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Introduction
The sun was just beginning to burn away the early morning mist when Shuko was shown to her quarters. She was dressed a little austerely in a long, plain, blue robe and her hair was swept back from her face. There was a slight chill in the room from the open window in front of her. She stood breathing the cool, fresh air for a moment before turning slowly to look over her room. Her eyes quickly scanned the open closet standing empty in the corner, the bare dresser by the far wall. The foot of the narrow bed held a neatly folded pile of sheets. The only thing within the small room that was familiar was the bag she had brought with her when she set out from home with her father.
For a moment she felt tears begin to well. She blinked them back quickly and composed herself. In a few minutes she would have to go to the main hall and be properly introduced to her tutors. She reassured herself that it was just the abruptness of the change that made her feel emotional. She frowned slightly as she reconsidered her thoughts. This had been planned for a long time, she just hadnt thought it would come around so soon.
Shuko straightened her robe, left her bag on top of the bed and walked out of the room, closing the door the behind her. The temple was a modest size, the quarters housed the high-priest, two priests, and two acolytes. Three acolytes, she corrected herself. She walked calmly through the hallway until she reached the door to the main hall. Her father was stood in conversation with the high-priest. Shuko bowed respectfully to both of them as they turned towards her. Her father gestured for her to enter as he continued speaking. She walked past the two men quietly and took a seat to one side of the hall. Her father had been talking about her eldest brother, Otoshi. She wished she could have stood with them a little longer and listened. He was doing well. That was all the information that she needed, so her father had said.
He is working hard to further the glory of Torm, he has said, and you would do better to concentrate on how you can do the same.
Now, as she sat in the empty hall, she looked up to the far wall and the mural that was painted there. It was Torms holy symbol, a right-handed war gauntlet surrounded by 3 black arrow shafts. She murmured a quiet prayer to Torm for strength and guidance, and resolved that she would take heed of her fathers words. She had looked forward to this opportunity for a long time, she would make sure that she made the most out of it.
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A diary entry dated: 9 Harvestdays, 597 SG
Another day is dawning and my life here at the temple is beginning to fall into a regular pattern. We rise just before dawn and are to be found in the temple at morning prayers as the sun begins to lighten the sky. We eat a plain meal after morning prayers and then we have lessons until midday. There is another service held before midday. There are chores to be done after the midday meal, and in the evening after prayers we usually have two hours to ourselves before we have to retire.
The temple can be a little chilly in the very early mornings, but it is no hardship really. Father said that I should try to be like Otoshi, he doesnt complain about the hardships he faces fighting for Torm. So I have resolved not to mention it again. I asked forgiveness from the high priest for the comments I made to my parents about the cold. He was really very understanding for which I am grateful. I am sure he just being lenient because I am so new here.
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Extract from a letter from High-Priest Esti to Shukos parents
Greetings to you both,
I am delighted to tell you that Shuko seems to have fitted in to temple life very well indeed, especially for someone so young. She has applied herself to her studies with a vigour that is quite admirable. It has been remarked to me following an incident last week that at times she may be just a little overzealous, but I am sure she can learn to be a little more diplomatic given time. Shuko was quite right however that priest Vetig should not have been drinking red wine within the temple grounds. As one of her tutors he really should be setting a better example, even if the drink was only for medicinal purposes.
I trust that the rest of your family are well, and we look forward to seeing you at the Springstime service in a few months time.
May Torm watch over you both.
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A diary entry dated: 20 Colddays, 597 SG
It is getting colder in the temple in the early mornings and late evenings. Not that I am complaining at all. Follower Injendi mentioned it to me this morning as we were on our way to morning prayers. Say I told her that it was such a minor hardship that I had resolved not to think about it. She said that she was not complaining about it either and that it was sometimes the only thing that kept her awake during the service. Im not quite sure what she meant by that. I think I will have to mention it to her tutors, perhaps she is unwell and having difficulty sleeping. Even so I am certain I couldnt possibly sleep through one of High-Priest Estis riveting sermons.
We have the Springstime Service to prepare for at the moment. I have suggested that we hold a hymn practice every Formday until the service. No-one has said anything to me about it as yet. But I am sure it will be very enjoyable. I may suggest we continue with it after the service too.
=-=-=-=-=-=-= A diary entry dated: 5 Springstime, 598 SG
I am pleased to say that the Springstime Service went well. We had all spent long hours in the temple in preparation, cleaning it from top to bottom whilst we sang hymns. Well Injendi and Saaratha didnt sing, it was just me. They were probably trying to save their voices for the service Im sure.
Mother and Father both came to the service. Mother was able to fill me in on lots of news: Otoshi is doing well, he has just placed an order for a suit of Brass Fullplate and everyone is very proud of him. Ashiko is to be handfasted next year, mother is helping them plan the ceremony. There is still no news of Yuuki though, I pray that she is well wherever she is now.
Father said that he enjoyed the service, and that he will be speaking with High-Priest Esti about my progress here.
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Extract from a letter from Shuko to her parents 565 SG
Dear Father and Mother,
I hope that you are both well, and I look forward to your next letter for some news of home.
My studies here are progressing well, and my tutors have suggested that I may be ready to dedicate myself to the priesthood fully. I have said I will try to make a decision this year, and if I do decide to then the ceremony could be held in the next few years. Its really no time at all. One of the other acolytes here, Injendi, seems to be very pleased for me. She told me that she didnt think I was cut out for anything other than this. It was such a compliment, but she assured me that she really meant it.
Please pass on my regards to Ashiko and Otoshi, and everyone at home. May Torm watch over you all.
Shuko
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Extract from a letter from High-Priest Esti to Shukos parents 568 SG
Greetings to you both,
I thought I had best keep you updated on the plans for Shukos dedication to Torm. A date for the service has now been agreed. It will be 5 Flameday Growingdays 569 SG. I have enclosed a copy of the Order of Service for you.
We will all look forward to seeing you on the day to help us celebrate such a happy day.
May Torm watch over you both.
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Continuation
A decade and more came and went as Shuko worked at the small temple compound as a novice priestess. She delighted in studying the word of Torm and preaching of it to any elf that would listen. This included the elf with broken ears.
The elf with broken ears was in actuality a human male, the first that Shuko had seen. An adventurer by nature he had travelled far when he passed through the elven town where the Shukos temple was based, armed only with a few personal possessions and a little knowledge of the elven language.
Shuko was walking along the main street of the town, humming softly to herself. The midday sun was bright but held little warmth and she kept her cloak close about her to combat the chilly autumnal breeze. The man a little further down the road was not familiar to her. He was easily identified as a traveller by the all the sacks and equipment he was carrying with him and the map the he kept looking down at before raising his head and looking around as if lost.
Quick to spot a fellow in need of Torms protection and guidance, Shuko quickened her step and walked over to meet him. As she approached him she noticed that he really was extraordinarily tall.
Greetings traveller, may I be of any assistance? , she asked and smiled kindly up at the tall stranger.
He took a moment to respond and then spoke hesitantly, Greetings. I dfgsoew useusi here. I am lost. He had such a heavy accent that there were a few words she could not quite understand. He frowned slightly and spoke again, I am hkjusd. I am looking gregwe nlknhu Inn.
Shuko nodded to the stranger encouragingly and smiled politely, I am Shuko, priestess of Torm. Im afraid I did not quite catch your name good elf, but if you need any help at all please just ask.
The man looked at her a little blankly as though he hadnt quite understood what she was saying. She opened her mouth to say more, but stopped abruptly. He had frowned slightly and reached up to brush some hair away from his face. Shuko blinked as she caught a glimpse of his ear and looked back at the man with a sudden understanding.
It was hardly surprising, she thought to herself, that this poor man looked tired and hungry and had travelled such a long way. Elves often travelled to the temple to receive healing, and this elf was obviously unwell. She berated herself for not realising this sooner, and resolved that she would seek a penance from the high-priest for her thoughtlessness.
She focused on her holy symbol and began to chant softly. She hoped that it would be enough to keep him well enough to walk to the temple with her.
How do you feel now? , she asked, trying to look calm and positive, Did that help at all, just a little?
She motioned to him to follow her and reached out to offer him support on the walk to the temple. It was not far, but for an elf in ill health it could be difficult enough. Shuko had assisted the more experienced priests in the temple in their healing, but try as she did she could not think of any illness that effected an elfs ears in such a way. She glanced up at them again briefly and frowned slightly in concentration.
Will be there soon , she told him, dont worry. You can have a good meal and rest, and Im certain that the high-priest will be able to help you
He smiled down at her and nodded as he repeated a few words, a meal and rest .
How do you feel now? Would you like me to attempt to heal you a little again? ' She asked him.
He looked a little puzzled, How do I feel? .
Shuko blushed furiously. It was a stupid question to ask, he was obviously very ill indeed. As they continued the walk to the temple Shuko spoke to the stranger about Torm and the temple and about the services that were held there. She told him of the high-priest and that by Torms grace he was renowned for healing so he shouldnt worry overmuch.
She offered a quiet prayer of thanks to Torm as they approached the temple and saw high-priest Esti in the entrance hall. She bowed gracefully before him and paused to consider her words. Before she spoke a word Esti had looked at the stranger beside her and begun talking in a language that Shuko was unfamiliar with. To her surprise he replied, and the two spoke for a few moments before Esti turned to look at Shuko questioningly. The words came out a little hurried as she explained to her high-priest how she had found this elf who was in need of Torms healing. There was a moment of silence and Shuko felt obliged to explain further. She recounted the meeting and the exchange of words, that the elf was a little distant and obviously unwell, and she added in a hushed whisper that his ears showed signs of the illness as they were oddly blunted.
Esti looked down at Shuko and then across at the man by her side and spoke to him again in the strange language. As one they both turned to look at her and began to chuckle. Esti placed a hand on Shukos shoulder and tried to explain the misunderstanding to her as he chuckled lightly. As comprehension dawned on her, Shuko blushed furiously. She had heard about humans and knew a little of their history, she had even seen a picture of one once, but she had not expected to see one here. She stood looking uncomfortable and red-faced, which seemed to amuse the human beside her even more.
It was over a week later when she spoke to the high-priest again about the event. He tried to remain serious as she sought a penance for her thoughtlessness and her actions. The decision was reached that it was time for Shuko to see a little more of the world and to help spread the word of Torm far and wide. He began by teaching her a little of the common language and a few phrases of halfling. When she knew enough to satisy Esti, she began to make plans for her departure. There was a town a few weeks ride away called Offestry. It was known to have a mixed population and be welcoming to elves. It was to there she set out after a last walk around the temple that she had spent so much of her life so far.
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A collection of short diary extracts dated: 651 SG
My travels have begun well, by Torm's grace I have reached Offestry after a most unremarkable journey from the temple. But what shock when I arrived here! Already I have seen humans, dwarves and even a gnome. I have even managed to speak a few words with some of the new people I have met. The change from the peace and tranquility of the temple is noticeable, and yet this is a relatively peaceful city from what I have heard. There is a larger city to the south, beyond a mountain range that I intend to travel to at some point. Perhaps in a few months, there is so much to see here, and Torm's work to be done here and in the surrounding areas...
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... I have journeyed on from Offestry, and discovered an even larger, noisier city on the far side of the mountains. It is predominantly a human city, but already I have met a number of half-elves too.
I was very fortunate on my first day here to be introduced to another elf. What a relief to speak a civilised language again! I have offered a prayer of thanks to Torm for guiding my footsteps here. The elf I have met is called Iaido, and he is the high-priest of Torm's church in these parts. I will admit that I was a little overwhelmed when I first met him, he seems to know so many people here and switches between languages effortlessly in order to converse with them. Already I am fortunate enough to have been included in the cleaning rota for the temple...
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... Things generally have been going well, although I seem to be having some problems with horses. I do worry what High Priest Iaido must think of me. He was so thoughtful to advise me on the use of Torm's gifts, I fear that it may appear I have completely disregarded his advice. I am experiencing some difficulty with one chant in particular despite my best efforts and repeated warnings. I think it may be for the best if I travel on foot from now on.
I have met another elf, Aramel, a ranger of Istishia. He is really very kind and has been much more understanding than I deserve. In accordance with the penance that High Priest Iaido has kindly set for me I have purchased a horse from the stables in Shadow. I am hoping to see Aramel soon so that I can present this new mount to him. I am so embarrased about what has happened I do not think I can even commit it to paper...
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... I am being to grow more accustomed to the pace of city life. Things all seem so hurried, but then the cities here are predominantly human so I guess that is to be expected. I am incredibly fortunate to have been spending more time with High Priest Iaido of late. He has some wonderful ideas for building works to the temple, and I have been offering what little assistance I can.
I have been travelling with Aramel, and another elf, Anariand, of late. we have been exploring one of the nearby islands. I have met a number of other people here, far too many to list them all although perhaps I should mention a few of them by name. Adlon is a human, he appears to be a very capable fighter and I'm sure he has some amazing tales to tell although my Common is still not all that good and I don't understand most of what he says. I try to smile encouragingly anyway though, so as not to make him feel bad for not speaking Elven. I have met two halflings called Damona and Ataar, who seem to be very good friends and both are very friendly indeed. Korath is and half-elf and is the High Priest of Selune, he speaks Elven fluently which is nice, although he is a little scary at times. I have even met a firbolg! Her name is Lahnna and she is really quite incredibly tall...
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... Iaido has given me a rose. I am lost for words. I have been smiling ever since ...
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