Guards and Order

[Aveline Vallen]

"I know," Aveline says quietly. "You were never really-- this wasn't the life for you. You need a leader, someone to give you guidance, but the guard is too big, too impersonal. I'm sorry I failed you."

[GamesMaster]

Wylde and Solras hand in their badges, their uniforms, their riot gear. Then they go their separate ways, once Wylde's gotten her hormones to calm down enough to allow her to take human form again.

Except Solras doesn't want to go home. She doesn't want to toss and turn all night, wondering if she did the right thing. So that evening, after the guards have left Cattown, after the raid is over, she heads to Lelldorin's church to seek council. 

[NPCs]

From the outside at least, the temple seems to have come through the raid without issue. Granted, it's not inside Cattown but rather just outside it, so that's not entirely unexpected. On the other hand, Father Lelldorin is well known for not just offering guidance, education and food to catfolk but also has more than a few catfolk orphans living there. Regardless, the walls are clear of damage and clean of defacement, the door is unbroken and even the windows are intact. The biggest change from the last time Solras was here is that there aren't any children playing outside. Instead, a burly oread female is playing dice with another woman, a human. Both are wearing leathers and have heavy cudgels on their belts; Solras's guard-trained eyes are able to note the scars, developed muscles and wary eyes which suggest they're a bit more than just some common toughs. 

As the dwarf approaches, the oread gestures for a pause and shifts to face her. Hand drifting to her belt, she calls out in a friendly tone, "you lost traveler?"

[Solras, The Protector]

Solras the Protector thinks about that question for a moment.

"I know where I am, and I know the area around here well enough... But yes, I think I am lost."

[NPCs]

The human laughs a little, then says something in a solid, almost metallic tongue that reminds Solras of dwarven while being very much not dwarven. The oread laughs as well, grinning. "Yeah, sounds like something Pops'll'd say for sure. You mean to come here on purpose then?"

[Solras, The Protector]

"For what other purpose do travelers come to this place, if not for guidance? If not in this physical realm then in their own minds?"

[NPCs]

"Hot meal."

"Cooler than outside in the summer."

"Roof's solid for when it rains."

"Some o'the rugrats live here, poor sods."

"Schooling's a terrible thing to do'ta a child."

"Healing."

"What?"

"Reasons to come here?"

"Oh, right. Sorry, I thought that was about schooling."

[Solras, The Protector]

"I... I suppose I deserved that." Solras the Protector says slowly, looking at the ground.

[NPCs]

The pair blink and turn back to Solras as if they'd forgotten she was there; and the reason for their conversation in fact. "Deserve what?" the human finally asks after a few seconds. "You look like someone stole your beard plaits." Her friend, partner, whatever, smacks her on the shoulder and hisses something at her.

[Solras, The Protector]

"Uhh..." the increasingly confused and nonplussed dwarf mutters before rallying "Is Father Lelldorin here? I was hoping to speak with him..."

[NPCs]

"He does live here, so odds are good," the oread informs Solras, giving the human woman a quelling look. "Who are you?"

[Solras, The Protector]

"An excellent question that. ANd one that is most of the reason for my coming here." Solras the Protector muses. "If you could, It would be most appreciated if you would ask him if he's willing to see Solras, of Uncertain Namings."

[NPCs]

That gets some puzzled looks before the human finally replies, "never heard of that temple afore. Anywho. I'll pop in and see who's around and such. You just sit tight right here and enjoy the fine day we're having." 

It's ninety, cloudless and muggy.

With a grunt, she rises to her feet and ducks inside the temple. The other guard-- for that's clearly what they are-- just hums softly to herself for the minute or so it takes for someone else to emerge from the temple.

[Theta "T" Roidmet]

The girl has long dark hair pulled back into a ponytail and a wicked-looking scar over one eye -- she's lucky she didn't lose the eye, by the looks of it. She's young, slim to the point of looking underfed, and she has a bit of a scowl on her face as a wolf trots at her heels. 

"This way," she grunts, gesturing with her head back into the temple. 

[Solras, The Protector]

Solras the Protector nods and makes to follow this newcomer. "Thank you."