Moment of Destiny
The Three approached the main steps to the temple. Acolytes and worshipers alike parted for them until they got to the apex of the steps. The High Priest came running out to greet them like he had for so many of the others. "By Helm," he said in a low whisper to himself before giving them a respectful bow.
Eldirnon was the first to return the High Priest's bow. "Our honored lord," he said.
"We come at the bidding of Helm," continued Xworvan.
"To aid Tierellen in its hour of need," concluded Delvatath. With that, the other two bowed to the High Priest.
"Hope beyond hope that you all have come," said the High Priest. "Please, follow me inside. We have prepared a repast to honor you."
"The honor is ours, good Cleric," said Delvatath. "Please, lead and we shall follow."
The High Priest beamed at them and turned to go back inside the temple. With great earnest, he guided them back to where the others were dining. When they arrived at the room they found the others talking and carrying on light-heartedly. "You are all now here," said the High Priest.
Kiran was the first to come forward to greet the Three. "Hail and well met," he said as he held out his hand. Delvatath smiled and clasped arms with him.
"Hail and well met," he said to the Knight.
Xworvan moved forward and looked at Jinkso. "Hail and well met, sir," he said to the Bard.
"Hail and well met," said Jinkso.
Delvatath turned his attention from Kiran and towards Verimon. "Hail and well met," he said to the Paladin.
Verimon smiled. "Hail and well met," he said to the Ranger.
Eldirnon said nothing. He just bowed deeply to Deeala. As he was coming up from his bow he let his eyes gaze past her to the dark corner of the room. "Does the Mage in the corner not wish to partake of our introductions?" he asked the lot.
Xworvan turned to see what Eldirnon was indicating. "Perhaps he thinks himself too good for the likes of us," he said.
"Perhaps," said Semaj as he withdrew from the shadows. "But then perhaps not."
"What were you hiding in the shadows for?" asked Deeala.
"I was studying you all," replied Semaj calmly. "Trying to figure out who you all were."
"And just what have you figured out?" asked Kiran.
"That we're a polite and jovial lot," said Semaj sarcastically. "Regardless, I believe Helm has chosen well."
"And do you, sir, have a name?" asked Jinkso. "Or would you like us to make one up for you?"
"I am Semaj," responded the Mage.
"So we are eight," noted Verimon.
"We are indeed," said Kiran. "Eight."
"Does anyone here wonder if that is enough to defend this place?" asked Jinkso.
"Helm knows what he's doing," said Deeala. "If more were needed, more would be present."
Jinkso looked her in the eyes as everyone else, including Semaj, nodded their heads in silent agreement with her statement. "If fear has too tight a hold on you," said Xworvan. "You can choose to leave us."
"When a god asks you a favor," said Jinkso. "You say 'yes'."
"Is that your only reason for being here?" asked Delvatath. "Because if it is, then that is no reason."
"What is that supposed to mean?" interrupted Deeala. "I hope you don't mean to think you speak for all of us."
"He never said he speaks for all of us," snapped Xworvan.
"You don't have to say it to her like that," said Kiran.
Eldirnon said nothing, but rolled his eyes and poured two goblets of wine. Then he took them over to Semaj and offered him one. Semaj smiled an amused smile and accepted the offered goblet. He then silently toasted the Elf and the two of them proceeded to watch the display that was going on.
"…I am not saying that you have less right to be here," said Delvatath.
"Then what are you saying?" demanded Jinkso.
"He just wants to know what you're doing here!" growled Xworvan.
"This is intolerable!" shouted an unhappy Deeala.
"Why are the two of you ganging up on the Bard?" inquired Kiran.
"Who said we were ganging up on him?" demanded Delvatath.
Suddenly, the sound of a pewter plate being banged upon the table repeatedly was heard. Everyone stopped what they were doing to see who had caused the distraction. They were met by a harsh gaze from Verimon. "Why are we all fighting?" he asked in an exasperated tone. "Who cares why Jinkso came to Tierellen? He came to Tierellen! You came to Tierellen! We all came to Tierellen! We are all here for the same purpose, the people of Tierellen. If we are to do the task that Helm has set before us, we need to do it as friends, not as enemies. So I stand here before you now with my hand extended, in friendship. Is there any here who would not accept my hand in friendship?"
None of the others spoke, they felted shamed into silence. Verimon just stood there, silent as well, with his hand still outstretched. Finally, Kiran moved over to the Paladin and clasped his hand firmly. "I have spent the past several days traveling with you and getting to know you," he said. "If I did not call you friend, it would be to my ill."
Xworvan looked at Deeala. "My humblest apologies, my lady," he said. "One as fair as yourself should never be spoken to in the manner that I have just spoken to you and I hope that you can find it in your heart to forgive me."
"Good Dwarf," said Deeala. "There is nothing to forgive between us."
Xworvan smiled, bowed his head to Deeala, then went over to Verimon and clasped his hand. "Lucky is the person who has a friend with your insight," he said to the Paladin. Then he glanced at Kiran. "Sir, I would be honored to call you friend as well."
"The honor would be all mine, Good Dwarf," said Kiran as he patted Xworvan on the shoulder.
Deeala came over next to grasp Verimon's hand. "Good sir, you spoke words of wisdom that I can only someday wish to possess," she said.
"You honor me with your words, my lady," said the Paladin.
All eyes turned to Delvatath as he considered Jinkso in silence for a few moments. "Noble bard," he began. "I have spoken harshly to you without just cause. I was not right in doing so. As a result, you have my most profound apologies."
Jinkso did not speak for a few seconds before giving the ranger a smirk. "Think nothing of it, friend," he said. "Had our roles been reversed, I would have said the same to you."
Delvatath smiled and clasped hands with Jinkso. Then the both of them moved over to Verimon. Jinkso motioned for Delvatath to go first. Delvatath smiled again and took Verimon's hand. "Good sir," he began. "Helm's blessing upon you."
"And upon you as well," replied Verimon.
Once Verimon and Delvatath unclasped hands Jinkso quickly took Verimon's hand. "Fortune favor you for being able to see the truth in things even when that truth is not always apparent," he said.
"Helm knew what he was doing when he chose you," said the Paladin. "Never forget that."
Eldirnon and Semaj looked at the scene and then at each other. "Quite a spectacle," Eldirnon said to the mage.
"Indeed," said Semaj. "I believe we are next. After you."
"My thanks," said Eldirnon before walking over to Verimon. He then took Verimon by the hand. "I can see why Helm chose you to be one of his Guardians. You have already shown your quality."
"My thanks to you, noble Elf," said Verimon, who was clearly moved by Eldirnon's words.
All eyes then turned to Semaj. Semaj had an amused smirk on his face. Still smirking, he clasped the Paladin's hand. "Honored Lord," he began. "There is nothing more that I can say to you that has not already been said by the others."
Verimon let out a chuckle. "My thanks to you, sir," he said. "Your honesty is appreciated."
Outside the room the High Priest and a few acolytes who had been attracted over by the yelling moved away from the door. "Come," said the High Priest. "Let us let them continue their peace."
All the acolytes nodded their heads and then quickly moved off. The High Priest let his eyes look to the sky. "If my lord would permit me to say so," he began. "You have chosen most wisely."
To be continued...