What is for me literally a lifetime of training and in the last four years intensive training to enter the priesthood of Rofirein has been tested fully in my first venture forth into the wider world.
Having arrived in Port Hempstead I endeavoured to do what I could as I had been bid. I met a lovely young lady who was in the city with her brother who happened to be in the militia and was working hard. We helped out ni what ways we were able for a few days and she approached me saying she had heard of a task to complete for the Lucindites. Being our Brothers and Sisters in Faith I agreed and we travelled by ship to Leringard.
Literally stepping off the ship I was confronted with a scene of angst. A Dark Elf of all things was standing, clear as daylight on the pier being accosted by a dwarf and the animosity of the surrounding crowd was not condusive to a pleasant outcome. I stood in the crowd at first wishing to get some idea of what was going on. The Dark Elf was plainly antagonishing everyone just by openly being seen in the city and the dwarf was making everyone sure how he felt. The smooth sureness of the Dark Elf came undone when the dwarf tired of his insults and leapt at him with his staff beating it about the head repeatedly. At this point I could no longer stand by and as no one else moved to stop the dwarf I did.
The dwarf was ready to turn on me for interfering and I could see the crowd was on his side. Its a difficult decision at times to stand up for the law objectively. I understood the dwarfs feelings but could not stand by and let an unprovoked serious assault happen. When a nearby ships captain rallied the crowd to the dwarfs side of things I feared for the worst. That was just when some of the local guards arrived to take control of the scene.
Unhappy with the guards decision Gart, the dwarf, tried to incite a riot amongst those gathered which thankfully the guards put an end to relatively quickly. The Guards dispersed the crowd and rightfully in the circumstances told the Dark Elf to cover up himself or face more assaults or more serious injury. While I am not as naive to assume that the past histories and records about the Dark Elf race speak volumes for their capabilities and motivations, I did however feel some pang of pity for the Dark Elf. I prefer to give people the benefit of the doubt before making judgement. I calmed things over as best I could and we travlled across to Krashin to begin our journey to where the Lucindites had a research mission. I had to maintain a watchful eye on Gart who persisted in trying to provoke or harrass Aunlyn, the Dark Elf, at every opportunity.
Travel was not that easy, what with the knee deep snow and hungry kobolds seemingly everywhere. We had a few chance encounters before stopping at some sort of haven then on advice from the woman living there proceeded the forest path to Wolverine camp.
When we eventually arrived at Wolvering Camp my Faith was tested. Within moments of entering the place Gart denounced Aunlyn to the barbarians. They promptly set about executing him to my vehement protest. I am so glad part of our initiations involves intense debating if not for that I would have crumbled in the face of such hostility and anger. My Faith and adherence to the Law was sorely tested and I found my self willing to stand beside the Dark Elf to defend my beliefs even if it meant my death.
I could not believe my life was to end so quickly but I resolved to be strong and trust in Rofirein to deliver me. As it came to pass he heard my prayers, the barbarian leader relented in the execution thanks to the negotiation skills of a young man called Vincent and an elf called Shadowleaf who travelled with us. The barbarian leader demanded a high price for the boon but they did as he asked and both Aunlyn and myself were released to continue on our way, quickly.
As I left the lawless place behind me I thanked Rofirein for sparing me and for such a valuable lesson so early in my trials as a member of the Faith.
