Landing Events - 2019-01-18 - Motherhood and Brotherhood (log)

Lormesta 18-19, 5119

by Leafiara Autumnwind of the [[::The_TownCrier|TownCrier]]

Summary

• The woman calling herself "Mother" is found in Shanty Town with two red-beaked [[::Brotherhood of Rooks|Rooks]], passing out bags to scrawny children and disheveled adults in need. She says past leaders and so-called heroes have used children for shields or used their plight for gain, but no one has solved the problems Wehnimer's Landing faces. Maylan mentions plans for sustainable food as Mother continues on that the days of Rysus and Drangell are over and the children aren't pawns, but the future; they must be fed, then they can learn to work and give and get from the city.

• Mayor Lylia says children are raised too defenseless, without blades or cantrips, and she should speak with Mother of a proper education. Mother says there's much she'll talk of with the Mayor, whether it's Lylia or the next after her--then says they (she and Lylia) should speak in the near future, along with the militia captains. Lylia and Captain Stormyrain agree to the meeting, though Shinann says nothing. Mother asks Leafiara if she'll be there, since she helped usher in this new age; Leafi agrees to the meeting, but says the poison was an accident.

• Mother says Rysus poisoned the town and those who would weep for him hide or no longer exist; Shinann asks how she'd know that, but she merely grins.

• Saranja, Zosopage, and Maags offer to work together with Mother to aid the children next time, and she thanks them. Sara mentions that others have forced things on the town in the past, but Mother says they'll force nothing, only heal the heart of the people and not hesitate to be the hand that protects the town.

• Mother says there's a threat on our horizon; Balley and Thrassus inquire and Mother simply says there is always one and there will always be another. Zoso requests that she let everyone know of threats; Mother says they already know and don't need her warnings; Leafi says the Rooks might learn of threats that others won't see.

• As the Rooks finish with handing bags to the poor, Mother extends her meeting invitation to all in the militia, including Thrayzar and Thadston as well as those below the captains, saying the Brotherhood and the militia seek the same cause. Some of the militia present to hear it include Darcena, Evician, Giantphang and Mel, Lyrna (application pending), and Maags.

Highlights

Mother nods to one of the hooded figures, who removes a small bag from its cloak and hands it to the freckled boy.  The boy smiles, bows, and runs off into the depths of Shanty Town.
Speaking amicably to Mother, Cruxophim speculates, "Charitable donations?"
Ysharra says, "Feeding her birds."

Mother softly says, "But first, our children must be strong. They must be fed. Then they can learn to survive, to work, to give and to get from this city."
Darcena drolly says, "All they have to do is forage for scraps of brownies and doughnuts in the inn outside the gates."

Mother softly says, "Rysus poisoned the city and its people, even its most innocent."
Mother softly says, "Those who would weep for him hide, or no longer exist."
Leafiara affirms, "Yeah... he did. He also fought against Chaston. Some bad... some good."
Speaking wryly to Leafiara, Cruxophim reminds, "He also nearly started a war.... more good than bad, I'd wager."
Speaking slowly to Cruxophim, Leafiara asks, "I believe you mean the other way around?"
Speaking calmly to Leafiara, Cruxophim muses, "Nope."

Speaking to Mother, Shinann says, "I did not catch your name."
Mother softly says, "Mother. You may call me Mother, Captain Shinann."
Shinann says, "No."
Shinann says, "I only had one mother."

Speaking to Shinann, Ysharra says, "Considering how I felt about my mother, I'd rather something else to call this woman, as well."
Speaking to Cruxophim, Ysharra says, "I strangled mine in the snow.  She's probably still there, if you want one."
Speaking calmly to Ysharra, Cruxophim murmurs, "I don't mind leftovers."
Speaking tartly to Ysharra, Cruxophim remarks, "Waste not, want not."

Leafiara removes a flame-shaped rook-etched ruby from in her instrument case.
Leafiara offers her rook-etched ruby to Mother.
Speaking to Mother, Leafiara offers, "A small peace offering... shaped like fire to light the spark of a new beginning."
Speaking to Mother, Darcena says, "It's probably poisoned."

Log

Bustle

[Town Square Central]

This is the heart of the main square of Wehnimer's Landing. The impromptu shops of the bazaar are clustered around this central gathering place, where townsfolk, travellers, and adventurers meet to talk, conspire or raise expeditions to the far-flung reaches of Elanith. At the north end, an old well, with moss-covered stones and a craggy roof, is shaded from the moonlight by a strong, robust tree. The oak is tall and straight, and it is apparent that the roots run deep. You also see some stone benches with some stuff on it and an herbal remedy donation bin.

A faint clap of thunder echoes in the distance.

Some militia move hurriedly through the streets.

[People congregate in TSC or outside Moot Hall and eventually set on outside Moot Hall.]

[Town Square, East]

Here in the center of a broad plaza near the commercial area of the bazaar stands the impressive facade of the slate-roofed Moot Hall, where the citizens of Wehnimer's Landing hold various official, religious and social functions. Facing the square are some of the town's more prosperous shops, still doing business with the many customers who still frequent the streets at night. You also see a bone-framed bulletin board, a large purple wooden barrel and a giant mound of snow.

Some townspeople begin to gather near the end of a road near Shanty Town.

[Travel]

Pukk quietly says, "Uh oh."

Nurturing

[Wehnimer's, Shanty Town]

No bright lamps light the unpaved road here, and the layer of mud that passes for streets in Shanty Town is treacherous and slippery with seepage from the nearby river. A few sorry shacks stand cluttered together in this southeast corner, their doors and windows dark with tattered and drawn curtains, holding untold tales of suffering or malice. You also see a red-beaked dark hooded figure, a red-beaked dark hooded figure, some scrawny children, some disheveled townspeople and a rock-lined path that leads past one of the shacks.

Also here: Getho, Elphieya, Ensayn, Nisugi, Relic Hunter Ulkov, Lady Darcena, Relic Hunter Madmountan, Conquerer of Reim Cruxophim, Lady Aemma, Land Pirate Maylan, Dirra, Great Lord Evician, Bernadette, Maags, Tetreves, Conquerer of Reim Melikor, Zosopage, Gypsy Scribe Balley, Pukk, Event Planner Beyrn, Otsakleia, Aerchodryn, Ouni, Hapenlok, Conquerer of Reim Raelee, Conquerer of Reim Ysharra, Mayor Lylia, Lyrna, Giantphang, Cytiger, Katami, Tarine, Mistyfall, Great Lord Evician, Dirra, Land Pirate Maylan, Arena Heroine Leafiara, Sir Cryheart, Shinann, Stormyrain, Chaoswynd, Mother

Lyrna says, "This looks like the place."

Giantphang exclaims, "Shantytown smells like your mushrooms mister wynd!"

Speaking to Mother, Darcena says, "Hello."

>look mother

You see a tall figure garbed in a billowy dark cloak with a deep hood that only partially reveals a featureless black mask etched with blood red sigils. The figure wears little else adornment, save for the gleam of a brilliant red soulstone ring upon one of her slender gloved hands.

Speaking quietly to some scrawny children, Pukk asks, "Are you all okay?"

Speaking to Cruxophim, Evician says, "Got a little something on the corner of your mouth brother."

Speaking brightly to some scrawny children, Maylan exclaims, "Ellooooooooooooooooooooo kids!"

Hapenlok quietly says, "Recruiting drive."

>look fig

You see nothing unusual.

>look child

You see nothing unusual.

Mother softly says, "They are fine. They shall be fine. We are fine."

Speaking calmly to Mother, Cruxophim greets, "Well, hello there."

Thrassus asks, "So, who got stabbed this evening?"

Speaking quietly to some scrawny children, Pukk says, "Look, seeins how I am from the Shanty town too, you all know to be careful with them."

Cryheart says, "Evening."

Speaking to some scrawny children, Shinann says, "Sort of late to be out."

Speaking to Mother, Lylia says, "Certainly, they are. But in this weather, perhaps we should all be somewhere a bit less...damp."

Cryheart asks, "Children...should ye nae be asleep in bed?"

Speaking to Cryheart, Maylan exclaims, "Oh you are no fun!"

Speaking to some scrawny children, Shinann asks, "Where are your parents?"

A small child moves up from the crowd, a smattering of dirt and freckles covering his face. A scar runs along one of his sunken cheeks. He approaches Mother, as the two red-beaked figures look on.

Cryheart says, "Indeed."

Lyrna quietly asks, "Do they have beds?"

Maags says, "They look hungries is problies why they are out."

Mother gazes up into the heavens.

Ysharra says, "Maybe not."

Speaking to Cryheart, Dirra says, "My bedtime was exact."

Mother softly says, "The weather is letting up soon."

Speaking to Lyrna, Leafiara says, "In Shanty Town? That's... not a guarantee, no."

Speaking to Cruxophim, Darcena whispers aloud, "I wonder if we just offered him one hundred thousand silver coins, what that child would do."

Speaking to Maags, Maylan says, "They need some lovely baked goods, perhaps."

Speaking to Dirra, Ysharra says, "Mine was not."

Maags carefully places a golden brown blueberry tart on the ground.

Maags points at a golden brown blueberry tart.

Maags says, "Can jus dust it off."

Lylia admits, "If you can whisper away the clouds, then perhaps you and I should talk a bit more about magic."

Cruxophim recites:

"Orphanuts!!"

As Cruxophim whispers to himself, you hear a number of ingredients being listed with a count of outstretched fingers. He gestures, and for a brief moment, the mouthwatering scent of baked treats wafts through the area.

There is a bright flash and a bacon-wrapped blood pudding donut appears in the air, then falls to the ground.

[several more]

Mother nods to one of the hooded figures, who removes a small bag from its cloak and hands it to the freckled boy. The boy smiles, bows, and runs off into the depths of Shanty Town.

Cruxophim recites:

"Eat up, children!"

Lylia says, "I find myself rather at the mercy of the weather."

Giantphang exclaims, "Mayhap we can get more paper hats!"

Giantphang taps a folded white paper hat sketched with a giant helmet-wearing fly that he is wearing.

Speaking amicably to Mother, Cruxophim speculates, "Charitable donations?"

Ysharra says, "Feeding her birds."

Cytiger asks, "What's in that small bag?"

Mother softly says, "They will eat tonight, and tomorrow night, and beyond."

Pukk quietly says, "Usually strings attached."

Maags says, "If they are carrots."

Cryheart asks, "So ye making a committment to feeding the poor here?"

Speaking softly to Mother, Balley asks, "You are a good mother then, providing for the children. Why are they soo thin?"

Speaking to Mother, Ysharra asks, "What will their trade be?"

Speaking quietly to Hapenlok, Pukk says, "No Happy, she won't think you're a scrawny kid, no matter how tall you are."

Speaking distractedly to Pukk, Hapenlok says, "If you enjoy your tongue being in the same place it is, you'll keep that mouth closed."

Mother softly says, "They are thin, because the leaders of the past, and the so-called heroes among you, have either used their bodies for shields, or used their plight for gain."

Ulkov says, "I have never."

Mother softly says, "But yet no one has solved the problems the people of Wehnimer's Landing face, within, and without."

Speaking quietly to Mother, Saranja says, "If you've need of clothes, I've extra."

Speaking to Mother, Lylia says, "I recall a time when they were in a Rook's nest, used as shields."

Speaking confidently to Mother, Cruxophim asserts, "I don't believe I've ever used their bodies for -shields-..."

Speaking softly to Mother, Balley asks, "That is horrible. People used your children as shield or as pawns?"

Ulkov says, "They make terrible shields anyway. I tested that theory once."

Speaking to Mother, Tetreves says, "That's terrible."

Lylia mildly says, "No complex problem is cured in a year. Or even a decade."

Speaking to Mother, Maylan says, "We have real plans, plans that will soon be put into action."

Lylia says, "Rysus did."

Mother softly says, "The days of Rysus and Drangell are over. The children of this city are not pawns. They are our future. Our legacy."

Speaking to Mother, Dirra says, "Never used an adult or child for shied."

Speaking to Mother, Maylan says, "Plans for sustainable food for all of Shanty Town and the Landing."

Cryheart says, "Ye make a lot of assumptions, m'lady."

Speaking affably to Mother, Cruxophim remarks, "Good to note."

Maags says, "The Rooks has used them for shields and Maylan has raised manies silvers so that they eat better."

Speaking softly to Mother, Balley says, "I agree with you. We need to care for and protect them."

Maylan says, "Really I can't argue with anything she's saying. She makes very valid points."

Speaking to Mother, Ysharra says, "Usually people who mutter about the children and start talking about solving problems have agendas of their own. And nothing changes, just the cloaks and masks."

Cryheart says, "Many in this town defend the children and orphans."

Speaking quietly to Mother, Lylia says, "I recall. We all do. Both Drangell and Rysus, and yet both of them have fallen."

A few townspeople step forward, and more children, and slowly, one by one, they are handed small bags by the red-beaked hooded figures.

Speaking amusedly to Mother, Cruxophim agrees, "The children are our future, teach them well and let them light the way... that's what I always say."

Speaking to Cruxophim, Ysharra asks, "Always what you say?"

Speaking to Evician, Ghianna asks, "Did she say we need to protect and defend the kids, to feed 'em to the next generation?"

Leafiara says, "Nice little demonstration, but I wonder how many resources you have to keep this up..."

Speaking smoothly to Ysharra, Cruxophim asserts, "Always."

Speaking to Mother, Hapenlok challenges, "Once was a time where I was a shield for these children. I stood off an army of Taladorians that were attacking our orphans. Can you make that same claim?"

Speaking to Evician, Ghianna says, "That's good."

Ensayn shows some scrawny children his rolton meat pie.

Lyrna asks, "What are you handing them?"

Ensayn softly asks, "Hungry?"

Thrassus says, "Probably coins or the like."

Cytiger says, "Yeah, I hope those small bags are safe for the children."

Mother softly says, "A mother does not teach her children to survive by handing them all that they need, when they need it."

Speaking thoughtfully to Mother, Cruxophim inquires, "You will teach them to survive?"

Mother softly says, "But first, our children must be strong. They must be fed. Then they can learn to survive, to work, to give and to get from this city."

Darcena drolly says, "All they have to do is forage for scraps of brownies and doughnuts in the inn outside the gates."

Hapenlok murmurs, "New recruits."

Lyrna says, "Brownies and doughnuts hardly make a meal."

Dirra says, "Or eat from benches."

Speaking to Lyrna, Maylan exclaims, "Nonsense!"

Xorus dryly says, "Sounds like Lumnis herself."

Dirra says, "Plentiful that."

Speaking softly to Mother, Balley asks, "Are these children all of your blood? Or have you taken them in as orphans?"

Zosopage says, "Food is plentiful around town, but yes they do need to learn to survive as well."

Speaking to Lyrna, Cruxophim assures, "My donuts are packed full of all the nutrients a growing orphan needs."

Berkana says, "There's free food to be found on the Hearthstone steps."

Maylan says, "Besides, those are MAGIC breads. Very nutritious."

Some more townspeople approach the red-beaked figures, and take small bags, offer their thanks, and walk off into the night.

Speaking to Mother, Ysharra says, "I would, were I in their place, rather be taught to find little bags of morsels for myself, rather than count on charity. Or scrabble after garbage."

Ghianna says, "Doughnuts are great food...ask the constables."

Maags says, "There is almos always a cart of food and drink in town center too."

Mother softly says, "We are not feeding only children, as you can see."

Collaboration

Speaking to Mother, Lylia says, "I have said as much myself -- children are raised to be too precious and fragile. They are without defenses, without so much as a blade or a cantrip to their names."

Mother softly says, "But they are all children, in a sense, of this town."

Nisugi says, "Something seems fishy about all this."

Lylia smoothly says, "You and I should talk of this. Of a proper education."

Cytiger says, "Indeed fishy."

Speaking to Ouni, Ysharra says, "Always act like there is. We're all lost." [Ouni as a character writes notes on paper and passes it around in lieu of speaking]

Maags says, "And manies in this town has held fundraisers and given food and clothing but do not has it be a spectacle."

Speaking to Mother, Berkana says, "I was kidnapped, beaten, trained to steal and scam. I survived."

Mother softly says, "There is much we will talk of Mayor, whether it be you, or the next after you."

Leafiara muses, "Well, on the bright side, maybe if this keeps up we can actually work toward some lasting truce with the Rooks and the rest of the town..."

Mother softly says, "There is an election coming soon."

Speaking quietly to Mother, Saranja says, "Tell us what is needed, we all have skills to teach."

Speaking to Cruxophim, Evician asks, "So are there red rooks now along with the other rooks?"

Lylia says, "Yes, I look forward to it."

Maags exclaims, "Alreadies!"

Maags exclaims, "Nobodies would wish to replace our Lady Mayor!"

Speaking amusedly to Evician, Cruxophim guesses, "Perhaps the red ones are turning over a new... beak?"

Speaking to Mother, Thrassus asks, "Thinking of throwing your hat in the ring?"

Mother softly says, "In fact, we should speak in the near future, perhaps you and the Captains."

Maags exclaims, "Hardlies anybodies would wish to replace our Lady Mayor!"

Speaking quietly to Mother, Saranja says, "Even barehanded one can defend."

Lylia replies, "I would like that."

Cytiger says, "I'm trying to recall the song of those four bloodied corpse in Shanty Town.... wish I remember what it showed us."

Speaking affably to Maags, Cruxophim guesses, "Perhaps she is merely wishing to parlay."

Stormyrain says, "I am at your leisure."

Speaking quietly to Saranja, Elphieya says, "Don't forget that many could also be taught the gentler arts."

Mother softly says, "We've much to discuss, as we enter into a new beginning."

Evician says, "Evening Captain Stormyrain."

Mother softly asks, "You will be present too, yes?"

Mother glances at Leafiara.

Speaking smoothly to Mother, Leafiara says, "If you're inviting, then certainly."

Lylia adds, "And a great deal to discuss about the proper education of our children."

Mother softly says, "It is only fitting, as you helped to usher in this new age."

Mother nods to Leafiara.

Darcena says, "I guess Mother doesn't mind that she poisoned Rysus."

Leafiara slowly says, "That... was an accident."

Speaking to Mother, Zosopage asks, "Why do you hide behind that mask? Do you wish that we do not know who you are?"

Speaking politely to Mother, Cruxophim agrees, "Yes, ...education."

Speaking quietly to Elphieya, Saranja says, "Even the gentlest may suffer attacks."

Speaking to Darcena, Maylan says, "I"m not sure I mind either."

Speaking to Zosopage, Lylia says, "Not all who wear masks do so to hide nefarious intent."

Mother softly says, "Rysus poisoned the city and its people, even its most innocent."

Speaking to Mother, Ysharra asks, "And you?"

Speaking to Mother, Hapenlok says, "I won't argue that."

Lylia says, "For some, a mask is safety from those who would do her ill. Or concealing an identity others might find uncomfortable."

Mother softly says, "Those who would weep for him hide, or no longer exist."

Leafiara affirms, "Yeah... he did. He also fought against Chaston. Some bad... some good."

Speaking to Ouni, Darcena says, "We don't know yet, but I have my suspicions."

Lylia murmurs, "Rysus was not always as he was in his last weeks."

Speaking wryly to Leafiara, Cruxophim reminds, "He also nearly started a war.... more good than bad, I'd wager."

Leafiara whispers something to Cruxophim.

Speaking to Mother, Shinann asks, "How would you know about them no longer existing?"

Shinann asks, "And what would you know about that?"

Mother glances at Shinann.

Mother grins.

Speaking to Lylia, Hapenlok says, "You know, I'm not going to say what I'm going to say."

Speaking slowly to Cruxophim, Leafiara asks, "I believe you mean the other way around?"

Speaking calmly to Leafiara, Cruxophim muses, "Nope."

Speaking to Lylia, Hapenlok asks, "...the old phrase about beating a dead horse?"

Leafiara whispers something to Cruxophim.

Mother softly asks, "We are almost finished here, yes?"

Speaking to Hapenlok, Lylia says, "Our stables have precious few horses as it is. I should hope none of them perish, let alone suffer the beatings that come after death to such creatures."

One of the red-beaked figures nods.

Mother nods.

Speaking to Mother, Ysharra says, "I doubt it."

Speaking to Mother, Ysharra says, "I'd say you're just starting."

Speaking quietly to Mother, Saranja says, "Those who seek to remake our home to their ideal had best gain our support."

Speaking jokingly to a red-beaked dark hooded figure, Cruxophim advises, "Don't do anything I would do."

Mother softly asks, "Remake?"

Mother peers quizzically at Saranja.

Speaking to Cruxophim, Evician asks, "You didn't give him much he couldn't do then did ya?"

Speaking to some disheveled townspeople, Maylan asks, "And what do you folks think of your new Mother?"

Speaking to Mother, Zosopage says, "It is very decent of you to help these people. If any assistance was needed from us I'm sure we'd be happy to help."

Mother nods at Zosopage.

Mother softly says, "Noted, thank you Zosopage."

Speaking to Zosopage, Darcena says, "Sure, she helped these. She slaughtered the others."

Mother softly says, "There is much we can all accomplish together, I am certain."

Darcena muses, "Ruthless."

Speaking to Mother, Lyrna says, "You are speaking of change, and of new beginnings. That is, in many ways, a form of remaking."

Speaking quietly to Mother, Saranja says, "I only mean that others have tried to force things upon us... I am happy to aid the children and you."

Maags says, "We could has done this together as a start but I spose there is next time."

Speaking to Darcena, Zosopage says, "At this point in time we are not in a position to judge."

Speaking to Zosopage, Darcena asks, "Are we not alive and always in a position to judge?"

Cruxophim whispers something to Leafiara.

Speaking offhandedly to Zosopage, Leafiara says, "Never stops anyone from judging, in this town..."

Darcena corrects, "Most of us."

Mother softly says, "We are forcing nothing. We will provide for those that need it, to heal the heart of the people and this town. But we will also not hesitate to be the hand that protects it."

Speaking airily to Darcena, Cruxophim jests, "Only Koar can judge me."

Speaking to Leafiara, Zosopage says, "True."

Nisugi asks, "If we don't judge who will?"

Nisugi asks, "The gods?"

Speaking to Mother, Darcena says, "To slaughter people."

Speaking to Cryheart, Maags asks, "Are yous retiring Sir?"

Speaking to Cruxophim, Darcena says, "I have already judged you and found you wanting."

Speaking to Mother, Evician says, "I've heard and said that before myself "Mother" and it bit me in the backside."

Speaking to Mother, Shinann says, "I did not catch your name."

Speaking quietly to Mother, Saranja says, "Nor will we, at need."

Mother softly says, "Mother. You may call me Mother, Captain Shinann."

Cryheart says, "Nae for a time."

Shinann says, "No."

Speaking calmly to Mother, Cruxophim offers, "I'm willing to give you a chance. Seems a bit premature to judge you based upon the actions of your predecessor."

Shinann says, "I only had one mother."

Speaking confusedly to Mother, Cruxophim wonders, "We may call you Mother-Captain Shinann? I believe that name is already taken."

Lylia suggests, "Protection is only part of what children need. Mere survival is a poor life to offer them. Protection, certainly...yet I should hope we can offer them more."

Speaking quietly to Mother, Elphieya says, "I think you will find many who are happy to join that goal. I know that I will gladly offer all I am to help any who need, especially children."

Lylia smiles thinly and says, "Together."

Speaking to Shinann, Ysharra says, "Considering how I felt about my mother, I'd rather something else to call this woman, as well."

Cruxophim calmly remarks, "I'm with Madame Mayor."

Speaking to himself, Hapenlok whispers aloud, "What an interesting ....person."

Mother softly says, "You do a disservice to label survival as merely a physical act of providing one's basic neccessities."

Mother nods at Lylia.

(Ensayn gasps as he prenteds to bite his arm with the toy eel.)

Speaking amusedly to Ysharra, Cruxophim remarks, "Never had a mother. A novel concept."

Ysharra says, "Survival is preparation."

Mother softly says, "Survival is far more than that. It also includes education, as you spoke of."

Lyrna says, "Yet, at times, that is all one may hope for."

Evician says, "Surviving isn't living...it's existing."

Xorus says, "That is an interesting ring, Mother. It is familiar."

Speaking softly to some scrawny children, Ensayn says, "It's got me."

Mother grins at Xorus.

Lylia says, "Then you misunderstand me; perhaps it is my faulty Common. In the Faendryl tongue, 'survival' is a more nuanced term."

Speaking quietly to Mother, Saranja says, "My mother cast me into the world before I was ready... perhaps another name might be better."

Speaking to Cruxophim, Ysharra says, "I strangled mine in the snow. She's probably still there, if you want one."

Speaking calmly to Ysharra, Cruxophim murmurs, "I don't mind leftovers."

Speaking tartly to Ysharra, Cruxophim remarks, "Waste not, want not."

Speaking to Xorus, Lylia says, "It reminds me of another such stone. Red has always been so eye-catching. Rubies, despanal, soulstones."

Speaking to Mother, Maylan says, "There's plenty of home at the Wellington home. It's very cozy there for children such as these."

Mother softly says, "There is a threat upon our horizon."

Giantphang exclaims, "And they make paper hats!"

Mother softly says, "We do not need weakness."

Maylan exclaims, "Aye they do!"

Speaking contentedly to Mother, Cruxophim muses, "Always is."

Speaking to Mother, Thrassus asks, "Do tell?"

Speaking to Lylia, Xorus says, "The one you were just holding looked like, once."

Speaking to Mother, Zosopage says, "Perhaps, if things go well we can help the people of this own thrive and not just survive. That has been our Mayor's goal all along."

Giantphang exclaims, "And boats!"

Mother softly says, "Pick one. There is always one."

Speaking to Mother, Hapenlok says, "You're not wrong."

Mother softly says, "Then, there shall always be another."

Lylia hollowly says, "I recall. All too well."

Cryheart says, "That is so."

Speaking softly to some scrawny children, Ensayn says, "It ate my finger."

Ysharra says, "There are always weaknesses. One must learn how to use perspective."

Lyrna says, "That is hardly an answer, when you speak of it thus."

Speaking to Mother, Dirra says, "The name 'Mother" implies we obey as you are wiser. I am curious."

Ghianna says, "The horizon is a long way away...Try as I might, I never seem to get there."

Speaking softly to Mother, Balley says, "Very true I thought you knew of a specific one. So you are talking in general then, not of specific threats."

Ysharra says, "...and what is weak and what is strong may not be for you to judge."

(Ensayn examines his hidden finger before popping it back out.)

Speaking softly to some scrawny children, Ensayn exclaims, "All better. It grew back!"

Leafiara removes a flame-shaped rook-etched ruby from in her instrument case.

Cryheart whispers something to Maags.

Leafiara offers her rook-etched ruby to Mother.

Speaking to Mother, Leafiara offers, "A small peace offering... shaped like fire to light the spark of a new beginning."

Speaking quietly to some scrawny children, Elphieya asks, "He's a silly dwarf, isn't he?"

Speaking to some scrawny children, Evician asks, "Would one of you like a toy?"

Speaking to Mother, Darcena says, "It's probably poisoned."

Mother softly says, "There are specific threats, indeed. They have existed and have been ignored for many years."

Mother nods at Balley.

Mother accepts Leafiara's rook-etched ruby.

Speaking to Mother, Leafiara says, "It's a chrism, actually."

Speaking to Leafiara, Darcena says, "I only say truth as I see it."

Speaking softly to Mother, Balley asks, "Is there one we should focus on in your opinion?"

Speaking pleasantly to Mother, Cruxophim assures, "As long as you don't go threatening me and mine, we'll get along just fine methinks."

Speaking to Mother, Hapenlok asks, "You're not saying that because I've been saying that for years, are you?"

Speaking quietly to Mother, Elphieya asks, "Threats such as complacency and willful blindness?"

Speaking wryly to Darcena, Leafiara says, "No, that's what you'd have to worry about if Prax gave it to me."

Speaking softly to some scrawny children, Ensayn exclaims, "It's gonna get me again!"

Speaking to Mother, Dirra asks, "An overseer....Parent or tyrant?"

Speaking to Mother, Hapenlok says, "I jest, sort of. But enlighten us. Because you may find that some of us may be in total agreement."

Speaking quietly to Mother, Saranja says, "There is more strength, and more will to help here, than you may think."

Speaking whimsically to Ensayn, Cruxophim suggests, "The Orphanage should hire you."

Mother nods to Leafiara.

Speaking to Mother, Zosopage says, "If you detect a threat against this town and its people, please let us know."

Mother softly says, "You do not need my warnings, you know of the threats."

Ensayn waves an indigo linen moray eel toy around.

Speaking softly to some scrawny children, Ensayn exclaims, "Oh no!"

Speaking sincerely to Cruxophim, Elphieya says, "Thank you."

Speaking to Mother, Nisugi says, "And I suspect one of them might be you."

Speaking to Mother, Evician asks, "Umm, could you give one of the children this toy?"

Mother softly says, "We are beyond words, now is the time to heal our people and our town. First, we feed the hungry."

Speaking abruptly to Mother, Darcena asks, "What do you think will happen at this meeting you so desire?"

(Ensayn puts the toy eel to his neck and falls over.)

As the last bag is handed out by the red-beaked figures, the children and gathered crowd begin to slowly disperse into the night.

Lyrna says, "And yet one is also wise to be ware of those bearing gifts, for their motives may taint the gift."

Maylan says, "Good night, children."

Zosopage says, "Rest well, children."

Bernadette softly says, "Nite then."

Lylia says, "You have so many answers. I should like to hear more of them, and of these threats. Some of them are so very vague. Dark men, storm clouds, blood rains. To deal with threats, I find it best to understand them well first."

Speaking to Mother, Leafiara remarks, "There are always more threats around the corner and the Rooks have been pretty talented at finding out even the deepest secrets... so maybe you -will- learn things we won't about threats we won't see."

Speaking to Lylia, Hapenlok says, "I'm pretty sure I know what she's talking about. Who she's talking about."

Speaking softly to Mother, Balley says, "I hope to see more meat on the children's bones soon then if you are trying to make them strong."

Speaking to Mother, Nisugi says, "Nothing good ever came of people parading around in masks claiming to be doing good."

Mother softly says, "I would welcome all representatives of the militia. Captains, and their subordinates."

Lylia says, "It is one thing to perceive the weather as a threat. It is another to be able to change it."

Stormyrain asks, "Thrayzar and Thadston as well, then?"

Speaking to Mother, Maags says, "Where are yous from."

Giantphang asks, "Is Mel an' me a subdordiment?"

Mother softly says, "There is no need for the militia and the Brotherhood to wage war, when we seek the same cause."

Speaking affably to Mother, Cruxophim inquires, "What of former Mayors?"

Speaking to Elphieya, Ensayn suggests, "Maybe they will have time to play again."

Falvicar whispers something to Maags.

Speaking to Giantphang, Madmountan says, "No flies allowed."

Giantphang exclaims, "Mel, we is that thing!"

Giantphang beams happily at a crisply uniformed dead warfly in his hand.

Speaking to Madmountan, Darcena says, "We inducted Mel as well."

Giantphang exclaims, "But Mel is a militiaster!"

Giantphang shows Madmountan his uniformed dead warfly.

Mother nods at Stormyrain.

Speaking quietly to Ensayn, Elphieya says, "I'm sure they would love that. There are more ways to feed the hungry than just with food. You fed their souls with attention and joy."

Speaking curiously to Shinann, Leafiara asks, "What -is- the militia's cause, actually? Just the safety of the town, or is there more?"

Speaking to Elphieya, Ensayn says, "I'll feed them while they laugh."

Leafiara adds, "Though maybe I shouldn't say 'just' in this case... safety is valuable enough."

Cruxophim reasonably suggests, "What harm could a meeting do?"

Speaking to Leafiara, Shinann says, "I will discuss it and other things with you later."

Speaking amicably to Shinann, Leafiara concedes, "Fair enough. It's late and wet."

Giantphang exclaims, "Not worries miss fiara, Mel an' me can keeping you safe!"

Speaking flatly to Cruxophim, Darcena says, "A lot, when you are present."

Speaking quietly to Cruxophim, Saranja says, "That depends on the other guests."

The two red-beaked figures step forward, bowing slightly before Mother and her soulstone ring. She places one hand upon each of their heads and nods. The red-beaked figures stand up straight and then slip off into the shadows.

Stormyrain whispers something to Shinann.

Mother softly says, "Goodnight to you all."

Mother just went west.