• Open • Dawn of a New Order

[Woe]

1st of Ymiden 721

Woe knew the Order wished to honor him. Yet he was split on whether to attend the ceremony intended to launch the new Outpost, and also give thanks to him as well as all of those who'd had a part in its establishment. But primarily Woe. It was an embarrassment, really. Was Woe becoming too soft? He shrugged, as he finished getting dressed before the mirror in his quarters in the North Lodge. No, he wasn't getting too soft. The Order's presence was entirely necessary, given Egilrun's importance as a center for industry and trade. Many sea lanes traveled through the eastern shore of Scalvoris. And a good number of those made berth in Egilrun before moving onto the larger towns. Egilrun needed facilities for the healing of a growing populace, and a buffer against the threats that loomed within and without.

Woe frowned at the mirror, as he straightened his shoulder mantle. He wore a wrist-length and knee-length flaxen brown tunic. His breeches were of wool fabric with flaxen inner lining. They were loose-fitting and colored green, tucked into black leather shin-wraps. His feet were bare, save for some brown fur coverings that draped over the top of his feet, to purvey the illusion of soles. Around his shoulders, a mantled sash of forest green wrapped over his torso, cinched in place by a pewter broach in the shape of a hound. He dusted off the broach, feeling its shape. His son, Iago had found it on the beaches and thought of Botany immediately. Woe at first refused the trinket, insisting that Iago keep his own salvage, but the boy wouldn't take no for an answer. So Woe grudgingly wore it now, and it was fast becoming a favorite to his more simple outfits.

Of course, the outfit he wore today wasn't his most extravagant. As he became more ensconced in the way Scalvoris society worked, he quickly realized that showing off wealth, whether one had it or not, was a slight cause for embarrassment. And while Woe made no apologies for having the means to command the gathering of nels thanks to his patron Chamadarst, he didn't wish to flaunt it any more than he had to. He didn't care that the people of the lemon messy snickered at his fancier outfits, or that the North Lodge residents and his fellow Elements spat in his wake when he dressed up. But he did care to keep a lower profile.

Soon after dressing, and satisfying himself with his appearance, he took off from the North Lodge, down the way to the old Slave Pits. The building there, somewhat ironically, had been repurposed into an Outpost for the Order of the Adunih. The Mortalborn, despite himself, was rather proud of his role in choosing the location, and even helping the members set up. He joined them, after a fashion, and was technically a green cloak. Part of the reason he wore his mantled sash of forest green cloth over his shoulder.

Jann was there at the inaugural setting, where they'd pour out some water to dedicate the new building. Soraia was there too, as were Jann's group of blue and green cloaks. They all seemed rather pleased to be there. Soraia saw him, and nodded. She still harbored some resentment over the situation he'd forced on her in the earlier days of Ashan, when he'd reportedly disappeared for eight days, leaving her to fend for the household during what was deemed 'the freeze'. Yet she met him at the inauguration of the Outpost, greeting him in Vahanic, her only tongue still. "Hello Mister Morandi." She bowed her head. An old habit, he figured.

"Soraia... We should talk. But after Jann dedicates the Outpost? I think it's past time you learned how to speak Vahanic... How have the others been treating you?"

She shrugged, "Well enough. I just try to make myself useful, in lieu of a translator. It's been going well so far."

Woe nodded, and lightly patted her on the shoulder. Then he went to join Jann at the entrance to the new building. Where they would dedicate it with a cup of spring water. Jann held the water between his hands, in a copper cup. His golden cloak draped over his shoulders, his hood draped over his features. Yet he smiled when he saw Woe. "I'm glad you could make it, Trooper Morandi." He said quietly to Woe, and then louder for the rest to hear, "We gather here today to dedicate the new Order of the Adunih Outpost of Egilrun! Thanks to the efforts of our workers, our healers, and a certain benefactor..." Jann winked at Woe, understanding that he was embarrassed by the attention. "We're able to open this establishment for the betterment of our Egilrun!"

There were cheers coming from the small gathering that was there, some stray calls of 'Morandi for Egg' rose up from amidst the gathered. But they were not too many. Still, Woe had heard that calls had been growing more insistent that he take a leadership position in the community. The time may come soon enough.

[Natalia Gregorios]

Ymiden 1, Arc 721

It had been mentioned in passing, the man not wishing to make a fuss over it, but an invitation had been extended for Natalia to attend a ceremony dedicating the new Outpost in Egilrun. Looking at herself in the mirror, she mulled over her wardrobe possibilities. She had a few outfits that were suitable for a ceremony, but she was unsure which to choose, and she did not want to get it wrong.

Sighing a bit, the young woman went back and forth. Her clothing was always conservative but there were so many things the right outfit said about a person….and why was she having such trouble making a silly choice over clothing anyways? Natalia even considered employing a children's game to help her choose but in the end, the muted outfit won out. Beautiful flowing skirt. Gorgeous lines. Soft, flattering neutral color. The only minor embellishment was done to the top but she would be wearing a coordinating cloak over it anyway so that didn’t really matter. The ensemble was tasteful and just so.

With that settled, she finished getting ready, dabbing on a bit of her delicate perfume. She didn’t enjoy strong, floral scents but the vanilla musk scent she favored featured the tiniest hint of jasmine. It was a delightful combination that she enjoyed – teasing and a bit unexpected.

Slipping on her shoes, cloak, and gloves, Natalia took one final look in the mirror and pronounced herself ready.

***

The walk over to the ceremony site was quiet, allowing the young woman to lose herself in thought. He hadn’t explained exactly what the ceremony was about, other than where and when it was, so she looked forward to finding out what exactly was being celebrated. Ceremonies were something she wasn’t exactly used to attending so it was unclear if there were customs or traditions she needed to be aware of, but she’d find out soon enough if that were the case.

Arriving, it seemed, just as the ceremony was starting, she noted the groupings of people in various places, glancing around to see if she could spot Woe. Instead of spotting him though, she heard the chants going around. Morandi? That was Woe’s surname. For Egg? Having been adjacent to political creatures her entire life, she was aware of what the ‘Egg’ was, and suddenly their conversation at the Lodge made much more sense. He had asked her what she thought of the Council, and thinking nothing of it at the time, they had discussed the merits and inherent issues with such a governing body.

There was a bit more to the man than she had been aware.

It was a matter for another time though. He had asked her to be there, and she wanted to be there. That’s all she really needed to know.

The man that was speaking mentioned the building being the new Order of the Adunih Outpost of Egilrun, and as her eyes drew to him, Natalia spotted the one she was looking for next to him. Lips slipping to a smile and not desiring to distract him from the event in the least, the young woman simply stood there and listened, curiously thinking about what Woe’s connection to everything was. He hadn’t made a fuss about anything and yet, he seemed to be in the middle of it all.

Interesting.

[Oram Mednix]

Woe is you. Woad is me.

The clothing items were folded and stacked neatly on Oram’s desk, atop which rested a piece of paper with a simple handwritten note: “WEAR THESE.” Oram regarded the note with a puzzled frown; he didn’t recognize the handwriting, though he had no doubt it was one of his fellow Rangers. Setting the note aside, he looked at the clothes, muttering to himself. Why couldn’t Elliot attend this ceremony himself? Why did *Oram* have to represent the Rangers, of all people? Why not Hop, or Jim? But no, Elliot had insisted this was his job, and so now he had new, uncomfortably formal clothes to wear.

The most prominent item was a linen tunic dyed blue with woad. Blue, Signy had assured her hopeless bachelor brother-in-law, was to be all the rage this season, and apparently whoever had picked these out had agreed with her prediction. Oram had no idea how anyone could possibly know what *would* be popular, but he did not dwell on the point. There were gray linen trousers and a black-and-silver belt to wear over them. With a sigh, the hunter put these things on; they were not as stiff and uncomfortable as he had feared they would be, and while he was not at ease in them, he at least did not feel nor look completely ridiculous. And they did fit reasonably well.

He had gotten a new straw hat himself, somewhat similar in design to what townies in Scalvoris were wearing, but still practical and rugged enough to wear in the field. His brown boots, which it would have no doubt horrified his sister-in-law to see him wearing with the blue-and-grey outfit, were as clean as they had ever been.

Once he was ready, Oram head outside and set on foot down the path from the Ranger compound to the harbor, and then towards the erstwhile slave pens that were this trial to be dedicated as the new headquarters for the Order of Adunih. The path he chose avoided the rest of the Ranger compound, so he didn’t have to endure mocking wolf-whistles from the likes of Herman. In fact, he saw no one he recognized until he got to the Order Headquarters.

It was a crowded assembly. The good mood that had been gathering in Oram’s mind during his pleasant walk dissipated as he regarded all the people and listened to their chatter. He was apparently just in time. Woe Morandi was already there, and the head of the Order, Jann something, was already talking, thanking their generous patron and reciting some sort of dedication formula. Oram looked for a spot, near the exit if need be, and parked himself to wait for the formalities and speeches to finish. There would no doubt be mingling afterward, mingling with which he would probably be expected to commingle; at least, he would be sure to congratulate Woe and Jann. He hoped at least the refreshments would be good.

[Faith Augustin]

Dawn of a New Order

Life, Death

&

The In-Between

They were opening a new Order building in Egilrun. Faith, Padraig and their family were back on Scalvoris and so Faith had taken a trip to Egilrun.

As head of the Order of the Adunih, she got invited to all of these things, and it was always a pleasure to be able to attend. Equally, it was good to be back on Scalvoris, back in their home here. Faith and Padraig had moved here - or, more precisely, to Scalvoris town after they had lost their daughter, Rose. Unable to face anything, they'd fled here and, somehow, it had become home. Faith loved Rharne and she had been needed there, but here had always been where she was first seen as just like everyone else. Not a slave, not a former slave. Just Faith.

Of course, these trials "just Faith" was also rather rare. It was only the monumentally uninformed or hermits who didn't know her, these trials. Add in to that the fact that this was Scalvoris - the place where she had abolished slavery, founded a village and run a relief effort which had saved hundreds of lives, this was also the Order of the Adunih. The organisation she ran. So, she figured that surreptitious was not an option. Jann, the Gold Cloak who was officiating. He was talking to a man that Faith knew and she had to resist the urge to do a bit of a double take. She'd met him before.

The young priestess of Vri considered it and then retrieved the memory. Mr Rand. She'd met him in Ne'haer and, at the time, he had been surrounded by ghosts. Faith's silver eyes slowly shifted to red as she saw the ghosts. They were weaker, she thought, than they had been. But they were still very firmly anchored to him. Mr Rand. Mr Morandi. Woe had been the name he'd given in Ne'haer, but on the records she had of the benefactor from Egilrun, it had been W. Morandi. Faith considered this. There was something to be learned there, she realised. Just by not having a first name in the financials, she had missed a piece of information. It was something she'd rectify.

"That's Faith Augustin," Jann said softly and then she walked up to where Jann and Woe were speaking. "Good trial, I hope you don't mind me gatecrashing," she said. She smiled at Jann and offered her hand and then to Woe. "Mr Morandi," Faith said with a smile. Calm, composed, quiet. Always her way. "Thank you so much for your generous donation." Jann looked at her and queried, "Will you be... that is, do you want to..?" Faith turned her attention to him and she spoke in a quiet, soothing voice. "I want to do nothing more than observe and celebrate."

Nodding to them both, she spoke again. "I'll catch up with you after the ceremony?"

She'd spotted Oram Mednix in the crowd. She knew him from when she'd gotten lost trying to find Beacon. Faith smiled at him and lifted her hand in a slight gesture of hello. Since arriving back here, she'd been gathering information on what had been happening. Oram had struck her at the time she met him as a down to earth individual unlikely to be bothered by airs and graces and she liked that about him. There were others from the brown-haired woman in the neutral but well-fitting dress to a member or two of the Glassblowers Guild and, Faith knew, this was the sort of thing where - after the brief ceremony - the mingling would start. She would be sure to speak to everyone here because that was how she was.

So, she went to find a seat where she sat, straight back and hands folded in her lap, Faith listened to the chatter of the audience. The whispered conversations and the intermittent "Morandi for Egg" that she heard. There was lots going on in Egilrun, it seemed, and she was - it had to be said - intrigued.

1st Ymiden, 721

[Woe]

Woe was thoroughly embarrassed by those few calls to name him Egg, though he didn’t quite show it. Discipline tamped down on his urge to react and downplay their calls, yet even still… It drew him back to thoughts of becoming a political creature. It certainly was in his blood, as a son of Sintra, to be drawn toward that calling of politics. He viewed most politicians as horribly self-serving, vain, and obsequious to those above and below. Woe aspired to something else.

He’d rather be a statesman, someone who laid the foundation for a better place in the world. Someone who was merely a politician, especially in a semi-democratic body such as the council, would be too concerned for how they appeared. Woe never wanted to do anything other than be honest with himself. Given that, it stood out to him that the first step toward self-delusion was doling out lies and deception toward others. He preferred not to do that. Better that they forget the unflattering aspects of their association entirely, rather than put in a position to deny it. Besides, Woe never had been a great liar.

Jann alerted him that none other than Faith Augustin had shown up to the celebration. A surprise and an honor to be sure, for the Gold Cloak. Woe was happy for him, yet wary to remember that he’d shared so much of his prior life with the Order’s leader while living in Ne’haer, and still suffering from spark-induced depression.

Woe accepted her hand, shook it. ”We’re glad to have you in Egilrun, Professor Augustin. Do you plan to stay for a while?”

Jann interjected, “Will you be, that is, do you want to…?”

”I want to do nothing more than observe and celebrate” She said, in response to Jann’s query.

Woe, still slightly stunned by the appearance of the legendary founder of the Order, was at a loss for words. He did manage to say, ”That would be good. That is, yes, let’s catch up after Jann dedicates the Outpost. It’s been a long arc or two since we’ve met.”

As he pondered those calls for naming him Egg, Jann poured the glass of water over the steps and sprinkled the threshold of the old Slave Pens with the remainder. Thus was the new Order of the Adunih Outpost anointed. Cheers and polite claps were given by the gathering crowd as Jann bowed before the crowd, having performed the small, humble ceremony. Then it was time for the staff of the Lemon Messy to uncover the food and refreshments that'd been provided by the funds of Morandi. He'd made sure there was enough for a small crowd for the day, which was in truth enough to feed a family for a season. Still, he wanted the people of Egilrun to be aware of the Outpost, and so had spared no expense when it came to the catering. People were always in for a free meal, after all.

Woe turned to the crowd, and couldn’t help noticing that Natalia had arrived. He was glad she was there, not for the least reason that he could cling to her as someone he was already well acquainted with. Yet he also was interested in getting to know her better into the bargain. He waved gently at her from the steps of the Outpost, and once the applause died down, Jann went on to open the doors wide to the Outpost.

Woe nodded at Natalia, and offered her his arm, ”I’m glad you showed up. There are some people I’d like you to meet?” if she allowed him, he’d bring her along for some introductions and reunions that were in store.

He was surprised to find Oram there, and glad that the Ranger head of Egilrun had shown. It was a pleasant surprise anyway. He nodded toward the man as he made his way through the sparsely populated crowd. Then he began making his way, with Natalia if she’d allow it, toward Faith Augustin, who wasn’t too far from Ranger Oram, herself.

”I’d like you to meet Professor Faith Augustin. She’s the Leader of the Order of the Adunih, and many other roles besides. Faith, this is my friend, Natalia Gregorios.” He’d agonized slightly over how to introduce her, but figured that friend was as good a descriptor as any, at least until they had a chance to get to know each other more. Giving the two women a moment to share a word of introduction, Woe turned his own attention toward Oram.

”I’m glad to see you here, Ranger Oram.” He pointed toward the man’s straw hat, shadows flickering from his fingers as the Umbral spark made its presence known. ”That’s some nice headwear you have there.” Woe realized he was probably annoying or boring the Ranger, so he quickly moved onto more substantive subjects. ”How has the Ranger Outpost been faring?”

Expenses

Deducting 10 wp. 5 wp for luxury drinks/alcohol. 5 wp worth of luxury foods.

[Natalia Gregorios]

Ymiden 1, Arc 721

The young woman watched with curiosity as the ceremony was performed - small but profound. It took her a few moments to figure out that they were standing on the site where the slave pens used to be, calling back – once again – to the first conversation had by herself and Woe, over a map of Egilrun. It had been that very conversation that had served to intrigue Natalia. Sensing much more beneath the surface of the man, she had found herself in the wholly unique position of enjoying a conversation. The ones that followed were similar, further captivating her attention.

Clapping along with the others as the dedication was made, she smiled as Woe noted her presence with a gentle wave, returning the gesture. Gracefully making her way through the small group of people to him, she greeted him with a mischievous smile. “Egg? I’m glad to know there are still multitudes of interesting things to find out about you. Oh, your sash has shifted a bit. Allow me?”

If he allowed, her hands would swiftly, but gently, move to the forest green sash he wore, giving it a bit of a tug to realign it with his shoulder. A quick adjustment of the broach and he was sorted in no time. Nodding, a smile was given, lifting her golden eyes back to him. “There. All better.”

Accepting his arm gratefully, Natalia gently replied to his remark about her presence. “I wanted to be here.” It was a simple, genuine response that she felt needed no explanation. She had immensely enjoyed the time they had spent together thus far and the prospect of getting to know the man further was appealing to her.

When he mentioned people he wished her to meet, the young woman nodded, agreeing with a smile. “Of course. I’d be delighted. Lead the way…” It was true that she had the ability to navigate social situations with practiced grace, but that had been in Scalvoris Town. Her confidence to do the same in an unknown place with unknown people was slightly less. Being with him helped steady her, to a degree.

The introduction to the Faith Augustin took Natalia by surprise, although the young woman did everything she could not to show it. Of course, she had heard the name but never considered she would ever have the opportunity to meet her. Inclining her head gently, she offered up a genuine smile. “It is a sincere pleasure to meet you. Do you live in Egilrun?”

Woe’s choice of descriptor for their association was interesting and had she not already been smiling, one would have broken out. To be called his friend brought a bit of unexpected happiness to her. In her opinion, it was the perfect word for people still getting to know each other.

Noting his conversation with a gentleman nearby, to whom she offered a smile as well, Natalia continued to focus on Faith Augustin. Famous people, such as she, were often known about…but rarely known. It was always difficult to know if they wanted to be known so she didn’t push, even though she was curious about her, instead focusing on the more public side of her life. “I’ve heard many good things about the Order. Did you found it as well?” In what she knew of her, she thought she remembered Faith founding the Order but didn’t want to misstep and assume. Always better to ask.

[Oram Mednix]

The Foof is under the Roof!

Oram needed magic spectacles to read the written word. He would also probably need another pair to read a room, and he didn’t have any. Yet even he could sense the excitement that spread through the gathering when Faith entered the room. Oram’s brow creased in concentration. He had met Faith, knew that she was a healer, and recognized her name as that of someone he was supposed to have heard of, to know something about. Then again, the hunter literally spent at least part of each arc living under a rock; following the news of the island closely, and keeping track of who was who, was still a new hobby for him. He smiled and returned Faiths gesture when she acknowledged him, then turned his attention back to the ceremony.

The ceremony was mercifully brief and free of long speeches. The dedication mainly involved pouring water over the steps of the building, which reminded Oram a bit of the Ymiden’s Dawn ritual he had performed himself that morning. That struck Oram as fitting. Oram clapped along with the others. Once that was over, the refreshments were made ready, and the reception began.

The hunter’s first priority was to get some food and drink. He had been to the Lemon Messy, though he had gone there on business and not stayed to savor the fare, and thought he recognized some of the staff. He definitely recognized Tarnborg.

The traveler had planned to seek out Woe to congratulate him, once he’d had something to eat. The man was escorting a pretty young woman Oram hadn’t seen before, and the hunter wondered idly what their relationship was. He seemed to enjoy her company, and that was good. Woe Morandi looked like he needed more things to enjoy in his life. Come to think of it, so did Oram Mednix; however, such things would have to come another time. At the present, he was beset by other concerns.

He was surprised that Woe found him first, after introducing the young woman to Faith and leaving them to talk for a bit. When the man complimented Oram’s hat, the hunter was a bit taken aback. He had assembled his clothes mainly to avoid embarrassment; the idea that somebody would actually compliment him for them had not occurred to him. He nodded and smiled awkwardly. ”Thanks,” he mumbled. ”Hopefully the ladies will think the same.”

His manner turned both more serious and more relaxed when Woe asked how things were going. Oram paused. He could imagine Signy scowling at him warningly, lest he launch into a tedious bout of shop-talk. The hunter wasn’t sure he had the knack for finding the right balance of satisfying genuine curiosity and being polite. Such things were fussy. After a trill of thought, he gave a summary.

”It keeps me busy,” he answered. ”Very busy. I would have thought things would slow down once the place was set up and the worst bits of the Slag’s Deep crisis had been settled, but such is not the case. Folks have decided that I’m the head ranger here or something, even though I’ve never been formally given any such title, and there’s plenty of more senior Rangers around. It’s a lot of work.” He shrugged. ”It’s not bad work. I enjoy most of it. But I wouldn’t mind getting away for a couple trials to just fish or something.”

Oram stopped himself and shook his head. ”Sorry. Probably more than you wanted. Anyway, congratulations on getting this place set up. It’s gonna be good for Egilrun, I think.” So good, in fact, that it made sense that some people might call for Woe to become Egg. Oram was curious what Woe thought about that, but he wasn’t about to press the man. He himself certainly wouldn’t want to be pestered with such questions.

Suspecting that he had already taken up enough of Woe’s time, he sought an exit to the conversation. Excusing himself to procure more food would provide him with that. He excused himself and approached the buffet, catching Tarnborg’s eye and giving him a respectful nod as he recharged his plate with more of the tasty food.

Faith was in demand, apparently. Almost everybody in the Order wanted to talk to her, so Oram would have to wait his turn. If and when it came, he would ask her if she’d been gathering any more Yellow Dragon bits. The hunter recalled her telling him that not only the wood, but the bark, leaves, and flowers all had uses; perhaps he would ask her about that. And he would try not to forget to congratulate Jann. He was the host, after all.

[Faith Augustin]

Dawn of a New Order

Faith was ~ always ~ an observer of people. It was her way. She smiled reassuringly to Woe as she shook his hand. "A few trials at least. We've moved back to Scalvoris and I'm re- acquainting myself with the place." There was another there, so Faith was cautious in her words. When he said that it had been a long time since they met, she nodded. "Indeed it has. I'm sure we're both very different people now. It will be nice to catch up." And then, she bade them both farewell and let them get on with it.

It was a pleasant and simple ceremony, Faith always enjoyed the dedication of a new Order building. There was lots to do, she knew, here in Scalvoris and it was her intention to focus her efforts on the Order and her medicine. It was where she was most at home and she enjoyed the place and the people. Mostly.

Once the ceremony was done, Faith was happy to mingle. She kept a watchful gaze on the actions and behaviour of those around her. She watched as Woe offered his arm to a young woman there - that was telling, Faith thought. So, too, was the way that the young woman in question adjusted Woe's clothing for him. There was something territorial about that gesture and it sent a very clear message to those gathered - and she stored the information away, as was her tendency. Woe and his lady were making their way over and Faith was equally heading towards Oram. "Hello, Oram," she said. "It's nice to see you again." She said it, because it was. She had liked him and his no-nonsense approach when they'd first met, and she was happy to see him here, now.

She turned, then, to Woe and his friend, Natalia. Faith smiled and offered her hand. "Hello, Natalia. It's a pleasure to meet you." She shook her head, then, to Natalia's question. "No, we live just outside of Scalvoris Town. We've recently moved back here from Desnind, where I was recuperating, and Rharne before that." In Rharne, of course, she'd set up and run the Institute for Innovation. "I'm here to see the new Order branch, and to teach a little, I think. I've developed a new surgical technique which I hope will be helpful." Keeping her attention on all of them, Faith heard Oram's description of the Ranger HQ. "Are you involved with the Rangers, now, Oram? That's good to know. I'd like to build stronger links between the Rangers and the Order. I was thinking of trying to have a small group of Order members in each Ranger Hall, Rangers in more out of the way Order outposts. It makes sense to share buildings, I thought." With a sudden grin, she realised something. "And, I'll stop talking business now."

Turning her attention to the matter at hand, Faith couldn't help but raise a question with Woe. "There are a lot of calls for you to be Egg, it seems. Are you planning on entering the battlefield of politics?" A battlefield it was, in many many way. However, it was also something Faith had never engaged in, even when she had been a politician. It was tricky to navigate, but she'd stood firm. Of Natalia's question of if she founded the Order, though, Faith shook her head. "No, I worked my way up through the ranks," she said with a smile. "It's an ancient organisation, in fact. I founded Isonomia, but not the Order. What of you, Natalia? Is politics your arena or do your interests lay elsewhere?" Faith was adept at keeping everyone involved in a conversation and did so easily, now.

Life, Death

&

The In-Between

1st Ymiden, 721

[Woe]

Woe was more than relieved that Faith didn’t seem the sort to let past indiscretions spill out in public, and for that he was very grateful. She only offered him the chance to catch up later, if he wished to take it. He nodded to her, ”I’m glad you’re well. I’m sure Scalvoris has missed one of its greatest heroes.” Woe almost cringed as he said it. Faith probably didn’t want to hear it. And at any rate, he was soon turned around to get groomed by Natalia.

Natalia fixed his sash, which set Woe slightly off-balance when it happened. Still, he let her, and when it was done, she confirmed that it looked much better. ”I’m not the Egg. Liza still holds that title, wherever she is. Although who can say for how much longer?” Quietly, Woe hoped that someone else would rise to the occasion so that he wouldn’t have to. The idea of being in charge, of being the one with their neck on the line didn’t appeal to him very much. But if needs must be, he would allow it.

He led Natalia along to Faith, where the two were introduced. Woe had to wonder how long the Order of Adunih had been on Scalvoris, for Natalia to not know of its age and pedigree as an order of healers. Perhaps Natalia was thinking of Isonomia? It was an understandable mistake if one didn’t concern oneself with either of those organizations or their doings around the Island and wider world.

But for the moment, Woe was engaged in conversation more or less with Oram. He returned his conversation easily enough. Woe was all too aware of how awkward he felt in a crowd of people, yet Oram for all his being a woodsman and Ranger seemed to get on with people well enough. He japed about hoping that the ladies thought the same about the hat.

But soon enough their conversation turned to concerns about business, the business of safeguarding Egilrun. It sounded like he had the matters well in hand, from what he was saying. At least it was good to know there were capable people about to handle the issues that arose from the Slag’s Deep conflict.

”Fishing? I’ve never hunted or done anything like that myself, although I suspect my dog would enjoy such an adventure.” Woe thought about it, poor Botany was languishing in Soraia’s home more often than not. He’d have to take him out more and bond with the beast.

But for now, Oram was excusing himself to the refreshments, leaving Woe with Natalia and Faith.

Woe waited to see what Natalia would say to Faith’s question, not yet interrupting or intervening on their conversation, but standing by to listen in interest.

[Natalia Gregorios]

Ymiden 1, Arc 721

Woe had allowed her to adjust his sash, but once the action was done, her mind kicked in. It had been a purely instinctual response on her part but there was a slight surprise that she had done it at all. The very act of tweaking another’s clothing in that manner, she had done exactly…never. The motivation behind such was still unclear, other than seeing something out of place and attempting to correct it, but perhaps if she thought about it more, something would surface.

He confirmed that he wasn’t the Egg, but it seemed as though it was a future possibility. The young woman couldn’t tell if it was an opportunity he desired but he didn’t avoid the topic entirely, so it was a bit telling in that way.

Natalia smiled, extending her hand in response to Faith, shaking hers. In her experience, some people were more open, and others tended to keep their hands to themselves. As a rule, she always waited to see which someone was before engaging.

She listened carefully as the others spoke, who all seemed familiar with each other, noting that the man named Oram seemed to have some connection to the Rangers in Egilrun. Not being familiar with the Rangers, she paid attention when the man spoke but his thoughts regarding Woe’s question seemed to be broad, revolving around the amount of work. Still, it was always interesting to listen to others.

Her attention shifted back to Faith, and it took only a moment of listening to her to realize the blunder she had made in mixing up the Order and Isonomia. And, of course, she did so in front of Woe and Faith Augustin. Natalia was aware of both but had never directly been involved in either, so her knowledge was based on things overheard and her ability to recall those conversations.

Inwardly sighing, she sought to rectify the issue, offering a sincere smile. “My apologies. I seem to have mixed up the Order and Isonomia.” She considered staying with that train of thought and asking more about both organizations, as well as the Rangers, but by that point, that man had excused himself and Faith was inquiring about her.

Where did her interests lie? An intriguing question, to be sure. There were, obviously, topics that needed to be avoided. Woe knew a little but there was no desire to distract from the others by pulling out the whole sordid mess of her past. Natalia would have far preferred to keep the conversation on others, but Faith had shifted in her direction, and she needed to respond. If one were watching her, they would note a slight hesitation with her words, but what caused the hesitation wouldn’t be readily apparent.

“I’m familiar with politics as a topic but no, my personal interests do not rest in that arena. I’m currently in the process of evaluating where life takes me next, but I do have an interest in business.” Thinking back to the folio back in her room at the Lodge, she seized on that idea. “I’ve been working on a business plan for a stable. It would be more than that, or at least that’s what I’m intending. Scalvoris has some beautifully unique breeds of horses that often are overlooked. I have been contemplating a place where we can bring in these horses and sell them as mounts with varying levels of training, provided by the stable. In this way, we can cater to those that want a horse for leisure-riding, as well as more specialized pursuits.”

Flicking her gaze back and forth between both, she realized that there was far more to the idea than she was expressing, but talking for too long was never good manners, and she had already stumbled once. Instead, she tried to be concise and lay out the idea vaguely.

Smiling at Faith, who had asked the question, she followed up with a small curiosity of her own. “I’ve loved horses my entire life. Do you ride?”