Arrival
Phae'ox
~ 1 ~
The city, usually absent of light, was ablaze. Torches lit the way while roaring bonfires attempted to keep the darkness at bay. The flames danced with shadows giving the buildings a surreal intangible look. Compared to the giant monuments and the massive gate leading into the city the buildings inside were dull and uniform in appearance, yet somehow impressive as they were carved out of the very rock. The inhabitants of this colossal mountain were odd creatures and lived their lives beneath the bedrock. T'was the way of this people, the way of dwarves and he did not question the makers. Many a race seemed strange to Phae'ox and this day all but few were in attendance.
With heavy strides Phae'ox made his way through the market. His title and epithet: the Rook, fit him well. His large physique, and consequently large armor, made him quite distinguishable in the crowd. His massive weapon, although sheathed on his back and folded in cloth, drew wary glances from common folk and guards alike. Such conduct was not rare when met with an armed towering figure such as himself, but as he was recognized as a Lares and knight of a holy order the weariness and attention alike swiftly subsided.
After months of travelling, his journey had brought him to the land of dwarves. He had found himself here at the time of the grand coronation but he had no idea what he was meant to do or where to begin. So he made his way through the plaza towards the only place where he would find suitable guidance: the Dulrum temple of Sin Ashari. The dwarven city had many buildings of worship but none like the shrine his belief. The building was massive in every meaning of the word. It was grand yet humble in appearance. The knight stood solemnly at the foot of the temple admiring the building. This was how it should be, not dressed in ornaments and riches but humble. He nodded in approval as he climbed the first step, one of many leading up to the thick wooden doors barring passage into the temple. A man of lesser constitution would have found the climb exhausting. The broad steps fit for a Lares like himself would be awkward and tiring for many other races. As such the door was of Itin the heaviest of woods and required some strength to open.
The interior was lit by candle light and there were no windows. The walls and pillars were plain stone but the ceiling was carved intricately. The chamber wasn't very large and there was no seating. But against the back wall of the circular room there was a large stone altar. In its center of it there was a beautifully carved statuesque artifact framed by a circle depicting the faith of Sin Ashari it was all carved from the same stone. The floor near the altar was covered in a thick maroon carpet, its fabric worn and faded in color from countless visitors. He was not alone, but the way of things was to not disturb your brethren, for communion with the gods and the light was an action of solitary nature. Phae'ox took off his helmet and sat down with a soft thud, placing the helmet beside him. Legs crossed in front of him and hands on his knees: a familiar sitting position, one of habit, one that he had picked up meditating during his years at the monastery. It felt slightly awkward clad in armor but the familiarity was soothing as he closed his eyes.
He sat in silence and felt how the fatigue from travelling for months on end was slowly drained from his mind and body. His muscles relaxed and the weariness was replaced by a feeling of serenity and tranquility.
Eyes kept closed he began his communion with prayers. One for each of the gods of which he was of service: Janous the Just the god of all virtues, Crone the god of honour and glory and ending with prayers to Ulatek the Fallen and the Sin Ashari. As he uttered the last words of the last prayer he opened his eyes. There had been few to begin with but now there were even less people accompanying him. The visitors were many but none stayed for long. Once again he closed his eyes as he spoke to the light.
"I have come for your guidance." he said. His voice barely a whisper.
"I have seen what will happen if I do not succeed with my quest." he continued firmly. His brow furrowing in frustration.
"But how will I do what I am meant to, when I have yet to be shown what it entails or where I begin. Light my path, give me a sign." His concentration was broken by a sudden disturbance as metal met stone when a candleholder fell to the floor. He turned his head to see a young girl stumbling in.
"Oh no, no, no, no, no." she said to herself in embarrassment. She picked up the now slightly crooked candleholder and carefully put it back where it had stood before the incident.
"Surely this isn't it? Surely this isn't the one you sent to show me the path?" he said aloud in disbelief. He sighed.
"Very well." he said as he stood up.
"Show me the way young girl and I will follow." he continued as he gathered his things and strode toward the girl and the entrance.
"Sorry! I didn't mean to disturb you! Eh, what path are you talking about?" she said in surprise.
"What is your name young maiden?" he asked as he closed the distance between them. He nodded in acknowledgement at the answer and strode past her opening the heavy wooden doors.
He paused briefly in the doorway.
"Well? Show me the way."
