Looking for A Silverguard

Log Info

• Title: Looking for A Silverguard

• Emitter: Seldan

• Characters: Ravenstongue, Seldan, Telamon

• Place: Temple of Eluna

The temple of Eluna is abuzz this gray afternoon, although that is muted in the main portion of the temple where the laypeople are. Still, there are more hushed conversations than usual in the usually quiet, cool, and austere confines of this holy place. Seldan is nowhere to be seen amid the Seers and acolytes at the pool.

He's not angry. Really, he's not. He's just... annoyed. Telamon has a slightly fixed expression on his face of polite distance. The fact that he's mildly hungover, even after a dose of alchemist's kindness, isn't helping either.

Dressed in what is, for him, nondescript clothing -- a deep blue tunic with stars at the cuffs, over black trousers and boots, the half-elf sorcerer pauses once inside the temple, and takes a deep breath to get a hold of himself. Then he fishes a flask out of his haversack, and takes a long sip of tea from it.

"There's nothing that some alchemist's kindness can't fix," Cor'lana comments to Telamon as the two walk into the Temple of Eluna. She looks a little worse for wear, mild dark circles under her eyes that suggest she didn't get much--or just a lack of quality--sleep the night before. But she's in a better condition than her husband, at least, smiling a little more than her husband.

She's also a little more alert, too, as she frowns when she looks around and observes that there's... a bit more of a murmur than usual with the people here. "Where's Seldan?" she murmurs, before detaching herself from Telamon to go up to a nearby guard. "Excuse me--have you seen the Silverguard Seldan recently?"

The Sunguard standing nearest the pair blinks, then frowns. "Silverguard Seldan? He might still be resting. I can send for him, and find out. Wait here, please." A momentary narrow-eyed stare at the pair of them, a nod of what seems to be satisfaction, and he turns to an acolyte. "Go see if Ser Seldan's awake yet. Try not to wake him if he isn't, though he's likely to come anyway. If he's willing, he's wanted in the sanctuary."

The acolyte nods and scampers off, through the back door and into the main hall.

It's clear Tel is still feeling the aftereffects of what was truly a party to remember. Even if it was a bit tense at one point. After another long pull off his flask, he looks around, and then his eyes narrow. Then he looks at Lana. "I hope he's all right. I mean, that little jaunt was tricky but we got out of it in one piece."

Telamon reaches up to rub the bridge of his nose. "I think it's gonna be an early night tonight for both of us. At least for me, anyways."

"I do think it will be early, yes," Cor'lana replies. "I just hope Gale is alright--unpleasant as he was, we were asked to retrieve him."

She looks in the direction of the acolyte who scampered off and sighs. "And that everything is well with Seldan, too. I need to thank him again for helping us. He doesn't get thanked enough, you know, Tel."

"That's the thing. According to Andie, that's how Gale normally acts. You don't need a fiend to be a terrible person. Frankly, I'm tempted to buy Rune and Hark dinner for putting up with the idiot." Telamon snorts. "Hell of a thing."

"I agree. I just... I thought Sir Seldan was going to sit on him for a night, make sure Gale wasn't in danger. I mean, the Temple of Daeus sat on Seb for a week or more. And... booting him out onto the street strikes me as very strange." A pause, then Telamon adds ruefully. "Of course, Gale's attitude is so bad I imagine even Sir Seldan's patience might be put to the test..."

Cor'lana looks at Telamon for a moment. Her eyes widening. "Idiot--sorry, not you, me," she says quietly. "Seldan wouldn't have let him out onto the street without good reason. He's not like that. Something..."

She looks around at the temple and all of the murmuring people. "Something happened. And I was too busy getting lost in my cups to even notice."

Cor'lana doesn't even wait. She goes to follow the direction that the acolyte went in.

The Sunguard immediately reaches to stop Cor'lana. "We aren't allowing visitors beyond the sanctuary today, mistress."

It's at that moment that the acolyte reappears, followed by Seldan, his bright hair distinctly rumpled, and clad in a long robe similar to those the Seers wear, save only that his is deepest blue. "Oh, good, he is awake." The Sunguard, a younger man perhaps in his late second or early third decade, lets out a sigh of relief, and sends the acolyte off, then takes a step backward as Seldan approaches the pair. "What is - ah. Lord and Lady Lúpecyll-Atlon." He bows politely, in the Myrrish style. "How might I be of service?"

Telamon turns to look at the Sunguard, and the expression on his face suggests that putting a hand on his wife might not be the wisest thing the fellow's ever done. Fortunately, Seldan shows up at that point, obviating the issue. So instead, Tel turns to the Silverguard, the look in his eyes smoothing out again.

"Sir Seldan," he returns the bow. "I wanted to thank you for your assistance in yesterday's endeavor. I am certain without you it wouldn't have gone as well as it did." He pauses. "We were surprised when Galon arrived at the reception, unlooked for."

There's only about half a second where Cor'lana, indeed, has a look in her eyes--purely on instinct from having been grabbed by men who mean to do her harm before--from the Sunguard going to reach for her. But then she remembers: this is a Temple of Ni'essa, one of two goddesses she respects greatly, and this person does not mean her harm. Especially when Seldan approaches.

"My apologies," she says to the Sunguard. "I was concerned for Seldan's wellbeing and let my emotions get ahead of me."

Then she turns to Seldan and approaches him with a couple of steps, her violet eyes heavy with concern. "Is everything well?" she asks. "Telamon and I likely should have come sooner, but we were both deep into our cups, and..." For a woman who'd locked down a fiend with the power of her magic alone very recently, she certainly seems far more unsure of herself now than before.

"Fear not, my lady. All is well, now, although I must locate this Galon again," Seldan begins, then turns to Telamon. "For that would I ask your forgiveness," he offers, knowing full well the true meaning behind Telamon's polite words. "We were followed from Selentia, and naught did I know of it until after I had banished the enchantment upon him. It is in my mind that he was affected as by a love potion, an enchantment readily enough cleared."

"He was - most displeased, and most confused, and remembers nothing, but in checking for any other enchantments, I became aware of the presence of a demon who had followed him in." His expression stills, and goes stony. "It was needful to protect the temple, and to shield him. Thus did I force him from the room as soon as I became aware of the demon's presence, that I could strike it down without risking any save myself."

Telamon stares. Then he mutters an oruch curse. "Damn. And I thought he was just so much of an arse that even you got tired of him." He can't help but smirk faintly. "Well... shit. Can't be helped. Did you dispose of the fiend?"

Tel rubs the back of his neck. "The love enchantment fits. He had been pining over Aza Chidea's daughter when I'd seen him prior to our rescue. I suppose someone should debrief him on what he's been doing... though I can't swear it'll penetrate the solid granite of his skull."

"Judging by the hushed words in the temple," Cor'lana responds, "and knowing Seldan's capability at doing so, he did in fact dispose of the fiend." There's a slight smile on Cor'lana's face, but it's only briefly there--for it disappears entirely when the conversation turns to love enchantments.

"There is a reason such a thing is... not a spell that I know, contrary to popular belief," the sorceress says softly. "To do such a thing to someone--I can't imagine he remembers much of anything, and if he does remember, he must not be able to comprehend it as himself. Love drives a person, after all."

"That, Zeke and I together did, though I know not how he knew," Seldan dips his head in agreement, looking around him as he becomes aware that his words have gathered ears. Several of the acolytes scatter at a stern look. "It is no more. I had thought first to buy Master Calogref time to begone, that he be more difficult to tail, until I understood its nature." He lets out a long breath. "It did not come to me, yestereven, to send word of the trouble. Did Master Calogref cause trouble?"

"Love enchantments are a cruel trick, indeed," he goes on, turning his attention to Cor'lana. "Thus did I readily forgive him an ill temper, and yet-" He trails off, waiting for the answer to his question.

Telamon exhales. "Sir Seldan, in your time you've probably had to deal with nobles. Some can be stern and unforgiving when provoked, some are kind and decent people who seek to be heroes in their own way. And then there are some who you will swear were put on this world solely to test the patience and sanity of all folk who have to deal with them."

Tel runs his hand through his hair again. "I'm afraid Galon Calogref Junior falls into the last category. He is possibly one of the most annoying people I've ever met. Fortunately," he adds, "one of our friends managed to keep him distracted so that he could not overly disrupt the reception. I really should do something nice for her at some point."

"Seldan has met Rune before," Cor'lana informs Telamon, before turning back to Seldan with an expression that suggests she understands from personal perspective how the poor fellow half-sil suffered. "She was the brave soul who... Took one for the team, as they say. At one point, he threatened to teach the bride a lesson, right, Tel? Asked for a weapon and everything?"

She sighs. "If something of the sort happened at our wedding, Tel, I fear that the person wouldn't have survived for very long. Between Grandfather and Aryia and everyone else there..."

Then Cor'lana shakes her head, looking at Seldan. "Zeke actually had slipped out of the party shortly after Gale arrived. I suspect that he knew his kin was in trouble." There's a smile there.

Seldan is left to listen in shocked silence at the behavior described, his eyes lowering. "I see," he murmurs finally. "It falls to me, then, to find the man. It speaks of his upbringing that he would dare to threaten a woman, let alone on her wedding day. A churl, indeed." He sighs, long and slow. "I would ask of you to convey my apologies to the couple. I had not guessed that a Selentian nobleman would behave so poorly."

Telamon nods sourly to the knight. "Sir Seldan... I've found one of my biggest flaws is that sometimes I am caught off guard when people do not live up to the expectations of civilized behavior. I... grew up in a good family. So it stunned me to discover some people ... didn't have good relationships with their parents." He takes Lana's hand as he speaks, squeezing gently.

"We'll pass along your apologies. I'm sure they'll understand." He rubs his chin. "The only thing that concerns me now is that I don't want Gale going back to Selentia. If he does, he'll be right back where he started. Hmm..."

There's something in Cor'lana's eyes as Telamon speaks and takes her hand. A tiny mote of pain that passes with the gesture and a glance up to Telamon's own eyes. Cor'lana takes a small breath. "I find it admirable that you would anticipate someone to behave well, given all that you have seen and withstood, Seldan," she says. "I would have no such expectation in your shoes."

Then she adds, "Please let me know if you need assistance locating him and bringing him back. If he's truly a man distracted easily by a woman, well..." The rest goes unsaid but it's obvious.

Seldan wears a very small smile at the remarks given, a sad thing that cracks the stony exterior. "Civilized behavior and the love of one's family walk not always hand in hand, Master Telamon," he points out. "I am no longer welcome in my family home. Fortunate are you to have the love of yours."

He leaves that topic aside, then, speaking no more of it and turning instead to Cor'lana. "You both have my thanks. Seldom do I in my travels assist the nobles of Selentia," he points out. "There are yet places where courtesy lies." Blue eyes remain steady on her. He caught that look, from the frown he wears, but he does not pry. "I cannot, and will not, hold him against his will, but I shall endeavor to explain the situation to him in terms he will understand. Will that suffice?"

Telamon returns the smile. "Perhaps that is why some of us seek to gather so many under our wings. So that they can know the embrace of a loving family." He lets the matter drop as well, before moving on.

"Sir Seldan, I would implore you that if you must release him, to let one of us know. I understand your reasoning -- I loathe the caging of anyone who has done no harm -- but should he foolishly return to Selentia his life and soul will not be worth a cupful of cold spit. And let's be honest," his expression grows wry, "the damn fool is just stupid enough to try and return just to ensure he's in his 'proper place'."

"I do not wish to cage a man either," Cor'lana replies. "But it seems to me that he is... wanted to stay away from those who tried to beguile and use him. Explain to him the circumstances and then if he chooses to return knowing the risks... That is the price he pays."

Cor'lana then adds, "Have you managed to retrieve a meal yet, Seldan? I can't imagine you have in between... Well, everything."

"That shall I do," Seldan answers slowly. "Is it intended that I then be his guardian?" The question is a careful one, asked neutrally and with that even, steady gaze. "It is as the lady says. Alexandrian law forbids me to hold him against his will. I shall explain to him the circumstances, but from there, it is for him to choose, does he stay, or depart."

To Cor'lana, he shakes his head slowly. "I have only just awoken," he replies. "A meal would go well, although I would require an hour or two to ready myself for such, if such is your desire. It is in my mind that Zeke yet sleeps."

"Oh hell no," Telamon's response is slightly disgusted. "Sir Seldan, you and I have way too much on our platters right now to babysit this idiot. Lana is right. We lay out the realities of the situation to him. If he's too bullheaded and stupid to listen... well, they say the gods love fools, idiots, and children. We'll find out if they love him too."

He shakes his head. "I think she's more worried about you than us, Sir Seldan. Why don't you go get cleaned up? If Zeke hasn't awakened by then, I'll be happy to bring him back takeout." His eyes twinkle cheerfully.

"I..." Cor'lana frowns. "If anyone is to be the man's guardian, perhaps it should be his sister. Telamon, you know her best--perhaps you should speak with her on the subject. I know that he wanted to brandish a weapon at her at her own wedding, but..."

Cor'lana shakes her head. "I have no siblings," she says, "but I suppose if I did have one, I would at least want a say in what's to be done. Maybe even speak to my sibling in this event and try to get through to him."

But finally, she offers Seldan a small smile. "I just want to ensure that you're cared for, given all you do for the people," she says. "I'm in agreement with Telamon."

Seldan's eyes lower, finding the marble at his feet, at the concern for him. "I - you have my gratitude for that, both of you. In truth should I eat, and soon." He smiles very faintly, half a ghost of a thing, really. "I do not doubt that the Sunguard is livid at me, and it had not come to me until now that she was the bride. Perhaps I should offer my apologies personally, although I will understand if you two would prefer to do so. Come, then, I shall clean up, and return soon. Where shall I find you?"

Telamon grins boyishly, an expression not too far removed from the good-hearted rascal of his younger days. "She'll forgive. She's faced fiends as well, and she understands the price we pay to face that sort of thing. Hard to get mad at someone for having to deal with something that serious."

He glances at Lana. "I think I should probably pay my respects to the Sky-Singer, love. If nothing else, to thank her for the victory. Once that's done, we can all go find something to eat." A soft chuckle. "Might want to wait on tracking down Andie, though. I suspect she and Dolan are occupied with other matters."

"I don't know the woman very well," Cor'lana admits, "but I do know her husband, and he's always spoken of her in glowing terms. It's hard to picture someone like that being abusive to you, Seldan."

She smiles to Telamon. "Then I will accompany you. While I am, of course, dedicated to Vaire--Ni'essa has found me singing Her praises as well as of late. That means you'll find us here in the Temple, Seldan, when you're done."

So then it's just a matter of prayer while the Silverguard eats--and then a matter of finding somewhere to take the Silverguard to eat. Both of these are done in due time, as victory follows the group onward and onward.