Player Plot: The Big One?

[gatheringstorm]

WHO: Korrin, Araceli, Samouel, Kirk, Christine, Tim Gutterson, The Outsider, Iskandar, Kain (the last thread is open to anyone)
WHAT: Nuggalope shenanigans
WHEN: Any time in the latter portion of Harvestmere
WHERE: In the northern Frostbacks, near Honey Badger Hold.
NOTES: As mentioned here in the OOC comm.

 

Comments

[boneflayer]

Best not to linger on the regrets, the things that might have been. They eat you from the inside out and when we are mages? When we work with spirits? [Does Gjurd need to finish that? No. Likely she's heard much more dire warnings in the Circle than from him and he gives those lessons when the children first show their magic, when the rogues are too quick with their tricks, when the warriors gnash their teeth and rage.

One day the grief will be less near at hand, the way Aura's retreats slowly but surely, same as that of the hold, that of the Boneflayers.]

We lived as we always have. I know that there are folk who say we were forced into the mountains long ago but we had no desire to be elsewhere. Why would we when all we ever want and need is here without the hurts that ravage elsewhere? [When did the Avvar last have wars the way the lowlanders did after all; it hurts enough in a raid to lose someone and to lose a person in a war that seems so senseless as the one Christine has lost her father to pains him. It won't be difficult to say a prayer to the Lady for this man, that his spirit finds rest, that the hardships are over and that she perhaps looks upon Christine kindly.

There is testing and then there is this. Capricious but never unkind - what are you trying to teach her, he wonders, but there are many gods who could be at work, should he ask them all how long it might take.

Or is this Asher's doing. And that stray thought makes him rub his beard to hid the smile.]

Most here live each day as it comes and by the season. Many of the hold think of the larder and how full it must be, how much we must make for ourselves, how much to trade. Others must think far ahead like myself, the Thane, Torbjorn, Hulda, Sigrid in guiding the young and guarding the histories but you know that you have walked through the fire of one war already. You are not untried, not untested. You have seen battle. You have seen death. If you ever have doubt in your heart, know that you will always have a place by the fire.

[aceso]

[ Christine has always striven to be strong willed, but to never let on how deep it ran. In her eyes, the Templars would use any excuse to make someone Tranquil. If they were a weak willed mage they wouldn't pass their Harrowing. Better make them Tranquil. If they were too strong willed, they would be rebellious and everyone saw how that turned out with the Circle in Ferelden. Better make them Tranquil. Christine has always walked along a tightrope, and Gjurd's words are another reminder of how she must keep her balance as she walks it. ]

I have seen more than I ever realized I would.

[ Her life was meant to be the Circle. If she rose through the ranks and became a trusted Enchanter, maybe one day she would have been allowed to travel for meetings, but that was really her only prospect. The world may be a scary, uncertain place for a mage, but she'd rather have the open air around her than four walls.

Reaching out, she takes Gjurd's hand between both of hers. She's beginning to feel guilty. This is only the second time she's seen him and both times she's dumped her emotional weight onto him. He's carried such a burden brilliantly, but it makes it seem like she's just using him for his advice. ]

I have doubts, but that is why I have Faith. She was drawn to me because of them, and I believe she can help me work through them. It will take time, but I do not doubt her. And I would like to spend more time here. Knowing I have the option is such a relief.

[ Christine has always wanted security; a chance to not constantly be looking over her shoulder. This offer feels like a very big deal. The Avvar seem like a closed group to lowlanders, but Asher's hold has been so welcoming and kind. If she had a place among them, she would do everything in her power to see the hold continue to thrive.

Her head lowers to look over their hands. ]

I am sorry our meetings have been filled with talk of sorrowful things. You are very good to me. I confess; most of the reason I am here is not to chase nuggalopes, but to see the hold and especially you again.