Forgotten Realms:
Angels and Demons
Part XXXVIII
That night Kirann and his group enjoyed a dinner cooked by the monastery chefs. A good meal was always welcome over trail food, even when they managed to cook over the campfire. Val dug in, eating voraciously, despite the concerned looks of their hosts. Raven chuckled, loving how in the moment the rogue lived. The others were more reserved, with Leilani taking her lead from Kirann. He sat enjoying, but reserved.
The Drow didn't miss the looks aimed at her, and thought better of not wearing the mask while inside the monastery's grounds. The owners of those cross looks held their tongues, which was a marked improvement of how things normally turned out. She would keep an eye on them, but for the moment it seemed dirty looks were all she was going to get.
Those same eyes looked unfavorably on Raven, but many were more favorable. It didn't hurt that Kirann mentioned her entrance into the bard's arts. Before she knew it, guitar in hand, she was singing songs for the gathered monks. Her lyrical voice lifting across the gathered dinner hall. Soon, people were dancing and joining her in song. What people don't tell you, monks have rhythm.
Later that night, the Challengers were high on life. They each returned to their guest rooms, Kirann retreating to the room that used to be his. There hung his new uniform, the one created for him to show his rise to Sun Warrior. Gingerly he picked it up and looked it over. Like his current uniform, this one was finely made. Soft and flexible, but made with materials to help stop blades and other assorted weapons.
The tunic was red, with orange trim. The colors of the early morning sun, associated with Lathander, the Morning Lord. Scourge of the undead, bringer of the dawn, over youth and babies, Lathander was many things. He was one of the trinity of Gods that Sun Soul monks usually were in the service of. Sune, and Selune rounded out the trinity, though there was talk that Amauntor was connected, since his return.
The blue under tunic matched the flexible pants material, and his new boots were a dark navy blue. A nice cool color to offset the fiery colors of the tunic, balancing out fire and ice, cool and warm. Centered just like a monk during meditation. They would be a reminder as well as a beacon, marking him as a warrior against evil. He was okay with that.
"I see you've moved up, kid," a familiar voice said as Al materialized. "Sun Warrior, that is a mighty promotion."
"It's been a while," Kirann said. "Everything okay?"
"I could say your recent adventures have caused a paperwork pile up," Al smirked. "The truth is I've been checking in on you. You're not doing too bad."
"But?" Kirann turned. "When one starts a speech like that, there is always a but."
Al sighed, "You've gained attention, from those best left not knowing you exist. Sparing Raven's patron caused a ruckus in the Hells. I believe he's sending someone after you."
"Something tells me there is more," Kirann said.
Al laughed, "Yes, that anti druid you fought, there is a bigger plan. An evil presence was behind that, and you ruined their plans. They'll be looking to take you out, and I don't need to remind you that the fallen Aasimar is still out there."
"Can you see any way of redeeming him?" Kirann asked gently. "I couldn't see much good left in him."
"If you could find good in him, they might as well raise you to godhood now," Al responded. "Because there is not much good left in him."
"I was afraid of that," Kirann said. "If we run across him again, we'll need to stop him."
Al moved around, "Your hurt him, humiliated him again and again. He'll be coming to look for you. You won't have to worry about that." Then taking a breath the Celestial angel let it back out. "Listen kid, I didn't mean to ruin your celebration. I just wanted you to be ready."
"I know," Kirann said.
The next day begun and Raven found herself up early. She normally liked to sleep a little bit later, but something was pulling at her. She wandered around the monastery, enjoying the peacefulness of it all. Different from her younger years, surrounded by the noises of the towns and cities. Thanks to her time on the road, this place wasn't too quiet. Before she would have found the silence deafening, but now she could pick out the sounds of the morning.
What she wasn't expecting, was to find Leilani up and standing where the students trained. Raven went over to her, curious and glad to have a friend up this early. The Drow wasn't looking at anything in particular though. As Raven got closer, she noticed Leilani had her eyes closed, seeming to enjoy the wind pulling at her silver white hair. A small smile spread and Raven could see a tiny tear fall down the other woman's cheek.
Leilani opened her eyes and turned to see Raven, "Apologies, I didn't hear you come up."
"I believe I am the one that intruded on your moment," Raven sheepishly said.
Leilani shook her head, "No, you didn't. I was just thinking of someone dear."
"Ah, are they okay?" Raven inquired.
Leilani shrugged, "I believe so. It's been a long time since I've returned home."
"I moved around too much to have a true home," Raven explained. "But if I had one, it would be this peaceful. I think I like it."
"We leave today, don't we?" the Drow asked.
Raven nodded, "I believe so. Did you have something you wanted to do here first?"
"I think I've already done it," the other woman said in reply. "Do you think you'd be proud if your daughter was like me?"
"Definitely," Raven quickly replied and pulled Leilani into a hug. "What brought this on?"
"You'd know, how everything looks at us," Leilani let herself relax. "By my birth I'm marked. I've lived my whole life on the surface and yet, they look at me like any other Drow."
Raven thought for a moment, "You're right, it was one of the reasons my patron gave me a disguise. Yet, even in that, I still didn't feel like I could be me. I was always playing a part. Now, I play many parts, but I can finally be me. You will always have a place, with us."
"Maybe, but what about when you and Kirann retire?" Leilani mused. "Lorinda is the only other one that will live as long as I will. Val will gray before my eyes. My whole family gone."
Raven squeezed her tighter, "You'll always have a place at my home, on the road, on a farm, or in a huge mansion in a city."
"Thanks. Sorry, I just….It's hard you know, trying to make up for actions I've never done," Leilani sighed.
"I believe our wise monk would tell you not to," Raven smiled. "Just be you, and show the world how great you really are. They'll see you as we do, that I have no doubt about."
The Drow laughed, "Thanks, I needed that. Listen, don't tell anyone else about this. I don't need them pitying me."
"I won't," Raven said. "You should though. We're family, a weird family full of odd people. We're here for you, even grumpy Lorinda. Is it weird I kind of miss not seeing her with us?"
Leilani laughed, "Now that you mention it, I do miss her daily scowls! Let's hope she heals fast. It's just not the same without her."
"Agreed," Raven laughed.
The rest of the morning followed the routine of the last few days, with the exception of the Challengers gathering supplies for their trip. They still had ground to cover before winter came, and the lands around Altamar needed to be scouted. The lord of Altamar was depending on them to do what they did, while he rebuilt his forces.
Kirann was wearing his new uniform, and the bright red color caught all their eyes. There was the obligatory teasing, but they approved of his new look. Now he looked the part of the dashing hero monk, champion of all that was right and good. He took their ribbing in stride.
There was one final obligation they had before they could leave, which turned out to be a surprise to them. The master of the monastery called them all to bear witness to a ceremony. Each of the Challengers looked at Kirann for explanation, but he didn't have any answer for them. He was just as curious as they were, but things were about to be answered for him.
Everyone was gathered around, with the grand master of the monastery stood at the center, addressing them all. Standing in orderly rows, the monks all listened to their grand master. A wizened old man, full of knowledge and wisdom, but one that was still a force to be reckoned with. Recently the ravages of time had started to catch up to him, a testament to the near century of starting his journey.
"Thank you all for coming," the grand master began. "I have watched over this peaceful place for decades upon decades. It has been my privilege to see many students come to train and go out into the world. Many have returned and began teaching here, others formed their own monasteries. In all this time, I have seen many miracles and disaster fall upon this world.
In all that time, we have endured. Recently we named a new Sun Warrior, our ambassador to the outside world of what and who we are. He was brought to us years ago by someone who saw his untapped potential. He wasn't her first student, and each one has gone on to bring honor to her.
As we enter a new era for our order, it requires one such as her. Someone who can see the potential and bring it out in others. One who can lead us on, and has the tenacity to match her wisdom. For years I have led this way, and as the twilight comes upon me, I can think of no other person for this role.
Ming-Wa Fa, I leave this monastery in your capable hands. You, I name our new grand master."
Kirann's teacher came up, clearly caught unaware. He cheered for her, knowing she would make a great grand master. She shot him a look, asking if he knew what had been planned. He shook his head, but couldn't argue that it was a good decision. He would miss the old man, the old grand master was both kind and stern, but also easy to talk to.
Hours later the Challengers left the monastery. The old and new grand master had spent that time in preparation for the change. The old would travel, find a remote mountain top or area to retire to. There he'd spend his days in meditation and contemplation. A peaceful retirement for one who had weathered the tumultuous events of a chaotic world.
"Return soon, always good it is, to see a good friend," Ming-Wa told Kirann. "Lucky you are, to have such companions on your travels. Take care of them."
"That is the plan," he replied back. "If you ever need anything, let me know."
She bowed to him, going low enough to meet his bow as an equal. As the new grand master, this would be unheard of, but to her, he was still her student. At least for one more day, one more time to see him as that little boy that had turned into a man. Despite herself, Ming-Wa found herself tearing up a bit.
The Challengers left, Kirann hanging back just long enough to wave one final time at his teacher. They followed the pathway back and retrieved their cart and horses. Taken care of by the druids, the horses were happy to see the group. Raven nuzzled the horses, as they rubbed heads against hers. They did the same with Kirann, begging for food. He threw them both an apple.
On the road again, the Challengers were not sure how to feel. One of their own was sick, and they missed her. The plan was to come back and check on her before heading back to Altamar. Kirann drove the team horses on, while Raven played a little ditty on her guitar. The same focus she had brought to being a warlock, she brought to her new studies as a bard. He didn't mind, she had a good singing voice and her playing was masterful.
They were interrupted by loud screams. Stopping their cart, Kirann and the rest rushed towards the screaming. What they found was a giant attacking a farm with a massive club. Behind the giant, was a light blue skinned young man chained. It was just the one giant, they could take it.
Signaling to Val, he had her go behind the giant. Meanwhile he had Raven start playing a fight song. That got the giant's attention, he the attention back with a well placed sun fire blast. The giant screamed as half its face melted off, and wildly swung out. Kirann jumped away, and the giant missed. Leilani cast a fireball, that hit the giant in the center of the chest. As it stumbled back, Val hit the giant's calf with her swords.
She dodged just as the giant fell to the ground, and Walton brought his sword down where its neck was. His blade sank deep into giant's neck, but didn't immediately kill it. Instead it flung him away, and he crashed hard onto the ground. However, he didn't have to worry, Kirann ended the giant with an axe kick to the temple. The skull of the giant caved in, and it gasped one final time. The giant taken care of, it was time to deal with its prisoner.
