Children of Mercy Role Play

[rokranon]

It can be very difficult to spend much time around children and not become attached. Sir Jonas Rokranon had taken an active part in helping Saint Merielle run Mercy Orphanage since before the building was even gifted to her by the city, and so he knew most of the children well enough. However, after living in the converted attic bedroom with his family during some troubling times, Jonas found himself wishing to take an even more personal role in helping some of the children. The paladin decided to use his connections and influence to the advantage of the youths.

On an early morning in which Jonas did not have duty at low justice court, he pulled David - a tall, very sturdy boy of twelve with brown eyes and dark brown hair, with a medium tan - aside to speak with him.

"You are at a good age to begin an apprenticeship, David. I've noticed your interested in iron-works and smithing. What would you say to going out and meeting a few of the local smiths?"

The boy's eyes light up.

"If ye can help meh, mista Jonas, that woul' cut a buckle alright."

Smiling, the tall aasimar nods.

"Let's have Michael here help us with my horses, and we can ride around to a few smiths."

Michael pipes up.

"You honor me, Sir Jonas. We should inform Sister Meri that we are leaving, though."

Jonas, David, and Michael - a black haired, blue eyed boy of eleven with a fairly sturdy frame - journeyed over to the East Gate stables where the paladin keeps his two horses. As Michael had shown an interest in becoming a squire, Jonas took the time to show both boys the proper way to take care of the horses and saddle them. He decided to ride Hoss, his enormous courser war horse, and let David ride Moonbow, his palfrey. The pair dropped Michael back off at the orphanage before journeying south to Beregost.

Few in the region are as respected with arms and armor as Thunderhammer in Beregost. Although Jonas was not hopeful that Taerom would be willing to take David on, he nevertheless took the boy to meet the talented smith. After having David demonstrate his fledgling skills, the paladin and boy returned to Baldur's Gate where they left the horses at the stables and entered the city, where Jonas introduced David to Maltz, again having him demonstrate skills. Finally, the pair went over to the Wide, the huge main market of Baldur's Gate, and dropped in on a few other smiths to gauge interest. By dinnertime Jonas had returned David to Meri's care, confident that the lad had impressed a couple of the local area smiths.

(( NPC interaction approved by DM Hydrocarbonated. ))

[rokranon]

Before Jonas and Alistaria left on their honeymoon, the paladin of Torm received some good news that he could not wait to tell Meri about, and so made a quick journey to the orphanage. She was not yet there when he arrived, so Jonas spent a bit of time with Larissa after handing Michael his shield for safe keeping. The blonde-haired, blue-eyed girl of about ten with a medium build and height was busy reading when the paladin arrived. They discussed her reading for a time, and Jonas promised to take her to each of the three temples of the Triad when he and Ali returned, as Larissa has interests in priesthood.

Also reading nearby was Beth, another girl of average build, though a few years younger and having brown hair. The very outgoing young lady showed the paladin some of her most recent writing works, which he heartily approved of.

Once Meri returned from the Sanctuary, the tall aasimar pulled the tiny Ilmateri and David aside, into the kitchen. Fighting hard to hide his smile, Jonas was nevertheless betrayed by his twinkling lavender eyes. His intense gaze shifted between the two as he spoke.

"I have received word from the High Artificer over at the Hall of Wonders, and one of the Gondsmen is very interested in having David here apprentice for him."

[LeslieMS]

[Meri beams... but it is nothing like David's smile...]

"That is wonderful. I'd like to meet him of course, and I am sure there are details to iron out, but this is wonderful news. Anything I can do to help get things underway? I mean, you will be heading out soon, yes?"

[She looks to her brother, but gets briefly distracted chasing a muffin thief from the kitchen.]

"Not before supper."

[Nathan, one of the younger children, sulks but returns to his mathematics. Meri looks back to Jonas.]

[rokranon]

Jonas beamed as well, and nodded. His gaze shifted to young David.

"Yes, I need to get back so we can be underway. Head over to the Hall of Wonders tomorrow morning, and inform them who you are. The Gondar will point you in the right direction of the interested Gondsman. This is a great opportunity for you. The followers of the Wonderbringer are renowned smiths and creators. You will not only learn the trade, but likely be inspired to make more than merely arms and armor."

"Thank ye, mista Jonas, so much. I'll not let ye down, I won't."

The paladin nodded acknowledgment, his eyes still twinkling, and looked back to Meri.

"Feel free to go with him to meet the fellow, of course."

Jonas then made his farewells, and turned to depart.

"Your shield, my lord!"

Michael returned the paladin's shield to him, and Jonas made his way out.

[LeslieMS]

[Meri grinned after her brother, and smiled at the two boys. She nodded, and intended to see it through. Giving Jonas a quick hug and sending him on his way with a prayer, she returned to situating the gaggle of children for supper.]

"Supper and then see to the rest of your chores. We will all have busy days tomorrow."

[There was the usual groans and moans, from the usual ones who didn't like to hear such things... David on the other hand... was quick to see to things. It was obvious from his demeanor he greatly looked forward to tomorrow.]

[Pentralia]

The young Maryss turns up missing for a few hours and then returns with no memory of where she had been or what happened to her during that time. There is a tiny incision midway on her left thigh. After her return, she will occasionally scream out in severe pain that seems to encompass her entire body, feeling as if her blood were on fire.

[LeslieMS]

[Upon returning from her duties at the temple, Meri gets the information from Sister Juna, giving Maryss a very thorough looking over, and doing her best to mend whatever has been done.

It bears striking similarity to maladies afflicting local children.

She calls together the children, setting up some new rules.

The children go nowhere alone, and are asked to stay in at least pairs. They are also told to stay within sight of the guards, and those who volunteer.

She then asks any who protect the orphanage, or volunteer there to be extra watchful. The children, of course are not allowed after dark already, but now are also to be watched closer than normal.

Shortly after assuring that all the children are safe, settled, and in bed... Meri quickly makes her way to the Temple of Tyr. She leaves specific instructions that strangers are to be watched more carefully, and sets off to find Jonas.]

[Malacoda]

A short handwritten note is posted at the Elfsong tavern, written in a rough common:
[quote]To the one who paints with pain on the canvas of the young. Seek me at the haven of tyranny. We have much to discuss.[/quote]
It is signed "T of the Final Mercy", written in blood.

[Hydrocarbonated]

The note is removed minute after posting, since neither the keeper of the tavern nor any right-thinking citizen would want such a thing near them.

[rokranon]

Larissa put her book down and reached to tie her blonde hair back up. The young girl's blue eyes fall upon a man entering the orphanage, wearing a black tunic and breeches with a heavy brown cloak up over his head. He looked rather suspicious. How had he gotten past the Radiant Heart knights and Flaming Fist soldiers always guarding the orphanage? She was about to call out for her twin, Elaine, to alert Sister Juna when she noticed the man's faintly glowing lavender eyes beneath his hood.

"Mister Rokranon, is that you? Why are you dressed like that? Um. . .sir."

The tall aasimar flashed a smile, though kept his voice low. Upon closer inspection Larissa noticed the dark circles under his eyes, and ashen complexion.

"Yes, child, it is me. I wished to be able to stroll the city freely today, without being accosted."

"But sir, you look ill!"

"I cannot become ill, Larissa, do not worry. I have merely not been sleeping well. It comes and goes; always has. Please do not say anything to Saint Meri or my wife; I cannot take the coddling. But this is not why I am here. I wish you to walk with me today, and we will go visit the temples of the Triad."

The ten-year-old girl's reaction was one of seeming calm, except the strain around the mouth and eyes to fight back a huge grin. She fidgeted a bit, as if to keep from jumping up and down.

With a smile that brightened the paladin's eyes considerably, he ushered her out and spent most of the day taking her around to speak with the high priests of the three temples: Eldric Sulnar of Tyr, Celwig Olwyn of Torm, and Brother Marcus of Ilmater. The young girl spent much of the time at the first two in silent awe of the splendor. As the sun began to fall below the horizon, Jonas escorted Larissa back toward Mercy Orphanage.

"Mister Rokranon, is there a call I should be feeling? I want to help, but I don't think any of the gods are calling me."

Jonas smiled as they walked a bit more, before replying.

"Paladins feel a call, and those favored by a deity know from a very young age. Those who join the clergy for the most part do so for a desire similar to yours; to help others, and spread the word of their patron. You have the heart of a protector, Larissa. It is easy to see. You are less interested in healing others as in keeping them safe. In this role you would do well serving any of the Triad. You need not make a decision today though. You have time."

"Would I report to you? Don't you lead the churches. . .sir?"

She tacked on the last word as if an afterthought. Jonas laughed.

"No, no. I am senior paladin in Baldur's Gate, but I do not lead any of the churches, even the church of Torm. Paladins are not heads of church, that falls to the high priests. I answer to High Priest Olwyn."

They walked in silence for awhile, before Larissa spoke again.

"Would I have to kill, Mister Rokranon?"

His intense gaze shifted over to the young girl, his expression kind.

"Focus on how you can be a shield for those weaker than yourself, and not about who will suffer."

She nodded thoughtfully at this as they came back to the orphanage, and said their goodbyes, Larissa thanking the huge paladin. After she headed inside, Jonas murmured to himself as he turned back toward the city, and his home.

"The killing never gets easier, you just focus on what needs must. I have taken more life than I care to remember. I hope my own nightmares do not affect you in turn someday, child. . .but service to the Light is not easy."

[LeslieMS]

[Things are busier than usual at the orphanage. It seems that some children are being prepared to move to new homes, among them, the Elven twins... It would also appear that the orphanage is being made ready to accommodate a few more children. Preparations even include making ready for at least one more infant.]

[LeslieMS]

[As Sister Juna prepares to take over the orphanage while Meri is away, Final arrangements are made for the children. It is a long and tearful night as Meri says her goodbyes to each child... who are as much her own as any.

Alierna and Luilla, the Elven twins had gone to Doron Amar several months ago. Meri took time to write each a letter, sending them each a gift of books.

Maryss expressed her wishes to stay and help at the Orphanage. She will help Sister Juna, and keep the gardens which grow many of the temple's healing supplies.

David still busies himself with his work apprenticed to Gond's smiths. He has taken to being the resident handy-man when he is not busy with his work and studies.

Anne too, will remain to help teach the children. The life of a teacher suits her, and she is content to remain to help future generations. She has long acted as Meri's second pair of hands, and is more than willing to take up the mantle under Sister Juna.

Michael will travel with the Rokranons, with much to learn of Torm, and having long been taken up as Jonas' page. He intends to continue his studies, in earnest.

Elaine and Larissa will also travel with the Rokranons. Elaine will study under Jonas' arcanist brothers, and Larissa will train along side the Triadic clergy in Zazesspur.

Nicholas, Daniel, Gale, Ophelia, Ashley, Vera, Riley, and Andrew will all remain, to continue their studies from the orphanage. They will remain until they are adopted, or ready to take on apprenticeships and trades.

Peter, Beth, Nathan, Katrina, Henry, Jenny, Angeline, Charles, Shelly, Flora, Gavin and Marcus have arrangements for adoptions in Damara, Waterdeep, Mosstone and Neverwinter. They will under Sister Juna's care until the Ilmatari overseeing their adoptions leave with them over the next tenday or so.

Sarah and Tess, The youngest set of twins, and Inara's best friends, will be Traveling with Meri and Tessian. As these final arrangements are set in place, Everyone sets down for a final supper, in which Meri spared no expense on the meal, the last they will share for a very long time... if ever again.

The youngest member of the orphanage, Jasmine... Is due to leave with her new parents, Merchants who will return to Waterdeep in two days time.

[LeslieMS]

[Meri looks to the elder priestess, long time friend, and held in deepest of respects.]

"Sister Juna... Juna my dear... I leave them in your care while I am gone. I know you will tend to them as if they were your own. The normal volunteers will be about to help as needed. Anne and the others will also be helping you. The Radiant Heart and the Triadic Knights will guard you all, protect you from the Thayan wolves at the doorstep. They are not welcome within these walls. This is still my home. You will be kept safe. I will write often, and if there is need for anything at all, merely send word. I will visit as soon as I am able."

[The two exchange a hug. Sister Juna and Meri whisper quietly for some time, before Meri makes one final trip to the temple.]

[Kaden Asen]

Thedran quietly pushed opens the door of the orphanage, and steps silently inside. The magic he uses to quiet his steps keep his presence unknown to the children who are climbing into bed. Stepping into the door way he watches silently as Sister Juna tucks the children in.

After the children have gone to sleep he sets the table for tea, and does his best to make a pot. His heavy hands as always have trouble holding the tea pot, and make it impossible for him to hold the proper tea cup. Though after he finishes he sets the pot on the table, and turns to stock the stove for the night.

After a quiet evening of the caretakers sharing a cup of tea, and fellowship everyone turns in for bed. Thedran clears the table and makes his rounds to every window, and every door. He ensures they are all properly locked, and warded. During his patrol along the outside of the orphanage he checks on the gardens, picking a few weeds and shooing off the first attack by the rabbits. After nearly two hours of walking about the orphanage, he turns to his customary place near the stairs.

"Keep them safe" He whispers to himself, and glances to the softly lit room full of sleeping children. After several moments of staring he leans back against the wall, and passes another sleepless night.

[LeslieMS]

Meri looks over the children recently brought to the orphanage. Sister Juna follows her gaze. Her brow creases. The trio plays quietly, not apart from the others anymore, as the last few days have seen them grow more accustomed to yet another change of environment.

“They are doing better than when Thedran brought them here, yes?”

Sister Juna nods… Meri continued to watch the children as they played indoors. Many of them would loathe the Coastal rains… but overall it was another smoothly running day.

Indeed the three were doing better, certainly healthier, eating more than crumbs now, and speaking from time to time. Most of what they suffered had been reduced to nightmares. The older children, too understood that the new arrivals had dealt with much. For the most part, they were kind offering friendship and trying to keep their minds from their troubles.

Sometimes, the nightmares sent them flying from their beds in fear… Especially the two young girls, Ashley and Elizabeth. Sean, the eldest of the three at age seven, was more stoic because he was ‘as brave as any man’. Self-proclaimed bravery, but it none the less held true. Though the three children didn’t know each other before their ordeal, they had grown the sort of bond these types of tragedies instill.

At age six, the two girls shared much in common besides their ordeal. Both fond of similar things… and both horribly homesick. In fact all three of them were. Though exact details had yet to be gleaned… it was evident that the three were not orphans at the time they were spirited away from their families.

Ashley very much misses her dog. She has stated on several occasions that she hopes the bad men didn’t hurt her dog, Benjamin, or Ben for short. Elizabeth has mentioned a farm from time to time… but overall the children haven’t mentioned much of what came before their rescue.

“We should see to getting them home. I should speak with the Order, and have everyone ask around for missing children. Once Sean is over this cold he has… and once they are more emotionally stable… we can see about specifics. I don’t want them overstressed though.”