3. The long road home...

The long road home...


  • (( This tale is being told as after it happened to permit Andrew some training time ICly before other events take place IG ))

    It started in the temple of Lathander, why he brought it up to Andrew he didn't even know. Andrew was like a brother to him and he was the only one he could even consider asking to come with him. Was it right or fair to ask Andrew to come home with him when he himself had been a coward for years about such? He had asked though and Andrew had agreed, together Jason and Andrew were to set out with Ramus for Neverwinter. As they spoke Jason slowly revealed the story of his leaving Neverwinter to Andrew who listened in a sad silence. As time passed the two spoke for some time then parted to prepare. Jason returning to Peltarch to gather his son and some supplies and his mare. His smile warm as he greeted his son and loading him up onto the horse seated infront of him as he awaited Andrew. He looked to the ship he had chartered in preparation and boarded. A long last look out over Narfell which he would return to soon enough….then his newest battle would begin.


  • Another sleepless night, one of so many recently. That made three since they landed and it was beginning to show. He could feel Andrews concerned eyes watching him as he walked on, for now leaving Ramus with Andrew so that he could see to the closure. This was something he had to do alone. He took the path back to the old farm as he gazed upon it once more in the mornings light. The birds singing softly on the mornings breeze whisped through blowing back his hair that he had left down and untied for the first time in years, how long it had gotten since then. He slowly came behind the farm to his fathers grave as tears bit at the corner of his eyes, beside it was his mothers, and in a satchel, his little brothers which he now added beside the two as he spoke softly.

    Your home now little brother, placed to rest with father and mother where you belong. Forgive me for failing you as I failed them. May you find peace and joy beside Ilmater.

    He kneeled slowly into the dirt slowly and lowered his head in soft prayer though speaking it aloud in Celestial.

    (Celestial) Father Ilmater, Painbarer, my lord…..Guide my family to their final rest and see them into your loving arms. Grant them the mercy and peace they never found in Neverwinter and protect them from the Shadowvar. I know when I pass I will not be laid here with them but instead likely in Peltarch where you have me serve you best at this time. I need to know they are safe my lord...From the Shadowvar and from any that would attempt to do them any wrong and harm, in this I ask you, please, bless these lands and these graves that I might find peace in leaving them to their final resting.

    A light shone upon the graves, the sound of whimpering surrounding Jason as tears streamed down feeling Ilmaters presence and love near him as he nodded in acceptance. As quickly as it came though, it was gone once more. This chapter of his life was at its end. Jason belonged here no more. He bowed his head once more to the graves speaking not a word then headed back to town never once looking back. He smiled softly as he spotted Andrew and told them they would be leaving after the dawn tomorrow to head back home. With that he headed back to the temple for some rest and reprive and a bit of prayer. Whispers were exchanged as they prepared the next morning to head out. The sun was rising and Andrew was in his last prayers. He looked once more to Father Thomas with a smile, one of relief and understanding as he spoke.

    (Jason) Thank you again Father Thomas, for the hospitality and for forgiving me for abandoning my home so many years ago.

    ( Father Thomas ) Jason my boy, your path is clear. Ilmater had plans for you long before you even knew it. You go now and finish his plans for you. Know you will always be welcomed back though should you ever wish to return.

    Jason nodded his thanks, though in his heart he knew he would never again return to these lands. His time here was long done and he was needed, both by Andrew and Ramus, his boys, his family. With Andrews prayers finished they gathered the mounts and headed back to Neverwinter easily making the city and stopping once more at the statue looking to his fathers plaque, this time a small smile reaching the corners of his mouth as he brushed it once more in a silent farewell and boarded his ship home. The trip back was a long one indeed, though to Jason, it felt good to finally be going home, the weight from his heart once and for all lifted into ease. Now he could focus on his final task. That would be the greatest challenge ever. He stepped off in Peltarch thanking the Captain once more and Andrew as well who told him he was headed to Lathanders temple to get some rest and pray. Jason again nodded his thanks to Andrew letting him go as he and Ramus headed for the orphanage.


  • He could almost see and smell the old memories, fresh baked breads and pies from his mothers baking, hear his baby brother giggling from a small playpen to the side and his father talking about the locals knowing nothing about what was truly going on outside the main city. The house was dusty now though, abandoned and left to the wilds to reclaim. A mouse squeaked in annoyance as it was disturbed by their movements though Jason truly paid it no mind as he walked through the house to the bedrooms. There were only two, his father had spoken a few times about adding on an additional room but never got the chance. In the master bedroom the bed stood made though very dusty, as though it had awaited his return to come lay upon it. The room was fairly barren save the dresser, nightstand, washing basin, closet and bed. Jason sighed again softly as he moved to the smaller room, his own. He stood in the doorway for several moments before moving into the room picking up some toy military action figures of the Militia of Neverwinter his father had bought him one year for his birthday, his thumb rubbing away some of the thick layers of dust as he stared at it. Ramus finding amusement in some of the really old toys and stuffed bears. Andrew as per usual staying in the background more on guard then truly getting involved allowing Jason his personal moments but close enough to give the support if needed. Jason would have remained longer but for Andrews warning that the day was growing late. Jason looked up only now realizing they had been in the house for more then several hours and nodded to Andrew taking Ramus and heading back to town to rest. In the morning, a closure would need to be performed to finally put a close to his life in that house.


  • Many hours were spent in that small temple discussing the last sixty years of history, the war was still on it seemed and growing more and more intense by the passing days. They had been attacking Everfrost for weeks now and showed no signs of really letting up. The elders pleaded with him to come home to stay now. He was needed here to guard his own home, but he knew that wasn't an option. This was not his home anymore. His home was back with Andrew and Ramus, they both needed him. They offered him anything to return, even to help rebuild his old house which was still in his name from his mothers passing yet he again declined them politely. As they again showed signs of arguing the point he tapped his staff twice on the ground, a known symbol that an elder wishes to speak. They fell silent looking to the once boy that had truly grown old since he left and nodded for him to speak.

    Elders, I am truly honored by your offers and that you would consider accepting me back into Everfrost once more, I cannot stay though. While sixty some years ago this was my home, my lands, it is not now. My home is in Peltarch with Andrew and Ramus. They are my family now and mean everything to me. As for the Selious farm, it is to be donated after I leave to whomever is in need of a home. I would appreciate it if you would take the rebuilding offer and bestow it on the one who receives it.

    He goes to speak again when the sound of a bell toll's causing him to look back in confusion. There had never been a bell when he was young and looking back to the elders confirmed his fears in full as he sighed pushing Ramus to the elders and donning his knights armor bringing a gasped shock from an elder.

    ( Father Thomas ) Did you not say you were a priest my boy? Or are you some kind of war priests the bigger cities have perhaps?

    ( Jason ) Before I was a priest, I was a paladin, I am long retired from my paladin days but I can still wield a sword and I can still be of some use on the front.

    With that he rushed out the front door finding Andrew and nodding, a slightly confident smile meeting him as though truly knowing with Andrew beside him, they could not lose. Together they followed the movement and came upon the darkness that again made Jason hesitate as visions of the past hit him like a ton of stone.

    ( Visions )

    The fountain, Kara playing with her doll with a much younger Jason sitting beside her, the first screams, the Shadowvar, death everywhere, undead beginning to rise from the corpses, running, Kara screaming, Kara dying…then darkness filled with screams.

    Jason became aware of himself as Andrew shook him once more to snap him out of it. He nodded his appreciation and quickly set to warding the both of them as best he could. He proceeded to draw blade as he took one last look to Andrew and both lunged the battlefield side by side. The battle was a blur trading blows with undead and Shadowvar alike. Just when it seemed the Shadowvar were gaining a winning hand a hymn hit the battlefield like a song from the gods themselves. It was coming from the priests of Lathander. The fields lit up in pure holy light, the undead falling instantly under the power of Lathanders light and the Shadowvar began retreating under the push of both paladins and warriors cursing their luck that would eventually run out. Jason watched as the last ones fled into the forests wondering how many more times the village would fall under siege and how many more times they could repel such a force. He sighed softly then turned his attention to healing removing his armor and stowing it away for the moment. He spent many hours treating the sick and wounded, some poisoned from the Shadowvar and others just more seriously wounded. By the time he finished it was a new dawn and while Andrew sought prayer he moved to rest though truly finding little respite. Early afternoon came and he set out with Andrew and Ramus to a small farm nearing the edge of the village, it was in disrepair but Jason knew it anywhere as he stepped within.


  • A night spent watching the stars, so much he had thought of during the night but no sleep would come to him, how could it? How could he truly be comfortable sleeping here after he had fled, after he had sat in the brush those years ago and watched his beloved die? He shook his head as he slowly stood up, the cool morning air doing nothing good for his old back and joints which were now as stiff as the tree he sat against. Looking to Andrew who had passed out somewhere in the late eve after watching Jason for many hours, he could only smile softly. Andrew was his closest friend and quite protective of him. There was much more to that friendship, closer to brotherhood between the two of them. Gods only know Jason would protect Andrew with his life given the alternative. He slowly moved about the camp making sure the place was clean then making a breakfast before rousing the others and giving Andrew some hot tea as well. He spoke softly though his voice was more weak then whispered.

    An hour ride….no more.....no less from here. We will be in Everfrost. A child's twenty minute walk south from the village will bring you to the ruins of Kastor....my fiance's home. We will leave when you both have eaten.

    He moved away from the two again, proceeding to prepare the horses, brushing them both down once more then applying the tack and bit. He worked slowly with no real rush again feeling Andrew watching him with great concern. As breakfast was finished and the area fully cleaned they mounted once more and continued down the path. The ride slow and quiet as they crossed a road sign pointing out Everfrost though Jason didn't even offer it a passing glance. As they neared the village the smells of freshly baked bread assailed them all, the sounds of children playing and parents calling to their young. Jason at this point was only in his robe. Ilmater's colors being highly favored and respected in the village would assure the village remained moderately calm as he led them through the small village. If counted the village would close around three hundred people. The villagers watched at a distance not knowing these strangers until one man called out in the distance.

    Jason lad? That be ye?…..I'd know that dern'd face anywhere, ye look like yer pa.

    He pulled his horse to a stop, his heart skipping several beats as he slowly looked back to another older gentleman, the man had to be closer to ninety then he was. He quietly dismounted leaving Ramus on the mare as he bowed his head slowly to the man. Father Thomas, it is good to finally see you again. As the words left him a hard strike connected to his jawline leaving him dazed though he raised a hand for Andrew to stay mounted least he take offense to the strike which Jason was rather sure he would.

    < Father Thomas > Ye have any idea what ye did to yer poor ma? Takin off like tha? First yer father dies in tha war then ye take off not even five years after? What in Ilmater's name were ya thinkin lad? Yer lucky I don' box yer ears fer leavin er in that state wit yer poor lil brother.

    < Jason > Forgive me Father Thomas, after seeing Kara killed….I....I just fled. I abandoned everyone and everything I should have been protecting. I was a coward to flee...

    The elders anger quickly dissipates as he watches Jason's reactions and listens to his words and lets out a soft sigh glancing to the boy still mounted and to Andrew who follows him noting the bracers mark of Lathander.

    < Father Thomas > Aye….well, ye were but a boy. I canna fault ye fer fleein in terror before those bastards, welcome home lad, though do expect some people ta still be sore wit ya. Yer ma didn' do so well after ye left. Ye home ta stay er?

    < Jason > No Father Thomas, just passing through....had to come back and see home one last time before my next mission. Ilmater has placed me on a holy mission....

    <father thomas="">Aye well, Ilmater guides ye lad. Ye stick to that. As fer the Lathanderite e will find comfert in the temple ere ta his god. Was built some forty years ago ta keep tha Shadowvar at bay, done quite a job a it. Ye bring yer boy ta the temple, tis best we talk quietly fer a bit, catch ye up. If yer friend wishes tha temple, tis just up the road, E wont miss it. 'as a huge statue of Lathander infron of it.

    Jason would not back to Andrew motioning him to go ahead for the moment as he takes his horses reigns following the elder to a small temple to Ilmater, a smile finally gracing his features as he steps within gently guiding his own son proudly. How many memories did this place hold? Many many for him as he grew.</father>


  • Jason returns a short while later, he is pale and quiet as he starts the fire and unpacking cooking supplies to make a meal, he looks to the sky that has long began to darken as the village less then an hour away is notable by torchlight. Shaking his head he turns back to the campfire beginning to make the nights meal. He makes a simple meal of rabbit stew from carefully preserved ingredients to which he serves to Andrew and Ramus though not really eating himself as he steps away to go and groom the two mounts removing their tack and bit he brushes them down and cleans their hooves looking for any damage seeming to try and keep himself busy. Moondancer sensing Jason's distress nuzzles him softly eliciting a generally soft smile as he pats her neck whispering to her in a soft almost unheard tone.

    I'll be alright Moondancer…..just my nerves I fear...

    After ensuring both horses are groomed and fed he turns back to where his son is seeing him yawn and wanders over scooping him up and gently setting him into a sleeping bag as he speaks

    This will be just like when we went camping, its time for sleep now. Be a big day for all of us in the morn….now get some sleep.

    After tucking the boy in he sets down with a quill and notepad etching out a letter, the addressment is to Varia as he writes quietly letting Andrew rest off the ride from the mares.

    Dear Varia.

    Forgive me for not telling you of my departure before leaving, though I fear that had I stopped to consider my actions or even to discuss them I fear I would have lost my nerve. I am presently in Neverwinter an hour short of Everfrost….my homeland. Were it not for Andrews presence with me right now I don't think I would have had the nerve to step off the vessel or even continue this far. Yet an hour from town and I feel my fears and doubt's stronger then ever before. I have put this off for nearly sixty years. I wish I had the time to have told you this in person but I never got the chance to see you before leaving. My departure was rather sudden. I do miss seeing you and pray your doing alright, also for note, Ramus is with me so you wont find him at the temple. Hope to hear from you soon. The barmaid of the Mermaid has been given a forwarding address to reach me.

    Signed: Brother Jason Selious...AKA...The old man.

    Signs folding up the letter and pulling out a silver whistle, a quick toot and a hin comes running out of nowhere hand outstretched, a fifty gold offering and the letter with the name of Varia and the hin is gone again. He sighs again leaning against the tree looking back up to the stars that in his youth he had dreamed under


  • The first hour of the ride is quiet as Jason's stomach continues to knot the closer they get to Everfrost, he glances to Andrew a moment then sighs as he tries to again calm his nerves. He speaks softly pointing out various landmarks and plants native only to Neverwinter as his son watches over the landscape more then intrigued by the surrounding area. As they continue on for another two hours the tension becomes very obvious, he begins shifting in the saddle commonly, eying the roads as if it were gonna run away on him and absently reaching into his travel bag and handling the doll. An hour from the village he stops to make camp setting it up personally and gathering the firewood as Ramus slips over to Andrew to ask what is wrong with Daddy?


  • Weeks passed as they sailed towards Neverwinter, Andrew training off and on, studying or sometimes quietly conversing with Jason as they waited for the trip to come to a close, Jason ever watching the horizon was the first to spot land coming into view and pointed it out to Andrew

    Well there's Neverwinter. Ramus stay close to me and hold my hand while were in the city, its alot bigger and alot more crowded then in Peltarch.

    Jasons words left him as they pulled into the harbour, suddenly frozen in shame and fear as he stared into the docks, the captain giving him a strange look at his new hesitation. Ramus looked back to Andrew curiously at this sudden change in his father before Andrew reached forward patting Jasons back reassuringly as he spoke to tell him it would be alright. With a thick swallow and a nod Jason moved forward disembarking the vessel and stepping foot into Neverwinter for the first time in nearly sixty years. He spotted some of the Neverwinter Milita and wandered over to a soldier speaking in a soft and calm tone causing the gruff man to look him over a moment.

    Excuse me sir, what is the status of the war with the Shadowvar?

    The guard gave him a near hateful glare for even considering to bring up such a dark time and snorted walking off as if that was the entire answer to the question causing Jason to sigh sadly as he proceeded to move on. He headed for the Western most gate avoiding the merchants who called out their wares as he wound his way through the town finally stopping at a large statue with numerous plaques of names Honoring the fallen soldiers of the war with the Shadowvar. His eyes fell to one name on the statue, that of Ramus Jason Selious. Gently his hand ran over the plaque, a sadness coming over him as Andrew stood respectfully back in the distance. Jason looked down a moment to Ramus as he spoke again softly.

    This is where your name comes from son. My father who died ensuring a gathering of children got away safely while the other soldiers had fled.

    Ramus again gave Andrew a confused look. Jason sighed heavily and headed again for the Western most gate stepping outside and prepping his horse for the ride. He set Ramus up in the saddle climbing into his own before noticing Andrew having some trouble and proceeded to dismount his own mare and aid Andrew into the saddle and ensure the mount was ready before climbing into his own saddle yet again. The road guiding them westward as Jason rode on in silence, truly more then grateful for Andrews presence and truly wondering if he'd have had the courage to step off the vessel were Andrew not there. A strong sense of dread and fear slowly creeping into his throat and chest as they rode out making plans for the five hour ride ahead of them.