[Temple] Grugnar's Day Out

[Venn Drega]

Immanis 1, XIV PF

Spring was upon the Forest City and Winter had come and gone quickly. The first day of the season was Prima Vera and there were many activities planned for the festive day. He had already made an appearance at the First Seed that occurred at the Cas’ia Javani’a after his morning routines but now he had a duty to perform that he could no longer shirk.

Grugnar had spent past forty days being familiarized with the Temple and its workings. Brother Keller, a middle-aged man with a quiet and welcoming demeanor had dedicated himself to guiding the Orc through the customs at the Temple, showing him the refectory, the gardens, the infirmary, the stables, the library, scriptorium and the many other areas of interest in the extensive grounds of the basilica. The man showed absolutely no misgivings about tending to Grugnar’s needs, treating him like anyone else in need of hospitality. In fact, he seemed to ignore the fact that his ward was an Orc. The guest-master of the Temple also happened to be blind. Brother Keller obviously knew Grugnar was an Orc. He just couldn’t see it.

The rest of the members of the temple also had to settle into the reality that an Orc was among them. Perhaps the Holy Council was using this as an opportunity to teach the Temple orders. If it was, nothing was officially said about it. There were those who tolerated Grugnar’s presence only due to orders while there were others who, like Brother Keller showed nothing but kind deference. The vast majority of members at the beginning walked about as if on eggshells, uncertain as to what to expect or how to treat the Orc. In time however, they grew accustomed to him. Brother Keller was indeed instrumental in this by providing and example of interaction, ever by Grugnar’s side.

A daily routine was set for the Orc that saw him at the morning, midday and evening temple services during which he observed and learned the customs of worship for the Aetherians and the veneration of Planetars in the sanctuary. Lessons in theology were also provided him that gave him some foundation for understanding how the different cultures functioned. All his questions were dealt with patiently and his social mis-steps gently corrected. He was given practical duties such as helping to muck the stables as well as the more esoteric task of cataloging in the library and scriptorium due to his ability to read and write. He was provided some instruction on handling the paper and inks in the scriptorium and taught several forms of calligraphy and illumination of manuscripts. All the while that he functioned within the community of the Temple he was respected as an Orc and his identity as one of the Blood Wren clan was not denigrated. The object was not to indoctrinate but to educate.

This season of learning however was coming to a place where it would go further. The Orc was to take what he had learned beyond the walls of the Temple. There was some concern and trepidation over this as it was uncertain how some citizens would react. What they were sure of was the Grugnar was ready.

Unbeknownst to Grugnar, Venn had been closely monitoring the progress. The paladin took his duties seriously and had daily interviews and debriefs with Brother Keller as well as the other members of the Temple. He often defended the Orc’s presence to those who had misgivings, holding long discussions well into the night, laying before them the reported progress of the Orc. All his efforts remained hidden. In fact, he only met Grugnar rarely passing through the halls. Now he was to speak with the Orc and let him know what was to come.

Venn stopped at Grugnar’s door and knocked. He was sure the Orc would have returned from the morning services at the Temple.

[Grugnar]

"...and so I find myself sitting here penning the beginning of my tale within the last, bittersweet reminder of Archibald's assignment. Where the mage failed, fate succeeds in carving out a new destiny; it brings a feint veil of respect and astonishment and many blessings in disguise. And so on this very last page, I dedicate my journal to the fallen caster. Archibald, I hope you have seen better since you've seen your last. All the good that has been done to me was brought about because of the wisdom found in you.

-- Grugnar, The Temple of the Blessed Hands, Immanis 1, XIV PF


Grugnar sighed softly as he closed the worn, leather journal. He rested his hands upon the tender cover and leaned his back against his chair and listened as the wooden frame against his back gave a little making a soft creak.

The olive green skin looked warmly illuminated as a nearby candle flickered intently, its light playing along the contours of his face. His fangs could be seen as he pinned back his shoulders and smiled. There was a great weight off of them right now. He couldn't seem to remember when he last felt so free.

He poured himself a cup of water and took a slow drink as he pondered over the mornings events. Cleaning the stables was a humbling experience, but he didn't mind as he was doing it out of responsibility and not because of who he was. The blind brother that served as his mentor didn't even mind that he was an orc, although Grugnar wondered if that would be the case if there had been different circumstances. When traveling through Natura he still received icy eyes and stares of disbelief. He would still be a vulgar thing, but he decided that was alright. He would have time to show them differently and he tried his best not to get discouraged. Now the important motive was peace.


He had other chores that needed to be done, but he had always reserved this part of the day for study. They had taught him a great deal about the world at the temple and he found that he was not used to being a student. If one said that his orcish nature was a cause for stumbling, he now believed it. In the first weeks, he wanted to rebel and he certainly did, not wanting to learn from them as he thought they simply wanted to brainwash him into an identity in which they could control.

He now saw different. He picked up a book entitled, "Raynard's Theocratic Guide," and thumbed to the page he had left off. It wasn't soon before he heard heard someone rap upon his chamber door.

He tilted his head back and studied the door for a moment. He usually did not get company. Toleration did not mean friendship. He grunted as he set his book beside his journal and made his way towards the door.

As he opened it and saw Venn, the orc could only raise an eyebrow. He not exchanged many words with the elf since the meeting in the Crafting Hall. To say that this encounter was strange was no understatement.

"Venn," the orc replied. His gruff voice was nature, he didn't have any reason to resent the elven man standing in the entranceway. "Come in." He stepped back slightly and took a seat as the paladin entered.

[Venn Drega]

“Serale, Grugnar,” said the half-elf, stepping into the Orc’s private quarters. The holy knight’s eye took in the simple furnishings of the room and its contents. It was like many others rooms in the Temple and still Spartan as the current resident was still settling in. It would become more cosy and unique over time as the occupant made it his own. His gaze lingered a moment over the leather bound volume on the desk, noting the writing implement next to it. He knew Grugnar was literate but was surprised that the Orc wrote in his own time. It was a curious detail.

“My apologies on not coming to see you sooner,” he said off-handedly as he remained standing. “How have you been finding your time at the Temple?” There was an uncertainty to the paladin’s tone, as if he were tentative regarding how Grugnar might answer. In fact, Venn found himself in a rather unforeseen and novel position. Over better part of a month he had taken the opportunity to track Grugnar’s progress and found his own opinion greatly changed. He was not so naïve to think that all Orcs were like the one sitting before him now, but he was fascinated by the unique qualities shown by Grugnar. If anything, he was curious.

“Would you like to take a stroll with me?” he offered, gesturing with his hand toward the door as an invitation.

[Grugnar]

The orc watched the half elf as he stood and apologized at the lack of words expressed between the two men. Admirable, Grugnar thought, but he also knew that the half-elf was obligated to be the person he was. He did not forget how the paladin had tried his best to upset him earlier.


He still wants to kill you.

No, I don't think he does, Grugnar reasoned. If he did, Ragnash, why not fight me here where no one would question his actions?

Because they've ordered him to make you their pet!

They've done what they could to provide me a path to legal citizenship and peace. Why can't you see that, cousin?

Ach! They have you cleaning their filth and tending towards their pitiful beasts of burden. That's all you are to them, fool, another burden. Another beast.

I hope for both their sakes and yours that you are incorrect, he resigned with a soft sigh. The paladin had asked him for his feelings about the temple.

"Good," Grugnar grunted. That was the extent of his conversation. Perhaps because of his quick, effortless response, Venn asked him if he wanted to take a walk.

The orc flashed the half elf with a sudden, amused look. He stared at him for a few moments before finally saying, "Yes, but if this stroll involves another liver, it's getting shoved down your scrawny, elven throat."

He either chuckled or cleared something from his windpipe. It all sounded the same. The orc stood up and approached the paladin slowly waiting for the half elf to take the lead.

[Venn Drega]

The Tëleris laughed as he opened the door for Grugnar. “No, no more livers, unless you want to go hunting, which by the way is related to what I want to speak with you about.” He said no more but led the orc out toward the gardens. They walked through a rose garden where the buds were just appearing on the shrubs and along a shaded path lined with conifers.

As they walked through the wooded area, Venn began to speak. “Grugnar, the Holy Council and I feel that you have shown that you can coexist harmoniously with others outside of your race. In fact, you have shown much tolerance and understanding.” The paladin glanced across at his companion, remembering how he himself had once been biased against the orc. “We would like to help you to further integrate into the community and ask if you have considered pursuing any of the trades available at the temple. We would like to help you achieve them.”

They came to a long stretch of path that ended at the base of towering cliffs. Two figures stood as if waiting for them. Venn moved toward them. “Besides assisting you in whatever you wish to pursue, we feel that you should be free to move around the city. Although we know that you are no threat to those around you, there are other citizens who are not as understanding and will need time to be convinced. If some of our less courteous citizens become belligerent toward you and force you to defend yourself, the results could be disastrous. We would like therefore to ensure your safety by assigning two of our Silver Stars to you when you move about the city.”

As if perfectly timed, Venn arrived at the base of the cliff where a dwarf in black armor and an elf in an elegant silver trimmed blue uniform stood. “Serale, brethren,” Venn greeted the two. “Grugnar, allow me to introduce to you Fynn,” he indicated the elf, “and Drogal.”

“Vedui,” the elf nodded formally.

“Good Brigtnin’ to ya,” grunted Drogal.

“These two have been entrusted to guide you and our fellow Naturans as you interact. Fynn is very well versed in different customs and practices and should be able to help answer questions you have as well as those from other citizens. Drogal, on the other hand will is very talented in, shall we say, a more direct form of persuasion.” Drogal gave a toothy smile behind his red beard and tapped the mace at his side. “His presence will also project a sense of security.”

“By the way, I have asked that they reassign you from the stables to spend your time entirely at the scriptorium and library. Have you any objections?”