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Barracker agreed with the decision to get to Valhiem and not linger about any longer than needed.  [Color=Green]“With the party’s injuries, I am all for Valhiem, if that is the decision of the party.”[/color]  He did not give a strong opinion as he still felt quite new to the party.  Either option was not too bad as they would get to recover, somewhat.  But the facilities at Valhiem’s hospital was definately needed for the party.  Source Crystal technology in matters of healing was one of the greatest gifts for those blessed with a Source Crystal in their hands.

Barracker went off, surveying, the once battlefield, looking for his sword.  It took some moments, but he had gathered all three pieces of his sword.  [Color=Green]“There you are,”[/color] the vampire wrapped the shards up and put it away, attaching it onto his belt, pouch.  [Color=Green]“Thank the quinity,”[/color] the Paladin rose to his feet and walked down the hill.  The short walk made Barracker feel good that village was now safe and clear of any dark corruption.  His first mission had been cleared and the puddles splashed underneath the Paladin’s feet as he departed from Hades’ temple upon the hill.  He felt stronger than before, and now for the first time he could feel the source synchronizing with his water domain, as if dealig with Zigmund had woken it up.  He must explore this avenue even more with the help of the academy, there will surely be someone there who could help him advance.

Elder Antonious approached the Paladin and handed him a parchment letter and asked him for a favour, that he would gladly accept.  [Color=Green]“You have my word that this will be given to the hands of the High Sepctum, himself and noone else.  Stay swift, the village is in your hands now”.[/color]

Moments later, on the wagon ride back to Valhiem.   Barracker was watching the scenery change among his very eyes, lost in thought until he was nudged in the side by his fellow companion.  Zell brooks, "Sorry about your sword, bro,"

Barracker appreciated the sentiment and gave a smile.  He also appreciated his next words too.

"Gildor Hammerfist in Valhiem should be able to repair it.  Don't worry about it, it'll be stronger than ever once he's through with it,"  

[Color=Green]“He is quite the blacksmith, very well known in his work, he has worked with the best type of materials.  Earth-bone diamond, shattered my sword.  If you can get a sword made of that then you have a sword of legends.  Some say that the two of the leaders of the council of heroes have such a weapon.  Wars are fought over that resource.”[/color]  The two of them, even discussed abit more on the subject but also their sword techniques and stances to get the most out of the blow.  [Color=Green]“Tail stance, it allows me to move really quickly and effectively, then there is Ochs stance which I use for dueling highly skilled melee combatants because of it’s many counters.  But as you probably noticed I spend most of my time in VomTag stance with the Claymore resting on my shoulder.  Its the most well rounded stance for greatswords and easiest to use with my shield.”[/color]

They talked more and even debated more on dueling and combat in general.  Barracker brought his knowledge of his studies and his experience as a soldier and also a solo monster hunter.  He was very suprised on how deeply he could go with Zell into the weeds and mechanics of these topics that he was always so passionate about.  Zell was very different from Barracker but they had alot of common ground and the brash, loud swordsman was so easy to talk to.

"You know…  You being a Paladin of Hades n all - what happens to a person when they die, in this world? Or at least; what's supposed to happen?  Is there a heaven and hell, or something?"

[Color=Green]“Hmmm… these are some big questions, my friend. Ones that would require much study and more than a short wagon ride to fully understand.  But basically for most people, their souls would go to a place in the afterlife called ‘The Hollow Fields.’ Depending on many factors such as how they lived their lives and their values, will depend on what happens next.  Some are ground into the sand and their souls become seeds to be reborn into another life.  Some experience an afterlife where they reside with loved ones until they have their ‘Second Death.’  Some are destined to wander alone in purgatory as ghosts for their sins or trauma.  And there are worse fates than these also, for the truly evil.”[/color]  Barracker shook his head and chuckled as he’d not even scraped the surface.  [Color=Green]“This a short summary which probably gives you even more questions but that’s the best I can explain it in one sitting.”[/color]

The reminder of the possible terrible fates for the truly evil made him aware again of The Devil Baphomet and the need to address this with Zell.  But for now he left it alone as the conversation was enjoyable and educational for the newcomers to this world.  On the subject of The Quinity and Hades specifically, he said.  [Color=Green]“There is Iris, The Mother.  Hades, the Reaper.  Ares, the Warrior.  Diavian, the Lover.  And Iskara, the Merchant.”[/color]  He talked for some time giving bits about each of The Quinity.  [Color=Green]“I chose to devote myself to Hades when I became a Paladin.  Ares was a tempting choice as I’ve always been a fighter, but Hades represents an important cog in the cycle of life and death.  To have creation, there must be destruction.  And so I felt that I was at least fighting for a deeper reason as I would be helping the world recycle and renew.  If I am devout enough and attain enough ‘Piety’ I will be rewarded in death by becoming an angel shepard under the personal service of Hades, and spend my afterlife guiding souls to where they need to go.”[/color]  Barracker gave Zell a serious but warm look and nodded.  [Color=Green]“It would be an honour an to have such a righteous life and death.”[/color]

"Was never sure if God was real, back in my world.  Never cared, tee-bee-haeche.”

Barracker did not know what tee-bee-haeche meant but he could not imagine a Mytherian doubting the existence of The Quinity.  It was strange to him.

“Now I'm starting to think that there probably was... well... something, at least.  Maybe like The Source.  Or maybe a full-on fucking man in a cloud.  After spending a few weeks in Mytheria, I'm not sure I can be surprised by anything anymore. Ha."

The vampire chuckled and patted his friend’s shoulder.  [Color=Green]“This is a weird and wonderful world.  Even as a native, I can admit this.  I’ve seen some crazy things in my short time as a monster hunter alone.”[/color]  He was silent for a while but then said to Zell in a serious tone.  [Color=Green]“After we visit the hospital and conclude business with The Adventurers Guild, I have an urgent discussion in great need to have with you.  Alone.  So please do not disappear too quickly,”[/color] he warned, trying to keep the threat from his tone but stay extremely serious as this was no laughing matter.  Zell was a free spirit, but those were just one type of the kinds of people who were vulnerable to Princes of the Oblivion Plane.