RP:Lared and volunteers clean up the Shrine of Olric the Just

Background

Lared is doing all he can to support the Ascended, their priests, temples and shrines. This is due to recent threats to destroy such holy places.

He has therefore gathered a group of volunteers including some not exactly very religious street urchins and thieves to help clear out all the rubble, and the desecrated pillars prior to rebuilding.

Characters

Lared - A priest of Kanos.

Cornelius - A dandy.

Ranok - A smith and warrior.

Tysinni - A thief.

Plus many varied and entertaining npcs.

Setting

The vandalized shrine of Olric the Just in the south west of Cenril.

Day one - Clearing up the unholy mess.

Lared the shaven headed priest of Kanos bows politely to thank the volunteers who have come to help him and the rather elderly priest of Olric with the restoration. Even a number of street urchins from Cenril have volunteered, but Lared suspects they may just be hoping to find bits of golden offerings hidden in the rubble. He bows to thank all who have come. "My name is Lared, Priest of Kanos. This is Tolam Priest of Olric. We thank you all for your help. May the gods bless you all."

Word had started to spread in southern Cenril of the man who was working to clean and restore the abandoned shrine to Olric the Just. A group of local men, mostly ex-militia, arrives to assist, led by a tall man with cropped brown hair and hazel eyes. They are, by and large, dressed in sturdy work clothes - all but a gentleman with silver-grey hair in light plate standing next to the apparent leader. The hazel-eyed man introduces himself to Lared "Craven. Heard what you were up to, figured you could use a bit of muscle. The man in plate is an old acquaintance, here in case anyone wanted to come and cause trouble." The man jerks his finger at the silver haired man, who bows in turn "Cornelius Von Penzance at your service, priest of Kanos."

Lared opens up a box of tools he has brought with him. It contains picks, shovels, brooms etc." He has also brought two wheelbarrows which he borrowed from his dwarven stonemason friends. "I asked the people of Cenril where was the appropriate place to leave the rubble we need to clear out. I was told 'Just dump it under the bridge west of the city.' several times and got no other reply. So I guess that is what we will have to do."

Craven interrupts "If I might suggest something? There's a section of housing in Arril Street recently burned down. It's close by, there's space, and some of this stuff can be re-used by the slum-dwellers"

Ranok was filled with anger when seeing the destruction. So senseless. So needless. People, killed for what they believed in. Or simply in being in the wrong place at the wrong time. The blood still mars the stone despite how long ago the time has passed. The man looks grim. But determined. As a smith, and a soldier, working with his hands was what he was used to. And here, it could be put to a cause that would not lose him sleep. Without many words, he would get ready for the work. The armor and the weapons are taken off and bundled up. Then put into a bag where they disappear without making a bulge. Underneath all that plate, a simple loose fitting shirt and pants where, though he did keep the boots on. The plating on them would protect his toes as well as any steel toed ones would. His first objective were those pillars. They obstructed much of the temple, and they were what the temple represented. Restoring them meant that the values held would be shining forth once more. He would take some minutes to inspect them, the turmoil of people picking up small bits of rubble and whatnot to stick into barrels ignored for the moment. He had a problem. And he was going to fix it, one way or another.

Lared is impressed by that suggestion."That is a wonderful idea Craven. Not only will it save us time and effort, but helping those unfortunate people rebuild their homes is very much in the spirit of what Lord Olric stands for." The priest greets Cornelius politely, and turns to give a warning stare to one of the street urchins who seems about to try to pick the silver haired man's pocket. Lareds hand out food and chocolate to the street kids, almost as an apology for not letting them steal, though he doesn't think of it like that."

Craven turns to his men. "Cluster, Haggard, you're on heavy lifting duty with me. Vander, Dart, Korax - get the rest of the lads to help with sweeping and shovelling. Many hands, as Colbert woulda said. Get to it." With a nod, two large men flank Craven, whilst the rest of them line up to obtain shovels and brooms. Craven notes the two wheelbarrows "On second thoughts... Dart, go fetch us another 'barra" Cornelius, in the meanwhile, was talking to one of the urchins "Yes, lass, Isabella's alright. When we've properly mended her, she'll be back. She's recovering well, and the bastard who cut her, well, he hasn't been seen in a long time. You don't have to worry about that one". As one quite familiar with Cenril, Cornelius' pockets were in little danger. The one called Dart, almost as small and waiflike as the urchins, nods and dashes off towards and then down Arril Street.

Ranok offers Cornelius a somber nod. He hadn't really expected the dandy to be present. It just didn't strike him as self harmful enough, though he was welcome to the aid that the dandy brought.

Tysinni had been following her friend through Cenril, wondering where exactly he was planning on going. For the last few moments, she had noticed they were getting close to some ruins, a place in the town she had never come across. The area held what she assumed had once been a house of worship and even her jaded nature felt a pang for the loss suffered here. Quietly, she steps up to listen to the priest speak, finding herself unaccountably moved by his words. Death was not something she traded in, so she still felt uneasy around it. The signs of destruction were everywhere, she watched as the men who occupied the area prepared to work. It's the work of only a moment to reach Ranok, her voice is hushed when she speaks to him. "Where are we?"

Tysinni eyes the street urchins, pulling her heat lower over her features. Now would not be the best time for them to recognize her. She noted at least two faces that had been there the day she stole the lute from the travelling musician.

Ranok turns towards Ty, answering her question, "Dis iz de Temple uf Oric de Chust. Dese ruins hef been here as long as Hy hef been in dis lund. Vich, admittedly, hain't dat long. Hy don' know vat heppened here. But Hy do intend to help make it right." He faces the crumbled pillars. He supposed since each where down, that they weren't important to the integrity of the temple. He waves down Cornelius, and when the dandy's attention was on him, he'd say, "Ve kan' do much vith dese pillars blockink everyddink. Figure you men kan lend me a hend vile de odders klear out de rubbel und de such in de meantime?"

The rather frail priest of Olric, Tolam, uses his staff of office to support him as he moves to where Ranok has started work on the pillars of virtue. Or such they once were. "My sincere thanks for your help young man." Ranok may not be that young, but he is in comparison with Tolam. "Are you a follower of Olric? Are you aware of the three virtues these pillars once represented and will do again?" Without waiting for an answer, the old priest begins to speak, more as if he were giving a sermon to a congregation that addressing a single individual. "The three virtues are Justice, Truth, and Light. By Light of course we do not mean that which comes from a lamp or a candle, or even that which comes from the live-giving sun, important as that is. We mean the Light of goodness that is within all people, that we strive to nuture that they may grow in goodness at virtue, helping and preserving all that is good and holy."

Cornelius nods to Ranok, and calls over Craven "Craven, Ranok. Ranok's an engineer. Knows rocks and steel, and how to fix things up. Chances are, he can use your help bringing over the essentials. He's an annoying sod at times, but try not to hold it against him, wot" With a slight smile, Cornelius would then stand guard by the entrance, a slightly ornate langenschwert rested point down between his feet - a light and versatile two-handed sword with a raven-head spike on pommel and sturdy spiked crossguards, bearing guard lugs two hand-spans past the hilt. Craven in the meanwhile would call over Haggard and Cluster, then stick out his right hand towards Ranok "Craven. Reckon me and my lads might be able to assist a bit more than Mister Penzance. He's good with a sword, but be damned if I'd let him try to build a house, let alone a dogshed." Cornelius, thankfully, was not close enough by that time to hear them.

Ranok extends his massive hand to shake the one offered, "TO be honest, Hy vouldn' trust him eidder. Jump uff a kliff to katch a dragon flyink by, provoke his lady luv drow, or chust get himself into potential bravls, he's you man. But if hyu know him hyu probably already know dat. De name iz Ranok, as schtated. Blacksmith by trade, engineer by necessity." Necessity being that the lands seemed to lack one. He wasn't as good a stone worker as he was a metal one, but he was learning. And he knew forces and how they interacted, so that was on his side, at the least. He turns to the problem at hand, hands hooked in his belt. The man lacked any tools, but there didn't seem to be any in short supply. "Dese pillars are too heavy to moff, really. Ve kan' trow dem back upright, not vith de keilink in de vay. It'd never get tight. But ve kan klear dem out uf de vay. Puttink dem back in vill reqvire revorkink de keilink, Hy tink. Hy chust pray dat dey really veren' load bearink." They wouldn't be restored as they were whole, but each was broken. That meant that they could be drawn back up to the height they currently stuck at. Whether they stayed like that as a testament to the temple's reconstruction and restitution or replaced entirely wasn't up to him. He would ask that the men sent to him secure ropes to the first pillar, to lift it back up. This would be done by some pulleys. His first option would have been to use the stone of the walls as anchors, but the objective was to rebuild, not drill holes in walls. So, frameworks would have to be built, or the pillars broken down entirely. The choice, once again, wasn't his to make, but Lared's.

Tysinni can't help but feel uneasy being around such a bastion of good...destroyed as it is. Uncharacteristically quiet and somber, her attention is torn between the rubble surrounding the area and the people talking around her. Such a large gathering would usually be the cue for her to earn some extra money picking pockets or finding patsies for her schemes, but somehow she couldn't bring herself to do it. Not with the priest around, not with all the people working to do something good. Ty lets out a sigh and starts to study the remaining pieces of temple, not quite sure what she was doing here. She perks up, seeing a glint in the rubble, before remembering herself. She glances around uneasily wondering if she was going to be smited for even thinking about profiting in such a place. She wouldn't do it of course, but the urge was there nonetheless.

Lared spends a few minutues utilising his skils as a healer, as one of the street kids has scraped some skin off his knuckles, searching rather too eagerly for the wondrous treasure the lad dreams is just under the next stone. Lared cleans and bandages the wound and grins when the boy asks him."Will I have an impressive looking scar to show everybody?" Shaking his head. "I wouldn't expect much scaring my friend. Here, I think this was under that stone, you hurt yourself on. It must belong to you." He hands the lad a gold coin. The young priest of Kanos then goes to speak with Ranok. "I think it better from a religous point of view to remove the pillars that have been desecrated and replace them with new ones. I have ordered three to be made by the dwarven stonemasons, Craughmoyle Builders Inc. Those dwarves have a great deal of skill in these matters. Some of them told me they would call round later today, so you can discuss matters with them. Also once we are ready to start the rebuilding they will send an entire work crew. They are good men. Loyal following of Kanos the ascended, the god I serve." The priest adds proudly. "Many dwarves honour Kanos. As for a pully sysyem. I think it best to build a wooden framework, rather than do any further damage to the walls of the shrine. But I am no engineer. I will respect the skills of yourself and the dwarves if you think it best to proceed otherwise."

Craven returns Ranok's handshake with a solid, reassuring grip - not pressing, not crumbling, just in place and holding to the greeting. "Well, of us all, Cluster..." He nods at a big, burly man with short blonde hair and long droopy moustache. "...Cluster's got some smithing experience. Horseshoes and swords, the Cenrilli staples we call 'em. Whereas Haggard..." Craven nods to a tall, stocky man with black hair cut in the military style. "...Haggard's mother was a bear. Actually, might have been his father. Or both." Haggard chuckles as Craven continues "I worked in a lumbermill before the lizards came, and I know my way around timber a bit. So, give us the orders, we'll work with you. It's a good cause, after all." Craven, Haggard and Cluster stand ready to assist Ranok, while Cornelius finds himself once more assailed by the street urchin he had been speaking with earlier. Snippets of their conversation might be overheard at times "...ost her hand...ace it soo...ck in Cenril...maybe living wi...orax is scar...ot so bad, ju..."

Ranok nods to the men before him. Just what he wanted to hear. What he didn't, not so much, was Lared's words. Removing the pillars meant only one thing: hard work. But nothing he wasn't used to. The smith claps his hands together, "Hokay! Ve're gunna do dis nize und simple. Teams uf tvo. Ve're gunna chisel de pillars apart und den break dem up furdder vith hemmers. De kids und de rest kan take de rubbel out. It's gunna be a long, long day, so don' push youselves." Since the pillars weren't to be pulled upright, they had to go. And since they were neither small nor light, breaking them up was the only option. The idea was indeed simple. Two men would hammer one chisel into the stone, alternating, until it broke. Then the chunks would have the same repeated until they could be carried out. Lacking any machines to do this, physical labor was the only way. Hopefully there were some strapping young men in the crowd to help. Otherwise, Ranok and Craven's crew were going to have a long, long day ahead of them. He sets forth immediately. Thankfully, the day was young. It was only warm, not hot. The best time to strike while the iron was hot, as it were. Ranok takes the closest man near him to go and gather the tools. Ranok wouldn't suffer as most would. Swinging a hammer in the stifling heat was, fairly literally, his job. As he passes Ty, he says, "Looks like hyu don' hef much to do. Hyu kan keep de kids organized und movink. Entertain dem a liddle. Giff out de treats und keep dem heppy. Or, pick up a hemmer. If hyu vant."

Tysinni walks a little away from the others, shucking duster and hat, placing them atop her bag and stowing it behind some larger pieces of rubble. She appears somewhat self-conscious, looking around quickly for the few familiar small faces she had seen earlier. A sigh of relief Is given at seeing no one was paying particular attention to her. Picking her way through the destruction, she makes her way to the partially standing pillars, listening to the orders given to workers and the like. She had no intentions of being put to work, but there was no reason why she couldn't try and blend in. She watches the old man fix up one of the children, wary at being around a 'holy' personage. Stepping around one of the areas of greater destruction, she nearly stumbles over a small group of children who were speaking. The children give her wide-eyed gazes, looking her over before one of them points to her bright, coppery hair and says something quietly to the others. She grimaces, looking around quickly before leaning over and saying something in return. To the casual eavesdropper they appeared to be speaking of music and a missing lute. She shushes them, glancing uneasily at the adults before turning her attention back to the children. Her words are soft, too soft for anyone else to hear as she speaks to the street urchins. They listen intently before grinning and nodding and dispersing back into the larger groups of people. It was always a bad idea for a thief to be noticed, but those children had watched her do something quite foolish the other day and were excited to see someone being sought for stealing. She watches them slip into the crowd, a small smile on her face as she thinks back to her younger years. Reminiscing is cut short when Ranok appears next to her, issuing orders in his particular bossy way. "Aye, Sir. I live to please." She grins and offers him a mocking bow, before heading out to follow the children. Easier to keep an eye on what they were saying about things, namely herself, if she were around them.

Lared looks around at all the kind people, who have given up their time and are working to restore the shrine to Olric the Acsended and is filled with joy. This is the sort of thing that makes being a priest worthwhile. Seeing all the good there is in people. He silently sends a prayer to bless them all once more. He then heads over to where Cornelius and the street kids are talking. After all it is part of his duty to protect all children, Kanos is known as the defender of the defenceless. Though if the cleric of Kanos knew more about some of these tough little urchins, he might think that he was the one who needed protection from them. In any case, he chats with the scruffy kids, asking if they have enough to eat, somewhere warm and safe to live, and if there is any other way he might be able to help them. Lared even offers to pay for entry to the Cenril Public Baths for them, as many are obviously in great need of such. His offer is refused with a carefree. "Naw! We can always swim in the sea mister." He turns and listens attentively as Ranok explains the way they are going to remove the pillars. Being thin and slighty built he wisely decides against using a pick or hammer, and instead helps carry the rubble to the wheelbarrows.

Craven grins. A long hard day of honest work. His kind of day. "Okay. Cluster, you're with Ranok. Do what he says or you'll wear my boot 'til next sunday. Haggard, you and me'll work together." He then calls out to the rest of his crew "Alright lads, you heard the man. get the rubble into the barras, and get it out of his way. We've a man-made quarry to deplete." Not long after, Dart returns with a third wheelbarrow, and as one barrow fills, it gets taken away, while the next one gets filled in its stead. With three wheelbarrows going, a steady run is achieved for clearing away the smaller stones. The street urchins often dash off to follow the barrow-carters. Cornelius, for his part, nods briefly to Lared when he approaches, then stares out into Cenril, seemingly lost in thought, but eyes flicking alertly, watching the streets and rooftops approaching the shrine.

Ranok gets down to work. A hammer is selected for its weight and balance, such as a hammer can have, by his expert hand. And then the work. First the chisel, being hammered into the stone. Then the alternating poundings as each man drives it further and further in. The sound of metal on metal rings through the temple as the pillar is taken apart by force of will. Bit by bit, blow by blow, the rock would crumble and the men would move on. Stone dust flies in the air, thick and annoying in the eyes and lungs. The wise cover their faces. Those that don't would be coughing for a good long while. Ranok was among those that don a mask, a simple thing of cloth. The eyes of the smith would be red from irritation, but the work came first. Progress would be slow, but steady. As the sun rose, the heat increased, and sweat would begin to pour off every working man's back and brow. Perhaps one or two men would collapse from the heat, and a child who didn't know when to stop. Water would have to flow freely, to be drunk or poured on the head to bring a moment's relief of refreshment, but the work could not stop. With a modest workforce the pillars would be cleared in a double handful of hours, well past noon and getting towards where the sun was setting. Ranok was a hard task driver, giving very little breadth for excuses, but he wasn't a slave driver. Breaks were necessary, especially in the heat, and he was a little more generous with allowing them without comment then he might have if the men were his and not just volunteers. But, over time, and through the determination of those assembled, the pillars would be crumbled and carted out.

Tysinni has spent the past few moments gathering the children and younger people into a group around her. One child in particular seems glued to her side and she sends the unkempt, young thing a warning look that is cheerfully ignored. She carefully explains the plans that the men had for the ruins, using many hand gestures and acting out certain parts of the jobs to emphasize the work to be done. A few break off, perhaps wanting to do things on their own, or not interested in helping with the work. Her attention is given to those left and she divides the children into groups, leading them to safe places to wait until they are needed to move things. Her experienced eye notices the way their small grubby hands, dart out as they pass some of the workers and she takes the time to impart some practical advice. "First rule of Impolite Living, which I shall henceforth refer to all illegal activities as, is to never work a place that you're not immediately planning to leave, or in which you have a good hiding place picked out." It was unlikely that anyone would be paying attention to overhear, but if they did she would be sure to couch her words in vague terms to deter overzealous ears. The children come and go from the crowd, following their chosen workers to lend support while the others listen to her hushed words of wisdom. She directs some of the smaller children to start bringing in buckets of water from the nearby well, they would then circulate among the hard-working men, offering a dipper or two of water to anyone who needed it. Ty would make certain that the children in her purview took a break when they needed to, switching out tasks as often as needful. Perhaps over the noise one could hear her, still in lecture mode, one tired child on her lap. "Fifth rule of Impolite Living, when you are held against your will, make sure to always keep at least two daggers on your person. One for them to find, the other hidden better for you to keep. It'll help you in the long run."

Lared is getting quite warm. He wipes his forehead with his red spotted handkerchief, then removes and cleans his glasses too, before getting back to work, eager not to let any of the kids outdo him in the amount of rubble they can move. Humility might be a virtue encouraged in priests of Kanos, but Lared is not quite so humble yet as not to feel very ashamed if a child can do better than he. Seeing that some of the volunteers without masks are coughing, irritated by the stone dust. Lared reaches into his healing kit, bringing out a supply of triangular bandages which can be tied over the nose and mouth and offer pretty good protection. He distrubutes all the triangualer bandages reasoning that if someone injures an arm he will just have to form a makeshift sling from whatever else is available. Part of his new forest green cloak if need be. Lared thanks the kids for bringing water, and asks a couple of them to sprinkle some of it around to help keep the dust down. Tolam the elderly priest of Olric is too frail to help with the physical work. The old man potters over to speak with Tysinni and the street kids. He unsuccessfully tries to lead the none too enthusiastic street urchins in a hymn in praise of Olric. Deciding this was a bad move, he introduces himself to the adult in the group instead, asking Tysinni. "Are you a follower of my lord Olric yourself my dear? Tell me have you ever considered joining the priesthood? We will need more acolytes to serve in the rebuilt shrine. Dedicating one's life to the gods is a fine way to spend one's life, I can tell you from experience. I have been a priest of Olric for almost sixty years and have never regretted my decision to serve him."

Craven and his men follow Ranok's lead, covering their mouths and noses with rags and kerchiefs. Cluster, his droopy moustache dripping sweat like a weeping willow in the rain, comfortably follow's Ranok's rhythm, used to the heat and activity of the forge. He had selected a hammer and chisel in similar fashion to the slightly larger Ranok, and now it rang out a stready cadence. After an hour, Craven and Haggard managed to get a proper handle on the task and, though soaked in sweat, persevered with stoic dedication to the task at hand. The other members of Craven's crew, none quite so strong or fit as the three doing the hammering, spent their time clearing rubble and stones. Those closer to fatigue would be spelled with a turn on the wheelbarrows. Cornelius, never a fan of manual labour unless it involved ships or swords, maintained his watchful vigil, and thus overheard Tysinni's advice. He murmurs "6th rule of cautious living: don't let anyone know you know the rules".

Ranok was too absorbed in the work to offer anyone advice except where they could shove that hammer when they complained of fatigue, heaviness of arm, or the heat of the day. During one of the breaks, he does observe the way Ty was interacting with the children. No comment was spared, however. Lared's request to use the water to keep the dust down was met with a grunt, also. He really ought to have thought of that. But, at least someone did. It would help, though some of the damage was done and he keeps his mask. And then to work again went. When the last of the pillars was moved out, he calls out for another break for the hammering men and those that were clearing the rubble. It was well deserved. Ranok does not sit down to rest that time, however. He slowly walks the room, seeing what else could be done to help. Options were a tad limited. Lacking the skill himself to direct those with even less skill, he couldn't offer to rebuild the temple that day. He supposed that the dust could be cleared, as best as it could. But he wasn't sure of the futility of it. The stoneworkers that would come after would make another mess of things, by necessity. Eventually, he decides to relay the order 'clear the worst of it'. Some busy work for the others while the hammerers rested up and he could find what other problems needed doing. To To Lared he went, then, to simply ask them waste time trying to look, "De pillars hef been kleared as best as kan be done. Hy'm not sure uf de damage vrecked in de temple. Vat else iz dere dat iz in need uf doink?"

Tysinni , who had never been thought cautious, is surprised and wary as the elderly priest approaches her and the children surrounding her. She pauses in the middle of relating rules of Impolite Livng, rule eleven "When doing the Barakspur shuffle, never leave the chickens in the library for more than an hour" ending the recitation abruptly so as not to draw attention to her teachings. "Er, children, I think we need more water…" Several of the smaller ones scamper off, leaving her to face the priest with only a handful of stragglers. His words surprise her, a raised eyebrow her only response during his recitation. He seemed sincere enough and that made her grin. Obviously, he was one of those who saw good in everyone. He seemed a rather harmless old dear but she still didn't need a priest getting involved in her business. Nothing good ever came from mixing crime and religion, which was of course Rule Twenty-Seven of Impolite Living. "I'm sorry, I don't know of Olric." Good idea, remain neutral. "I really don't think I'm the worshipping type. All the bowing and praying and putting others before myself….it's not really my style." She could see that the workers were taking a break and she motioned to several of the children who looked tired to come back with the others. "You seem a good sort, for all that you devoted yourself to a lost cause. You must be pleased with the progress getting done."

Lared is exhausted, but happy with how well the work is proceeding. "I think we have done most of what is needed for today, Ranok. You have my sincere thanks for all your hard work. We just need to clear out the last of the rubble, then we will be ready for the dwarven stone masons to bring in the new pillars tomorrow. Do any of you have skill at rebuilding walls? If not I shall ask Craughmoyle Builders Inc. if they can repair those too." Lared turns to address all the volunteers."May Kanos bless you all." Tolam not to be outdone, excuses himself from his conversation with Tysinni, not too happy with her reffering to his service of Olric as a lost cause. Tolam announces. "And Olric also will bless you all for the fine work you have done in helping to restore the shrine in his honor this day."

Craven wasn't the type to let bravado get in the way of rest. That kind of nonsense had been beaten out of him when standing the walls at the time of the preklek invasion - he and his companions. So when the chance comes to rest, Craven, Cluster, and Haggard make the most of it, sitting down and taking small sips of water from their skins. The rest of Craven's crew continue to busy themselves with shovels, brooms, and wheelbarrows until the day's work is done. When things finally wrap up, and the blessings are given, Cornelius offers the priests a slight nod. Craven is a bit more amicable and, as has become habit, speaks for his crew "A good day's work should be blessed by all the gods, I reckon. It's the foundation for proper livin', and that's the truth of it." He nods to Ranok "Nice working with you, mate. Good to see some rebuilding going on 'round here, instead of the place being constantly torn down by outsiders. You've our gratitude for the expertise shared."

Ranok shakes his head in response to Lared's question, "Onfortunately, Hy do not. But it vas my pleasure to do so. If hyu need my help again, hall hyu must do iz ask." The work for the day done, Ranok focuses on the clean up. The tools are put away carefully. Any craftsmen would do the same. He directs the cleanup of the dust to the point where slipping wasn't as large an issue. The little things that needed to be put in place back, such as the water skins and the such. All was put in the orderly fashion he did most things with. Before he leaves, he reciprocate's Craven's compliments, "Henny man dat does vork for doze dat need it viddout demundink recompense iz a goot vun in my book. It hes been goot vorkink vith hyu. Perheps nekst time Hy see hyu Hy'll buy hyu a drink." With that, a somber Man Nod, and he would prepare to depart. His bag was picked up, right where he left it. No doubt some enterprising thieves got a literal shock when they tried to open or touch it. Ranok wouldn't leave valuables lying around without protection, after all. He doesn't make to put anything back on, he just slings the thing over a shoulder. And then waves to Ty. He was leaving, and if she wanted to leave with him, she'd best move it along. With that, he would make his way out of the temple into the afternoon.

Tysinni watched as the work came to an end, a grin on her face as the elderly priest toddles off. She had recognized the beginnings of outrage on his face and knew that he hadn't been pleased with her comments. Shrugging, she turns her attention to the children, gently pushing one from her lap and giving them a few last minute bits of advice as she readies herself to leave. Ranok was ever in a rush and she knew he'd leave her there to get in trouble if she didn't get a move on. "Remember, never keep your valuables all in one place." She climbs over a boulder to get to her bag and grabs it before following after Ranok, waving to the children and even the priest as she goes.

Day two - Rebuilding begins

Lared has arrived early for the rebuilding of the shrine, but waiting for him already there is a huge group of scruffy street kids, many more than had helped yesterday."Is that lady going to be here again mister?" He is asked about a dozen times. A messanger from Craughmoyle Builders Inc arrives. The dwarves say the new pillars are on the way, and will arrive in about thirty minutes. Tolam, the elderly priest of Olric potters up using his staff of office as a walking stick. The old cleric smiles benevolently at the large group of unwashed children, assuming they have all come to help out of a love for his patron Lord Olric. Soon a great number of volunteers have arrived and the two priests begin, as yesterday by blessing them all, and their undertaking. Cornelius || Craven had once again brought his crew to offer whatever assistance he could. None of his men were builders or masons, so they would simply make themselves available to assist with basic tasks. Cornelius, still but vaguely curious, adopts his station as guard to the site once more. Craven approaches Lared "Any sign of that Ranok?" More of a rhetorical question that, as the smith would stand out in any crowd. "Have you got builders lined up? Enthusiastic as my lads are, we aint exactly got the skills to put up anything more complicated than temporary fortifications. And a shrine's a bit more complicated than ramparts and pallisades." Tysinni wanders into the area, coming from parts unknown. Looking slightly rumpled and disheveled, one can only assume at the night she spent. Its a short walk over to where the children were grouped and she is met with some very enthusiastic greetings. Ty's first priority is to stay out of the way, but she can't help but wonder why her friend wasn't there. It seemed a slightly larger crowd today and she made sure to give the adults a wide berth. Especially the priest that wanted her to take the vows or whatever. He scared her.

You reassures Cornelius that there are indeed skilled builders on the way. "A large number of hardworking dwarves skilled in contruction are travelling with the pillars. He hears the first great mammoth before it is in view. It reminds the young priest of Kanos of the great exodus of the sage elves to Frostmaw, which was also accompanied by a number of the enormous pack animals. This first hairy beast, dwarfing the dwarf leading it, is carrying a frame to support the pullly system for raising the pillars. The skilled stonemasons of Craughmoyle Construction Inc., carefully unload it and send the pachiderm back before the next can enter Cenril, since no more than one such huge animal can pass down the narrow streets at one time. The dwaves then skillfully begin to bolt the pully system in position. They spend half their time shooing kids out of the way. One grey bearded old fellow calls over to Tysinni. "Hey, once we start raising these pillars we can't have these young uns all over the place." A certain urchin makes a rude remark about the futility of telling them where they should be." The dwarf is not impressed. "You won't be making nearly so many cheeky comments if you get squashed flat by a falling pillar, my lad." Then to Tysinni. "How about you take the young uns to work on the outside of the building, cleaning off the words the evil beings who desecrtaed it daubed there." He scratches his beard. "None of em can read can they? I wouldn't want to corrupt young minds, leastways not any more than they have already been."

Cornelius || With the arrival of the dwarves, there isn't a whole lot for Craven and his men to do, so they spend their time keeping the street urchins out of the dwarves' hair. Craven's Crew were well known in this corner of Cenril, largely for their efforts in keeping the local stores and households from being preyed upon by less honourable groups in the city. As a result, those street urchins not grouped around Tysinni find other ways to amuse themselves, instead of trying to climb dwarves - mostly staring in awe at the mammoths. Cornelius, for his part, maintains his vigil. It was unlikely there would be trouble, but in Cenril it was always best to be prepared for it.

Tysinni was as impressed as anyone when the dwarves start bringing in the working animals, equipment and building supplies. She tries to gather as many of the wayward children as possible, noting several of them getting close to being squashed or maimed. It seems as if others spotted her looking out for the children and decided that she would make the best caretaker. A raised eyebrow is given to the older dwarf who was issuing orders to her like a commander in a small army. Rather than take offense, she shrugs it off and pulls several children away from danger by the scruffs of their necks. "Okay, okay, Rule fifteen of Impolite Living, 'if you get squashed, there is no way you'll make your way through a crowd unnoticed.' Everyone move out of the way before you lose your important hand." She was referring of course to the hand used for picking pockets. "You heard the little man, everyone over to the side…" She stops to pull a child off from where he was trying to climb a mammoth, "The animals are not playgrounds, everyone over to the side, buckets and cloths! Buckets and cloths." She catches the eye of one ambitious little thief sneaking up behind one of the dwarves yelling orders. She motions with her hand, several quick sharp gestures, miming a thief getting his hand cut off. The boy seems to catch the warning and scampers off to be with the others.

Lared -- The dwarf foreman addresses Craven and the strong men he has brought with him. "Once we get round to raising the pillars, we would appreciate some of you lads pulling on the ropes. For now, you had best go help unload the stone blocks from the mammoths outside. We'll be using them to rebuild the walls. There are a few hundred on each beast, they help balance out the load for one thing." Lared is patiently explaining to the vocal kid who had cheeked the foreman, that no, being squashed flat by a pillar would not leave an impressive scar for him to show off. It would most certainly lead to him never being able to show off again.

Cornelius || One urchin, who had been speaking with Cornelius the day before, sees Tysinni's hand-slicing motion, and bursts into tears. The child runs over to Cornelius and wails "I miss Isabella!" Cornelius stoops down, the gentleman's light plate making the activity difficult. "Now there, Raelyn m'dear. She'll be back. And she'll have a mechanical hand, which she'll no doubt want to show off to you." The child continues to cry, and the dandy stifles a sigh. He lets the child cling to his leg for a while, even as he stares over her shoulder into the streets beyond, keeping focus on his self-appointed task. Meanwhile, Craven nods to the foreman "Can do, mate." He turns around, and calls out "Right lads, you heard him! Barrows and backs into it, eh? We've got our orders. Get to it!" The men move off, and will follow the directions of the dwarves. Haggard and Cluster help with the heavier loads, while the wheelbarrows once again come in handy for those of less brutish strength. Tysinni sighs as one of the little girls starts crying. She never did know what to do with the ones that leaked. Seeing that she was being taken care of by one of the other adults, she returns her attention to the children before her. "Okay, you lot. Those of you who know their letters and are in immediate danger of being corrupted by the defacing over there," she motions to the area behind her and to the left, "Raise your hands." At the slew of blank stares facing her, she shakes her head and grins. "Nevermind, we'll deal with that some other time. Let's get everything cleaned up." She starts to organize the young'uns into brigades, each one with a separate task to perform. Meanwhile, she continued her 'helpful teachings. "Remember children, one must always remember to always keep a wary eye out. If you know where everything is, then you can't be surprised by where it is." She tries to catch the eye of the little girl she upset to get her to join in. Really, she had no desire to make any child feel bad.

Lared -- The dwarves work like a well-oiled machine. It is evident that they have a great deal of experience of operating as a team. Once most of the street kids are out of their way, they soon have the pully system set up and firmly bolted in place. A set of logs are laid out to be used as rollers to help move the heavy pillars, from the unloading point to where they are to be positioned. The first pillar has already been unloaded and the mammoth sent back to make room for the beast carrying the next. Lared feels rather at a loss as to what to do. The dwarves treat him with a great deal of respect as a priest of Kanos, of course. They are all loyal worshippers of the great dwarven warrior ascended. They seem to consider him completely incapable of helping with the construction however, and just politely ask the young priest to keep out of the way. He makes his way over to speak with Cornelius, overhearing part of his conversation with the child. "This young one's friend has lost her hand? How terrible, did it need to be amputated because of an infection? I fear Cenril does not have very good medical services. Perhaps we priests of Kanos should set up a clinic here." The dwarves roll the first pillar along, removing the rollers at the back when the pillar has left them behind and carrying them round to place under the advancing edge. Once the base of the pillar is set beside the hole in the floor the builders have prepared for it. The foreman yells to Craven's men. "Right lads. Man the ropes if yah would." He stations dwarves on the more important control ropes. Cornelius speaks quietly to Lared, in a whisper carefully projected so the child Raelyn cannot hear him. "No, Isabella's hand was severed by the brutish sailor Andrei. I taught the bastard a lesson, but the girl's bloodloss was excessive. Fortuitously, Ranok was there at the time, and got the lass to a healer. We plan a prosthetic for her, and I work to ensure a stable home for when I bring her back to Cenril. It is time-consuming, and I have little time to spare in general. I fear she will never be the vivacious child she once was though." Cornelius sighs, a sound of genuine regret "I think, Lared, that such a clinic would be a boon. Much innocent blood is shed in Cenril amongst that of the less-than-innocent. Access to healing for those caught unawares in the frequent small conflicts would be a true blessing for the citizens of Cenril." Little Raelyn continues to cling to the dandy's leg, eyes closed and increasing the gentleman's need to later wipe down his greaves. In the meanwhile, Craven's Crew continue to assist the dwarves, following the instructions they receive. Tysinni found herself becoming quite restless as the morning wore on. Helping the children out and offering them bits of wisdom for use in their future unsavory endeavors was all well and good, but the thief wasn't used to acting in such altruistic fashion for more than a minute or so. She finds her gaze being drawn to the adult workers, assessing them for possible 'victims'. Ty returns her attention to the children as often as she catches herself. "No, I shan't tell you what that spells. It will rot your brain." Several of the more mischievous children try to pull her into their pranking and she joins in halfheartedly. "Hellfire and damnation! You shouldn't know those words. You don't need to talk like that to earn money..."

Lared -- With the skill of the dwarves and the brute strength of Craven's men, the first pillar is gradually, smoothly raised into position. It slots well into the foot deep hole in the floor, which continues into the ground. A dwarf fills the tiny gaps around the base with mortar, to keep the pillar even more securely upright. The mortar is not strictly necessary, but these stonemasons are perfectionists, they want that pillar to still stand just as straight in a thousand years. A testament to the skill of the dwarves as well as to the greatness of Lord Olric. Lared listens with genuine concern and compassion to the sad story of how the child had lost her hand. He also pays attention to the dandy's comments about the need for better healthcare provision in Cenril. "I shall consult with my high priest, Marcellus on this matter, and see what we can do to help." Cornelius nods to Lared "Aye, the city could use a taste of compassion, wot. All it's had of late is constant conflict. People from outside Cenril occasionally try, and fail, to inflict peace here through force, without understanding the city's heart. They forget Cenril has had enough of foreign swords and flames. But healing? Aid to the weak and dying? That could make a difference, old bean." Raelyn eventually calms down a bit, but hangs around Cornelius nonetheless. Craven's Crew continue their efforts to assist the dwarves: unskilled though they may be, the rough men of Cenril show plenty of enthusiasm and persistence.

Tysinni sets the children to offering buckets of water to the workers, but only those no where near the dangerous areas. Her curiosity as to what the priest was discussing with the man she remembered as the 'floating dandy'. She grabs a bucket and sneaks closer, deciding to eavesdrop and to hear what she could hear. The best conversations were the ones to which you weren't invited after all. Rule twenty-five of Impolite Living. She carries her bucket through the maze of workers, stopping ever so often to offer a drink to a tired laborer. She didn't want to draw attention to herself. She just wanted to know what they were talking about.

Lared -- The second pillar arrives, is rolled into position and raised in a similar manner to the first. Then a messenger arrives a young apprentice mason from Craughmoyle, and informs the foreman that they are having trouble delivering the third pillar. The mammoth seems to have gone lame, and there will be much delay, as it is unloaded and transferred to an alterative means of transportation. The grey bearded dwarf utters a curse likely to corrupt the young minds he expressed such concern for earlier. Should they understand it, which sadly many of them probably will. After a moment's thought, the lead mason begins shouting instructions again. "Right we will move on to rebuliding the walls. We may still get that third pillar up while it is light, but I wouldn't count on it. That might have to be delayed until tomorrow I want my skilled dwarves doing the actual rebulding and the rest of yah doing the fetching and carrying and other tasks that you aint likely to mess up too badly. Jump to it!" Lared smiles encouragingly at Cornelius. "Aid to the weak, is what following Kanos is all about. After all he is known as the defender of the defenseless." The young priest then heads over to converse with Tolam, as the elder cleric also seems somewhat at a loss as to how to make himself useful.

Cornelius smiles, a hint of amusement to it "Well, Cenril's the place to be for defending the defenseless, my good man. Lots of children here with little future save that involving their hands in other people's pockets. Or worse. The little ones grow up hard in Cenril, wot. Not much of a childhood left to them here." The dandy hasn't been trying to conceal his words, so Tysinni will have little trouble in overhearing them. Elsewhere, Craven responds to the foreman "Fine by us, mate. We'll do what can be done within the scope of what needs doing. Just let me know what you want done, and me and the lads will take care of it."

Tysinni definitely overhears their words. She frowns at the seemingly disparaging way the others are speaking of thievery and the like. "Everyone's got an opinion..."She grumbles to herself, finally ending up near the center of the action where the priests and Cornelius had been speaking. Trying not to glower, she offers them the water from her bucket. "Thirsty? I couldn't help but overhear you objecting to the children being thieves."

Day 3 - The building work is completed.

Lared -- As previously the two priests begin the day by blessing all the volunteers. One of the street kids makes fun of Lared's speech quite skillfully copying his mannerisms, but gets angrily told off by the grey bearded foreman of the masons, like many dwarves a loyal follower of Kanos. The dwarves set to work to repair the truncated walls of what is at present a ruin. They skillfully fix the new stone blocks in place. Once the walls reach a certain height, ladders are erected to enable the masons to continue their work. One of the street kids actually tries to steal a ladder. Was the lad actually listening to any of Tysinni's rules? He is of course noticed in short order, and mutters something about needing to get his ball off a roof, to explain why he was heading off down the street with it. Tolam, is resting off to one side of the site on a folding chair that someone has kindly brought for him. Lared after checking the aged cleric of Olric needs for nothing, makes cups of tea for all present, thinking ruefully that at least the dwarves shouldn't think him incapable of such a simple task.

Cornelius || Craven was never one to leave a job undone, and was present to offer the assistance of himself and his men. Cornelius arrives in tow, armoured as before, looking vaguely disinterested in all but the task of standing guard against external mischief. After the blessing, Craven approaches the Dwarven foreman, and greets him "Back again, mate. Need things hauled around, let us know. Many hands, as they say."

Lared -- The damaged walls of the shrine steadily grow back to their former height. A load more dwarves turn up, not masons, but Craughmoyle Construction Inc. support staff, with pit ponies carried huge timber supports. The foreman explains the next stage of construction to Craven. "We are building the roof from good honest Craughmoyle marbe too. Nothing but the best will do for one of the ascended. The roof is going to be arched, that way it can support its own weight, all the stones holding each other in place, the most important being the keystones in the centre. In any case your lads don't have to worry about that, my masons will do the roof. I just thought you might be interested in the architectural theory behind the design. The help of your men would be much appeciated in building the support structure inside the shrine. You see, although when the arched roof is finished it will be quite able to hold its own weight, while it is still being built it can't so we need the wooden framework to hold it up until it is finished."

Cornelius || Craven listes carefully to the foreman. "Makes sense. Well, your lads can tell us what to do, and we'll do it. Myself aside, there isn't one of them which would know a dowel from a dovetail." The men of Craven's Crew throw their efforts in with that of the dwarven team working on the supports, mostly holding things for the dwarves or helping move the timber into place. Craven sets a few of the younger members of his crew to herd urchins, largely keeping them out of the dwarves' beards. Cornelius, standing guard as previously, comments to Lared when he comes around with the tea "Much obliged, old bean. So, will your order make something of a permanent presence in this place?"

Lared explains to the dandy that this Shrine is to Olric the Ascended, so will be staffed by Tolam the other priests of Olric. Wheras he is a priest of Kanos, and Kanos already has a very fine temple in Craughmoyle."I'd be happy to show you around there sometime." Though if you mean are the priests of Kanos going to send members to Cenril in general to help the sick and needy. I would say almost certainly yes. Though nothing has been decided for certain as yet. Some priests need to talk for days and days before they can decide anything. You know how some people can be. I myself am very much in favour of the plan, and I am one of the more senior priests, so it should go through." The third of the fine marble pillars finally arrives. It is carried not by mammoth, but by two other denizens of Frostmaw. Two young Frostgiants seem to have little trouble sauntering along with the huge lump of stone on their shoulders. There is not even any need to set up the pulley system a third time since the immensely strong giants simply slot the column into the foundation hole prepared for it. One of the perfectionist dwarves once most adds mortar to enure it stays upright. The greybearded dwarven foreman, regard the huge Ice Giants with interest and heads over to ask whether they might be interested in doing some work for Craughmolye Construction Inc. from time to time.

Cornelius || It was becoming something of a gala event for the urchins this week. Tales of mammoths and giants attending the reconstruction would be told for years to come, and then, when some of the children become parents themselves, their children would no doubt be told the tales. But for now, the children simply watch in awe at the huge men carrying the marble pillar. Caution, and the efforts of Dart and Korax, keep the children well out of the way of accidental danger. Cornelius continues conversing with Lared "It would be a boon to have some bastions of upright living in the city. An example for the little ones, to provide them an option." He waves an arm at the urchins "This city is full of broken families, battered people, and abandoned hopes. A ripe ground for a progressive holy order to provide opportunities for the lost and unemployed to find a worthy pursuit." The dandy does not need to mention that less holy organisations already drew members from the ever-growing pool of listless humanity which could be found in pockets all over Cenril.

Lared is for some time surrounded by street kids wondering when the 'nice lady' is going to get here. After about the seventeenth time of being asked he has to quite firmly remind himself, that patience is a virtue he should nurture as a cleric of the defender of the defenceless. He gives about a dozen children some coins and asks them to head to Mrs Mallards and return with some refreshments for the builders. He doesn't really mind if they decide to run off and keep his money instead. He is just glad to see them leave before he lost his temper and started yelling angrily at them, which would not be setting a good example to the public as is his duty as a priest of Kanos. He is glad to be able to continue his conversation with Cornelius. "I can assure you we will do all we can sir. The priests I work with are good people, caring, compassionate. Perhaps, as you know the city so well, you could write me a letter advising what manner of care, other than healthcare is most needed here, to help both in my persuading the other priests of the worthiness of this task, and in planning our aid." Dwarves are not normally famed for their agility, but those working on the roof do well enough in this regard. As the day progresses more and more of the floor is now in shadow as the arched roof slowly takes shape.

Cornelius chuckles "I'm but a casual observer, old bean. If you wish to speak to those who truly care what happens here, beyond my vestigial semblance of compassion, then it's Craven and his wife that you'll want to be speaking with, I dare say. Methinks he'll write you no letters, though he'll tell you the state of things with that characteristic bluntness of his, wot." As the work reaches the point where only the Dwarven masons hold the required skills, more of Craven's men are despatched to ensure the children stay out of trouble. Eventually, only Craven, Cluster, and Haggard remain assisting the dwarves in any real capacity.

Lared is frankly quite astonished when the street urchins actually do return laden with cakes, scones, sandwiches and lemonade from Mrs Mallard's Cafe. None of them offer to return his change however. The kids consider that while honesty is all well and good, and probably a nice thing to try once in a while, like when dealing with priests, it shouldn't be carried to extremes. By the time the daylight is fading. The roof is complete, and the dwarves ask Craven and his men to begin dismantling the wooden framework, the timbers of which can be sent back to Craughmoyle to be used as supports in the builders next project.

Cornelius || Having had a chance to rest in the final stage of the project, Craven and his men set about assisting the dwarves in removing and packing up the timbers from the supports and scaffolding. The progress is slow and laborious, but eventually the Shrine is cleared of most work materials, leaving but the dust, dirt, and splinters which lay in a coarse film over the shrine's floor.

Lared -- Tolam the priest of Olric now unwraps a package that was carefully wrapped in a protective cloth and stored under his chair. He shows it to Lared. "It's a plaque in memory of that fine man, and Paladin of Olric, Guerin. I was given it years ago by his friends and clanmates at The Temple. I've had it on display in my house for lack of a suitable place, but it is much more appropriate that it be displayed in Olric's shrine. Can you find a good place and affix it to the wall please?" Lared does choose the location for the brass plaque, but it is one of the ever efficient dwarves who fixes it firmly in place, before the priest has even started looking for tools. Tolam surveys the new building in honour of his patron Lord Olric with satisfaction, and remarks to Lared. "We are about finished as far as the construction is done now. All that remains is to clean the place up and to santify this as sacred ground in his honour. I think I can do the ceremony on Saturday please do say you'll attend."

Cornelius || With the hardest of the work out of the way, Craven picks up a broom. "Alright lads, time to relax a little, and get some of this muck out of the way." Korax rolls his eyes, commenting "Funny bastard, aren't ya?" but with minimal grumbling the men of Craven's crew set about giving the Shrine to Olric some hint of neatness as dust rises thickly, resisting the efforts to evict it from its home. Cornelius steps outside, and moves a small distance away to escape the haze of dust which marks their early efforts. Eventually, though, as the sun starts to fall, the shrine starts to look habitable.

Lared organises a few of the children to help clean the inside of the shrine, with cloths and buckets of water, though they spend as much time splashing water on each other and laughing as actually cleaning. Lared doesn't chide them. It is not as if a bit of water is going to do the fine marble structure any harm, it even helps keep down the dust raised by the sweepers and it probably won't hurt the grubby little street urchins any either. The dwarves pack up their equipment. The two priests once more bestow the blessing of both Kanos and Olric on all those who have generously given their time and energy. They also invite them all to the dedication ceremony this coming saturday if they can make it. The workers begin to disperse. Tired, but satisfied with the fine shrine they have helped to create.