Fellowship of the Dice

Braedon nods in agreement. "I like that idea Dreams, with one exception. Considering we will be leaving on a supply run soon, is there an acolyte that can be trusted to start the movement in your and Torias's stead?"

"There are few in the ways of acolytes here in Falcon's Hollow," Celevan replies. "The Farrelites were the only organized church, and now they're gone." He shakes his head. "Perhaps we can find some of the laity willing to do the work - frankly there are enough people out of work that we could probably get many people willing to take on that responsibility if it meant food and firewood."

Dreams nods and says, "Yes, for now, I think we just need a competent lay person of good moral character to run the church day-to-day. While we're on the supply run, we might also look into seeing if there are any churches or temples willing to send someone to minister to Falcon's Hollow, given that Torias and I seem to be away a lot for some reason." She smiles with ironic humor as she says the last part.

A plan is place, a good one it would seem -- find someone to replace Vondrella to give a counter weight to the Church of Mulcarn that is coming. With Vondrella, and all her Ferralites gone there is no other religious faction in Falcon's Hollow. That vacuum of faith could prove a great boon to the cleric of Mulcarn.

Speaking of the Cleric, he is set to arrive tomorrow. So you finish your meal and finish your evening meal and head to bead so you are fresh for his arrival....

---

December 1st, The Year of the Everlasting Snow, Falcon's Hollow

The day dawns bright and sunny, its even a bit warm out, considering the recent weather and time of year. The whole town is abuzz with the idea of the coming of the Cleric. The Church is finished, the building is simple, but sturdy, and the carpenters here take pride in their work even if they don't agree with the work being done. Most of the town is out and about the streets. The Low Market actually has open stall today, since the weather is so fine. People are out and about, smiles on their faces unlike you have seen since the winter started. Laurel is outside her shop, a short distance from the Low Market watching the children play in the street.

Baleson is lingering in the market place, speaking with Kreed of all people. The two are talking about the shipment of lumber that is set to leave down the river this afternoon.

You spot others, like Kabran, and Namdrin around as well doing a bit of shopping. There is a fresh feeling of joy in the town today as the sun beats down warming street and souls.

Drak stretches in the warmer weather as he walks through the Low Market. He browses the various stalls but doesn't really buy anything. Like his usual self, he is aiding whoever needs help.

"Leave it to the winter god to lighten up when his cleric arrives," Celevan observes. "No doubt he wants the town to associate the man with happiness and good times." He shakes his head. "We'll have an uphill path to convince the townsfolk that he's not to be trusted."

Braedon awakes early and takes Aela out and into the woods for a good run. Finding a good stump, he sits and enjoys an early mug of ale. Returning to town, in-particular the market area he finds it a breath of fresh air that the cloud of dread seems to have passed on, at least for now. The weather is nice, the people are nice, what more does one need he thinks to himself. As he makes his way to join the others, he wonders how well this cleric will receive the church they have constructed.

Dreams says to Celevan and any of the other companions near her, "What if we upstage him? We could announce that we are using our wealth to help revive Vondrella's charitable works. I don't think we should do it immediately--that would be too obvious. But give it a day or two--and in the mean time we can talk to Laurel and Baleson about who might be a good person to administer the programs. That way rumors to our benefit will start and then we can make the announcement when things are nailed down. That will make it clear there are alternatives to the Winter God."

She considers, then says, "The question is what plans does this cleric have? Are they going to try to deceive people by setting up their own charitable works? We also don't want to look like we're stealing his ideas--though, for now, the people of this town have more reason to trust us."

As the company explores the town, or speaks with each other there is a ripple of voices at the north gate. By the time the rumors reach you the whole town has turned out for the whispers say 'The Cleric Has Arrived'.

Striding into town, with a bright smile, and flowing blond hair comes a young man of handsome features. He looks strong and bold, like an adventurer you'd want to join your company. The women, old and young alike comment on his good looks, or give one another knowing glances with giggles. He wears a fine breastplate, with yeti fur pauldrons on his shoulders and yeti fur boots cap his feet. He strides forward unaffected by the cold weather or the snow and ice underfoot. In one hand he holds a tall scepter, a rod topped with twisting gold and silver, with two bright icicles that crown its top. He bears no outward designs of the Winter God, only vague patterns of ice and snow. At his side strides a great white winter wolf with piercing blue eyes. Aela sits up and takes notice, for the great beast is as fine a creature as you might hope to see. The wolf trots behind him tongue out, glances side to side and sniffing the road as it goes. It never once growls, or snarls, or makes any threatening move against those who have now lined the streets to watch the cleric's arrival.

The man smiles, nods, offers polite greetings to those that come close to him. He walks all the way to the Low Market and then stops on the edge of it. He lifts his voice through his bright face, "Greetings citizens of Falcon's Hollow! I am Fannar Winterson, I have been sent to aid you. Who speaks for this town, where is the one called Thuldrin Kreed? I was told a place would be prepared for me."

Celevan raises an eyebrow at the cleric's arrival, but keeps his opinions to himself for the moment. Better to be polite and see what the man had to say for himself first.