A service at the shrine
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_Word trickles along the Nars Pass, from Peltarch to Norwick, that a service to Tempus is being held at the shrine-being-built just south of Peltarch.
On the day itself, at noon, Hammer can be found at the unfinished shrine to Tempus, dressed in his ceremonial armored robes and steel skullcap, dyed in the black and blue of the Legion. Running along the length of the robe and along the metal pieces is a blood-red trimming, and the symbol of Tempus is clearly visible. Though the call was mainly directed at the Legionaires scatted troughout the land, nobody is turned away from the service. When an agreeable group of people has gathered, Hammerhand begins to speak, his tone reverend and deep. In one hand he holds a simple cup, and in the other a dagger.
"This is the Rite of Giving Blood, and non shall look away."
With this, Hammer makes a cut in his hand and drizzles some of his blood into the cup.
"We are the warriors of Narfell. Under the eternal and allseeing gaze of Tempus, we are all the same. Human. Elf. Dwarf. Orc. Halfing. Gnome. We give our blood for Narfell, for our home, and this binds us. We are the shield that holds her enemies at bay. We are the sword that punishes those who would defile her. Enslave her. Destroy her. We give our blood, that others would not have to."He cleans the dagger with a cloth and then moves to the nearest person, and then the next, and the next, offering the dagger to each in line.
"Will you shed your blood for her? Will you bear the sting of pain and suffering to earn His favor, that you may endure and earn victory, for yourself and all Narfell?"Once all those who want to have spilt their blood into the cup, he moves back to the shrine and raises the cup for all to see.
"This is the blood we must all give to keep Narfell from her enemies. Under the gaze of Tempus, we are all the same. As blood sustains our bodies, so does honour sustain our souls. While the body withers and dies, an honoured soul is eternal. Let nothing drain it. "He then empties the cup of blood in a half circle.
"For Tempus, may He grant you strength when you are weak. May He grant you courage when you fear. Be true, earn His favor and know victory. Be false, and know only defeat. This is the Rite of Giving Blood, and non shall look away."_
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Stoic mercenary boy Thomas attends the ceremony, happening to walk by as it started. He listens to all the words intently, in his usual stance.. hands behind his back, standing straight. He offers to cut his hand in the cup, out of respect for Tempus… who is closely tied to his own goddess.
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Maya comes to the ceremony, although when she looks at the unfinished shrine, she appears disheartened.
She steels herself though, appearing proud when she too cuts her hand, and offers her blood to the cup.
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(( Celad is there, listening quietly, when Hammer approaches he offers his wrist as well. He thinks it is a nice change to choose when his blood flows,and where.))
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Val is there, up the front of the group present, dressed in her Legion Regalia. As Hammer goes through the service, she nods where appropriate, and seems very attentive, gladly shedding some blood when it is asked for.
