3. Morning Gatherings

Morning Gatherings


  • Making her way out of the Boarshead one morning, an overly tall woman dressed in simple skins and leathers makes her way to the benches by the well. Her dirty blonde hair is long, often unkempt, and tied in places with thick braids adorned with black feathers. She carries a bag with her, which is unceremoniously plopped beside her. With a warm smile she calls over two children, who approach hesitantly with curiosity. She offers each one a honeyed biscuit from the bag and begins.

    She tells simple stories of valor and courage. She teaches the value of truth, and the strength of honor. Interspersed in the story are a few words the children are unfamiliar with. When asked, she smiles and tells them the language is Uthgardt, and translates as best she can.

    Her speech is halting, and the language rough, but she keeps the stories short, and the lessons simple. When asked, she says she is Maya, daughter of Jahr, second hunter of the Griffon Tribe on the High Forest.

    She repeats these gatherings several times a week, hoping to catch the attention of more children and some of the adults. She is patient, keeps her stories short, and answers all questions directly and truthfully.

  • H

    • Foilir watches and is unimpressed. *

    <d>Champion of Tempus?

    • He scoffs *

    <d>Krig was a true champion of Tempus. You never saw him align himself with the shite that wanted to raze this town.

    • Shaking his head he reaches for a coin to tip for the magic show *

    <d>Yeh want to see a true champion of Tempus, you go find me kin.. Me is nae much for magics tricks anna stories.

    • tugging his beard he squints an eye *

    <d>only a matter of time befer she starts hirin folk frumma Peltarch…

    • Looks at Dwin *

    <d>anna cen nae believe Uthgor goin teh be takin orders frumm a lass. Cyrian me cen see doin dat.. but Uthgor

    • Shakes his head and walks off chuckling *

    <d>yeh juss wait until a throat is found wit a nice cut frumma skinnin knife....</d></d></d></d></d></d>


  • Maya looked at herself in the mirror, and for the first time understood…everything. The visions from Tempus had been guidance and tests of her worth. The scars of slavery were reminders to not only herself, but those around her that in Tempus’ eyes it was “Deeds, not Blood”. Tempus did not care if you were born of kings or beggars. What mattered was strength of heart and courage on the field of battle. Being chosen by Tempus as his champion filled her not only with pride beyond measure, but conflicted her with unbearable humility. Tempus had deemed her worth, but it terrified her that she might fail him.

    Gathering her things, she went downstairs in the Boarshead. It was another time for a morning gathering to tell stories to the children, and speak to the people who had questions regarding militia business. However, instead of the usual bustle of people coming and going for breakfast, drinks, and breaks from farm and field duty, downstairs was empty. The only person present was Barle, who quietly flipped over a rag and continued wiping a table.

    “Where is people?”, she asked, alarm in her voice. “Is something wrong?”

    Barle looked up and grabbed a new rag from his belt. He chuckled and gestured with his thumb, “They’re outside, waiting”

    “Wait for what?”, Maya asked, a little confused.

    “You Maya. They’re waiting for you”

    Maya blinked, “Everyone?”

    Barle just laughed and nodded, “Everyone…and then some”

    “Oh”, Maya said quietly. Taking a deep breath, Maya hesitantly went to the door and opened it.

    Outside the door were half a dozen of Norwick’s young warriors. Some were sitting on the grass. Others were leaning against the building. Upon the opening of the door, they all stood alert and faced her and began speaking at once.

    “When are going to – I pledge my spear to your – I offer – Do me the honor of – battle – please accept –“

    With her rough understanding of the trade tongue, Maya could barely make heads or tales of any of the conversation. One of them, a member of the Heyokarr tribe even spoke in Damaran, of which Maya only understood a few words

    “Wait!” Maya said forcefully, quieting the young warriors. “Cannot understand if all speak at once! Please, let Maya speak. Is time to tell story of deed and honor. Can listen if want. If need something of Maya, can talk to later….one at time!”

    Maya closed the door behind her and headed to the well. The young warriors followed, murmuring in conversation. When Maya rounded the corner though, the sight in front of her was not quite what she expected. When Barle said everyone, he literally meant….everyone. The entire population of Norwick had gathered around the well. Many pointed as she walked up the path. All had turned to face her.

    As she got near the well, many gathered around. Some moved out of the way, worry on their faces. A small child touched her hand and looked up wondering.

    “Will there be a war?”, a woman shouted from the crowd.

    “Why have you been brought here?”, the blacksmith’s voice rose up, “Are we in danger?”

    “How do we even know it’s true?!”, shouted a black haired man.

    The last question sparked several additional conversations and questions that rippled through the crowd. Others began to voice doubt and concern, which began to swell quickly. Suddenly, an old gravely voice spoke up from the outside of the gathering.

    “It’s true because I saw it”, said Jore. “I was there”

    “I saw the light too!”, shouted one of the young warriors, “Tempus was in her!”

    “I saw her axe”, another of the young warriors shouted, “Tempus blessed it, and it glowed with his power”

    The black haired man just shook his head and sneered. “Are you all so easily fooled by arcane tricks? Don’t you see what’s going on here?! Chosen by Tempus!? Bah! I tell you! She was a Black Dragon Knight! One of Koreth’s lackeys! She lies!”

    Bewildered, Maya listened to the shouts around her. Many turned to her wondering, some with fear, some with admiration, many with doubt. But at the words, “She lies”, anger began to fill her heart. Hopping up on one of the benches, she shouted to the crowd.

    “Maya…”, she started looking directly at the black haired man, “…Does not lie! Tempus bring Maya here to help make people of Norwick strong again! People become so weak was even law not carry skinning knife or stick! What kind of warrior people have law like that!? You want know if Maya speak true? Here is true!

    Drawing her axe, Maya closed her eyes. She was already angry, and channeled the anger through her. Opening her eyes and staring in the sky, her neck muscles corded. She shouted one word, her powerful voice echoing in the village center.

    “TEMPUS!”

    The symbol of Tempus on her belt flared to life, the light cascading around her. In turn, the symbol of Tempus on her mailed gloves arced, and lightning danced down the haft of her axe, collecting on the blades. Both blades shone brilliantly, causing those near it to avert their eyes. A bolt of light followed, cascading from a cloudless sky, enveloping Maya with a thunderous sound. No one was injured, but the force of the energy knocked those around Maya to the ground.

    When it was finished, Maya stood there as those around picked themselves up. The symbols of Tempus and the axe continued to glow. Maya looked into the crowd directly at the black haired man.

    “Is true”, she said.

    Off to the side of the crowd leaning on the corner of his house stood Jandor, his face unreadable. Lucius stood at his side, the point of his large sword resting on the ground. After a few hushed whispers, they both moved back inside.


  • The golden armored, orange haired man chuckles sipping at his bottle of yellowish apple juice, wipes his mouth with a blue leather glove.

    "I knew it. What did I tell her?" He chuckles again, shaking his head, taking another swig of juice.

    He smiles fondly, walking over to congratulate the blonde barbarian.


  • A man in dark blue sits upon the wall of norwick, the shadows seeming to linger in his direction and keeps him from the eyes of many in the small town. He smiles watching her enter into the town and a warmth fills his heart

    Seems they've finally got some good in this town, its been long needed. Tymora's smile upon you and Tempus' strength be with you during this time Maya.

    He hops down from the wall, content with what he saw, and heads back up quitely to his city


  • This particular morning, Maya comes out to the well dressed in full armor. As the children gather around, there are an unusual amount of adults who have gathered outside the circle of children. Before she has a chance to sit however, a younger man with long black hair clears his throat.

    “Is it true?”, he says speaking above the crowd. “Is it true that you’re the new militia captain?”

    Murmurs start amongst the children and adults before Maya looks over and smiles. “Is true” she says, and sits down.

    Several of the villagers begin clamoring, and the children start talking and giggling. After a few moments go by, an older man, his face wrinkled by hard work and sun speaks up.

    “That…that’s it? No words? No speech? How will you keep us safe? What are your plans?”

    Maya paused for a moment before standing, her height allowing her to look over most of the crowd.

    “Maya is not about speech. What is more important than word?”, she said, looking at the group of children.

    “Deeds!” a couple of them shouted.

    Some of the adults smiled, a few chuckled. Maya continued.

    “Maya defend Norwick many time. Maya is Uthgardt. Will give life protect Norwick. Maya will give life protect all who here. If think Maya not do good job, can challenge or take to Jandor. Will do job with strength and honor. Make Norwick strong again.”

    Discussions amongst the adults continued as Maya sat down and continued teaching the song to the children. Maya smiled to herself as she noticed that this time, a few more adults stuck around to listen.


  • A handsome dark skinned man in yellow robes bearing a crest with a rising sun at the end of each sleeve is enthralled by the fair woman's appearance and confidence. After completing his own morning rituals, he can be caught near the back of the crowd with the other adults listening to the woman's stories. He manages to close his mouth and offer a lopsided grin the few times she looks in his general direction.

    When she is finished with her singing and storytelling, the spell is broken enough for the man to become suddenly very interested in the care of his mace and moves away quickly, though still managing to keep her in sight out of the corner of his eye until she too moves away.

    He tilts his ear towards the morning light and nods his head.

    "Yes Lord, you can say THAT again."


  • The morning gatherings have been infrequent. As the stream of refugees from Peltarch poured into Norwick, Maya was seen escorting wagons, fleeing families, and supplies. A couple of times that she returned her hair and armor were stained with blood. Once she seemed particularly battle weary, and after pouring a bucket of water over her head, sat down hard by the well where she remained for the remainder of the day.

    As news of the end of Peltarch Civil War spread across the Nars, and the refugees were seen leaving their camps throughout and around Norwick, Maya is seen once again by the well.


  • Maya stood unclothed before the full length mirror, her hair uncharacteristically hanging unbraided in uneven sheaves down her back. She regarded herself curiously, gently touching the scar that remained around her neck from the years of chains.

    Despite years of combat, the scars of slavery were the only scars her body bore. A more inquisitive person might have wondered why, but for Maya they were reminders of what she was, and what she had become. She just stood there, her body unblemished by the passage of time, and wondered of simple things.

    With a soft smile she braided her hair again, a weekly chore done for the countless years of her life. She placed the black feathers and other trinkets in her hair, and bound them with leather cord. Finally she dressed, and headed downstairs and out to the well.

    The children had gathered almost a half an hour ahead of time. There were a few adults this time, though most hung towards the back of the crowd unsure or perhaps embarrassed.

    Beginning today and for the next several months she would teach a song, the only song she really knew. It was a dark yet uplifting ballad, the story of two lovers who fought and died to protect their son, their son who would one day lead his tribe. It was the story of a boy who turned man, a man who understood the meaning of strength, honor, and sacrifice. The man who would one day be Maya’s grandfather.

    Maya sang. There were no lutes to accompany her. No drums to carry a rhythm. Her voice, untrained but powerful, drew a few others curiously into the gathering circle.

    And down from upon the heavens, Tempus smiled.

  • F

    Lucius notes upon one of his inspections through town the presence of the woman telling stories to children. It doesn't escape his notice her obvious physical presense and her ease with the local residents. He has his contacts research about this woman and he seems suitably impressed. Wondering why she has returned from Peltarch, he seeks an audience with her one evening before she retires for the night.


  • Glad to see an old familiar face in town, Tindra waves to Maya The half-elf even tries to listen in on a few of the stories.


  • Cyrian has gone out of his way to direct his daily patrols of the town towards the storyteller, he enjoys the tales being told and likes to see the children gethering and asking questions, he doesnt make any attempt to talk to the tale weaver, but does give a smile and a nod before he continues on his patrols.