Chapter 3: The Road to Highport

Bernaldo smiles, "I thought I could sense a kindred spirit in you, milady," he says kindly, "I find others of our order all around. You just have to be on the lookout for them."

"Mischief, as you may expect, is not my forte," he says regretfully, "Though I look forward to seeing what you come up with, so long as it's good-natured of course."

"I saved her when she was but a young lass," he replies, "Her wagon was under attack by an ogre and I happened upon it and chased the ogre away. I stop by whenever I'm in the area to check up on her. She's almost like a daughter to me."

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"The Feast of Edoira is a week long celebration during the spring equinox," the bartender replies, hesitating, "I don't really know much more about it. Something about different religions cooperating I think?"

"Ah, well, a celebration of the equinox is most certainly something I can get behind. It is a most wonderful opportunity for celebrating the things that make us alive. I shall be drinking to excess my good man - please keep my tab open!" He takes the drinks and winks before rounding and returning to his friends.

"Hellllo friends!" he says as he carefully slides himself into the conversation. "New and old," he adds, with a smile at the stranger. "I guessed at the drinks, hope I didn't miss the mark." He hands the extra whisky to Bamber and the flute of wine to Esmenlara.

"Gilthalion Eruantien, my good sir. And you are...?"

"Thank you, Gilthalion," says Esmenlara, taking the wine. To save the other guest the trouble of reintroduction, she does it instead. "This is Sir Bernaldo Bravos, Paladin to Pelor the Shining One. We were discussing our esteemed host."

Returning her attention to Bernaldo, Esme says, "We were invited here, apparently by word of our work in Hommlet. Have you been there?"

"Good ... natured ... " she sounds out the words as if they are unfamiliar and strange. She then winks at Esme as she enjoys teasing paladin's more than anyone else. Not that that makes her unique, or even the odd girl out in any room.

She smiles warmly when Gil brings her the whiskey. He knows she's partial to a perfectly peaty portion of a pint. Raising the glass to the room, she says, "To good friends newly met!" before tasting the whiskey and letting the aroma settle in her nose before properly taking a drink.

Bernaldo's jovial demeanor slips somewhat, "Yes, I've been there," he says softly, "I was there the first time the Temple was brought down. I had heard that the new saviors of Hommlet would be here for the feast and I thought you might be them, but I didn't want to bring it up, as I'm sure the memories are not pleasant."

"I for one remember it quite fondly! Marooned on a beach, I was, at the time, with nothing but crabs, coconuts, and clams to keep me company for nearly a week. I jest, of course - Esmenlara and some of our other acquaintances gain all the credit for those heroics. She is just kind enough to allow Bamber and I to ride the proverbial coat-tails of their success. Somehow we convinced them to sign us on with their merry band of do-gooders."

He smiles and bows slightly to Esmenlara, "For which I am eternally greatful, of course."

The paladin chuckles, "That is mighty generous of her!" he says, "She seems a wonderful woman."

Esmenlara gives a nervous chuckle, unused to the compliment. "Have you attended this Feast of Eidora before, Sir Bravos? This is the first we've heard of such a festival and we don't know what to expect."

"Oh yes, several times," he says, "You may not know this, but in addition to it being a celebration of the equinox, it was originally a celebration of peace and cooperation between Rao, Pelor, Heironeous, and Mayaheine. It's named after a priest of Rao who led the negotiations that led to the Compact of Edoira many years ago."

"As for what to expect," he says, clearing his throat in embarrassment for his sudden lecture, "A lot of toasts and mingling with people who think they're better than you due to the station of their birth."

"Do the participants continue the cooperation between the religions?" Esmenlara asks, wondering if she needs to study up on the other deities.

Gil laughs, "Oh goody, it sounds like any other party of this sort, then. But you haven't answered the most pressing of hitherto unasked questions, Sir Bravos: is the food any good?"

"Being better than me by station of birth? One needn't throw a bottle far into an orphanage to find that!" She laughs, a huge fan of her own jokes.

The battle royale of the religions sounds much more her speed. The half-elf woman patently ignores the idea that this might be a polite debate.

"I think that most of the goodly religions cooperate in times of need," he says to Esme, "Times of crisis bring us all together, but during times of peace, things can be much more tense as they all vie for disciples. It's all very petty. It's why I became a paladin instead of a priest. Dealing with the bureaucracy was so tiring when I could be out actually doing the real work."

He smiles widely at Gil, "The best you've probably ever had. Chefs are brought in by the dozens from all over the continent to bring their unique tastes to our palettes."

"See, now I'm getting hungry, with talk like that." Gil laughs, "Until then, I suppose, we get to mingle. Tell me, Sir Bravos, is there anyone in attendance you would advise we steer clear of?"

Esmenlara finds herself eager to continue speaking to Sir Bravos, sharing in the similar calling of service to Pelor. "I admit, I was far removed from any dealings with the public or the worshipers. The priests just had me study and clean the temple, though I would be in attendance for ceremonies. Perhaps if I didn't have to leave the temple so quickly, they might have involved me in more of those politics."

She chuckles, covering her mouth politely. "Perhaps then, I might have become as tired as you, Sir Bravos. Though I don't think I have the strength to lift a sword like you can."

Sir Bravos takes a moment to think about anyone you may want to avoid, but then shakes his head, "Dame Gold generally doesn't invite anyone I'd consider dangerous, but as a rule I'd avoid merchants and rumor-mongers. Anyone who starts to pry too much or else begins divulging the personal affairs of others aren't likely to be good friends to you."

In response to Esme, "I think you've done quite well for yourself with no need of a sword and heavy armor. Not everyone's talents lie in the path of the blade, but can be equally valuable - if not more so!"

"Oh good! If gossipmongers are the worst we'll need to contend with here, I think we'll be just fine." Gil offers a wink and a laugh. "Well, pardon me as I meander and find out what other incredibly interesting people have found their way here."