When the shadowy figure lowered his hood to reveal his face, Brahms eyes widened and his mouth made a small "o" of surprise. Brahm had seen many elves in the past, and he hadn't even been outside the Temple until recently. But while this one's face was showing elven traits, it was different from any he had ever seen before. Even the tattoo was not as unusual as his overall appearance. Maybe Brahm's own unique-ness was not so unique after all, considering this, ummm... elf, and the orcish one across the table from him. And since Aldaris' friend did not speak, Grahm offered him only a nod of acknowledgement and a smile.

"Tis a shame to be unhomed in any case no matter the reason I would imagine."
"Possibly -- for them. For they do not know what they have lost. For me, it is a sadness, for I have memories from my dwarven childhood that show me what I have lost. But I am now what I am, without my dwarven heritage but embracing it, and while I am no beauty, I have proven my worth to myself and to others."

"Knowledge is power they say, but so too are things of simple courtesy ..."
At this, Brahm grimaced with a sheepish look. "A simple courtesy should have been the first thing I offered, as you did. I am remiss -- and will atone for that later. My name is Brahmhaden Nonlanderholm, priest of Pelor the Bright. My given name is from my former heritage, and my clan-name I gave myself to indicate my Unhomed-ness for I feel no shame in it."

"... Is there something in particular you are interested in?"
Brahm noted the shifting of attention between himself and the orcitype, but as long as he was continuing to speak with Brahm, it could be ignored, mostly. Then the pale orc raised his hand and spoke a word. His name, Brahm guessed. Then -- umm Grakk -- mentioned that he would wait for Brahm to finish. Brahm nodded thanks to the -- to Grakk, and continued: "Actually, yes, Aldaris. I am new to the town and the area, and have been enamored by the tale we just heard. I am interested not so much the way it was told, but the content of it. If this group is so set on going after this so-called artifact, but don't want help, do you think that others might be interested in attempting it? I know that I am, for the sake of a share of it for my Temple. And the story-teller seemed to fear competition, but simply assured it with the tale he told, in my opinion. But even I know that I couldn't do it on my own. If you know, or learn, of anyone showing interest, other than myself, I would appreciate the knowing also."

Throughout this exchange, Aldaris' friend didnt' move or speak. There didn't even seem to be the sound of breathing coming from that direction. "Dont mind Jeeves ..." -- yet he drew attention to him by placing his hand on the companion's shoulder, to which Jeeves drank and placed an empty glass back on the table.

"I noted a temple dedicated to St Cuthbert in the square as I approached this place. I will try to go there tomorrow and ask for aid -- er, information -- there, as well. I might, hopefully and with the Grace of Pelor, find something worth sharing with you, your companion, and Grakk, here."

Aldaris , the message entered swiftly into the mind of the stone elf as he was getting acquainted with some new friends at the bar. Come to the house immediately. I have some important news to go over with you. Bring your friends if you want. We will need more help than you alone can provide The voice of Allustan was distinct in Aldaris' mind and Aldaris knew he had been sent a message of some urgency through a telepathic bond from his patron at his mansion. It seems that very little escapes the knowledge of the towns chief wizard.

As Lar'd Ner walked the road from the Feral Dog to the Garrison, shaking his head at his misfortune and his bruised face and ego he sighed loudly upon approaching the garrison door. At the door he approached as two guards nodded at him. Before he could enter the garrison however, the guard spoke up. Lar'd .. Captain Trask wants to see you urgent like This couldn't be good. Lar'd gathered himself together and entered the garrison.

Centuries ago, long before the foundation of the Free City, a petty lord comanded the shores of the lake and the nearby iron and silver mines from a sturdy hilltop keep. Today, the refurbished ruin served as home to many of Free Cities militia and soldiers. They chiefly keep watch over the Liardfolk-infested Mistmarsh to the south. The bored soldiers of the garrison presented a rich soil for the cadre of clerics and paladins of Heironeous who provide much needed spiritual and magical aid to the warriors. A chapel to Heironeous was an obvious addition to the garrison.
Captain Tolliver Trask, a seasoned human warrior always encouraged his men to stay out of local business. He wasn't one to look kindly on drunken men getting into barfights, for example. Lar'd knew this and prepared himself for the worst.

As Lar'd Ner came to the fort gate he was surprised to be greeted by the guards and shocked by the fact that Captain Trask wanted to see him. Although Lar'd Ner was far older then Trask he still had to respect him.
Upon entering the captains office Lar'd Ner walked up to the desk that Trask was sitting behind, took a knee and lowered his head as it was customary to do so.
"Captain." Lar'd Ner greeted Trask respectfully.

Aldaris was about to say something, but cut himself short while gazing off into space but a moment. "Excuse me gentlemen, but I have received a summons from my client, who happens to be one of the wisest men in the village. He deigns my swift arrival, but so too invites you both to join me in my haste. Brahm of Pelor, and Grakk of foreign lands, if knowledge or glory be what you seek for a temple, self or otherwise, I encourage you to follow me to Allustan's abode."

With that, he and Jeeve's stood from where they sat, Aldaris pulling out a staff of darkened bone and walking with it towards the door. Jeeve's stood, a rattling and jingling of chain under his cloak the only sounds he made as he too made his way for the door.

Aldaris gave the pair one last look, and bid them follow, before heading to Allustan's.

Hunderel stood outside watching the sky, wondering what the docks will have for him tomorrow. He sighed and pushed off the pole, getting ready to go home, when he seen two hooded figures walking in a hurry out of the Feral Dog.

Where is everyone going in such a rush, usually people don't start leaving for a couple more hours. Something is different about tonight, thats for sure. First those three adventurers, then cloaked mystery men too. This is more excitement than what I usually get at the docks
(assuming the two follow)

Two more figures come out of the Feral Dog and go after the hooded men.

Hunderel just shakes his head at the oddities of the night and walks after them slowly, his small house shortly up ahead.

The ummm ... Brahm was speaking and Grakk noticed a strange look appear on the white elf's face.( idjit! it's Aldaris! Aldaris! ) He had seen looks kinda like that twice before, on the faces of magic-guys who said they were "talking" to someone by just thinking Grakk always thought that was sorta creepy, putting your thinking in somebody else's head. His thinking was his own and he liked it that way.

But then ummm ... Aldaris came out of it and invited him and ... Brahm ... to go with him to visit a cly-ant, another new word, whatever it was. But the words that caught Grakk's immediate attention were "... if knowledge or glory be what you seek ...", and they really sounded like what Grakk wanted! And he didn't even have to ask any questions. Somebody wanted to speak to him? He smiled hugely, showing a mouthful of large, crooked, yet clean teeth. Well, awright! He stood up when they did, waited for the dw- Brahm! to go before him, then followed all of them out the door.

Brahm's new acquaintance, Aldaris, opened his mouth as if to speak, but a glazed, unfocused look came over his face, as if his attention was suddenly elsewhere. Brahm waited patiently. The look was much the same as one who was Communing with the Bright One, so Brahm assumed that it would end in good time.

He struck another glance in the direction of Grakk and was amused to see the mobile play of facial expressions on his face. It was as if he was going from chastising himself for some reason, to open curiosity in the conversation so far, and then to serious concentration to obtain whatever detail he could from what he heard.

Aldaris did come out of his "disfocus" and informed all at the table that a client of his had contacted him and required his presence. It seemed that Brahm himself, as well as Grakk, were also invited. Aldaris asked, then motioned, for Brahm and Grakk to follow. Brahm nodded assent and Grakk stood as soon as the cloaked figures did, but waited while Brahm, pausing only briefly, moved to precede him. Thus they followed the cloaked ones out the door and into the night.

As they exited the tavern, Brahm issued a silent prayer: ( Pelor the Bright, hear my request for a reward for one newly met. He has displayed uncharacteristic patience and courtesy for the likes of him. He is as unlike any of his kind as night is unlike Your Bright Day. Even this simple difference had to be hard won, and so I feel deserves your notice, as it has earned mine as well as my respect. Ever in Your Shining Visage ... )

Grakk, Brahm and Aldaris walked towards Alustans home in diamond lake. It was not a far walk from the feral dog but far enough that they could stretch their legs and talk a bit more before arriving. As they approached the main entrance, the door opened and Allustan stood at the doorway. Come in, quickly .. He motioned to the three as they made their way up the walk. You too He spoke as if to someone in the shadows. Come on .. come out .. you have hidden long enough from their eyes. Join us. I have work for you all. Very important work. Come in and have a drink, play some dragonchess. I will explain it all when our last guest arrives shortly from the garrison. This last guest he spoke of was Lar'd Ner who was receiving instructions even know from Captain Tolliver Trask.

Back at the Garrison Lar'd. the Captain began You are a good man .. and a fine guard. I understand you got in a bit of trouble this evenin' He stopped Lar'd from saying anything by raising up his hand as he continued quickly Nevermind that now .. I got a summons from Allustan and that takes priority. Actually .. You got a summons. He wants you for one of his wild ideas I imagine .. but if Allustan wants something, I'm not going to argue with him and he wants you. Tolliver scratched his red beard with his hand and continued Don't have the slightest idea what he needs from you Lar'd, but I know he always gives out the best rewards so I'd head on over their real swift like and see what he wants. Close the door on your way out He waved his hand as if to dismiss Lar'd and looked back down at his paperwork which he proceeded to pour into like a long dreaded assignment.

Allustan's sitting room was cozy and a small fire roared at the edge of the room. Although its flame had a magical quality to it and gave off a blue color instead of the typical red. A dragonchess board sat on a small table with a chair on either side. On either side of two couches in the parlor sat tables with books and trinkets. Some, sculptures of different materials in the design of dragons and griffins and other fantastic creatures. It was obvious by the decor that Allustan was quite and eccentric and indeed quite wealthy. He had set out food and beverage for his guests on a silver platter and had left them to their conversation while they waited.

"Come on .. come out .. you have hidden long enough from their eyes. Join us. I have work for you all. Very important work. Come in and have a drink, play some dragonchess. I will explain it all when our last guest arrives shortly from the garrison."

Hunderel walked slowly into the light with his hands to his sides and his blades sheathed.

Well I guess my nosy-ness just got me into some sort of happenings here
Hunderel smiled at the thought of something new finally happening.

He slightly strode into the house and looked around at the very exotic and eccentric items that were around them. He stood instead of sat, not wanting his spiked armour to rip any of the fine upholstery. He smirked a bit and waited for the man to speak of what they were here for.

While he waited he looked around at the other two, and finally got a good look at them.

One was a large half orc who looked as if he had worked more jobs than just hired muscle. He had a slight feel around him that he had gotten before, but that was around people who worked as thieves and sneaks.

The other was a dwarf, but with obvious lacking. He had no facial hair, not even a beard. Horrid scars covered his face, but Hunderel wouldn't put anyone down on account of what happened in their past. If this dwarf had the misfortune of having his beard burned off, then he didn't need any other ridicule.

Aldaris let himself and Jeeve's into Allustan's home, and took a seat on either side of a dragonchess board. Aldaris arranged the pieces and Jeeve's slowly removed his cloak letting it fall to tje floor, showing his full face...or lack thereof. For Jeeves was not human, not even amongst the living, but instead a skeleton tightly bound in bandages around his face, a crisp clean necktie around his neck and donned in chainmail with a scimtar hanging at his hip. His onyx gemstone eyes reflected the ambient light of Allustan's magical fire. Jeeve's slowly began playing dragonchess with Aldaris, who responded in kind without the slightest concern for his undead adversary.

Allustan would inform everyone soon enough of the reason for their gathering. Aldaris knew with some certainty at least part of the dilemma, but would await his wizard patrons address before speaking his mind.

After three moves, Aldaris had once again checkmated Jeeve's and he shook his head as if in abject disappointment, but a mindless undead could never match the intellectual capacity of one such as Aldaris. -Of course it helped that Aldaris controlled Jeeve's with but a thought, but why let other's spoil his fun?

Once Jeeves had revealed himself -- itself -- whatever, Grakk thought ( whoa! now that is different! no wonder he don't speak. ) He looked away, then did a double-take before coughing and speaking out loud. "Ya know? I just thought of somethin'. We was brought here for a reason, we met for a reason. To learn somethin'. So why not start learning 'bout each other? I can start it..."

In the brighter light of the abode, Grakk's appearance is strikingly odd, but he seems comfortable with himself. His head is shaven except for a tuft at the back of the crown of the head. This tuft is only long enough to stand straight out from the scalp, and held in that manner by a dark purple fabric belt at the base. He knows that, with his appearance, it looks odd, at the very least. The clothing he wears is of the finest linen, not satin or silk. Black, with loose sleeves and legs bound at the joints to prevent biinding, the material has dark purple dragons and monkeys embroidered everywhere. The dark colors contrast with his light-colored, pale grey skin and light blue eyes.

"Me? My Momma had what they called "a gifted code" in her. I still don't know what that means. I know my skin is kinda light for my sort, and so are my eyes. From her, I guess. I just know that it meant that I couldn't stay where I was and live. By myself and no food, I hiked my mountains to a monastery I knew about to ask for a few scraps of food. Probably never heard of it. It's the monastery of the Sapphire Dragon."

Unsmiling, but light of voice, he seems to be quite serious in his effort to inform.

"The monks there took me in and changed my life from what it might have been to what it is. Along with some other stuff, they taught me to keep what I wanted of my heritage, on either side, and push away the things what I didn't want. I have kinda come to terms with how I deal with what I know of myself and my former life. Sometimes I slip, and my blood gets the best of me, but it's getting easier to handle. When I do slip, I can be a unknown and kinda violent.

I learned a style of combat at their school they call the Cholein Dragon style. But I changed it some to fit me, who and what I am. As a matter of fact, I just left The Fist of the Monkey School there to deliver some messages to some temples. That's why I stopped here. There's one of' 'em in town, but I ain't been there yet. And some of the visits I made wasn't easy. I got eight to visit, and the one here is number six. I don't even know what the messages say. If I was supposed to know, my masters woulda told me."

"Oh. And the name is Grakk. Whoa! That's more talking in one sitting than I've done in a long, long time. And I came here to get information from you lot!" He smiles and chuckles, low and deep, then falls silent, obviously waiting expectantly ...

When Grakk finished his "history", Brahm surprised himself, and others, he supposed, by suddenly laughing. He cut himself off abruptly and stood, remorse plain to see on his face.

"My sincerest aplogies, Grakk! I am not laughing at you, but at the current circumstances, and at the similarities between your early life and my own. I must admit to being as interested in your history as I was that of the earlier story-teller's "Artifact of the Ages". I dearly hope you will forgive, for I meant no disrespect by my outburst. It simply got away from me. But, to continue, I will offer a histoy of my own, although slightly more brief."

Brahm looked thoughtful for a few seconds, then: "My name is Brahmhaden, or Brahm. Like you Grakk, my childhood would not have been safe for me had I stayed with my own kind."

Here Brahm indicates the damage to his head, face, and neck by bending his arms up at the elbow, palms up and all fingers pointing at his chin. The burn-scar tissue is well healed, but natural. It has obviously not been lessened by magic or supernatural cures, and is rough-textured in some places, and over all varied in shades and colors from dark brown to near-pink. The vermillion part of his lips seems to be the only part of his face that does not have scar tissue. There is not a single hair on the dwarven visage, not one.

"Because of my burns, which are from a forge explosion, adults would have pitied me and the other children would have been cruel enough to kill me, although not meaning to do so. And so I came, or was brought, to the Temple of the Bright Son. which may have saved my life, but left me with no heritage -- Unhomed. They accepted me, then instructed me, and I became a priest of Pelor to honor their effort and please Pelor himself. But I still remained in the Temple until recently. When I realized I was hiding something out of shame I did not need to feel, I asked to be released for a time to explore the world and make my way, for the glory of the Bright Faced One. And he guided me here, to all of you. I do not question -- at all. I am here because Pelor wants me to be here."

He shuts up abruptly, sits quickly and grins in slight embarrassment.

As Lar'd Ner entered Allustan's sitting room he was unsurprised to see the magical fire in the corner as he had seen many before he moved to Diamond Lake. What did surprise him though was seeing a shaved, large half-orc clothed in fine lining, a hairless dwarf, an extremely pale elf with a black diamond on his forehead and a human all milling around the room.

When Lar'd Ner had entered he made no attempt to make his presence unnoticed by speaking
"My name is Lar'd Ner" pronouncing each syllable carefully
"however if you can not pronounce it than you may call me Lar'd but I would prefer it if you could call me by my proper name. talking as if this was a great honor by him allowing you to call him Lar'd
"Do any of you know why we have been summoned here?

Trillian rode up to the residence of Master Allustan. She dismounted and tied up her mare to the hitching post. Taking up her pack she slung it over her shoulder.

For this meeting she had taken some care in her attired. "Make a good impression, attire youself properly the one whose intersts you seek. She could hear her foster mother's instruction on proper behavior. Sometimes she wondered what that dear priestess would have thought of her current occupation.

Settling her pack she walked up the the door and pcked up the knowcker and rapped it firmly three times and then she waited with a brief ajustment to the fine black jurkin she wore over a purple silk shirt and black pants and boots. A long sword was on her left hip and a dagger on her right. Her other dagger was neatly hidden in her boot.