the side. Looking back up at the statue, a smile breaks across his face.

"Long time no see, ma'am."

With no rice or incense to offer, the soldier puts a small stack of coins on the altar, then awkwardly sits, knees front, in front of the statue.

"Like this, right?"

((Interaction appreciated, but not completely necessary. Kenyon's just finishing his Nostalgia Run.))

[Lady Serpentine]

Kinari smiles, and goes to kiss Neca's cheek when they finish.

"Thanks for helping me get all this stuff, Ne..."
---

As Kinari is just about the only active person still associated with the Temple, Kenyon might, perhaps, notice a plotclone of the foxgirl standing uietly in a nearby doorway, also contemplating the statue, though she apparently doesn't wish to disturb him by actually entering the room.

[Beans]

Neca blushes madly, squirming and giggling softly. Aw, no problem...

[Kenyon]

Kenyon certainly catches a figure in his peripheral vision. A huge smile breaks across his face, as he stands, turns toward Kinari, arms outstretched in a huge, welcoming gesture.

"We'll, it's about time y'showed up! Long time no s-oh..." Kenyon's attitude swung abruptly upon laying eyes on Kinari. His face traveled from joy to surprise down to disappointment, as his arms dropped back to his side, his loud, rambunctious tone suddenly cranked down to a soft, shameful one.

"I-I'm sorry for makin' a fuss, ma'am. Thought you were someone else."

[Rebonack]

[Courtyard]

Oh hey.

One of Magtok's telewarp portals! And there's some sort of creepy looking eldritch terrorhorrer walking through it with a female mage in tow. As soon as Raven is clear of the portal she'll fix her smouldering gaze on one of the acolytes.

"We have need of the temple's summoning circle. The safety of the Nexus may be contingent upon its use."

The werefox gives a small eep and hurries off to make the proper preparations.

Run acolyte run!

[Lord Magtok]

Courtyard

Magtok is here too, I guess. Very uneasy about everything going on, though. Potential apocalypses tend to do that to him, you see. He always feels so helpless in these situations, even when he's contributing more than his fair share to the prevention of the end of the world.

[The Bushranger]

There happens to be someone else here at the Temple who's active...as Sharon hurries torwards the group with a curious air...that turns darker when she spots a Magtok present.

http://img266.imageshack.us/img266/8827/sharondrbath.png

[McBish]

Angie walks into the temple with a few bags on her back. She is looking in better shape then before, very tired, but good shape. She looks around for Sharon.

[The Bushranger]

Sharon happens to be at the koi pond, feeding the fish with a smile on her face.

[McBish]

Angie sets her bags down by the entry way makes her way to the Koi pond and waves to Sharon. "Hey there Sharon how's it going?" Angie goes to give Sharon a hug.

[The Bushranger]

Sharon looks up, then smiles broadly, turning to hug Angie back tightly.
"It's been great. It's good to see you again, Angie," she says heartfeltly.

[McBish]

"I'm doing pretty good, a little tired but good. Hey remember that trip we had been planning on taking? You have any plans for the next couple of days?" Angie smiles hopefully, it would stink if Sharon was busy for some reason.

[The Bushranger]

Sharon smiles back, shaking her head. "Nothing planned, I've been hoping you'd be ready soon," she admits.

[McBish]

Angie grins looking a bit guilty. "Yeah sorry about that some stuff had come up. But I am done with that for awhile and ready for a vacation. So I am all packed, I have plenty of supplies for both of us, and I hired a cab to drive us there." Now she looks proud and very happy.

[The Bushranger]

And Sharon grins from ear to ear. "That's awesome! Let me just go get my bag and I'll be ready, alright?"

[McBish]

Angie grins happy to hear there isn't a problem. "Perfect yeah do you need any help grabbing stuff?" She will grab some of the food tossing it to the koi.

[The Bushranger]

"Nah, just give me five minutes, alright?"
Erin smiles, hurrying inside the Temple.

[McBish]

Angie nods and watches her go. Then relaxes by the koi pond occasinonally tossing in little bits of food for the fishes swimming around. She considers sticking her toes in the water, but decides it is still a little chilly out for that.

[The Bushranger]

Sharon returns a few minutes later, her staff in one hand, and a small bag in the other, having changed into a comfortable T-shirt, shorts, and walking shoes.

[McBish]

Angie stands up feeling Sharon return. "All set? Cool let's head out." I'd just like to say that Angie didn't carry any bags in, that would be silly. She obviously left them in the car that she now leads Sharon out to. It looks fairly fancy and seems to be an automated car. While there is room for a driver it seems that most of the controls are set up to be automatic. The back of the car is a large U shaped couch that looks nice and comfy. There is a large trunk already mostly packed with the bags BR gave Angie.

[The Bushranger]

"Woah! Nice wheels," Sharon declares with a grin, wedging her bag into the trunk before climbing in and stretching luxuriously out on the couch.

[McBish]

[Driving away from Inari's]
"Thanks, figuring that I might as well rent a nice car. It would be a pretty long drive, but this way I figure we can relax and enjoy the drive." Angie scoots into the car, kicking off her shoes and stretching out her legs. The floor of the car has a soft carpet covering it. The car quietly starts up and makes it's way to its pre-entered destination.

((Switching threads over to Random Plots and Places))

[Lady Serpentine]

Neca blushes madly, squirming and giggling softly. Aw, no problem...

"Still. Thank you," she says, smiling at her friend. "It was nice to be able to just go somewhere with someone I like.


Kenyon certainly catches a figure in his peripheral vision. A huge smile breaks across his face, as he stands, turns toward Kinari, arms outstretched in a huge, welcoming gesture.

"We'll, it's about time y'showed up! Long time no s-oh..." Kenyon's attitude swung abruptly upon laying eyes on Kinari. His face traveled from joy to surprise down to disappointment, as his arms dropped back to his side, his loud, rambunctious tone suddenly cranked down to a soft, shameful one.

"I-I'm sorry for makin' a fuss, ma'am. Thought you were someone else."

"No, it's fine... I should be the one apologizing; if I'd known you were looking for someone, I'd have left so you wouldn't end up disappointed if you saw me, and you could talk to them in private when they get here...", she says, looking down at her feet, hands twisting nervously, followed a few moments later by her attempting to duck back into the passage she entered in, apparently planning to run off.

[Fenric]

Fenric wanders in and looks around...

New year, new attempts to show up now and again.

[Lady Serpentine]

Kinari, staying her to keep her Geas in check still, might be there to greet him; while she's a rather odd case, she looks to just be a normal foxgirl.

((Up to you if you want her to run into him or not, since I probably have to go for a while soon. :smallsmile:))

[Fenric]

(( Considering that I tend to disappear for years at a time, I'm not one to complain :) ))

Fenric smiles at the girl.

Hello.

[Lady Serpentine]

((Heh, fair enough, then. :3 ))

"Greetings to you, as well; I'm afraid I'm still a bit new here, are you familiar with the Temple?" She smiles as well, bowing slightly to Fenric. "I'm Kinari, by the way..."

[Fenric]

Fenric chuckles

Pleased to meet you. My name is Fenric Elteron NorZilliar, and you might say I am familiar with this place... you see: I built it. Well... I organized it's building, at any rate.

[Lady Serpentine]

"Oh. I see..." She kneels, a bright grin spreading across her face. "It is an honor to meet you, in that case; I thank you for the building of this place - it has proven quite helpful to me, even if I cannot leave."

[Fenric]

Fenric smiles gently and waves his hand

Now, now: no point kneeling to *me*. You're quite welcome, and I'm glad it has been helpful. But... um... why can't you leave, if you don't mind my asking?

[Lady Serpentine]

Kinari stands, nodding as she does. "I'm... Under a geas, I'm afraid. Not to stay here, no-one did that, but to hunt people, specific ones, and so long as I'm here, it's suppressed."

[Fenric]

Fenric winces

I'm sorry to hear that: geasa can be quite the tricky things. I'm not surprised it can't take effect here, though - Inari is not fond of such things.

Have you looked into having it removed? There's usually some trick or other to put an end to them.

[Lady Serpentine]

"Given that it's a component of the kitsune soul bound to mine, in many ways, I suspect that removing it would be... Less than pleasant, to say the least; splitting us is not something I have much interest in."

[Fenric]

Fenric arches an eyebrow

Hmm... A compulsion to hunt people would seem to put one into Nogitsune territory, but as I don't know the specifics, I'll let that be.

What do you think of our garden?

[Lady Serpentine]

"Well... As I said, specific people. And I don't know if kitsune is the right term, though it was a fox spirit... It was a temple guardian, petitioned to allow my mother, who was pregnant, but didn't want a child, and... hadn't had much choice in the matter... to get revenge on the people responsible.

She gave up her life, and it bonded to me before I was born, then I was cut out her, and the geas has slowly gotten stronger.

As for the garden... I like it. It reminds me of where I grew up, as well as being quite lovely in its own right. It's very peaceful here, and that's a nice change of pace for me..."

[Fenric]

Fenric nods

I see. I'm glad that you can find peace here.

[Deathkeeper]

Oh, the Temple thread got res'd again! Mist came here once, but the thread stalled, and crashed, etc. So let's say he comes here now! Everyone's favorite fuzzy bartender comes through the front door. The Temple has been mentioned to him a couple times but he's never been able to actually make a dedicated visit.
http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n159/Akrim13/g7656_zpse384d654.png
Even having a natural coat and a normal one it's still pretty cold this time of year. Maybe going out wasn't the best idea.

[Fenric]

Fenric turns and smiles to the newcomer

Greetings, neighbor: the blessings of Inari be upon you. What can we do for you, today?

[Deathkeeper]

Mist smiles. Well, he doesn't have lips that way, but the overall expression is the same.
"Oh, nothing specific, sir. I just thought I'd stop by. I've been stuck at the Inn where I work and stay for a while with the weather, and I just had to get out somewhere. And I like places like this. It's nice and quiet."

[Fenric]

Fenric chuckles

It is quiet these days, but we've had our share of adventures here as well.

It is kind of you to stop by though. My name is Fenric, and I am what passes for the head priest, even though my talents are more aligned with secular wizardry than divine power

[Deathkeeper]

Mist can't help but return the chuckle.
"It's nice to meet you Fenric. Call me Mist. I'm afraid I'm just a bartender, nothing so grand."

[Fenric]

Fenric grins

I shall have to put your skill to the test sometime, then! So far, it has been my experience that people in this Town have but a dim notion of how to make a proper martini.

[Deathkeeper]

"Well, don't get you hopes up too much. I've only had the job for a year. The owner has more experience than I do."

[Fenric]

Fenric smiles

Which Inn is it that you work at?

[Deathkeeper]

Mist's yellow eyes shine mischievously.
"The Dancing Fox Inn, of course. Actually purely coincidental, I assure you."

[Fenric]

Fenric chuckles

Indeed! A fanciful name, to be sure: I have visited there a few times, though it has been quite a while - certainly before you started working there. A somewhat more stable place than old Trog's, as I recall.

We used to have a Sleeping Fox Inn as well... but that's been closed for years, now.

Fenric looks wistfully off into the distance for a moment, before returning to the present.

But that's neither here nor there. Has anything interesting been going on, lately? I don't get much news, anymore.

[Deathkeeper]

"Well, being stuck at the Inn I don't see much. I get most of my info from the Net and the papers. Looks like something's been screwing with the sun recently. And the Thanksmas decorations are just starting to be taken down." he says.

[Fenric]

Fenric nods

Yes, it's always a bit melancholy when the holiday season ends - but it's nice to get back to normal as well.

But someone is tampering with the sun? That doesn't seem like it would end well... but then again, surely that can only go on until one of the myriad persons or groups who habitually bend reality into the likeness of paper-clip statuettes takes notice and puts a stop to it.

[Deathkeeper]

Mist shrugs.
"Don't ask me. I just shapeshift people. And by 'people,' I mean myself except that one time."

[Fenric]

Fenric nods

That certainly can be a useful thing, though I rarely bother with my fox or elven forms anymore, myself.

We did deal with one of the various "nutcases intent on destroying the universe" that way, though: He's still a blue Koi out in the pond, as far as I know - it seems to have cured him of the compulsion, at any rate.

[Deathkeeper]

Mist shakes his head violently.
"No no, I wouldn't do that to someone against their will. I've only tried it on someone besides me because I wasn't sure if I could actually do it and she really wanted to know what it would feel like!"

[Fenric]

Fenric smiles

I do apologize: I didn't mean to imply that you did any such thing. It is noble and admirable outlook to have, to be sure.

[Deathkeeper]

"No, it's ok. You said you were out of the loop before. Have you been away, or just not leaving the place for a while?" he asks.

[Fenric]

Fenric sighs

I have had to attend to events elsewhere, unfortunately, that have kept me away for quite some time. I hope that I can settle down now for a while.

[Deathkeeper]

"Well, if you ever find time, stop by the Inn, alright?" he replies, with the same cheery "smile" as before.

[Fenric]

Fenric nods

I certainly will! It was very nice to meet you, Mist.

[Deathkeeper]

Mist nods and turns to go before stopping for a moment to dig through his pockets. He finds a thin silver coin and flips it to Fenric.
"Mom always said it was rude to visit a church without leaving something. Leave it on the altar for our sake." he says, with a smile that says that there was a joke in there somewhere.

[Fenric]

Fenric smiles as he catches the coin

No problem.

He deposits the coin in the small offering box.

*****

The next morning, the day-shift priests prepare the temple for the day: lighting the sacred fire and making the morning offerings of rice and incense.

[Lady Serpentine]

Kinari is probably standing at a respectful distance, watching the priests; she was given a place to stay by a llama back when she first arrived, but she's never really gotten any sort of formal position, so she mostly stands around in the corner, or the equivalent, aside from volunteering to help with whatever tasks there are that don't take being a proper member.

[Fenric]

Sounds like something Atreyu would do :)

A young priestess in plain sky-blue robes notices Kinari, and comes over a little shyly.

I can't help but notice that you've been here every day for a while. It's got to get awfully dull to just stand in the sanctuary...

[Lady Serpentine]

Well, the whole "I'm just a weapon, and I need to get used to that" speech she gave him helped, I think. :P

"Mm... Sometimes, yes. But I'm not really a member, or even an official follower, just someone staying here," the girl (who at the moment doesn't have her ears or tail - in fact, she never does, in the mornings) replies, smiling softly at the priestess. "And I can't complain too much; I did want peace and quiet."

[Fenric]

The priestess smiles

Well... there are lots of things that go on around here, and not all of them are particularly religious. Do you like to cook? Can you carve? Are you good with children? We hire quite a few people because there aren't enough nearly acolytes to do everything.

And that's leaving out a lengthy list. She's shy and doesn't want to cause offense, but an agricultural goddess is not one to have a high opinion of extended idleness.

[Lady Serpentine]

Well, like I said, she has been helping out where she can; helping move stuff into or out of storage, unloading or packing supplies, helping tend the gardens... That sort of thing.

"Good with children... Experience with being one involved lots of weapons training, mostly. Experience with interacting with them is exactly nil. So probably not. Cooking, I do a decent enough job for me to eat the results, but I'm probably not good enough to actually take over as a proper cook.

Carving I'm not too bad at, though, depending on the sort?"

[Fenric]

(( Got it. I figured that's what you meant, hence "shy little thing" giving a poke about more formal work rather than Myobi coming to lecture you :smallwink: ))

She brightens at the carving comment

Blue ice! We import it from the temple in WinterHearth and make it into various trinkets, statuettes, and minor enchanted items to sell! It's how we get the money to keep running, and we're always on the lookout for new artists.

(( It's a pity real glacial ice can't be kept around like the fantasy alchemical material can. ))

[Lady Serpentine]

((Heh, makes sense. Good thing, too - getting a formal lecture from a fox-spirit probably would have scared her right out of the temple. :smallwink:))

"I can probably do that, then... Better at carving weaponry, but I'm sure that I can manage. Will that be enough to pay for keep, or do I need to take another job too?"


((That it is... Would be very neat.))

[Fenric]

The priestess chuckles

Weapons? Let's see... we sell: daggers, knives, darts, letter openers, arrowheads, spearpoints, and bullets in fifteen different calibres and shapes - though that's more "turning" than carving, and doesn't really take a lot in the way of skill once you get the hang of it.

People pay more for something with a bit of decoration, you know: make a blue-ice knife blade and you've got yourself 10 gold. Carve a scary jagged ice-elemental on the blade and you get 100!

[Lady Serpentine]

"I can handle that, then... How much would people pay for a little charm they can hang over the door to repel robbers, too, come to think of it? Or one they can put up to mark the area in its immediate vicinity as 'home', for things that that matters to, to, say, ward off vampires while camping?"

[Fenric]

The priestess nods

Yeah, stuff like that would be great! I'm not sure exactly how much we could sell those sorts of things for, but I'm sure somebody could figure that out.

[Lady Serpentine]

"I'll work on things like that then! I actually know a lot of little stuff that has minor powers from travelling around.

Um, also, do you think that you could bring me into the temple or anything? I think Inari is a good fit for me, honestly..."

[Fenric]

The priestess grins broadly and bounces a little

That would be great! But... no... I can't: I'm only in the second rank. You start off as an acolyte, wearing white. When you graduate to a full priestess, you get sky blue trim. At second rank, your robes are solid blue. Third rank gets you navy trim, and they're the lowest rank who can bring on a new member. Solid navy comes next, then navy with blue trim like Fenric has is the fifth rank. He probably won't get any higher than that because of the whole wizard thing, you know.

She talks a lot when she's excited, doesn't she? But you have asked the question that causes an automatic cast of "Summon Wall of Text"... INCOMING!

The priestess winds herself up for the initial instruction, and begins

Inari is the goddess of rice: The plant itself. The cultivation of it. The products made from it. She has countless billions of worshipers spread across the various planes of existence. Foxes are her children. Inari created foxes to watch over the grain and eat the birds and rodents that would destroy the sacred plant. Kitsune are her especial messengers: sacred foxes endowed with the ability to take on human or elvish form. Myobi is the avatar of all foxes.

Inari is an agricultural and racial goddess. She is concerned predominantly with nurturing and growth. She is good, but it is the quiet good of the countryside rather than the formalized good of high society. We don't go on crusades. We don't try to win converts or convince people to change their beliefs. We don't really feel a conflict with "evil" beings at all, unless they threaten us directly. Finally, since rice is a critical component in many economies across the multiverse, she is revered as a goddess of wealth and prosperity as well.

The worship of Inari is mostly personal. The sanctuary is open for prayer and meditation as you feel led. There is a small ceremony at dawn every day, where the main sacred fires are lit. There is a celebration at the full of the moon each month, and a quiet time of prayer at the dark of the moon. There are major ceremonies and holidays at the times of rice planting, transplanting, and harvest. The fox festival is held at the time when the wild cousins give birth. We feed them a special treat made with rice wrapped in fried bean curds. Otherwise, the temple does not hold regular formal services.

Inari is not overly fond of ceremony: for it is not ceremony that will lead you to enlightenment.

All things have a spirit, and the spirit is in all things. But this perception is dulled by the impurities of physical life, and you fail to reach your true potential due to this. It is therefore in your best interest that you seek for purity in your emotions and your mind; for through that purity, your spirit may shine through. Ceremony is of limited value because the quest for purity begins and ends with your inner self. This is why the main altar generally houses a mirror, not a statue, on the altar.

The state of purity is difficult to explain, because it does not mean the same thing to everyone. Only by meditating on your spiritual state can you learn what things hinder you personally. An earnest, honest, open heart is needed for this. The goddess, who can read your very being, can help with this: but it is a private matter between you and her. Therefore we provide a quiet setting: a peaceful sanctuary free from distracting clutter, a quiet garden where you can relax your mind, a serene place where it is easier to distance your true self from your physical self and focus on what needs to be. One more thing: purity is not merely a matter of eliminating that which is "bad". It is also a task of strengthening which is "good". Your task may be to grow in an area of yourself that you have neglected, or imperfectly developed. Regardless of the details, when you know what needs to be done we provide the support, council, and assistance to help you do it.

[Atreyu the Masked LLama]

*looks up at the wall of text and tries to scale it as a way to break the meta-barrier and get back into Town* Gah...why do priestess have to speak in such a slippery font. What's wrong with Franklin Gothic? That's easy to climb. With a yelp, he slips on the paragraph about ceremonies and crashes back into the meta surrounding the forum*


Oooooof! I'll try again tomorrow.

(Welcome back, my friend)

[Fenric]

A purple glow begins faintly in the sanctuary, rapidly growing to a brilliant oval of light out of which steps none other than Myobi.

Come one, come all: it is the night of the full moon! Let there be celebration in the temple once again!

She claps three times, and the temple is filled with lights and tables of food and sake.

[Atreyu the Masked LLama]

*Through the gates, steps a feral quadruped, a black mask wrapped Ninja Turtle Style around his eyes, 3 balloons gripped in his muzzle, as he walks in, glancing around at the temple. A holy symbol still dangles from a chain around his neck, the same symbol that decorates the shrine.*

Uff mice to ree you agun! He hollers through clenched muzzle as he sees his friend, trotting toward Myobi.

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i278/wolfshonor/llamas/birthdayllama2.gif

[Fenric]

Myobi laughs lightly

And you as well! Are you keeping the alfafa patch in good trim, Atreyu?

[Atreyu the Masked LLama]

*He nods happily, causing the balloons to bounce a bit and as he licks his muzzle, the toy mouse that the balloons are tied to falls down to the ground.*

I've been trying. Its been rough though. I haven't been around as much. I took a job with some being that oversee the multi-verse, traveling from dimension to dimension and making sure that prophecies get fulfilled. Its busy work.

What have you been up to?

[Fenric]

Myobi tilts her head

Sounds fascinating!

Myobi chuckles

The usual stuff... overseeing the family, running the priesthood...

she shrugs

Dieing of a massive embolism... can't stay away from the celestial plane forever, you know.

[Atreyu the Masked LLama]

Thank sounds great. I really..wait...GAH?

*The llama's eyes widen* What was that last part??

*checks to see if Myobi is okay*

[Fenric]

Myobi is somewhat insubstantial.

I am incarnated until natural causes dictate otherwise. Magic use is rather hard on the cerebral circulation... after a time, an artery swelled up, then a thrombosis developed and plugged one end, and it burst.

Myobi chuckles

Not much to be done at that point, really. There's nothing to be concerned about - I'm back home. Fenric complained a bit, but he's been managing. Anyway, enough about that - tonight is a happy occasion.

[Atreyu the Masked LLama]

That's right! It is! I brought balloons. Many cultures use them to celebrate parties and other gatherings. Their bright colors are known to attract friendly spirits.....at least I think that's why they have them.

He trots over to the table and starts nibbling on a few things with a well practiced precision

How is Fenric these days..and the kits?

[Fenric]

Myobi smiles

Fenric will be around, shortly. Krystal has ended up with the family title, the others are in various places around.

[Atreyu the Masked LLama]

Oh nice. I'm sure she's really good at it. She was always good cleri...wizar... *thinks back* ...spellcaster.

[Fenric]

Myobi laughs

Yes, very good indeed. She's settled down with Exachix, you know: and they have five children of their own, now.

[Atreyu the Masked LLama]

(had they been a couple in Town? I don't think I remember that)

*the llama wags his stub of a tail at the happy news* That's fantastic. Oh no...I didn't get them anything! Ah well, its not like they need wool sweaters and in a setting without electricity, what would they do with a toaster oven?

[Fenric]

(( Yup. In Town and on the MUD for the brief time it was up. ))

Myobi laughs again, and Fenric wanders in

Hello Atreyu, Myobi. Somewhat sparse attendance tonight, eh?

Myobi shrugs

Perhaps a bit.

[Atreyu the Masked LLama]

for right now I'll take a little quiet and reserved. Player is kinda exhausted. He's got his big medical coding test on Saturday morning. If he passes he gets to go by Tony Llama C.P.C.

Hmmmm....I wonder if I can get that added to my user name. Nah...that'd be really vain...but..well....you can see he's pretty excited/nervous. Wouldn't it be great if that emotion draining ability you have could work on people in the real world...eeep. I'm rambling.

Hiya Fenric!!

[Fenric]

Myobi and Fenric both laugh

A lack of excitement is often not such a bad thing, no.

And best of luck on his exam to Tony.

[Atreyu the Masked LLama]

(thanks guys!)

yeesh, well speaking of test anxiety, he's had a full day of work and then class after work, and he's got work and 3 hours of class tomorrow night, so therefore, I'm pretty tired through....osmosis? is that the word?

[Fenric]

Fenric chuckles

You can't help it - it leaks through

[Atreyu the Masked LLama]

*Atreyu grins and looks relieved* Thanks for understanding, you two. I should get out of here and get ready for bed.

*The llama gives a low respectful bow of his long neck to both of them*

[Fenric]

The evening shift priests prepare the sanctuary for the night, quenching the incense and gathering up the offerings from the day.

[Chaotic Bob]

"-and that's the correct...way...to...huh?"

Fading into the front entrance in a rather confused manner, stands a little elf-girl in today's lavender dress.
Some fuzzy boots on her feet and an equally fuzzy hat perched onto her rather excessively-long hair honor the cold season (and a strangely lacking sun), but they're superfluous.

Silver dragons don't care about the cold.

"Ooh, did I fall into a more active temple?"
Karaglen bounces from confused to excited rather quickly.
The temple could probably use a cheerful girl clapping her hands happily, right?
Right.

[Fenric]

An evening-shift NPC priest in robes of solid navy blue bows politely to the newcomer

Greetings, neighbor: the blessings of Inari be upon you. What can we do for you this evening?

[Chaotic Bob]

The greeting has the amusing effect of getting the girl to laugh and do a little hop.
"Yes! Active temple! Now I don't have to be in charge anymore!"

At some point she remembers her manners and gives a little curtsy in return to the bow.
"I don't really need any help, sorry. Was hoping you guys would start moving around again for awhile though!
Running a temple on your own is hard."
And mostly background work.

[Fenric]

The priest tilts his head like a confused puppy

Yes, miss... I'm sure it must be...

An oddly purple-sounding

hmph

echoes ever so faintly through the sanctuary

[Chaotic Bob]

Karaglen gives a rather unexplanatory grin to the poor priest before the quiet 'hmph' crops up.
Poor fellow might find himself the victim of a rather spontaneous hug, before a now-suddenly-small-dragon darts away from him to float in the middle of the area.

"Are we gonna play a silly voice game or do I get to give more hugs?"

[Fenric]

The priest looks even MORE confused - he's cute.

Uh.....

But Myobi steps out of a suddenly appearing purple glow to spare him

No: as my attention was already on this place, I shall spare this priest the trouble. Welcome.

[Chaotic Bob]

Dragon grins should probably be scarier than this one actually is.
All those fangs are intimidating in most creatures.

Karaglen just looks like a toothy child at a candy store.
"Myobi!"

Ballistic hug missile in 3. 2. 1.

[Fenric]

Myobi chuckles, and remains substantial to receive the incoming hug

Of course!

And as far as toothy grins goes, someone who turns people who annoy her into Koi is unlikely to be all that upset by a toothy grin... and it's not like her own array of needle-sharp pointy teeth is all that lacking :smallwink:

[Chaotic Bob]

Funny what a friendly demeanor can do to fangs.


Karaglen's a bit bigger than last time she talked to Myobi, but she's not changed much more than that, evidently.
Not quite the cat-sized reptile of yore, but something more akin to a large dog in mass. At least she has the care to not try to knock Myobi over.
She's got some restraint.
"You guys were still for sooooo long! It was lonely in the city without my favorite silly fuzzy friends."

[Fenric]

Myobi does have to take a step back to steady herself. She shakes her head

I do apologize for that - there were issues that would not allow for distraction. But that has all been resolved now, and there is hope that matters will settle down now.

[Chaotic Bob]

Settling on the ground nearby, there's a rather genuine look of concern.
"It wasn't anything too bad, was it?"

The thought that something really terrible having managed to just...shut everyone down for awhile bothered her rather deeply.
But, then, maybe that's a fairly rational reaction when you haven't seen your friends in awhile.

[Fenric]

Myobi shakes her head

It was more odd than bad, really: we lost our association to the Nexus for a while. That caused more than a bit of a muddle, and only recently was sorted out... only to end up with us back here again after all!

[Chaotic Bob]

Well that certainly doesn't sound very good to Kara, but as long as it's resolved now, she seems relatively better about it.
Enough to start smiling again at least.

"That's good! I don't think I make a very good replacement for everyone here, so we kinda need you around!"

[Fenric]

Myobi smiles a trifle embarrassedly

We do apologize for that. We certainly plan to keep our more usual availability now!

[Chaotic Bob]

"Sounds pretty good to me! Surprisingly few temples that sit in the public eye anymore, open availableness or not..."
Which is almost akin to something actually mature coming from Karaglen.

"Still gotta fix that somehow."

[Fenric]

Myobi shakes her head

To have a temple requires followers devoted enough to dedicate themselves. Adventurers tend to just not be that sort.

She sighs, then looks up

Things may not all be exactly as you remember them - the Nexus is a strange place, and losing continuity can make for changes.

[Baeleck]

It would seem the temple has a new arrival. A young half-drow, wrapped up in a long cloak that swamps his small form, has entered the temple grounds. He walks up the avenue towards the main building, booted feet crunching softly on the gravel, and bright blue eyes flicking apprehensively around the gardens. The pine trees weren't as tall and regal as he remembered, but it had been a long while since he'd last been in the temple.

It still felt just as safe, at least. That he is glad for.

Upon reaching the sanctum, the adolescent pauses in the doorway and takes a deep breath. The place was quieter than before too - aside from the priests there was barely anyone about. He swallows hard, then strides forwards, with a sort of nervous determination.

[Fenric]

Well, looks like the youngster is in luck. Fur white as snow, eyes like amethyst, dressed in the sky blue with navy trim kimono of a third-rank priestess: Myobi herself is still here.

Greetings, and the blessings of Inari be upon you. What can we do for you, today?

[Chaotic Bob]

"This city has many who should be able to devote something...but I guess I see your point."
Karaglen sounds mildly frustrated, but shrugs it off with a sigh.

Her sense of duty could not be displaced onto others, she knew. Wasn't entirely fair to expect so highly of others with their own problems and lives.

She places her gaze on the temple's latest guest and puts on her best fangy smile.
No need to scare the sort of thing she was just asking for.
Better let Myobi do the talking though, its her turf again.

[Baeleck]

'Hello,' the boy says, giving a quick yet respectful bow. 'I was hoping I could do something for you, actually. Um... my name's Urias Starsailor.'

The name might ring a bell with Myobi, though Urias has changed a bit since their last encounter. The small, shy half-drow child from before was now a... well, slightly less small, slightly less shy teenager.

'You probably don't remember me, but I stayed here in the temple for a while, when I was younger. The priests here looked after me and my mum. I'd... I'd like to help out at the temple here, if I might - as a way to say thank you, I guess - well, if you need someone to help, that is.'

He shuffles consciously on the spot when he notices Karaglen watching, but does offer a faint smile in return.

[Fenric]

Myobi nods to Karaglen

Yes, I personally would agree with you, but it is sad how often it does not work out that way.

Myobi's ears fold apologetically

I do apologize, but we have had a rather disorienting time, and much of my memory is scrambled and uncertain. And we are always looking for help, young man!

Myobi tilts her head

What is it that you would like to do? What are you good at?

[Chaotic Bob]

Karaglen doesn't have much of a response further along that, that isn't uncharacteristically broody of her.
Nobody likes a broody dragon.

Besides! There's this young fellow here, hoping for some way to get involved!
Have to keep chipper, give him a good impression.
Not make him feel like he's being judged by the Bale Council of Fang and Claw.

Which...actually maybe she should stop looking like a fable monster. Humans and the like always seem more comfortable when she has less spiky bits.


The dragon shifts back over to her more elven appearance, and settles about making sure she seems properly un-intimidating.

There!
All the better for standing nearby in an unassuming fashion.

[Baeleck]

While Myobi talks, Urias swings the duffel bag from his shoulder and lets it slide to the ground with a dull 'fwump'. It looks heavy, especially for a boy of Urias's size.

'It's fine. I wouldn't expect you to remember,' Urias tells her, smiling earnestly. 'It was a long time ago.'

Myobi's questions are met with some enthusiasm. Urias looks up at her, his bright blue eyes meeting her gaze. 'Well, I'm a healer really, though I'm sure you have enough priests here for all that. Otherwise... I can cook well? I don't know. I just want to help out, however I can.' Though he's an able fighter, Urias doesn't feel it prudent to mention it. This was a temple, after all.

Looking around again, Urias sees that the grinning dragon has vanished. The young elven girl in its place seemingly goes unspotted by the boy. Not being noticed is unassuming in its own way, one might suppose.

[Fenric]

Myobi shakes her head

You'd be surprised how poor priests really are at healing!

She puts her hands on her hips, and her ears flick up as she looks toward the temple hospital.

Yes, I have plenty of followers who can cast the basic spells: They are quite adept at closing debris inside of wounds. They excel at curing diseases that the person's own body would have handled well enough and in so doing setting the poor soul up for a second round, and worse, round of illness. They truly shine at wasting magic on people who just needed a bit of willow-bark tea and some rest because what they had was a hangover, not a disease.

She sighs exasperatedly, then looks back at Urias.

Our last proper healer left quite some time ago, and we've been far the worse for it.


(( Personally, I think the fantasy priests always seemed to make better pharmacists than doctors ))

[Baeleck]

'I like to think I'm a little better than that,' Urias says, wrinkling his nose slightly. 'I may not be especially gifted with magic, but that hasn't stopped me helping people back home.' He might be young, but he's learnt a lot from back home. Living on an active war-front has been pretty good for giving him first-hand experience.

'Magic isn't a panacea. Just a useful tool,' he says, sagely. It sounds like he might be quoting someone.

[Fenric]

Myobi smiles

Then I think you can fit in quite nicely: Our healers generally wear green robes, to help distinguish them from the priesthood who are in various shades of blue. You are not required to wear robes, of course, but if you choose not to then we ask that you wear a green vest.

[Baeleck]

'That' great.' Urias beams, bouncing slightly on his heels in excitement. 'I'd rather wear something a little more... free to move in, I think. Yes, a vest is fine. Should I buy my own, or...?'

Perhaps he could find a robe which is easy to move in, if he had the time. He'd rather not look too out of place here, so it might be worth his time. His voice trails off into silence as he ponders the idea.

[Chaotic Bob]

A slight hand sticks out from behind Myobi, jiggling a somewhat...loved vest in its fingers.

Where did Karaglen acquire this article of clothing?
Where does she acquire anything she wears?

...
Little clothing store three blocks down, she's friends with the owner's sister.

[Fenric]

Myobi smiles, not noticing Karaglen's offer.

If you wish for a robe, we should have something to fit. Otherwise, we would reimburse you for any reasonable uniform costs.

[Baeleck]

'I think I'll... um, I'll go out and find...'

Urias seems distracted by something behind Myobi. As such, he cranes his head sideways to see who might be hiding behind the priestess.

'Um, hello...' he says to Karaglen, blinking in mild bemusement. 'Is that for me?'

[Chaotic Bob]

Not the prettiest of vests, but certainly comfortable, Karaglen thinks it should be rather suitable for the task at hand.
She'd been planning on giving it to someone else, but then the Nexus dropped into this version of the Temple halfway through.

With that in mind, Urias becomes the recipient of her practiced Best Friend Smile. Sometimes it even works!
"If you want it! I think anyone who's willing to give the temple a hand deserves a freebie or two."

[Baeleck]

'Thank you, miss.' Urias politely nods, smiling meekly. Feeling awkward about talking through Myobi, he sidesteps a pace or two over, taking the offered vest. He holds it up to himself, tilting his head in contemplation. 'Seems like a good fit. What do people think?' His eyes flick between Myobi and Karaglen, hoping for words of agreement.

Thier responses regardless, Urias folds the vest over carefully and places it atop his bag. 'Is there a place I can leave my things? I'd like to go out and get some food shortly. It's been a long day of travel for me.' Mostly on account of getting lost for a good few hours.

[Fenric]

Myobi chuckles

Thank you, Karaglen. It looks fine, Urias.

And yes, you can leave your things in the storage room over there

She points to the third store-room on the left, facing the altar

Check with the Head of Housekeeping when you return about which room you have been assigned to, your belongings will be there.

(( And unless you really want to do that meeting "live" for some reason, hand-waving is fine ))

[Chaotic Bob]

A cheesy little thumbs up is supplied in answer to Urias' first question and then Karaglen resumes her "being slightly but not really in the background" task.

She's sort of just being nosy at the moment.

[Baeleck]

'Alright, thank you again,' Urias says, hauling his things over to the room and slipping them just inside the door. There's a pause as he rummages around inside, before returning with a small, empty shoulder-bag.

'I'll be back as soon as I can. Would you like me to fetch anything while I'm gone?' From the way he phrases it, it sounds like he's still addressing both of them.

[Fenric]

Myobi shakes her head

No, not at this time.

[Chaotic Bob]

Karaglen takes a moment to answer, before probably realizing that "Oh wait, maybe I was being addressed too".
Which is waved off with an easy enough:
"I'm okay! Thanks for the thought!"

Although celebratory cookies sounds good, that's not a selfish whim she'll impose on the poor boy.
He'd only just arrived to fulfill one selfish want as it is!

[Fenric]

But regardless of changes in backstory and current situation, Myobi can still read OOC text.

Cookies would be nice, wouldn't they?

She reaches into extra-dimensional space and pulls out ginger-snaps.

How about these?

(( Hey!! ))

[Chaotic Bob]

Karaglen and her narrator could bother to be surprised/amused by this, or she could grow an even bigger grin and laugh.
"Well if you're offering, they look pretty great to me!"

Who's she to say no to tasty little treats that she was secretly wanting anyway?

[Baeleck]

Urias's player wouldn't stand for his characters reaching through the fourth wall and stealing his biscuits. That would never do.

'I'll be back as quick as I can,' Urias declares, grinning broadly at both parties.

Without any further delay, he begins to hurry out of the temple...

...before nipping back to grab a ginger snap. A snack for the road.

[Fenric]

Cookies were nommed, fun was had. And there was night, and there was morning: another day.

Myobi has returned to the celestial plane, and the day's NPC priest has come from WinterHearth to fill in for her cousin. There is a respectful murmur among the Town acolytes and priests, no matter how many times their guest tells them to be at ease: she is dressed in robes of faintest ice blue woven together with finest silver threads and silvery silk, and the trim is a blue as dark as midnight...

a seventh rank priestess is visiting today!

[Baeleck]

Upon returning to the temple, belly full and bag restocked, Urias had ventured to bed promptly, his long journey having taken its toll. His room is much to his satisfaction, though the boy is not hard to please.

In the morning, the news of the visiting priestess means little to Urias. He understands why the priests were making such a fuss, but doesn't quite grasp the gravity of the situation.

Instead, his main preoccupation is with preparing himself for the post of healer. As well as food, he'd also bought a number of supplies - bandages and splints, poultices and salves - during his little shopping excursion. No doubt the temple had a stock of its own, but Urias is taking to the task most zealously.

[Fenric]

Urias will find that the best-stocked medicinal item is flea shampoo, with several dozen cases on hand. Most other supplies are stored in empty flea shampoo boxes, and include extra-strength asprin, asprin mingled with 3% poppy gum, heartworm preventing tablets, and a sizeable quantity of strips of white silk that seem to be from acolyte's robes and were probably meant to be bandages.

[Baeleck]

The boy decides his first task is to order and catalogue the supplies, making sure all of the bottles are properly labeled and stored. The flea powder and heartworm medication are first looked at in mild confusion, but Urias reminds himself that this was an institution staffed mostly by kitsune. He'd get used to it, eventually.

[Fenric]

It shouldn't take more than a couple of hours to go through the existing supplies: the healer-priests are clearly more comfortable with spells than more traditional methods.

There are some decidedly non-traditional items among the equipment, though: gifts to the temple from other denizens of the Nexus. There are a few medical scanners from various universes and a few boxes of exotically labeled bottles. There is one compact but heavy box with odd mounting brackets and decorated with a military-style logo which has a variety of strange gizmos inside. But all of that is covered in a thick layer of dust, and is obviously not even looked at these days, let alone used.

[Baeleck]

Urias figures it's probably best to take a look through the dusty items too, just so he knows exactly what equipment he has at his disposal. Plus, dust? He wouldn't stand for that. The cleaner the place was, the better.

He adds "spring clean" to his mental to-do list.

Any of the various oddities that can't be categorised immediately is made note of. Yes, he'd like to figure out how the scanners worked, and yes, he's sure a number of those gizmos are useful, but he knew better than to toy with such unknown items.

Once all that is done, he decides to take a stroll around the sanctuary. See if the temple had any visitors, as well as address item #3 of his list - "introduce self to temple staff".

[Fenric]

Strolling out of the hospital, Urias likely finds the groundskeepers in their brown robes, working on the garden: pulling weeds, trimming plants, and cleaning away leaves and pine needles. They are assisted, as always, by acolytes in their white robes... not so white after a while in the garden.

[Baeleck]

The groundskeepers are obviously busy, so Urias keeps his greetings brief before continuing on his way. He wanders much of the gardens, noting which of the acolytes looked to work the hardest. He is scoring them based on how grubby their knees and sleeves are, as it seemed a good indication of how motivated they were. Or at least, how willing they were to get their hands dirty.

[Fenric]

He does note a couple who are more conscientious about their work. Moving on, he comes to what everyone refers to as "the old priest's quarters", where folks who are temporarily staying at the temple have rooms (as opposed to the semi-permanent residents and employees). The Head of Housekeeping is there in her yellow robes, and she waves politely to Urias

Is your room in good order? Do you require anything?

[Baeleck]

'I'm fine - everything is very well thank you.' Urias bows quickly, as was customary back home. 'The hospital is good to - very spacious, and filled with... well, interesting supplies and equipment.'

While he's here, he figures he may as well ask about the visiting priestess. 'Will our visitor from Winterhearth be staying long?' he says. It may come off as a little rude, all things considered, but the boy is merely curious.

[Fenric]

The housekeeper's ears perk up in excitement

Lady Caroline will be here for the next month: she graciously offered to fill in for her cousin who has gone on maternity leave! Dear me, but I didn't know our little Kathy was related to anyone quite so famous! And today is the New Moon ceremony, too: such an honor!