Zion: Light of the New Moon, Ch 2.1 Doen
Zion - Light of the New Moon Chapter 2.1
Doen The Unguarded
The readers have chosen Doen as the party to deal with the father of the Wayside runaway.
I rested for another day, letting the wagon carry me as far as the caravan needed to go. I felt bad about it-- the priest who was supposed to be leading the travelers was spending his time sleeping in one of the transports. It was frustrating... shameful... embarrassing. What made it worse though was the fact that nobody batted an eye about it. Nobody, maybe, except for Lord Rust.
Taggart had just brought me lunch; we were talking about little, simple, relaxing things like friends and family and how neither of our lives turned out how we thought they would. Our conversation wound to an immediate close when Lord Rust hauled himself up onto the back of the wagon and took a seat facing me. It wasn't his presence so much as his expression.
"You." he said to Taggart, "out." (what he said may also have contributed to the end of my lunch with the dog). My lunch companion complied with a simple nod of his head.
"I'll see you again soon, sire." he offered with a friendly smile, and passed by the echidna. Hopping off the edge of the wagon, Taggart disappeared.
"May I be of service, Lord Rust?" I tried to keep my tone as pleasant as possible despite the fact that he had a knack for always making me ill-at-ease. Since first meeting me that always seemed to be his intention.
"I'm not sure." the echidna grunted, "can you?" he asked with a snort, "Not bed-ridden, are you?"
"Not that I know of." I admitted.
"Then why aren't you out there with everyone else?" he questioned, motioning to the back of the wagon.
"The healers suggested I rest." I explained.
"Bullshit." he countered, and his scowl slowly turned into a faint smirk, "They just think that you're one a those soft, squishy priests who spent his whole life locked away in the temple. You're not one of THOSE kinda priests, are ya, Zachary?"
I felt my ears blush at his comment. Did the echidna think I was shirking my responsibility in order to have an easier time traveling?
"I am not attempting to take advantage of the situation, if that is your concern." I noted.
"How do you feel?" he asked, quickly changing the discussion... or at least letting on airs that he meant to.
"Much better, thank you."
"Then come on out and join me on the road." he proposed, about-facing and hopping off the wagon, "We're gonna have a little talk."
I got to my knees and shuffled across the distance between me and the foot of the wagon, keeping my ears down due to the low head-clearance of the cloth cover. The early-afternoon sun was still bright in the sky despite the dappled covering of the woods around us. I was just starting to get my bearings when Lord Rust called to me, "Over here."
The echidna was walking alongside the wagon, just out of view. At his direction, I hustled over to walk beside him, placing him between myself and the wagon, "What would you like to talk about?" I asked. In truth, I was apprehensive both in excitement and in frustration. Brother Bronderson had been one of my role models... in fact, Doen owed the idea of a second caravan to Zion largely to his teachings. I followed after Lord Rust-- who the fallen priest had been and who he was now seemed to be two completely different people.
"Alright..." I noted, moving into step beside him at the edge of the caravan's wagons, "what's this about?"
"Why does this have to be about anything specific?" the echidna inquired casually, looking straight ahead.
"When you were a Brother you obviously spoke your mind and from what I've seen, you have no problem doing the same thing now... Lord Rust." I accentuated his new name; whether he was Brother Broderson or Rust, there were some similarities, and if I was going to be on good terms with him I'd have to be able to bridge those two parts of him.
"You are, at the same time, nothing like a Priest of Doen, and exactly like a Priest of Doen." a wry grin split his lips.
"Vague comments like that don't surface every day." If he was going to have fun with me then I would return the favor.
"Tell me about that dog... the one with the big ears..." Lord Rust noted.
"Huh?"
"The one taking care of you." he clarified.
"Taggart." I noted.
"Right... that one." he acknowledged, "Do you bend him over, or does he top you?"
"Pardon?" I didn't quite get what he was hinting at.
"Do you have him anoint your 'holy water sprinkler' or does he prefer to fill you with his 'holy spirit'?" Lord Rust's second question made me realize he was jesting at my expense.
"Euphemisms, as they say," I challenged, "are for Bannihar and Myre."
"Alright... so did he help you complete the 'Prayer of Union', or did you just fondle one another as you spoke orisons?" the echidna questioned.
"Neither." I answered, once he spoke reasonably,"Why do you ask?"
"I asked to make a point." Lord Rust explained, "The fact that you haven't acted on the advances of that dog when he is so obviously interested in you shows that you're not just any Doenian Priest..." I opened my muzzle to offer my viewpoint, but he quickly spoke over me, "And second, the fact that you were so casual about your response shows that you don't have the good sense of decency in common with the good people of Bannihar and Myre, who you were so quick to point out favor euphemisms. Incidentally, most folk use them in polite company."
Any number of responses to his comments COULD have come to mind, but only one thing really struck me about his obviously chiding monologue, "Taggart is interested in me?" I stopped after hearing my own question, "How can you tell?" Instead of answering, the echidna burst into laughter.
There was little more worthwhile conversation with Lord Rust after that, as he kept making comments such as "it make so much sense now" and "he gets it without getting it". Understandably, I decided to take my leave and return to the wagon. Despite the echidna's somewhat grating conversation, I did feel better about walking rather than riding, so I decided to make the most of it.
The caravan made camp in late afternoon, providing everyone the opportunity to set up their sleeping areas and still have time to face the setting sun for evening prayer. As the priest in charge of forming the caravan in the first place, I decided it only made sense that I take the responsibility of leading the service.
Narissa was the first to meet with me before services began, "I believe this is yours." she announced, placing the staff back in my paws. It felt good to be in its light once again and I closed my eyes, feeling the grace of Tah'aveen flow through me as I held the holy relic.
"Thank you, Lady Hearthsinger." I responded and, when she bowed, I placed my index finger on her forehead as I'd been taught by the elder Brothers, "The Goddess bless you for your devotion and your service to the Temple."
"Blessed be." she spoke softly. As I drew my paw back she extended hers and took hold of it, leaning forward to kiss my forearm; it was a sign of devotion reserved for the higher ranking members of the temple.
I blushed immediately, "Lady Hearthsinger... I'm just a Brother, not a Father."
"You saved countless lives, Brother Zachary... your title is unimportant when you have deeds to show for it." she smiled pleasantly and stood, "Would you answer a question for me please, Brother?"
"Of course, Lady Hearthsinger." I offered, taking a seat on a log.
"The rabbit sent to recruit me... he looked a little like you." she announced.
I nodded, "That was Kethen... one of my younger brothers."
"He looked older." she noted with a smile.
"We're a few weeks apart... almost the same age." I clarified, "We share a father in the High Priest. My mother was a mid-level Priestess and his mother was a groundskeeper. I became a priest and he serves the temple in other ways."
"I see..." she nodded thoughtfully, "Why didn't he become a priest?"
"A different calling." I answered. She looked at me carefully, like you'd expect from a senior priest trying to figure out if a young acolyte was telling a lie or a truth.
"Things didn't turn out the way either of you were hoping for, did it?" she asked, "Did he want to be a priest but was turned away, or did you NOT want to be a priest but had to be one regardless?"
I didn't respond for a long moment as she gazed at me. Her eyes didn't move an inch, staring, as if ready to overcome any bit of untruth she perceived. I didn't have anything to hide, so I told her, "It wasn't that I didn't want to be a priest..."
"It just wasn't your first choice?" she questioned.
"No... it's not that either." I stated, "If your father is a High Priest and your mother is a Priestess then you're expected to be a Priest... that's just the way it's done."
"Ah..." she nodded, "I see."
"Does that answer your question, Lady Hearthsinger?" I inquired.
"For now." she smiled, "I'm sure it will make me think of more in time." the tigress winked, and bowed, backing away to merge with the gathering faithful. The crowed continued to grow; I saw Dillan Flynn arrive, mostly because Taggart was with him and he gave me a friendly wave. I smiled with a nod to him, and the dog wagged and took a seat beside the ferret. I also saw Lord Rust make an appearance, albeit, near the back; Narissa Hearthsinger joined him, and the two chatted pleasantly while I waited to begin.
Once the traffic of incoming worshipers came to an end I started evening prayer. Despite the strange surroundings, I conducted it as if we were in temple; obviously there weren't the usual amenities, but we made due and nobody seemed to mind. I found out later that one of the temple servants used a portion of our reserve funds to cover Mr. Flynn's cover charge for a collection of luxury food and drink as well as prayer silks; I was told that it was an incredibly reasonable price-- taking our location into account, of course.
Upon the completion of the service, I bid everyone a good night and encouraged them to send their prayers to Tah'aveen. Happy to be given the rest of the night to themselves, most of the laborers did just that, retiring to their tents with a partner or two (or three) of their choice. Many of the guards returned to their posts; they would, of course, send their prayers when the opportunity arose.
I sent my thanks for our safety to the Moon Goddess with my voice and in the leading of the gathering... with so much was in my thoughts I realized that I would not be of the mindset to find someone for the Prayer of Union. It was as Brother Bronderson wrote: 'Love Tah'aveen with your heart and your soul and she will understand if your worship does not include your body.'. I remember sighing, making my way back to the wagon, suddenly very tired.
Off to one side, I saw Narissa and Lord Rust talking quietly. She was holding his hand, and blushing in the way I'd seen young girls do at times-- it seemed strange to be coming from her, though I couldn't place why. It wasn't that she seemed old... she just didn't have that feeling of innocence and inexperience that I connected to such color in her ears. The echidna was responding casually to it, kind enough to not point it out.
They continued talking for a time, long after they passed out of my view. The last words I heard of the conversation were also the first due to the earlier noise finally dying down. Lord Rust spoke, "I'm flattered, Lady Hearthsinger... but for now, I think it best that I decline your offer. Please, do not take offense." There were many things it could have meant, but Tah'aveen would forgive me if I were to say I was fairly certain what the invitation was. For a moment, I felt a little jealous, but I let it pass-- Priests of Doen do not suffer jealousy.
I was awake the following morning before dawn, eager to let the warm rays of the rising sun burn off any weariness from the night and awaken my body with the love of the Goddess. Although I was taught in the temple that the sun is the realm of Tah'alia, the Moon Goddess' sister, it is the Moon Goddess herself that tempers the heat of the burning sphere and allows us to enjoy its warm caress, so it only makes sense to thank the Mother for the gift she has given us in the rays of golden light.
The rest of the caravan rose quickly, some doing as I did, while others looked past the simple morning greeting of the sun and got straight to work packing up and preparing to leave. Among those who stood to face the dawn were our two guides: Jasper and Zeke. Since I had no part in the construction and deconstruction of tents and wagons I took the opportunity to present myself to them both, "Thank you for your aid, my friends. I understand you both contributed to my wellbeing, and for that I hope that Tah'aveen bless you and keep you safe on our journey."
Jasper turned to regard me, but Zeke quickly shied away and returned to the wagons. "You'll have to excuse him, your Grace," Jasper noted with a slight nod of his head, "Zeke doesn't take all that well to priests."
I paused at the comment; it was beyond confusing, "He does not like holy men?"
"Fears, is more like it." the rat explained.
"I'm afraid I don't understand." I admitted, glancing to where the fox merged with the developing crowd of travelers, "Does he not understand what we are and what we do?"
Jasper chuckled, pulling a belt knife with his tail as he polished an apple with both of his paws, "fraid not, your Grace... not everybody's brought up the same way, and not all the priests out there are as friendly and welcoming and... pardon the observation, as 'kindly' with their paws as you Doenian Priests." The rat didn't offer any further input, but I understood the basics of what he was saying. It still left me curious though; were there priests out there who meant harm for their congregation? Had Zeke perhaps been raised by Sun Worshipers?
I had no time to dwell on the thought however since I had to make ready to leave; the caravan was on its way. The wagon leaders were eager to get the day started and I heard talk of them wanting to make the Glass Hall Wayside before nightfall. I remembered having heard rumors of it from travelers who presented themselves to the Temple in Doen, but I had barely any idea of what to expect, save the second-hand retelling of stories from two or three difference sources, each contradicting the next. I spent most of the day gathering information from those I expected to have knowledge of the topic.
Lady Hearthsinger told me that the Glass Hall Wayside had been the manor of a wealthy noble long before the 200 year war. During the war it was fortified into a massive keep which, despite several attempts from both Myrh and Shrad, never fell. She spent over an hour telling me the story of Lord Alendale, a mighty lion who rode at the front of all of Doen's greatest charges in the northern lands, and that he was placed to be the lord of the keep once the war had come to a close. She told me that the last time she had passed through, Lord Alendale had passed and that his son, the noble and benevolent Lord Parayas, had taken over.
Jasper, who had passed through the Glass Hall Wayside knew less of its history, but his story was no less enthralling as he described the place to me as a safehold of amazing sights, wonderful aromas, and, most of all, according to him, a place in the Wild Lands that was about as safe as you could get without being in a Temple City. He described the grand entryway leading to the Lord's throne room, a broad hall filled with floor to ceiling mirrors, which was apparently quite a feat considering the ceiling was almost 20' high.
One of the wagon masters told me a story about his most recent trip, having met with the soldiers who guarded the keep. He said they were scarier than Shradian hit men and more ruthless than a Myrean Ranger chasing down a Delani Sunp Piest. He told me that the leader of the caravan would have to deal with them and, based on the impression the caravan left with them they would choose to permit or deny access without even consulting their lord. The whole idea sounded almost ludicrous... would they really deny access to a caravan? One with a priest in attendance? One en route to Zion? The situation only got worse when the caravan master called the wagon train to a halt and gathered up the leaders.
"We're only a few hours away from Glass Hall." he noted, "We're gonna have to consider our options." and, at that, he looked to me, "Are you gonna introduce us, your Grace?"
"I suppose." I shrugged, "That would be proper, yes?"
"Proper, aye... but effective? ehhh..." one of the wagon leaders shrugged.
"Lady Hearthsinger." one of the wagon masters suggested, "She'll get us entry for sure."
"What about the merchant, Dillan Flynn?" suggested one of the other wagoners, "He could talk a Sylvan out of its leaves."
The wagon master that had been talking to me about the Wayside glanced at me and gave me a faint nod. It was at that point that I realized he wasn't exaggerating, and everyone else at the meeting already knew it. Well, Zachary, I told myself, you wanted to see what lay beyond the temple.
* * * * * *
The Doen Caravan continues on its way to Zion.
The first part of Chapter 2 presents the group's first decision for this event arc.
Contributing readers now get to choose the way the party will face this situation. Doenian Contributing Readers each get 1 vote on how to proceed. Anyone may spend 1 Willpower to get a second vote (with a successful social roll, Target number of 20). The following options are available:
1) The caravan will have Zachary speak on behalf of the travelers. Zachary has the benefit of being a Priest of Tah'aveen to his benefit, but is not entirely familiar with the etiquette of negotiation in the Wild Lands.
2) The caravan will have Narissa negotiate on behalf of the travelers. Although she is well known and well versed in the ways of travel, Narissa doesn't technically have any title or power.
3) The caravan will have Dillan wheel-and-deal their way inside the Wayside. A master negotiator and businessman, Dillan will assuredly find a way to get the group into the Wayside.. but at what cost?
4) The caravan will demand entry as is their right by way of the Temple of Doen. This is certainly a bit of a risk because "unpleasant things" might happen if the Wayside refuses entry... but why in the world would they?
Contributing Readers, make sure you make your vote before midnight (pst) on Friday, June 21st.
Please note, this chapter marked adult due to some rather graphic euphamisms and frank discussions of m/m "interactions".
Rust won the reader approval vote for Doen and gains a bonus Willpower. YAY!