To Seek A Shelter

The nice thing about the Temple of Eluna is that its marble pillars, so austerely kept, are always cool as moonlight, even in the height of a humid summer day. It has been some weeks since Acedia has seen Seldan more than cursorily - he seems to be helping to work Serene back into fighting shape, but rarely beyond that does he venture to the temple, or anywhere else. He does not even show up for evensong very often. On this hazy and hot afternoon, though, he is quietly among those meditating by the holy pool, shoes set aside, Reunion - and indeed all of his weapons and armor - noticeable for their absence. Ordinary clothing, a sleeveless shirt beneath the sorcerer's robe, is all he wears, and he seems quiet.

The Gobbo is a common site around the temple. She trains daily, is oft heard at evensong, and seems to have boundless energy. Though the strength of her snores borders on legendary, especially for someone small. Seldan's presence is noted, and he soon has a wee shadow, who settles upon her knees at his side. Quietly, with her eyes closed. Though every so often, she peeks at the man, smiles, and goes back to waiting.

It takes some time before Seldan looks up and draws a deeper breath, his eyes on the holy pool before him. He shakes his head, eyes still searching the pool, and releases a breath. He doesn't seem to have spotted Acedia yet, despite her being right next to him, and would seem to be ripe for tackling.

Acedia does seem to be considering this. Her hug is quick and strong, but luckily she is fairly light. "Seldan!", she says in a loud whisper. "How have you been?"

Taken entirely off guard, Seldan leans over, but rebalances himself, accepting and returning the hug in turn. The pair are sitting by the holy pool, where Seldan at least has clearly been meditating. His weapons and armor are notable for their absence, even Reunion which is seldom far from him. Aside from his sessions with Serene, he has been notably scarce lately, and has gaze that he pulls away from the pool is troubled for a moment before he puts on a smile for the gobber. "I am well. You look the same."

Her expression falters slightly, and Acedia squeezes all the more firmly. "You may be well, but something troubles you still.", she says softly. "May I aid you in some way?" The Gobbo then seeks to occupy his lap, if such a thing is allowed. "You do feel a bit more solid, so I take it your training with Serene is helping the both of you."

"Even so. I am no match for her with a blade, when she is at full strength, and well do I know. In truth have I let much of my arms work slide, and for too long, in favor of mastery of the arcane. In so doing will I master neither. Would that I could say what it is that She would have me do now." He's allowed the Gobber to climb into his lap. "The task that She has asked of me is done, and done well."

Acedia settles in comfortably, listening to Seldan with her eyes shut. They open when he finishes, and she looks up. "The task of ending Salina's threat? Eckles? Or was there a different task that you've completed." She grins toothily. "I would say that no matter what her task was, what you've done is nothing short of heroic and incredible. It's why I am now one of Eluna's own."

"I did nothing alone," Seldan reminds Acedia, stroking her hair. "The true task was to stop both of them, and that did we do. Alexandria is now at peace, and that is well - and yet do I not feel as though I have a place within its rebuilding," he admits. "There is no more need for me, here."

The Gobbo places a heel into Seldan's shin. Not hard, but enough that he should notice it has been thumped. "There is always a need for you, Seldan. Not just your friends and colleagues. You know damned well that evil and chaos can make themselves known at any time." She looks up at him once more. "You have endured at least as much abuse as anyone else, and in some ways, endured a lot more. You've been on edge and working hard to stay alive for many, many months. Your presence is welcome, for a wary eye is necessary for the city's rebuilding. We know how deep the rabbit hole goes, and in rebuilding, we must make sure it can't happen again. At the very least, it should be very difficult."

"It should be difficult enough to require going back in time," Seldan agrees, with a very small ghost of a smile at the gentle kick that fades quickly. "There are greater wizards than I within Alexandria, and there are those greater in Her faith. Mal does not wish to return to Alexandria, and nor does Zeke. It is in my mind that Mal cares nothing for Alexandria or its people, save only a very few. He is content to retire, and to study his magics."

It is etched quite well upon the Goblin's face that she does not take that information well. The tears are nearly instant. Perhaps she is not entirely surprised, but probably hoped otherwise. "Those so called greater people are not you, Seldan. Nor are they Malik or Zeke. And while I am sure a great many people did work against Salina, and that demon, none of them did as much as you did." She hugs at Seldan again, pressing her face in, to hide the tears. And perhaps dampen the sounds she makes. "But I would not chain you here. I just... cannot bear the thought of you all leaving. So much we shared. Endured together. Faced side by side."

"Cryosanthia wounded Zeke more deeply than she understands, Acedia." Seldan pulls the gobber close, letting her cry. "More deeply, perhaps, than Zeke himself knows. He mourned for her, as the sith mourn their dead, and yet does she persist in her manipulation and threats. I have said to her as much, and yet does she persist. She, and those who follow her...." He looks away, trailing off. "I ... it is not my wish to retire quietly, and nor do I think Her content with such. I ..."

"What makes me cross and upset is that I don't know whom to blame, nor punish. For I would do so if I could. Salina? Imprisoned against her will, didn't know what she was doing. Those that put her there? Scared to death of the future. Eckles? Maybe, but I doubt I could tickle him, let alone hurt him. Even yelling at Cryosanthia would be pointless. Half the people involved, it'd be like kicking puppies. The other half, they wouldn't even know they're being kicked. It's unfair!"

Serene emerges from the small collection of cells by the librbary, fully kitted to the point of shouldering a respectably sized haversack complete with a bedroll strapped beneath. Her hardsoled steps knock against the stone floor and the mail portion of her armour jingles as she approaches the pool where Acedia and Seldan converse.

Seldan himself looks troubled, but at Acedia's commentary, closes his eyes and assumes that calmly neutral, even impassive, exterior he so often does. In complete contrast to Serene, he is devoid of all but clothing and some jewelry, no weapons on him. "Cryosanthia will not accept that in this, is she yet the pawn of that Salina, and will be so until she has driven all her friends from her. There is ni truth little to be done, and she has ensnared several in her wiles."

The knock of boots on the hard-soled floor makes him look up. "Serene, Her light upon your path. You make ready to journey."

Acedia huffs and shakes her head. "Not I. I shall not, I will not." She looks up at Serene, the clank of metal catching her ears. "Serene!" The Gobbo carefully extricates herself from Seldan's lap, and runs to the mail'd woman, to hug at her waist. "You look great! You have recovered yourself, fully? Off to test yourself on the road?"

Serene slides one foot back just a little bit to brace herself and once the gobber girl hugs her waist, she pats the junior paladin red-topped head before gently extracting herself. "Her light illume you both. Thank you, Acedia. Yes, a small journey. I once maintained a small place outside of the city. One for isolated contemplation. I mean to restore it." She looks at both Seldan and Acedia in turn, then holds up her one gauntleded hand, looking at it. "I have not entirely recovered. I may never. As such, there is little to be gained in wasting any more time waiting for it. There is too much...." Serene trails off mid-sentence. Not as one losing their train of thought might, but rather a deliberate reconideration of what she was about to say. "The world does not wait. The sparring sessions with you, Seldan, have helped, and I would continue them for as long as you are available, but it is time I returned to action."

"In truth am I doing little else of use, Serene. The rebuilding proceeds, and little hand do I have in that," Seldan answers carefully. "The enchanting work is nearly complete, and I need only persuade Reunion to accept what has been done, that it be complete. I ..." His eyes lower. "Aside from a few small matters, were I to accompany you, I doubt that I would be missed. Would you have company?" There's something diffident in the offer.

There's that kick again. Slightly more gentle, since she doesn't wish to break her toes, or potentially his skin with the little claws she has. "You do yourself a disservice, Seldan. Even if it were true for the rest of the city, which I assure you it is not, at the very LEAST I would miss you." She huffs and crosses her arms.

"Acedia has the right of it, Seldan," Serene tells the light hair man, though having come late to the convesation it's quite possible, even probably, that she is not quite in tune with what has been said so far. "You would be missed. That being said, I implore you to not allow what others believe you should or should not do dictate your path. You will know what you must do." She pauses, then adds, "And you are more than welcome to join me if you so choose. You as well, Acedia. It is a short distance, by way the griffon flies. And I am not in a rush to leave. I must visit a supplier first."

A ghost of a smile hides in and around Seldan's features. It is not a thing that reaches troubled eyes, although he does snort affectionately at the kick. "Of course," he agrees politely. "It will take me a little time to gather my gear, for in truth should I not leave it behind." The idea of leaving does seem to ease some of the troubled look about his demeanor, the tense shoulders. "Shall I seek rations, then? And will you join us, Acedia?"

Acedia looks annoyed for several long moments, giving Seldan a look he may have gotten once or twice. Mostly when he beats himself up. But Serene's offer, and Seldan's echoing of such, causes her to blink. "Really?", she asks, looking first to Serene, and then Seldan. "I can go with you?" She bounces up and down happily and moves to hug first Seldan, and then Serene. "I would come with you!"

"I would plan for the better part of a day," Serene advises the pair of them. "And to be prepared, perhaps, for some work," she adds, speaking frankly. "It has been years since I have been there. There will likely be much to do before it even begins to resemble what it was before."

"I am no stranger to work, and would you haul materials with you, I have a spell that may aid you." Seldan seems not at all concerned by the prospect, and gets to his feet as well, pausing to return the gobber's hug. "Of course I would have your company. Think you the walls are sound, or should I seek the arcanists' guild ere we depart?"

The Gobbo seems to have the energy for it, at least. "Allow me a few minutes to change and pack, and I am yours. I am happy enough to help you restore this place, I do not mind the work." She doesn't wait for an answer, running into the area Serene herself recently left, to her cell.

Serene watches Acedia rush off.. and while one could no doubt imagine a bemused expression upon her face, it would be a herculean task to truly find it there. "I hope she does not end up disappointed." The returned paladin shakes her head, then looks at Seldan. "Nor you. It is likely to be overgrown. Perhaps too much so. The small shelter is undoubtedly in ruins."

"Then I shall speak with the arcanists, ere we leave," Seldan replies equably, also looking after Acedia with a smile. "The conjuring of stone walls is not a thing I have attempted, and yet am I versed in its theory. We shall venture, and see what is yet to be found. Fear not, for we shall manage. The conjuring of a platform to carry equipment is a simple spell, and one well known to me." His demeanor and bearing are of one undaunted.

Serene gives a single nod, then accompanies it with a "Thank you." Then she regards Seldan for a handful of moments, much the same way she might be studying a situation in the field while deciding upon the right strategy to approach it with. "You are quick to inquire about my well being, and you make your self available to assist me with no hesitation. My indulgence in my self-pity has perhaps made that easy. Regardless, it has also managed to deflect me from properly inquiring about your well being. What little you have told me seems truthful, yet also seems incomplete." Her voice is level, factual stating. "I am not one to pry. We all have things we choose to keep close to our chests. But I also know the value of sharing a burden, Seldan. "

Seldan stops short, and his eyes lower. He's caught out, and he knows it. "Assisting you is no burden at all, Serene. In truth ..." His eyes dart around the room, to see if he is being observed, and he lowers his voices, his eyes on the floor. "She is not yet done with me. Of this am I certain. And yet ... I do not find these halls, these streets ..." He lets out a breath. "It is not an easy place to bide. There are few enough here that I call friend, and my own husband does not wish, I think, to return." He swallows hard.

Serene doesn't answer immediately, watching him.. then she takes a step back and half turns, gesturing to the library. "Perhaps for old times' sake," she suggests. "A quiet table to unload your thoughts, if perhaps only this one time."

At first, Seldan looks up, measuring her, almost - disbelieving - at the offer. He draws a deep breath, then, as if to settle himself, and nods. "I would not presume to trouble you," he begins, even as he sets his meditation rug on a pile nearby and turns to follow, in the way of one who has already accepted.

Serene just shakes her head at the suggestion that it would be any trouble, waiting long enough for Seldan to put aside the mediation rug before leading the way into the library. As many times before, a table near the back gets chosen... after all, it turned out to be quite convenient for matters of privacy.

Their little corner in the back of the library had been useful indeed, and Seldan follows unerringly, the path chosen by the senior Silver Guard obvious to him. He deferentially allows her to choose a chair, if she will, and seat herself before taking the other one. Out of respect for the sanctity of the library, he keeps his voice down, the Myrrish accent still more evident in these lower tones. "I ... scarcely know where to begin," he admits. "You would not have known that Mal and I returned to Alexandria in the wake of ... that ... and fled our home, taking only what we dared carry. Zeke fled with us."

Serene gives her head a single shake after she has placed her pack aside and unclipped her sword so that she might settle into one of the chairs. "No. You deferred to the others when I was being educated upon what occurred after I fell, and the time in between."

"Even so did we flee," Seldan admits, his eyes on the table, "lest Eclavdran find us and slay not only us, but Zeke, and all those who shared our street ... for so had he threatened to do once before." He takes a deep breath, raises his eyes and continues. "We thought first to seek Bryn Myridorn, and there we stayed, for a few days at the least, to see Mother returned safely. And ... so she was, but Father ...." He stops. "Father and I got into a fistfight, and had we weapons upon us, there would have been blood in the streets."

"Why did you and your father fight?", wonders a small voice. Acedia, all geared up in shiny breastplate and leathers, complete with backpack, approaches the table. "Were you angry at him, or he you, Seldan?"

Serene had remained, though when Acedia announces herself with her question, after a quick glance at the goblin Serene turns to look back at Seldan again. "Share only what you wish, Seldan."

Seldan's eyes turn to Acedia. "I defied him, little one. He demanded that I return to his house, and to the service of Draco Solis, and threatened me. I said to him that I had stared a Duke of the Hells in the eyes, and denied him, and that I feared Father not at all. It was true," he admits, eyes lowering. "I ... know not what happened ... but I stared his rage in the eyes, and I felt no fear. He backhanded me for insolence."

The Gobbo eyes Serene curiously, and then frowns immediately as Seldan speaks. "Somehow he seems to think that you are not an adult, and that you do not have your own path in life that you are charting yourself. He, I would bite." She crosses her arms. "Does he not realize that the gods work together, that you are worshiping the the daughter of the god he, himself, worships?"

"I know something of following a path different than the one our elders set out.. and their refusal to accept it," Serene admits slowly. Then she brings Acedia back into her gaze again. "Among some families.. particularly those descended from the Highborne.. tradition is more heavily valued than the kind of service one offers."

"I pray that he does now, but I hold little hope. Our fight shook the walls of our home." Seldan pushes that stray, unruly lock of hair from his eyes, looking between the two of them. "For I further laid it upon him that my blood lies upon the floor of the Temple of the Draco Solis in Alexandria, shed in its defense, and bade him challenge me when he could say the same. That he could not bear, and we fought until he lay senseless upon the stones of the courtyard." His hand goes to his cheekbone, gingerly palpating it.

Serene gets a slow nod. "Even so, but Father is unaware that the Padaryn service to the Draco Solis goes back but five lives of men. Further back are there servitors among all the Gods of Light. Sorcery is less known ...." Again, he looks away, becoming uncomfortable. "I would not force my mother to endure another such fight, not after all that she has suffered, and so did we swiftly depart, in search of a means of unfettering ourselves from the wiles of a demon."

Acedia moves to Seldan's side, and offers a lengthy hug. "I, too, have defied my parents. I felt that their path was not mine, and I believe they are destined to blow themselves to smithereens. I did not want to waste my life, dying before my time. So I walked away. Quite a long ways away. I can empathize with your position. To my parents' credit, they did not attempt to keep me, or stop me."

She looks to Serene and nods slowly, "I feel more kinship to you both, knowing we share similar stories."

Serene's face does react to that, wincing just a little bit. "I understand." A bit of an understatement perhaps, and it's entirely possible Serene doesn't understand the full implications of Seldan's story, but she doesn't press. For Acedia her eyes soften, just a touch. "It is not an easy thing, for many, to walk away from that. But I am glad you have chosen a path less likely to result in accidental explosion."

"As am I," Seldan agrees with Serene, nodding to Acedia even as he accepts the hug one-armed, letting it linger as long as she wishes. "And glad am I that you are here. My ancestors are not wholly displeased, and Eluna's grace remains mine, and so am I content enough in that. I do not think that Mother objects to my service." Here, he hesitates, and pauses. "I no longer pose a danger, nor do I have any tie to the demon. That is dissolved. We sought also the banishing of the mark the plague left behind ... but it could not be removed, only ... modified."

The Gobbo giggles at Serene's final comment. "I walk Eluna's path, one of magic, one at war with darker things. It may not be an accidental explosion, but an intentional one is possible. In a way, it's out of the frying pan and into the fire, isn't it?" She grins broadly and nods to Seldan, her smile fading. Her own mark is slowly fading, the whites of her eyes slowly returning to their original colour, instead of the black-as-night that the plague left behind. "I wish it could have been removed. But in the end you get the final laugh, as they say, you can at least make it what you want."

Serene elects to simply nods this time around as she listens to the pair. SHe tilts her head to one side, and then the other, as she taps one finger of her gauntlet against the back of the other. Then she says, "Some marks.. are not so visible. Some scars not so obvious."

Seldan's shoulders tense at Serene's remark, but he keeps his gaze on Acedia, steady and even. "As do I. There will always be those who ... look askance. I have ... deemed it for the best that I do not father children, lest such a thing creep into the line."

Seldan's shoulders tense at Serene's remark, but he keeps his gaze on Acedia, steady and even. "As do I. There will always be those who ... look askance. I have ... deemed it for the best that I do not father children, lest such a thing creep into the line." Again, his eyes lower, and he stares at the table.

Acedia nods slowly. "Aye, there are scars that are hidden. On the inside, physically or mentally. Salina has affected many people." She lets out a low breath and looks to Seldan. "Well, uhm... you could be looked at, yes? Surely they could tell you if there was a danger, yes? You probably shouldn't rule children out on your own reckoning, yes?"

Serene nods to herself. The discussion about children goes uncommented by her as she seems to have retreated a little bit into her own thoughts, at least for the moment. At least until she puts her armoured hands upon the table and slowly rises from her chair. "I am going to see about procuring the materials and tools I believe I shall need for the expedition. If the two of your are still inclined, we can meet at the northern gates shortly after sunrise."

"Perhaps." Seldan is suddenly guarded again, and he, too, stands. "Very well, then. I should also make preparations. Acedia, if you will forgive me..." He hugs the gobber one last time. "We should retire early. Her light upon both of you, until sunrise." In what seems like the blink of an eye, he is the same Seldan who fought Salina and Eclavdran, snapped shut like a clam shell and armored mind and soul.