[Temple] The Birth of a Star (Venn)

[Austin Eventide]

2nd Cycle of Aperitus, Summer, Era II, XIV PF

The Winehouse had finally opened. After a month of renovations, Austin was quite pleased with how the project turned out. He now had a stable income and very comfortable lifestyle and although running the place was a bit of work, he had a wonderful staff that helped him accomplish much of what he could not otherwise do on his own. His head chef, Iveunde helped a lot with the economic aspect of things while the assistant, Jipok and the waitresses did an amazing job at running the routine tasks. Along with his grounds keeper and maintenance boy, the Winehouse ran smoothly and though he still needed to attend to many things, he found that there was a decent amount of time to pursue his other goals.

The first of those other goals was perhaps the most important which is what brought him to the entrance of the Temple of the Blessed Hands. Looking more like a fortress than a temple, Austin had only viewed it from a distance before. Now that he stood before it, he could see the elvish influences on the design and the structure took on a greater beauty in his eyes. Taking a deep breath and releasing it, he stepped through the doors and entered the temple.

His eyes were immediately greeted by the stained glass windows that revealed depictions of the Divine. Entranced for many moments looking at each depiction, his had to force his eyes from the beauty so that he could focus on making his way further across the white marble floor. He made his way through the main hall of the temple looking and hoping to see the familiar face of the man who first invited him to the temple. Venn Drega had offered to aid Austin in his goal of finding a greater service to Carmelya; the Goddess the Eventide family had chosen as their patron. Austin had mixed feelings toward the paladin considering the elf's relationship with Avrie, Austin's sister. Then there was of course the request to for Avrie's hand in marriage that Venn had made to Austin. Regardless, Austin pushed passed that and now sought a follow-up to the offer.

[Venn Drega]

Priestess Syl'lyth, still new to her ascension from acolyte to full status in Order of the Silver Chalice, greeted the man cheerfully, introducing herself and asking how he might be served. When Venn's name was mentioned, she caught the arm of a passing paladin dressed in a blue silver-trimmed robe. "Jorn, this man is looking for Venn," she said in a casual manner that belied how close the members of the different orders housed at the temple were. Jorn, a man with short blond hair and a goatee, looked Austin up and down as if making an assessment.

"I'll take him to the Commander," he finally smiled to Syl'lyth. Looking to the visitor, he bowed slightly and said, "Please, follow me." The man led Austin through the extensive stone halls of the internal structure of the temple until they reached the temple library. Three large adjacent rooms housed all sorts of tomes, sheafs and manuscripts stacked on shelves housed on four open levels along the sides of the rooms that were accessed by a series of iron-wrought stair-cases. These levels looked down onto the floor of each room where large tables were situated for reading or research. It was at one of these tables that Venn stood, examining a tactical map upon which troop symbols had been drawn with movement arrows and notations. He was writing on a parchment when his colleague and Austin approached.

"Venn, Austin Eventide is here looking for you," Jorn made the introduction, obviously fully aware of who Austin was. Natura was not all that big a city after all.

The temple commander looked up from the map. "Ah, my thanks, Jorn," he replied with a nod that dismissed his fellow paladin. Jorn nodded and then took his leave of the two. "Serale, Austin. Glad you could come by for a visit," Venn greeted his visitor. "How do you find the Temple?" he inquired. He also waved a hand towards a tray of bottles, cups and a teapot. "Can I offer you something to drink?"

[Austin Eventide]

Austin put on his highest level of charm and sophistication when greeted by Priestess Syl'lyth. After having mentioned Venn and having another man flagged down to aid in finding the elf, Austin gave Syl'lyth the trademark Austin smile and slight bow before turning to greet Jorn. As the man looked at Austin in a way reminiscent of the way the Austin's tutors used to look at him, Austin looked right back at him as if also evaluating. Yeah, I could take him, Austin thought to himself when the main finally agreed to lead the way to Venn. As Jorn led the way, Austin thought to told himself he would have to stop letting little things get to him and not immediately become defensive even by the slightest glance. Such was his nature though and not easily overcome. Though born of moderate wealth, Austin was always one to jump to a fight if he saw it possible. Over the past few months however he found that such inclinations were fading even if such thoughts were still fresh in his mind.

He followed Jorn through the stone halls of the temple and found the structure quite impressive. From his time studying under dwarven tutors, he could pick up on the heavy dwarven influence in the temple's construction but also saw the elven hand involved as well. When they reached the library, Austin was awakened to a wide array of books and other written material that he could only imagine the contents of. He looked up and saw the stairs leading to the various levels and simply marveled. His gaze finally made its way to one of the large tables where he saw a familiar figure standing, looking at what appeared to be some sort of map.

Austin waited for Jorn to get Venn's attention. When the commander turned his eyes to Austin and greeted him, Austin took a few steps forward and gave an upward nod to the elf. "Serale to you too, Venn Drega." Austin looked to where Venn motioned and saw the tray of bottles, cups and a teapot. He went over to pour himself a cup of tea. Tea was not his drink of choice of course yet he felt it more appropriate considering the locale. "Well, see, it kind of depends on what exactly you mean by that question. Cause for one, I walked up the trail and since it's a big stone fortress in the middle of the woods, it's not too hard to find. Two, I find the temple a bit bland. You could use a bit of landscaping, a few fruit trees, a flower or two." Austin was looking down at pouring his tea when he spoke; his tone was dead serious. When he finally finished fixing his drink, he turned to Venn and cracked a smile indicating that he was merely throwing out a bit of humor.

[Venn Drega]

Venn chuckled at the Eventide's dry wit, it reminded him of a certain brother in the temple whose expertise was in history and never cracked a smile even when recounting the most ridiculous events either past or present. He also noted that Austin opted for tea rather than a spirit although the tea was as brewed as strong as any other drink in its own manner. The temple commander leaned back against another table and crossed his arms in a relaxed stance to converse.

He pointed to the map before him. "This is an account of a historic siege where an army of dark elves attacked a small but critical outpost in a mountain pass. After a week, with all supplies depleted the gates were breached. For all intents and purposes, the defenders should not have survived the engagement and yet they lived to tell the tale and have this map drawn. The only explanation they gave was divine intervention." Venn paused and watched Austin closely. "Some have dismissed the report as mere legend or fantasy but what do you think?"

Venn took a more casual tack and asked, "So, my friend, what brings you to the temple today? I remember you saying that you sought to serve Carmelya in some manner. Did you come by for one of the services in the sanctum or for something more?" Venn was aware that the young man had the inclination to serve the goddess, perhaps to fulfill the child-hood dream of becoming a paladin. The half-teleris did not wish to press his visitor however, allowing for Austin to pursue his own thoughts and desires, expressing them in the manner that best suited him.

[Austin Eventide]

Austin looked at the map that Venn pointed to. He then considered the question that the paladin posed. Could there indeed be divine intervention at work that allowed the defenders to survive? Austin had grown up with a family faith in the Gods and more specifically, Carmelya. Thus he was predisposed to believing it wad divine intervention. However, he was also one to also believe in the strength inherent in the individual; a strength he felt was granted by the Gods and available in times of great need. After a short few moments of thought, he answered Venn's question. "Well, of course I am one to think that the Gods had a hand in this, however, if you look at the map..." Austin approached the map, looked at it a moment, pointed to a few locations and continued, "It is also possible that the defenders could have won without direct intervention. See, a mountain pass is by its very nature, difficult to traverse. Many are also known to be narrow and restricting to large armies not to mention food and supplies being difficult to maintain. It is very possible that the attacking army was severely weakened before it breached the outpost gates. If this were the case, then a small group of defenders, well prepared and then guided by the hands of the Gods, could have successfully defended against and survived such overwhelming odds." Austin was a man who held faith in the gods yet felt they acted in more subtle ways. The way he saw it, the Gods did not make one brave or great. Instead they granted one the opportunity to be just that. "Perhaps the gods set into motion the events that transpired which allowed the defenders to show their true worth."

He took a sip of the tea. Indeed it was rather strong but to a man born to wine, it was more of a delicacy. "I have been giving some thought to what you mentioned to me at the Masque. See, I have established myself here with a Winehouse of some promise and have thus provided myself with a comfortable living. Although it does have some demands, I find myself with a bit more freedom to pursue other interests. One of those interests is working toward finding my true calling. I seek service to the Goddess and would hopefully take that service toward becoming a Paladin of the Faith. That is of course if this temple would have me."

Austin had mentioned to Venn the fantasies he used to enact as a child where he would stalk the grapevines of the family winery hunting orcs and other dangers in the guise of a brave elven paladin. As he grew older, the fantasies faded yet the dreams continued of one day wielding the blessings of Carmelya against those who would defile the beauty of nature; a beauty which he had just recently truly realized with his arrival in Natura.

There were other things he wished to speak with Venn about; mainly his sister, Avrie yet he refrained. Such a topic he felt was not appropriate although it did weigh heavily on his mind.

[Venn Drega]

Venn attended carefully to Austin's answer, noting that the man neither credited the gods blindly nor did he dismiss the divine. The half-teleris sipped his own cup of tea which had become a little cooler now than he liked, so he moved to fill his cup from the pot. "Hmmmm, perhaps," he remarked as he poured. "The relationship between the Aetherians and mortals is complex." He added cream. "Although a paladin learns to wield a blade and certain magicks, these are but the rudimentary steps." He returned to his stance against the table three small spoonfuls of sugar were put into his cup. He then fixed his eye upon Austin.

"My role, and the role of other instructors to those seeking to enter the order is one of discernment. This however requires that we observe a candidate over a period of time after they become a squire in the order. Squires accept the duties and responsibilities of a paladin and are trained in the basic skills, but what is most important is what is here," Venn pointed towards Austin's chest in estimation of the location of his heart. "And here," he indicated his visitor's head. "What is required here is not perfection, but integrity." There was a demeanor the commander had taken that might have reminded Austin of a school-master for a moment, but that faded as Venn's features softened.

"What would it mean for you to serve Carmelya, my friend? Do you understand the implications of what you seek? And would you, if you were in my position, accept a man like yourself into the order?" The paladin's tone was not one of challenge, but compassionate inquiry. He could sense the man's desire, hope and ambition but wanted his friend to consider the significance of such a decision. Venn had seen too many fall in the Battle for Zerdargia and it was a constant reminder to him what the demands of this calling was. He could not imagine having to subject Avrie to the death of both husband and brother were they to make the ultimate sacrifice.

Venn turned his eyes back to the map before him. Divine calling and Mortal will generated a dynamic that could call one to the most heroic and the most costly path.

[Austin Eventide]

Austin listened as Venn spoke of his role and that of the instructors. He lowered his head as he heard of squires and responsibility and of what is required of one who chooses to train beneath the skilled eyes of those who serve within the temple. Indeed Venn reminded Austin of the many tutors that instructed the boy as a child; that taught him of the customs, language and culture of the elven race and to an extent, the dwarves.

Venn posed a question of what it was to serve Carmelya. Austin thought he knew what it meant to serve. He remembered his childhood and how it felt to fight the imaginary orcs and evil in the name of the Goddess. Though he didn't know if that is what it truly was to serve, he felt as though it was a part of it, if only a small one. Then there was the question. A question of whether or not if Austin, in the position of Venn, would accept such a person as he into the order.

After a moment of thought with Venn turning to face the map before him, Austin responded.

"I would answer your question in two parts. Why I wouldn't and why I would accept such a request of becoming a part of the order." Austin sighed deeply as he began the litany of his transgressions.

"I will begin with why not as it is the longest of the two. I have been known as a womanizer, a drunkard, jealous and quick to anger. I have been vengeful, arrogant and reckless; careless."

Austin closed his eyes as he recalled his personal flaws.

"However, I believe I am honest, chivalrous, protective of those whom I see being in my charge. I am honorable as in I always face my opposition head-on and without fear; using tactics that offer me the best advantage without being dirty. I am faithful although I am not blind." He opened his eyes and looked to where Venn faced away from him.

"Would I accept one such as I into the order...probably not on first impression. Yet I have discovered things about myself since coming to Natura...things I did not know exist. I feel that it is within me to become more than what I have proved myself to be thus far. I ask you only for the opportunity to prove myself. If I fail, then deny me. But I ask of you, and of Carmelya to allow me the chance." Austin took a knee with his head lowered. It was a VERY rare occurance that he ever displayed such an act of humility and his words sounded as sincere as his heart could lend.

"I ask you...brother...to help me."

[Venn Drega]

His piercing obsidian eyes searched Austin's expressions as the man answered the questions. He could sense the regret and contrition in his voice. The sincerity and transparency with which Austin spoke warmed Venn's heart and he knew the quality hidden within his brother-in-law. He also recognized that Austin might not be aware of his own potential and that he might have need indeed to pardon himself for past mistakes. And then came the heartfelt plea simply for the opportunity to prove himself. In fact, the paladin was surprised to find Austin on his knee to beg, going as far as invoking their newfound familial bond. Venn could not help but love this man and felt his heart swell with compassion for him.

The half-teleris reached out and caught Austin by the elbows, "No, Austin, you don't need to..." He lifted the man to his feet, his dark eyes revealing his appreciation of the gesture. "Your ability to know your faults and your ability to confess them so openly speak well of you. I think you are already well on the journey to being who you are called to be and I will not bar your way." He put his arm around his brother-in-law. "Come, let me show you the rest of the temple where you will be training as a paladin." Venn minced no words but simply spoke his mind on the matter. The path Austin had chosen was not easy, but he would help guide him as far as it took him.

[Austin Eventide]

Austin stood with Venn helping him to his feet. He smiled at his brother's words and nodded as Venn set off to lead him through the rest of the temple to point out where he would be training. If he had strange feelings about Venn and Avrie together, those feelings were quickly fading as he started to see how noble and honorable Venn was. Austin had hoped that the man would accept him into the order yet he had doubts at first. As he had said about himself, Austin was not the most pure of heart and had many faults. Being able to see past those and grant Austin a chance show to him that Venn was more worthy of Avrie than originally thought. As far as the Silver Stars were concerned though, there were still many questions to be answered as Austin was quite new to the world which he had just entered. He figured to ask a couple while they made there way through the temple, hoping to get more of a feel for what he was opening himself to.

"So, are there special routines that required? I mean I am pretty sure there is a certain code to be followed but what is a typical brightening like for someone in the order?" Austin had dreamed all through his childhood of being a paladin yet he only imagined the heroic, grand aspect of it that could all be just in his head. He knew there had to be more to it and the more he thought of it, the more he looked forward to finding out.

[Venn Drega]

"Well, the day in the life of a squire begins early with morning blessing in the primary sanctuary and the first meal," Venn explained as he walked with Austin to the refectory and then the kitchen. "This is followed by a rotation of chores ranging from cleaning, helping to prepare meals or mucking the stables along with the novices and acolytes from the other orders. The abbot will post the daily schedule here in the refectory. I will be sure to add your name to the list." They moved through the kitchen and out to expansive gardens, past the icehouses and to the outdoor training ground. "After the chores, you will have weapons practice either here, in the indoor arena or the training courtyard. A tutor will be available as well as ample sparring partners during that time. Alternatively you may brush up on riding skills and learn horseback combat techniques." Venn lead Austin to the indoor arena before visiting the training courtyard by way of the stables. He then ascended one series of stairs after another through the labyrinthine upper levels of the basilica proper. From time to time Austin would catch a glimpse of Natura through the windows and along open terraces. "There is a good amount of free time from the mid-brightening meal before theology lessons and thaumaturgy training." They finally reached the pinnacle of their climb, a long terrace that rested upon a massive rock face jutting out so that it was like a prow of a ship looking over Natura. This was The Promontory and it afforded a view south and eastwards to the Dolwoods, the Central Basin and beyond. Behind them the Great mountains rose up and the glow of Aslans forge could be seen when the suns were low. "The day ends with a conversation with one's mentor, the attendance of vespers and the last meal."

"Quite the vantage-point, isn't it?" the paladin noted, casting an eye over the land that stretched out before them. He said nothing for a while, simply allowing the glory of the natural world revealed to whisper to them. He then cocked his head slightly to ask, "Have you been unbound, Austin?"

[Austin Eventide]

Austin listened as Venn described what the basic life and duties of a squire entailed. He knew there would be work but didn't expect it to be so dirty for lack of a better word in his mind. The idea of chores such as cleaning, meals and mucking the stables did not sound all that appealing. Of course he did his fair share of cleaning and meal preparation at the Winehouse so such things weren't out of the question nor was mucking stalls as he grew up around horses and owned a couple of his own with his own small stable. The thing was that he envisioned squirehood to be a bit more grand yet somehow it didn't surprise him that they were taught humility before attaining such a position as a paladin. As the passed by the kitchen, Austin noted that although not as stocked and grand as his own, it was more than capable of creating some serviceable meals.

He was rather impressed at the gardens as they were rather large and held quite a beautiful display of greenery. He took mental notes of things that looked the best as to perhaps add some of the theme to his own small collection. He was mainly silent as Venn introduced the various areas of the temple to him and described his chores. When they came to the training area and Venn told him of weapons practice, Austin became a bit more upbeat. As with his father, Austin was always excited at the opportunity to wield his blade and learn new uses and techniques. The temple grounds provided more than enough opportunities for such things. At one point, Austin did speak and turned to Venn, "Um, one thing, my asking you to help me, the chores and all that...can that be between you and I? I mean, don't tell Avrie."

The riding facilities also impressed him and he looked forward to the idea of horseback combat training. Perhaps he would even learn how to use a lance as he once saw in a jousting tournament as a child. As they continued to ascend through the upper levels of the basilica, the glimpses of Natura from the windows offered an amazing view and he had to force himself from stopping and staring.

Venn mentioned thaumaturgy. This was something new to Austin who had no experience with arcana outside of stories of druids and their working of arcanic powers tied to nature and the land. Such were stories he had heard as a child from his elven tutors. He had heard of thaumaturgy as a term but knew nothing beyond that. The idea that he would be trained in it sent tingles through him.

As they stood upon the promontory and looked out over the surrounding land, he was about to ask exactly what Venn meant by the term thaumaturgy when Venn commented on the vantage point and then asked Austin if he were unbound. Austin was familiar with the term, 'unbound' and how it referred to those capable of wielding the energies of the arcane.

"Unbound? I have never had the opportunity or know if it is even possible for me to be. Are you saying that I will have the chance to be unbound and practice such mystical arts?"

[Venn Drega]

"You have my word," the paladin nodded at Austin's request that the menial labor he would do as a part of his duties not be mentioned to Avrie. He could understand how such things could wound the man's pride but was impressed nonetheless that the new squire did not balk or complain other than to ask this small favor. Venn decided that he would put in a good word for the young man to the abbot, outlining Austin's skill and experience as a vintner which would likely ensure that Austin would find himself working in the vineyard rather than in the stable. The Temple did take pride in producing an extraordinary albeit a very exclusive selection of wines. The abbot might even allow Austin to promote the Temple's wine beyond the walls of the basilica. It did contain unusual qualities after all due to the fact that it was influenced by the Tears of Carmelya. This however would require some time and trust as the vintage was a very closely guarded secret.

Venn noticed Austin's interest when they passed through the training areas. There was a mysterious series of pulleys and an overhead contraption in all of them that Austin would learn about soon enough. He also watched the man eye the lances in the stable armory. Few paladins actually chose include jousting in their repertoire as they preferred honing their skills with their primary weapons on horseback but Austin might be one of the exceptions. The Naturan commander himself fought exclusively with the sword when horsed although he had practiced the subtle mechanics of lance work.

As they watched their fellow Naturans scurry like ants from their perch in the Promontory, Venn realized by the nature of Austin's reply and query that the newly made squire had not been exposed to the arcanic arts. "Indeed, Austin, every knight of the order is well versed in wielding the very substance and power of life itself as thaumaturgists." He placed a hand on his companion's shoulder. "And so shall you be as well. To be unbound is to be able to move in the mystic realm of magic. It involved a process by which you become aware of the energy that flows through all things. Thaumaturgy specializes in divine power. A paladins we have the ability to heal, protect and execute divine judgment." Venn wondered if his ward had any apprehensions regarding this dimension of accepting his new vocation. "How does that sit with you to become a mage as well as a warrior?"

[Austin Eventide]

Austin was not sure at first how to answer Venn's question about becoming skilled in magic as well as the fighting arts. He was filled with a mixture of excitement and a little fear. Could he really find it within himself to become such a person? Before coming to Natura he would never have fathomed such a thing becoming realty but now that he began to humor the idea, it began to grow on him. Yes, he could become much more than he ever thought possible and use such grand skills and abilities to help others and fight back the pockets of evil that infected the land like parasites leeching off of the life-blood of the innocent. He could add even more honor and prestige to his family name in the process, making his parents proud and carrying on the Eventide name as one to be respected and looked to for justice. Then of course there was the bit of him that thought wielding magical arts would be the most exciting thing in his life to date; how could he turn down such a collection of benefits.

He turned his head to Venn and answered the paladin's question, "Just tell me where to start."

[Venn Drega]

Venn smiled at the fearless glint in Austin's eye. "Very well, Austin. Meet me three candle marks after the rising of the suns. I will be at the Sacred Wood." He turned to look back down over the temple complex. "See, there beyond the gardens, the wood along the base of the cliffs. Within it you will find the Circle of Light. It is there we will discover whether or not you have the gift." He looked back out over Natura, seeking out the Winehouse Austin had built. "Bring nothing with you. And let whoever needs to know that you may be away up to several brightenings."

[OCC: Meet you at The Circle of Light!]