Subject: Re: Chasing Elise; forest trails

OOC: Do DM's get XP points for good story-telling? 'Cause that bit with Mission and the pebble was a nice touch. Wish I'd thought of it. . . :)

Mission will take the second watch. When it is his turn to be on alert, he will prowl silently around the camp, making as little noise and trying to remain as unseen as possible.

While they set up camp, Mission is grateful for the relaxed mood that generally prevailed throughout the day. No bickering to speak of. . . but there is a tightness in his chest that will not ease.

Promise. Anileth.

He approaches Cadfael quietly. "Cadfael, I. . .need your wisdom for a moment."

Why the priest? Of all his companions, Cadfael perhaps might understand devotion most. Of all of them, Cadfael perhaps might understand the spiritual nature of what afflicts Mission. He, of all of them, shares with Mission the concept of shame and redemption.

"I've been having dreams. I don't think they are natural dreams, and I was hoping for your insight."

He then tells Cadfael the three dreams:

In the first, he was standing in a fog. He saw Anileth rubbing her pregnant belly and was filled with horror.

In the second, he saw Anileth kneeling to a great, black darkness.

In the third, he saw nothing, but felt suffocated and cold, so very, very cold.

"One for each night since I started on this quest," Mission finishes. He feels somewhat better just for having told someone else. "I don't know if these dreams come from Anileth, or the dark power she serves, or. . ." he hesitates for only a moment, and then says quietly, "my son. I fear they come from Promise."

Subject: Re: Chasing Elise; forest trails

Garyth has nothing pressing that needs discussion. He reviews the events of the past few days in his mind as he unrolls his bedroll. Noting Rennik's preparations, he unsheathes his sword and places it at an easy reach when he lies down. He was already planning on sleeping in his armor; years of garrison duty have made the armor as familiar as clothing, and it does not affect his sleep (OOC: Endurance feat).

When Mission wakes him for the final watch, he groggily gets to his feet and shakes his head to clear the sleep from his mind. Once he is fully awake, he looks around the camp, then patrols as quietly as he can between three points along the perimeter, stopping at each point for about fifteen minutes.

Subject: Re: Chasing Elise; forest trails

OODM: I am going to wait for Dan to respond to Mission before I do another turn.

Subject: Re: Chasing Elise; forest trails

Mission approaches Cadfael just as he's finishes removing his armour. He hadn't counted on the smell of the mud, cleanliness is next to godliness and he is glad to be rid of the stink for now.

"Of course, Brother, I would happy to share with you what I can," Cadfael offers him a broad smile, "what is it that troubles you?"

At the mention of dreams Cadfael's smile slips slightly and it is clear that Mission has his full and undevided attention.

Once the stories are told the two men sit in silence for a while. There is something about the silence that follows a problem newly aired, some comfort in it. For Cadfael's part he wants Mission to have that feeling for as long as he can, he is unsure that he has any words that can ease the monk's heart.

"My Brother, I am afraid I cannot offer you words you wish to hear. I cannot tell you that these dreams were not from Promise. I am sorry to say that I know little of dreams, Pelor speaks to his servants through prayer. Although, if you wish it, I would gladly ask Him for guidance when the sun rises."

"For now though... you are not the only one to be troubled by dreams. For some time now I have been plagued by nightmares, although unlike you I rarely remember them when I wake. Whether this is a blessing or a curse, I cannot say. I believe, as I suspect you do, that the great black darkness is the black pillar that we journey toward. The first dream seems to be before Anilth reaches her new God, and the second is when her journey is complete. And the emptiness you describe, it reminds me of what a felt when I touched the body of -- no. No, I do not wish to alarm you with my musings. I will ask Pelor for guidance in the morrow. We will talk more of it then."

"But do know this," he reaches out to clasp Mission's shoulder, "Pelor watches over our journey. I did not realize just how closely until this morning. An... an angel came and gave me comfort! Brother, Pelor will not let our journey fail. Pelor will not let your child fall to the blackness, Brother, we will stand with him in the end."

Subject: Re: Chasing Elise; forest trails

I am waiting for Scott before I proceed.