Elijah's new beginning

[me_less]

Elijah, solemn and heavy-hearted, walked into the church of the Triumverate seeking solace and prayer. His soul was torn and divided so he turned to the one who could make him whole again, the Broken God. Tamryn and Cybil were there discussing membership to the church when he arrived. Humbly approaching the Lady Tarmyn, Elijah professed his desire to follow the Ilmater as well, being convinced that only He could save him. Curious of this, she requested a conversation with him. It was not an interview as one an applicant would go to however but as one deeply grounded in faith curious in what would make a man find his faith.

For seeming hours they talked. He shared of his testimony of a sinful heart: Actions wrought that he ought not have done or things not done that he ought to have. He spoke of his dark dreams that seemed real and the constant struggle to be lawful. He told of vain attempts to become "good" of his own accord only to find failure to uphold his own standards. Finally, he divulged in his realization that he, of his own power, could not do these things alone. He needed the Triumverate to deliver him. In his broken state, he needed Ilmater to endure with him and heal him.

With his testimony given and his faith professed, the burden of his heart lightened. With it, Elijah's countenance began to return as well. It has been a long time since he has carried his load and he was certain of his decision. So certain in fact that he made a promise to Ilmater. He promised never to use his weapons or magic to slay a man, dwarf, gnome, halfling, or elf --- anyone predisposed with the ability to seek forgiveness and turn towards good.

Despite being unsure of his ability to keep such a promise, his intentions stayed the same. His faith was reinforced even more by the appearance of an angel upon conclusion of his conversation with Tamryn. Though the angel's visit was not for Elijah specifically, he took it as a sign nonetheless. Elijah has made his promises to the Triumverate and by association to the land of Sundren. Elijah will not run from his past anymore. Sundren is his new home...

[me_less]

Brother Melchior, I have returned from visiting Ghelworg as you asked. Though communicating with him proved rather difficult, I think he appreciated the company. Carisa's vow of silence was a great boon as she helped me communicate and helped me realize the plight of this deaf man that most just ignore. Cybil joined us as well so I'm sure his heart was gladdened.

I understand now that healing someone does not always involve the physical. Thank you for your wisdom. I had feared that my profession would hinder me from serving Ilmater. Now, I know that I need only have a heart to be able to share another's burden whether it be physical, emotional, or spiritual. Ilmater.... the Triad will give me the rest.

I also wanted to let you know that I have begun lessons with Cybil and Carisa to learn this new Ilmater sign language that you spoke of. I can see how this can help those many that are deaf or dumb. Well anyway, I know that you are busy. I will help myself to the door. Thank you for listening.

[me_less]

"I understand brother Melchior. The taking of the wine is a ceremony for clergy alone. Although, I hope that this does not mean that I cannot serve the church. Ilmater has given me a new lease on life and I owe him my soul. I will serve the Triumverate and no other. I will aid the church in fighting the Banites. I will be here to aid you in whatever task you need."

Leaving the church, Elijah stopped. He looked up to the rare clear sky asking Ilmater to guide him. His heart was dejected at the news but his commitment to be a loyal follower of the Triumverate remained the same. "Ilmater, is there any other way I can serve Sundren? After all my years of living as a wanderer, I am seeking something larger than myself. Guide me in the way that you would wish me to go." At the close of his prayer, his eyes fell upon the city streets. His sight was immediately captured by the Legion barracks. "Ilmater? Is this your will?" There was peace in his heart. Perhaps it is.

The barracks door swings open. "Master Watchman, I wish to serve Sundren. I wish to join the Legion!"

[me_less]

The Legionnaire training is rigorous but Elijah is in good shape. This is a young lad's world though. At thirty-three, he doesn't have as much energy as the young lads first joining the Legion. He is even older than many of the Legionnaire trainers yet he is yelled at and spit upon. He knows that the yelling is just a mind game to instill discipline into the younger recruits but Elijah's bruised pride wells up inside of him. There is many a day that he wonders if he made a big mistake.

"Ilmater, is this really your will? I feel like I'm treated like a child. I am not a lad anymore searching for discipline or something that will put food on the table. I am a grown man! I've seen more and fought more than many of these trainers. Why did you lead me here?"

He looks around to the younger lads in his training platoon. They are almost half his age. Some cry at night wishing they were home and most likely wondering if they made a mistake as well. On one particular evening, the young recruit next to Elijah looked especially distraught. He was having difficulty with his swordsmanship lessons and can't keep up with the drill instruction. In fact, it almost looked like he was on the verge of giving up. Elijah looked at him with compassion and then approached him.

"Hey there, lad. Everything will be okay. If you want, I can teach you how to handle your blade. You see, you're swinging too wildly. Cartel thugs and the Lizardmen of the Sestra caves would get two swings for your one if you aren't quick."

"You've faced the Cartel and lived?" said the young recruit. "You've fought the Sestra lizardmen? What are you doing here then??" said another. "What are they like? I hear they can call flames from the sky!" And then other recruits began to gather.

"Aye, lads. I'm here not for the training or the money but for the opportunity to make difference in the world. If you want, I can help you all out in whatever training you need..."

"Oh, will you, sir?" said many of the new recruits. "Hehe. I'm no 'sir' yet, but yes I will."

"SHUT UP IN THERE!!" yelled the Legionnaire trainer on duty that night. The other recruits scattered back to the their respective places. Elijah does the same but smiled at the others signifying that an accord was made. All of a sudden it dawned on him. Ilmater sent him here for more reasons than one. He was there to serve Sundren. He was there to learn humility. He was there to help bear the burdens of the recruits around him and to be a mentor of sorts. He was there so that he could make a difference to those around him.

"Ilmater.... Forgive my short-sightedness. I will help bear these burdens with them. Help me carry mine. I do this for you... for the Triumverate... for Sundren!"

[me_less]

With his training finished, Elijah was immediately sent out to perform patrols throughout Sundren. Legionnaire ranks were spread out however so Elijah often walks his patrol routes alone. Being the most experienced and mature amongst his peers may have convinced his superiors he had the ability to go out unattended. And for the most part, they would be right. He has helped settle fisticuffs, performed routine Anderson paper checks, and interacted with the people with goodwill and honor. He is concerned though. Patrolling Sundren's less traveled paths is a dangerous thing even for someone as experienced as he. The Banite threat is growing in power and number. Drow sightings are becoming more frequent. Reports of highly trained Eboncoin rogues or assassins have been sent in. Elijah has begun to perform some recruiting efforts but he suspects that that won't be enough. He needs a partner --- even if he has to make one himself. Make one himself? Hmmm.....

"Seer Marcus. Where are your books on the construction of golems..."