Shifted

The pair entered the small chapel, built around and in the oak tree. It was a wonder to Leliana's eyes, one she was familiar with, but still entranced with the structure even now. The inside of the first 'floor' so to speak, was plain enough. A small worship area, maybe five benches on each side, with an aisle in the middle. At the front, a small figurine of ivory, in the shape of Talia, lady of leaves was placed in front of the trunk of the massive oak, which made up about a third of that wall. The chapel had no real roof, and a rope ladder on the west wall led up to Joakim's sleeping quarters. From there you could take some makeshift bridges, ladders, and even stairs, up into the library, such as it was, or one of the other two bedrooms, or Joakim's personal study. The cleric's personal study was the only room with proper locks, and a proper four walls and roof set up, built on the V-shape between two branches.

Leliana had to admit that despite her painful loses, she felt a strong sense of love and welcoming here, in this building. It felt almost like a home, in many ways. Perhaps that was just from the amount of time that her family had spent here. Every year in the short trading season, they had easily spent probably close to a month or so at the sanctuary. She looked around, at the plain walls, made of beautiful cherrywood and silver pine. Well constructed and solid, the odd building was as tough as the day it had been built.

Redorak led Leliana over to the rope ladder, calling up into the canopy as he took hold of the first rung, "Joakim, I've got news ye be needin' ta hear. Although tis gonna be far from yer liking, so ya'd do well to take a seat!" With that, he started climbing, motioning to Leliana to follow him up.

She quickly checked to make sure that her shield and mace were secured, and took a deep breath. This was it, the moment of truth, as it were. She'd made her choice, and this was it. If she started climbing that ladder now, she was embracing in full the truth of her existence, the painful lose, but also the realization that mourning accomplished nothing. The admittance that she should not just survive, and let her sorrow swallow her, but also that she should live, and make something of her life. It was now or never, there was no turning back if she climbed that ladder. She thought once more, envisioning her family, trying to think about what they'd say.

That proved to be much less of a challenge then she first thought, for as their smiling, loving faces came to her, so did their voices, all urging her to the same thing. "Keep going Leliana, keep trying. You've so much potential, keep pushing yourself, you are capable of things you can't even imagine." Whether it was Frendar when he wrestled with her, or Liandry when she was training her daughter in combat, or even Teolan teaching her to work wood and metal, those words had been said by all of them to her. In truth, she couldn't think of an argument for that logic, because she couldn't help but believe it. So with one final sigh, she pulled out her mother's holy symbol, kissing it for luck. Then she put it back in the small pouch on the right hip of her belt, and took grip on the ladder. Without another thought, she started climbing up.

She clambered up the ladder, and hauled herself onto the floor of the small sleeping area. It was simply made, and set up. There was a bed on the far side, against the trunk of the tree, and a small table with three chairs around it. Sitting in one, looking at them was Joakim. The man had aged well, keeping his muscular toned look. His hair had greyed some, but that was to be expected in truth. Part of the territory of getting old as a human. He was about fifty years old now, at least. He was wearing a simple pair of black pants, with a dusty green wool shirt. He smiled and nodded to Redorak. "Well you're here, and I see you've brought a guest," he said, rising from his chair. "How was the journey, I assume the others are down below, unloading the goods and such." Joakim did do a double take as he looked at Leliana, seeing that on her hip was Liandry's mace, but he thought nothing of it.

That is until Redorak spoke. "Joakim, I'm warning ye, you best be sitting down for this, because it's far from pleasant."

Joakim looked at the dwarf, and saw nothing but cold seriousness on the dwarf's face. He looked at Leliana again, reading a bit more into the fact that she was now carrying Mercy. He went back to the chair he'd been sitting in, and motioned to the pair to take a seat. Redorak pulled up the chair, sitting down, and Leliana followed suit. Joakim looked at the pair, "What is it, what's happened?"

Redorak sighed, and told his old friend and teacher what had happened, in detail. "We went ta meet 'em as we were bid. We had a small fight on the way, nothing serious, a trio of stone dumb ogres that thought highway robbery was a good plan. But anyway, we got to the other side of the land bridge about a day afore they was to arrive. We made camp, and waited. The next day they showed up, and as we saw them coming up to the crossing, we started down the slope back towards the main road to meet them when they came across." Here Redorak paused looking at his friend Joakim. "Leliana here is the only one who made it. The land bridge collapsed, gave way in a viciously quick collapse. Leliana's saving grace was that she was riding the gelding, and wasn't connected ta the wagon in anyway. Her mother kicked the horse into a frenzied gallop, sacrificing herself to save her daughter. T'was over in a flash." The dwarf stared at Joakim's face, seeing the shock slowly come to him. "There were no survivors," the dwarf continued solemnly, "We looked, found the bodies of Erika, Frendar, and what was left of Nano. Which wasn't very much."

As he said that, Leliana felt sick to her stomach, the image of the bloody mess of robes and crushed flesh and bone coming back to her. She closed her eyes, and looked at the floor, obviously struggling. Redorak finished, "We couldn't get to finding Liandry or Teolan's bodies, for the part they were buried under was to heavy, the slabs of stone just too large. But they are all dead, I swear on my understanding of the stone on that fact."

Joakim nodded, somewhat shocked by this information. Truly it was a blow, for he'd considered Teolan, and his family, close personal friends. He glanced at Leliana, and spoke softly. "I can't imagine the pain you are feeling right now. If you need anything, anything at all, you only need to ask."

Leliana nodded her thanks, obviously struggling to not start crying again. Redorak spoke for her, "Joakim, there is actually a second reason I brought her up here. There is something you can do for her. As you might remember, Liandry was warrior cleric of Talia, a defender of nature, an adventuring healer. She was teaching young Liandry here the basics of fighting with mace and shield, and of being a cleric of Talia. Liandry wouldn't want her daughter to abandon this just because she died. So Leliana wants you to take her on as an acolyte, and help her become a true cleric of Talia. She wishes to embrace the Lady of the Leaves wholly, to follow her mother's path, and continue the story of her family."

Joakim stared into the sky long and hard, obviously wondering if Leliana wasn't just reacting due to emotion. After many minutes, he turned his gaze, staring at Leliana questioningly. "You've suffered a tremendous lose my dear. So does Redorak have it right? Do you wish to follow the Lady of the Leaves, to follow your mother's footsteps?"

Leliana looked up into Joakim's eyes, and he despite the obvious pain of her lose, there was a powerful look of determination, even eagerness. A small light, a spark, some kind of driving force outside herself. Truly it intrigued him, and he waited for her response patiently, wondering how strong her conviction actually was.

Leliana's right hand went to the small pouch on her belt. She opened it, and clenched the small pendant inside, her mother's holy symbol. She thought about it all one final time, remembering her parents, her family. Remembering her mother's voice, her words, her personality. Her father's warm eyes, and friendly demeanor. They had raised her to be who she was, they'd raised her this way. Why would they have done that if their intention had not been for her to follow this path. And to add to it, she wanted to follow this path, to be the healer, the wandering cleric. She liked helping people, she liked the idea of being able to help those who were sick or injured, to heal their hurts. This was indeed what she wanted, and she looked into Joakim's eyes, a fire in hers. "Yes Joakim, I want to learn to heal, to help those who need it. I want to follow my mother's path, but also to learn the arts of herbalism as well. I want to be a true follower of Talia, Lady of the Leaves."

Joakim looked at her, and smiled. She had potential, her mother had seen to that, and by the steadiness and strength in her voice, she also seemed to have the conviction. Joakim sighed and chuckled, "I'm a bit old for this, but what else can I say to the orphaned child of one of my best friends. But it's almost time for dinner, only an hour or two, and you need to get settled. So today will be a day for getting yourself settled. Tomorrow morning we'll start the teaching." He nodded towards Redorak, "Take her into the bunkhouse, and set her up in the room to the left of yours, would you?"

Redorak nodded, "Sure thing Joakim," he turned to Leliana, "C'mon lass, let's get you bunked and settled in." Leliana looked up at the dwarf, and rose, moving to follow him. She nodded her thanks to Joakim, and moved to follow Redorak down the ladder.

As she lowered herself over the edge, Joakim called to her, "Oh, but Leliana?"

She stopped, legs dangling over the edge, her arms supporting her. "Yes, Joakim?" she asked tentatively, looking concerned.

He let her sit for a few moments, and smiled at her. "Tomorrow will be a busy day, so get plenty of rest. The last thing you want to be is tired when you start learning, or so I would think." he said, winking.

Leliana nodded, grinning. "Yes, Joakim, I'll be sure to. See you at dinner." and with that she clambered down the rope ladder.

Joakim looked up to the sky, the beautiful blue sky and low late afternoon sun creating a wonderful picture. For once he truly felt his fifty-three years for what they were, only briefly. "Talia, milady," he whispered, "You always seem to present the most interesting and unique experiences for me. This will be an adventure. I just hope I've got enough years left to see it through."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Leliana followed Redorak into the small bunkhouse. It was long, but only a single floor, and rather simple in design. Each room was only about fifteen feet by twenty feet. The building was a long rectangle, and each room had a one foot by one foot window. There were ten rooms in the building, five on each side, and a ten foot wide hallway dividing them. Leliana followed Redorak down the hallway. He stopped in front the last bedroom door on the left wall, and opened it up. Inside was a two person bedroom. It wasn't the most spacious quarters, but had two single beds, with dark sheets. There were also two small oak nightstands, and there was a small closet. Inside the closet were four sets of plain, simple clothes. Two sets were more appropriately sized for an adult, but the other two were obviously for a small child, or a halfling. Redorak nodded to the bed on the far left of the room. "That's your bed there Leliana, you'll be bunking with young Erik. He's quiet enough, and actually rarely ever sleeps here, he often sleeps in the stables. We think it's because the horses kind of grant him some kind of surrogate feeling of being with his parents, although I think it also might be out of some sense of duty. He's the stable hand, so he thinks he's supposed to keep watch on the horses all the time."

Leliana couldn't help but flash a small half smile at that thought. That was something she'd have to remember, for she might be able to aid her own healing, and plausibly Erik's as well. She looked around. Neither the room or closet were very big, but she was travelling rather light anyway, except for her armor. She hadn't even had a proper pack like Redorak or Skylar had been carrying, for she'd been travelling with a family, and a wagon. So she was basically travelling with what she was wearing, other than Flame and the basic supplies that had been attached to the left side of his saddle. She saw that stuff was already in the closet. Her black wool travel blanket was rolled up, neatly tied with a small piece of wire. Her pack was hanging off a hook on the wall beside her bed, but just in front of it. Finally, the coil of rope she'd had, along with the lantern and two small casks of oil were all on the top shelf of the closet, beside her blanket. Her pack was basically empty, no food left in it, no water in the canteen. The only thing in it was some rags and a couple small vials of oil that her father had given her to use for the maintenance of her armor and weapons the day they'd left to start the journey. She stopped wandering that thought path, for she knew where it would lead, and took in the room again. She smiled as she took in the well organized room, for she could guess whom had been responsible. "Thanks Skylar," she whispered.

Leliana wasn't too sure where she'd put her armor or weapons in the room yet, but she was quite content with the lodgings. It was small, but cozy and welcoming. She turned to face Redorak, and nodded to him. "Alright, this is perfect. Thanks for everything Redorak. I'm going to change out of my armor, and get my things organized. I'll see you at dinner?"

The dwarf winked, with a wide grin on his face, "Lass, don't ye be thanking me. I owes ye me life, if not for your complete lack of good sense, I'd be naught but a memory. Tis me who should be thanking you! And I've a couple small things to do, but you'll see me at dinner lass." With that, the dwarf walked out of the room, closing the door behind him. She heard him whistling a tune of some kind, as he walked down the hallway.

Leliana's smile faded as she thought about everything that had happened. Everything was already in good order, so in truth she'd not much to do. She decided to do something that she could do whilst distracted, which was cleaning and maintaining her weapons and armor. She'd not done it until he day after the storm, and they needed it again. She took her helmet off, and rose as she thought over the events she'd been through in the last two or so weeks, trying to truly come to terms with it all. She moved to her pack, and pulled out one of the oil flasks, and a small grey rag, and came back to her bed, sitting down. She looked at the helmet, remembering her mother and herself sparring. A single tear rolled out of her left eye as she remembered, a sorrow filled grin coming to her face.

The helmet itself was a simple affair, much in the same design as her mother's had been. Made of burnished iron, a simple rounded affair, with the steel T-shape that covered the nose and between the eyes. The iron helmet came down on the sides and back far enough to meet her breastplate. It didn't have any straps or such, it was simple, and easy to maintain as well. Dirt was the biggest issue, along with dents and damage. She inspected it, and used a very fine amount of oil on the rag, and carefully cleaned it. After ten or so minutes, she was satisfied, and moved to look in the closet, trying to figure out where she would put her armor. She saw that inside was a decent sized chest. She opened it up, and nodded satisfied as she saw that the chest wasn't being used. She closed it, and dragged it out. It was about twenty inches long, eleven inches wide, and about nine inches deep when the lid was open. She moved it, placing it at the foot of her bed, just underneath her road pack. It fit snugly, and was very convenient.

She opened it up and started cleaning her armor, carefully placing each piece inside the chest as she cleaned them. First went her breastplate, the fine polished steel piece. She undid the clasps that held it. There were four of them, one under each arm, and one on each hip. It opened, and she took it off, and cleaned it carefully, checking it for dents, and damage. The metal had many small burrs, and little scratches, but it was still solid and sound in construction. She also oiled the clasps, carefully insuring the iron clasps weren't rusting or worn. After she finished, she carefully put the breastplate together, and placed it on the bottom of the chest. Next came the boots. She gave the bottoms of them a good cleaning, before placing the iron boots into the storage chest, on one side. She placed the helmet in the middle, on the breastplate.

She got up, and moved to the closet, pulling down a pair of light grey pants to go with the faded blue cloth shirt she had been wearing under the breastplate. They were woven from plant fibres, and felt quite comfortable. She took off her greaves, carefully placing them in the chest, being carefully not to fold the leather along any of the studs. Then she pulled on the pants. They were much thinner and lighter material then the armor, and she almost instantly felt the difference in body temperature. These would be so much more comfortable then wearing those greaves all day. Although she had to admit, she'd not really cared so much on the road. She'd actually liked having them on.

She smiled and shrugged, as she put the gloves and helmet in the chest as well. She picked up Mercy, which was on the bed with her belt from her greaves. She carefully polished the mace's head, slowly looking over every square inch for damage and dents. There obviously were none, but she kept looking at it for a long time, thinking about it all. Her mother would want her to continue on, but she didn't know where to go from here. She didn't have a purpose, a reason. She started intently at the weapon. As she was, something strange happened, however. Her vision went all dark briefly, and for a brief moment, she saw a strange band, a ring around her ring finger on her left hand. It was sapphire blue, and seemed to have a diamond set in it. It was only brief, but then it was gone. She shook her head, looking around, not too sure what that was. "I think I'm seeing things" she whispered to herself shivering, for she felt a slight chill running down her back.

Leliana carefully put her mother's mace in the chest with her armor, and closed it. She put the shield on top of the box, and nodded. Then the young lady moved to the closet again, and looked around the floor of it. She found exactly what she was looking for, a pair of doeskin moccasins, that looked like they just might be her size. Leliana smiled, and slipped them on. They were pleasant enough, soft, comfortable, and not at all to thick. Perfect for the current weather. She chuckled as she looked back to her chest. Soon enough the greaves and boots would be out again, for the leather greaves were rather thick, treated rawhide, and quite warm, and the iron boots had a rather thick layer of leather glued inside them as well, for insulation, protection and warmth. Once winter was upon Raechin, the young elf would probably be wearing those far more.

Leliana carefully let her hair out of the ponytail, shaking it out a bit. It felt nice to have her thick blond hair loose and free. She spun a circle on heel and smiled. Leliana moved out of the room, carefully closing the door. It had been close to an hour, and she could hear the sound of a bell ringing. She guessed that was the dinner signal, and set off down the hall to the exit. Out into the small clearing, she moved towards the larger meeting hall, a finely constructed building made of silver pine. Leliana opened the door carefully, and entered. The building was rather big, with seven tables, each with seats for ten people. At the back there was a large sliding door that led to the kitchen, and the cooking fire pits outside. She glanced around, and saw where all the food was laid out, and where everyone was sitting. The table closest to the kitchen on the right side of the building. Sitting at the table were Redorak, Skylar, Erik, Joakim, and three others she didn't know yet.

One was a young halfling woman, with short curly black hair, and who was a little chubby looking, and dressed in a faded white apron, and a light green ruffled dress. The other two were human women. They looked like they had to be related in some way, either siblings or mother and daughter. They both had soft blue eyes, and dark, long beautiful hair. Both women were gorgeous, although one seemed as if she was older, her hair showing tinges of silver. The younger one was wearing a finely cut dark red cotton dress, with a skirt that came just above the knees. The slightly older one was wearing a slightly faded light blue dress, of similar design, but with a slightly longer skirt.

Redorak smiled at her as she walked in. "There she is!" he called, smiling and waving her over. "C'mere lass, and sit. Allow us to introduce you to everyone! And get some food in ya whilst we're at it!" he said, chuckling.

It was then Leliana noticed the meal laid out before them. A fire wild turkey, a big pot of steaming, delicious smelling vegetable stew, some fine looking breads and cheeses, and what looked to be some raspberry pie. She licked her lips, and only then realized how long it had been since she'd eaten a real meal, something not improvised and caught or foraged on the road, or from preserved travel rations. She smiled, and moved to sit down eagerly.

Redorak pulled out a chair beside his own, and motioned for her to sit down. She did, and he pushed it in, and sat beside her. He motioned to the other ladies at the table, starting with the halfling. She was a young lady, probably no older than thirty. She had beautiful dark eyes, almost an almond color, and a cherubic, rosy cheeked face. She smiled at Leliana as Redorak introduced her. "This is Liora, our beautiful cook. She makes magic happen with naught but some basic ingredients, a few small pots, and a fire."

The halfling blushed, and waved her hand at Redorak. "Pish, stop it ye silly dwarf. Your compliments are too much." She grinned at Leliana, winking at her. "Don't listen to him, m'dear. If he put half as much power into thinking with his brain as he does his stomach, I swear he'd be psionic." Leliana giggled, as Redorak stumbled over his words, trying to figure out what to say.

Eventually the dwarf just shrugged, and moved one, pointing to the older of the two women, whom was sitting to Joakim's right. "This is Lexi, Joakim's wife. She's got a quick mind, and is brilliant when it comes to maps and directions, not ta mention brilliant with a needle and thread as well. She's not seen ye somehow, always been in either Longreach or down in the small village of Thalen, on the banks of Snowstorm Lake. She often accompanies me or Skylar when we go for supplies. Her sharp memory for both directions and lists is a great help."

Leliana shook the woman's hand, as she rose. She spoke, her voice soft, yet tough, and friendly. "Nice to meet you my dear. You probably don't remember me, last time I saw you, you weren't much older than Erik here. You've grown into a gorgeous young woman, you look so much about your mother. I only wish the circumstances of our reintroduction weren't so devastating," she continued, looking at Leliana with obvious sorrow. "I cannot begin to guess how painful this last week and a half have been for you. If you ever need to talk, or need anything, feel free to ask. Joakim's welcomed you, and that means everything, so don't hesitate to ask any of us." she finished, and smiled slightly. "Welcome to our little sanctuary, m'dear, and welcome to the family."

Leliana had to fight back tears at that welcome, and nodded, trying to force out some words. "Thank-you." she said smiling a sad yet grateful smile. A small tear formed in her right eye, and moved down her face, but she quickly wiped it off, and managed to hold back the tide. "That means more then you could imagine."

Lexi nodded, sitting back down. Redorak nodded his approval, and gestured to the younger woman. "Finally this is Joakim's and Lexi's youngest child, their daughter Sara. She's be lot like you there Leliana. She's constantly gettin' Skylar to take her out and show her how to use a bow. She's also got a brilliant memory, much like her mother."

The young woman rose, and Leliana realized once she stood up that she was probably only about sixteen or so. You could tell from her smile, her facial features, and how she carried herself, even her body language, that she had only just gotten to that age of physical maturity. She was very confident, and quite attractive. She smiled at Leliana, and offered her hand. "Hello, it's nice to meet you!" she said. Her facial expression changed, and she frowned a bit, "A pity about the circumstances though. When I heard from Skylar what had happened, I couldn't believe it! I can't imagine how hard that's proven to be for you, yet you still are here, and seem to be handling it with amazing strength. I wouldn't have been able to handle such a loss as easily as you seem to be, that's for sure!" she said still half smiling. Leliana saw that whilst the girl was talking to her, she kept looking at Skylar, and with quite intense looks. Those small stares weren't very long, short enough to avoid her parents noticing, but long enough for the ranger to notice them and smile awkwardly. There was something more than a 'student-teacher' between those two, Leliana realized, and had to be careful not to giggle to herself. She nodded, and thanked Sara.

The young girl sat down, and Leliana took her seat beside Redorak. The dwarf grinned at her, and at Liora, whom was sitting across from him. "A delicious meal, cooked by the most beautiful and skilled cook in Raechin, whom is sitting in front of me. But on top of that, to my right, I get a gorgeous, sharp minded, and tough young elven maid? My dinner is nearly perfect, all that's missing is the ale, and that durn fool elf archer over there dancing for my amusement!" Liora chuckled, and slid a pewter tankard filled with a dark, frothy amber liquid to the dwarf. He took a long drink, and burped, looking quite pleased, flashing a loving smile to Liora, before continuing his antics towards Skylar. "Ack, and the ale as well?" he winked at Skylar, roaring with laughter, "Well all that's left is a dancing fool archer with pointy ears to make my meal. Think ye can arrange that for me, my dear friend and travelling companion?"

The half elf ranger chuckled, shaking his head. "Maybe, my dear friend of the road. That is, if you'll let me dress you up like an elf, and make you a bow!"

Redorak guffawed loudly, and raised his tankard in deference, as Joakim cleared his throat and rose. Redorak finished taking another swig of his drink, and then respectfully put the goblet on the table, giving Joakim the floor. The cleric nodded his thanks to the dwarf, and spoke. "Well my friends, Liora has blessed us with this fine meal, so I see no reason to continue to sit here and let the food get cold. So let's eat!"

Redorak and Skylar both grinned, and raised their drinks. "Here, here, some true words of wisdom right there!!" They shouted, laughing. Leliana couldn't help but smile, and dug in with the rest of them, laughing, singing and even getting up and dancing with Redorak. She even played her flute, running to get it on request from Joakim. For the course of the three hour welcoming feast, for she realized that was what she was experiencing, she completely forgot her sorrow. The happy, life loving demeanor of the others who lived here was beautifully infectious. Soon enough however, Joakim and his wife and daughter rose. "Well it's getting late, and I'm sure we've all got some reason or another to get some rest" he said, looking directly at Leliana. Leliana nodded in deference to him, and rose as well, and he continued. "So let's help Liora clear this up, and call it a night."

Everyone rose, and gathered up all they could carry. Leliana followed suit, moving to follow everyone into the kitchen. They moved out and Leliana was impressed with what awaited them. It was a rather large area, almost the size of the meeting hall they'd been in, at the back of the building. It was open, that is there was no back wall, and underneath an overhanging roof cover, there were four large fire pits, although only one looked as though it had been used recently. There was door, an old fashioned cellar type that obviously led to the meat locker, and there were three large cupboards. Leliana smiled, for in truth it was a very impressive set up. To her right was a large wooden and iron tub, with a water pump behind it, obviously for cleaning dishes. She moved towards it, and saw it was already filled with soapy water. Leliana put the dishes she was carrying into the water, and was surprised. It was actually rather warm.

Liora smiled and nodded to them all, "Thank-ye all kindly. Now who's night is it ta help me?" she asked.

Joakim smiled. "It would be mine, so back to the beginning, but Leliana needs to start becoming part of life here, so we'll tack her on now, and start the cycle again tomorrow. That way she's already on the kitchen schedule. Tomorrow, I'll have her full week of duties outlined, although she's going to be kept really busy." he said, winking at her, "Between having chores every day, and her lessons and schooling to become a cleric of Talia."

Leliana rolled up her sleeves, more than happy with the statement. "Keep me busy, I enjoy being occupied, having something to do." she replied, quite pleased.

Joakim nodded. "Good girl. Liora will walk you through what needs to be done every Mundas in the kitchen. I'll have your full week outlined, and written on a piece of parchment for you tomorrow morning. You're to meet me in the chapel at sunrise, understood my dear?"

Leliana nodded, pleased he'd stated what day of the cycle it was. Mundas was the rebirth of the moon, which ran on nine day cycles. She'd lost track of days whilst on the road, and the last few nights it had been too cloudy to see the moon. The moon was an easy way to tell time, and three of these cycles was considered a month. The nine day period was called a week, and was the cycle Valerick ran on. Mundas was also the beginning of the average laborer's work time, after a two day break called the 'Restoras' or time or rest.

Mundas meant 'dark rebirth' in the old tongue of the elves, a language mostly forgotten. It was the dark night, when the moon was not visible in the sky. Next came Tiandos, which meant 'Return'. This was the thin crescent moon, where only a sliver was visible, like a sickle's crescent blade. The outside of the curve was to the right on this night. Then came Dionac, which meant 'Halved'. It was when half the moon was visible. Next was Torlandus, which meant 'Nearest'. During this night only a tiny sliver to on the left of the moon was not visible. This was the midpoint of most average laborers work week across Valerick. After that came Lupino, which meant 'Full'. This was the full moon, the night that signalled the central point of the cycle, the night of magic. Then came Lestranos, which meant 'Lessened'. This was when a tiny sliver on the right part of the moon was no longer visible. The next day, the end of the work week, was called Siosta, which meant 'Half-Fade' for the right half of the moon was no longer visible. This was also the day most workers got paid for the week. Then came the Restoras, which encompassed Volandra, which meant 'sliver' for only a sliver, a crescent on the left curve of the moon was visible. Restoras also encompassed Valrend, which meant 'darkness' It was generally the darkest night of the week.

Most workers would get Volandra and Valrend off, but that of course was dependent upon their living. Officers of guards for Longreach and other cities would only get one day off a week, that being the negative to the higher pay. It also wouldn't necessarily be one of those two days. This was also the same for workers in inns, bars, taverns, and other such services that ran all every day. They would generally get two days off a week, but it wouldn't necessarily be Restoras.

Leliana smiled as Liora took her to the tub, nodding to everyone as they moved off to go and sleep or rest. The halfling looked at Leliana. "Well lass, since it's your first day, I'll give you first choice. Do ya wanna learn where everything goes tonight, or you wanna wash?"

Leliana thought about it, and responded. "If it's okay, I'd like to wash."

Liora nodded. "Alright lass, well get to it. We've got a fair amount to do afore your getting out of here tonight, so the quicker ye move, the faster ye can get some rest."

Leliana nodded, as she looked out towards the horizon. The sun was nearly below the horizon, the pinkish tinged predusk sky fading slowly, giving way to the inky dark of the night. The sun would probably start to rise almost ten hours from now, so she wasn't too worried, for those of her heritage didn't need sleep, simply four hours of meditative rest, in a fully aware trance state was all that elves needed. So she was more than equal to the task. She plunged her hands in the water, and started scrubbing the big cauldron that had held the stew. As she did so, she continued down the thought process she'd been following. The seasonal cycle of Valerick was divided into twelve months, according to the Valerick calendar. The cycle started again during the Winter Solstice, which was the first day of Anthren, which meant 'Reborn Ice'. Generally this was the coldest, bitterest month of the year. Next came Fendas, generally the snowiest month of the year. After that, the last month of winter, known as Zhypah, which translated literally to 'End of Cold'.

After that came the short spring, the months of Passi and Romaice, which meant 'Passion' and 'Love'. After that was the summer months of Flarin, Firac, and Embra. These translated to common tongue meant 'Flame', 'Fire', and 'Embers'. After that came the short autumn season. Today was the second Mundas of Lendas, and the month after that was called Otmas. These two meant 'Wind' and 'Storm'. Finally, the next two months were known as Glacias, and Blizzarg, which translated to 'Returning Cold' and 'Blizzards'. These were the first two months of the winter season. Leliana loved the names of the months, for they just were so beautiful in their pronunciation.

She finished washing the last of the dishes, and Liora smiled at her. "Good girl, you're quite good help. That wasn't the fastest they've been done, but it was definitely quick. Now give me a hand with this tub of water." she said, as she came back from putting away the last goblet in the appropriate cupboard. Leliana looked at Liora quizzically, not sure what the halfling meant. She caught sight of Leliana's questioning look, and chuckled. "Well I'm not wanting to leave that water in there, am I? Especially if it were to get cold tonight. It's not likely, but we're not too far off of freezing weather yet, so best empty it. We empty it every day anyway." She motioned to the ground, and Leliana noticed it was slightly sloped away from the building. "We don't have to carry it anywhere, just tip it. But it's too heavy for one person to tip anyway. So that's why I need help."

Leliana nodded, now understanding. She gripped the left side, and Liora gripped the right side. "One, two, three." Leliana said, and as she called out three, they tipped it over. The water rushed out, and down the slight slope. Leliana dried off her hands and rolled her sleeves back down as Liora put the tub back upright. Leliana looked around, and glanced at Liora. "What else do we have to do?" she asked the halfling cook.

Liora chuckled, "No worries lass, we've got a fair bit left yet. Firstly, we need to pull the food for tomorrow from the cellar. We also need to make some fresh bread, since what we ate tonight was the last of it. We make bread once a week. We do the same with butter, milk, jam, meat, pastries, cordials, produce and eggs. Although you don't need to worry about those, they aren't tonight."

Leliana looked at Liora confused. "Hold on, some of those things I can see, perhaps. But where do you get the milk necessary for the butter and milk. I don't ever remember my father having to bring you any of that. For that matter, the eggs, and meat?"

Liora chuckled. "Follow me lass, so we can at least be productive whilst we do this." Leliana nodded, and Liora led her down into the cellar, talking as they went. "Well you can't see it from up there, but about three hundred meters further back is a large clearing. There is a small group of goats and wild cattle that live there. They stay here, even in the winter, because Joakim uses magic to insure that they can find food here, even when it's cold and snowy. There is a small creek down there as well, maybe four meters across. So easy water and easy food. They understand, to some degree, that Joakim, and this sanctuary, has a lot to do with the ease with which they find food. So they let us milk them, so long as they don't need the milk for a baby that's coming, or is already here."

Liora stopped as they got to the bottom of the cellar, and grabbed a small wooden board with a piece of parchment upon it. She looked at it, doing a count and thinking. It was the inventory sheet for this week. She wrote a new one every Valrend. That was her date of choice, because she had learned as a cook that out of all the staples, butter was the most important one. So she based her system around the day that they made butter every week. She scrolled over it, and pulled out a small quill and bottle of ink from her apron pocket. She handed Leliana the ink bottle. "Hold this for me, and open it would you?" Leliana obliged, popping the cork of the small ink bottle.

Leliana looked at what she was seeing. The cellar was one room, with numerous shelves. It wasn't very big, probably only fifty feet by forty feet, but it was rather full. She could tell that it was organized with some method to the madness, although from her quick glance around she couldn't tell quite how.

Liora dipped the quill, and quickly went to work, writing numbers and scratching out totals to add new ones, continuing her explanation to Leliana. "Tomorrow morning, I'll go out and milk them that will let us, and we use that supply, splitting it about half and half to make our butter and then our milk for the week. Jams are simple, generally two kinds, we keep lots of it on hand, and sell some every trade season. We stockpile it, raspberry over the summer and snowberry over the winter. Raspberry is nearly done, we've only got about two weeks left of making that kind. But snowberry is just beginning to come into season, the early ones anyway, so we're starting on those this week. Pastries are a little more difficult, but over the trade season we invest in fruit and preserved fruit slices to make the pastries with, along with the basics for cakes and such. Cordials are basically the same. As for meat and produce, those days Skylar and Redorak leave before dawn, to go foraging or hunting and fishing for what we need, and return for dinner. The eggs we get from a small group of chickens we keep and raise in their own little coop behind the chapel."

Liora finished making the notes and changes on the little sheet and smiled at Leliana. "Now, if you could be so kind as to cap that ink bottle for me?" Leliana did as she was asked, and Liora took it back, sliding the ink and quill into the pocket of her apron. She glanced at the sheet of parchment. "Alright so we're both going to be carrying a fair amount. But follow me and I'll show you the method to this madness first."

Leliana followed, and Liora led her to the first closed pantry shelves on the far side. of the room. There were three of them, and as they got closer, Leliana could tell they were cold. Liora motioned to the solid oak doors, which had symbols on them. The first had the shape of a fish painted on it in bright blue paint, at about face level. The second had a wheel of cheese, and the third had a picture of a flame on it. Liora pointed to each. "So the first is for fish and other such sea food items. The second is for dairy products, butter, cheese, milk, and so on. The third one with the flame is for meat, such as venison, or whatever those two lads bring in. They are all chilled with ice and a magical enchantment that is maintained by Joakim." Leliana nodded, following along to a point.

Liora motioned to the door with the fish on it. "Right now it is rather empty, finally, and will never be full like it is during trade season, or at least not for the next seven or so months. In fact, between this locker and the meat locker there isn't very much at all, about enough for four days. We run a slightly tighter ship in the colder months, only taking what we need. In the summer months that is far more, because we are a travellers sanctuary, and part of that includes the ability to feed your guests properly." She motioned to the locker in front of them. "Open it up, and on the top shelf, on the right side you should see two fair sized mountain trout. Could you grab them both for me?"

Leliana nodded, and opened the large cupboard's door. She immediately saw the fist, both on the same hook. Each was about a twenty inches long, and probably thirty pounds or so. She grabbed the hook, and lifted them out. Liora nodded, and motioned for her to carry them, and close the doors. Leliana did as she was bid, and followed Liora.

Almost an hour and a half, and two trips back up into the cooking area later, they were done, and Leliana had a general understanding of the layout of the cellar. Along with the fish, they'd pulled a few apples and oranges, some dried oats, grains and cinnamon to make oatmeal with, and many other ingredients for various breads. They'd also pulled some onion, leeks and turnips, which Liora had told Leliana was for a turnip and potato stew, to go with the fish for dinner the next night. After pulling it all up out of the cellar, and putting it in the standing pantry beside the dish washing tub, they proceeded to start making the dough for the bread. Well breads actually, two kinds. There was the sweet bread, which was the bread that was made for Skylar and Redorak. Chock full of cinnamon and sugar, along with small pieces of fruit and onion, it was a high energy travel snack, and the rangers appreciated having some at all times. They made about six loaves worth, three for each ranger. There was also the soft white bread, that was used for most meals, which they made twenty or so of. This took almost another two or so hours, from ingredients to fully cooked bread. As Leliana pulled the last tray, and set it out to cool, Liora came up beside her. The last tray had been all the rangers bread, and one loaf of the soft white bread as well.

"Alright lass, you've only two more chores. I need ye to go and haul back a wheelbarrow of fire wood, it's on the far side of the sleeping chambers, along with the wheelbarrow. But afore you do that, take all the loaves from every tray but this one, and help me carry em down into the cellar. Alright?" the halfling woman asked. It was dark now, well and truly so, but Leliana sense she still had five or six hours before the sun would start rising. So she smiled and nodded, picking up loaves of bread. Between the two of them, they managed the nineteen loaves in three trips. Afterwards, Leliana strode around the building, and moved off towards the smaller living quarters building, doing her best to keep quiet, so as not to disturb anyone.

As she came around the corner of the building, passing some windows, she saw that oddly, one of them had a dim flickering orange light, like that of a candle. Curiousity overwhelmed Leliana, and she got lower than the window, and carefully snuck up to it, sneaking a peek inside. What she saw made her smile, for she had already figured as much. It was Skylar and Sara, sitting with each other on his bunk. The half elf obviously didn't have a roommate, for no one else's belongings were in the room. They were talking, and it looked as if they were saying goodnight. She watched, wondering how correct her suspicions truly were. After a few moments, Sara yawned, and rose. Skylar rose, and the pair embraced, and afterwards shared what Leliana would hazard to have been a rather passionate kiss. She smiled, and ducked down as Sara left, and Skylar turned, coming to the nightstand and snuffing out the candle.

She giggled, and rose carefully after a few moments, and moved down along the side of the building. Right at the corner was the small firewood pile, and the wheelbarrow. She started filling it up, carefully. She got about thirty pieces in it, and thought about it for a moment. She could probably have put another ten or fifteen pieces on it, but she wasn't sure if that would be necessary. In the end, Leliana decided another five pieces was appropriate, and then brought the wheelbarrow back over to the cooking area. Liora nodded, looking at Leliana quizzically. "That took ya long, did ye get lost?" she asked teasingly.

Leliana smiled, "Of course not, I just wasn't sure how much to bring over, is all"

Liora looked at the wheelbarrow and nodded. "That's plenty my dear, plenty. You can go, I'm done here, just need to pile that wood beside the stove and fire pit. Won't take me very long. Go and get some rest, ya'll have a real busy day tomorrow."

Leliana nodded, and smiled at Liora. "Good night, Liora."

The halfling nodded, as she started unloading wood, stacking it beside the fire pit. "Good night me dear, and thank ye for all yer help." Leliana nodded, and moved off. She came into the small living building, and moved to her room. She opened the door, and carefully looked about for Erik. He was nowhere to be seen. She remembered what Redorak had said about the lad liking to sleep in the stables, and smiled. She was actually surprisingly fatigued from the day's events, so she had no intention of going out there tonight. She simply made herself comfortable on the bed, and relaxed, falling into her meditative rest state. Despite feeling obviously tired, it proved harder than Leliana would have expected. Between the still vicious pain from losing her family, and the excitement for what the next morning would bring with Joakim, she had a very hard time calming herself down. But eventually she managed, and was soon resting, recuperating mentally and physically for the challenges the next day would bring.