Mentor, Protector -- Third Lesson
Mendoza wrote:After fetching Nerys at her campsite outside the city walls, Dorne and the emissary from the Greyfox make their way to the Orphanage near the temple of Illmater. The pair gather up the few Lion Cubs staying there before heading towards the Pathfinder's Hall. Once there, they gather up the remaining children. He makes sure to point out to Nerys the three potential trio who showed interest in the Greyfox.
Duster47 wrote:Nerys greets them all with a smile saying, "Cool winds, lion cubs". Her smile lingers a bit longer on the three children.
DM Arrakeen wrote:The whole group greets both Nerys and Dorne with waves, nods and smiles.
Mendoza wrote:When all the Lion Cubs are finally present, Dorne instructs them to stand at attention. He then introduces Nerys to them, "Lion Cubs, this is Nerys Greyfox. She will be joining us for our lesson today. You all will listen to her and follow her instructions as if they were coming from myself, is that understood? He patiently waits for a reply from the group before continuing.
DM Arrakeen wrote:"Understood!" There is no confusion among the kids.
Mendoza wrote: "Today, we will not be practicing. Instead we will be taking a small field trip around the Gate to visit the various monuments of those who bravely gave their lives to defend this city." After explaining today's lesson, Dorne commands the Cubs to Form Up and they exit the Pathfinder's Hall.
DM Arrakeen wrote:Lion Cubs assume their positions keeping the formation more or less. Nerys being there slightly confusing them in the first few moments.
Duster47 wrote:Nerys brings of the rear of the formation, gently guiding any who wander back to their place.
Mendoza wrote:The group makes their way towards Ragefeast's tower in the Palace District. As they get closer, Dorne steers the Cubs towards the black obelisk next to the tower. "This is our first stop." He lets several moments pass, allowing the children to examine the monument before he speaks up. "Can anyone tell me who this obelisk is meant to honor?" He patiently waits for one of the children to reply.
DM Arrakeen wrote:Neither of the little warriors has any idea. They look to one another, then to Dorne.
Mendoza wrote:"It is important that each and every one of you remember these brave men. They fought and died for something greater then themselves. Nobanion teaches us that we should protect those that are weaker than us. This memorial is honoring soldiers who did just that, and we must honor them by never forgetting their sacrifice."
Duster47 wrote:Nerys finally speaks up, "A death in battle is the most honorable death of all. This stone is a constant reminder of them. In my tribe, we share stories or songs to honor the fallen."
DM Arrakeen wrote:Some of the kids turn a bit sad, others thoughtful or even mildly irritated but they remain silent. War and the lost that comes with it brings different memories in everyone.
Mendoza wrote:The group then makes their way to the second stop in the Palace District near Mudd. Again, Dorne allows the children to gaze upon the monument before speaking. "Can anyone tell me who this statue is meant to honor?" He patiently waits for one of the Lion Cubs to reply.
DM Arrakeen wrote:Riley looks at the others then speaks quietly, "I think it's a priest blessing us."
Mendoza wrote:"You must know yourself and your enemy. If you do this, you will be in a thousand battles and will have a thousand victories. This memorial honors those who fell in battle. Those who fell did not know themselves or did not know their enemy, that is why it is important to train your mind and heart as well as your sword-arm."
Duster47 wrote:Nerys continues the thought, "What Dorne says is true, for true strength comes from your heart." She pats her chest. "Those with a fire in their blood can become warriors if that is the path they choose. Also, those we honor here are also the victims of the battle. Many citizens of this walled village died in the battle along with their defenders. It is not their fault. Sometimes the enemy is stronger. There is no loss in honor if you are defeated by a stronger enemy. Our spirits are all honored the same in that case."
DM Arrakeen wrote:Few of the kids turns somber for a moment, but the mood shifts quickly when they are abou to move further.
Mendoza wrote:After finishing at the second memorial, the group makes their way back to the East District. They steer towards Aello's shop and stop at the nearby memorial. Once again, Dorne asks, "Can anyone tell me for who is this statue meant to honor?" Dorne patiently waits for one of the Lion Cubs to respond.
"Last war." Anika looks to the group then to Dorne.
"The dead and the living from last war" Andrew adds.
Mendoza wrote:"It does not take a hero to order men into battle. It takes a hero to be one of those men who goes into battle. You must use your fear, Lion Cubs. Fear of the unknown, fear of failing... Use it against those that would seek to hurt you or those whom you fight for. A warrior's mind is his greatest ally, but can be his greatest enemy as well. Do not let your thoughts be clouded with doubt. Focus on your mission and remember your training."
Duster47 wrote:Nerys continues, "We practice being warriors so that we are better warriors, as Tempos, the Lord of Battle teaches us. The flag with the fiery sword is the symbol of Tempos. The red on my shield and sash are in honor of Tempos. The red fire represents the fire burning hot in my blood and heart, where my true strength is found."
Mendoza wrote:Afterwards, the group makes one final stop at the fountain-memorial near the Pathfinder's Hall. Dorne allows the children several moments to examine and enjoy the watery spectacle before speaking up, "Can anyone tell me who this memorial is meant to honor?" As usual, he patiently waits for one of the Lion Cubs to respond.
DM Arrakeen wrote:Nicholas speaks up, "Its a soldier with a sword and all, so it must be about them."
Mendoza wrote:"Never has a man who lived a life of leisure left a name worth remembering. These men have a name worth remembering as do all the men who are honored by the memorials we visited today. For they all headed Nobanion's words, and so loved the ones they sought to protect that they accepted death. Always remember my lion cubs, those that fell may be dead but they live on in each one of our heart's, and their names are engraved upon honor's crest for eternity."
Duster47 wrote:"No one builds statues for the soft and weak. Remember true strength comes from within. It is not how tall or strong you are. I'm not that tall and certainly not as strong as Dorne, but we are both strong of heart, which is what truly matters. It should matter for you, lion cubs, also."
Mendoza wrote:As the lesson concludes, he ushers the Lion Cubs into the Pathfinder's Hall.
Duster47 wrote:Nerys brings up the rear again, answering any questions the children might have for her.
DM Arrakeen wrote:Kids in rather serious and slightly grim mood stay silent, nodding their goodbyes. Even the rowdy trio seems much less laud and unusually thoughtful.
///OOC: Big thanks to Duster for your involvement! And as always, big thanks to DM Arrakeen!