Chapter 20
Marissa stayed in the town of Welton for the next forty-five days. As a servant of the Church, she remained in the city so that she could help those in need, as well as to help rebuild the devastated city. The people of Welton needed all the assistance they could get during this dire time.
A full one-third of the town had been killed during the tragic events. Numerous families had been crushed beneath the walls of their homes, and others had been killed when the roof of the main temple collapsed. Numerous others were lost across the town from other repercussions of the horrific storm. The town had never seen such a tragedy in all its years and it was still reeling from the tremendous loss.
Most of the damaged buildings were un-repairable and therefore had to be demolished to the ground. Large gaps now littered the town's landscape where homes and businesses had once stood. There was also a new road that led though town: the giant path carved by the great boulder of debris.
Welton had been fortunate to receive aid from neighboring towns, as well as from the Church herself. Men and women poured into the town, looking for anyway in which they could help.
Marissa saw Beaumont several times over the past month. He too had been helping with the rebuilding of Welton, and had remained inside the confines of the town. They never spoke but she would occasionally catch him walking by. Part of her wanted to speak with him in more detail about what had occurred, but she never pressed it.
With the recovery effort going well, Marissa felt it was time to rejoin her quest to the north. Gathering what little she could for supplies, she yet again saddled Faerun up for a long journey. As she was preparing, Beaumont entered the Church stables.
"Hello Marissa," he said.
"Greetings Beaumont," replied the young woman as she continued to tighten Faerun's saddle. She did not turn to face him.
"I guess you are off to the Holloway Peninsula I presume?"
"Yes, I'm continuing with my final student task."
"Might I have a word with you?" he asked.
Marissa's attention piqued. She stopped loading up Faerun and turned to face the young man.
The adventurer struggled to get his words out, "Marissa, I don't know how I could ever repay you for saving Elanor's life. I don't know whether you know the facts, but her parents, my sister and her husband, were lost during the accident. It was only because of your courage that little Elanor was fortunately saved. I will forever be grateful for that…"
"Beaumo…"
"Wait, I'm not finished. One of the main reasons I returned to Welton was to reconcile with my father. With this whole event, this whole insane event, our family bond has finally been rebuilt. My father and I have put the past behind us and each of us has made our peace with the other. This portion of my journey is over.
"Finally, I was unsure of whether you would have had the strength to complete your quest. I see now that you have strength way beyond your years, and are even a stronger person than I. I'm sorry for misjudging you.
"And so, if you will allow me, I would like to accompany you to the Holloway Peninsula at your prior request. Assisting you on your journey is the least that I can do as penance for all that you have done. I owe you that, and much more. I will not ask for payment of any type…"
A quivering Beaumont looked into Marissa's deep brown eyes. A feeling of prior regret hung on his face. He stood there motionless, and the young man waited patiently for a response to his plea.
The female mage thought for a moment. She was unsure of whether she still wanted his help. She was also unsure of whether she even needed his help. While she had been able to hold her own so far, it would be helpful to have a knowledgeable guide for the trip. Plus, his fighting skills may come to be a valuable asset. Two sides of the argument bounced back and forth within her head.
"Yes, you may accompany me. I believe that I will require your assistance for the journey. I would be honored to have you along with me as a companion, Beaumont." Her response was very terse and formal. It was spoken with a monotone voice and Marissa did not show any of her emotions.
She held out her hand so that they may shake on the deal. The young man's leathered fingers connected with hers, and a slight tingle climbed up her arm and into her neck. They shook hands and the informal contract had now been set.
The young mage Marissa now had a guide who would take her to the Holloway Peninsula, and the main destination of her final student quest.
Continue reading onto Chapter 21
A full one-third of the town had been killed during the tragic events. Numerous families had been crushed beneath the walls of their homes, and others had been killed when the roof of the main temple collapsed. Numerous others were lost across the town from other repercussions of the horrific storm. The town had never seen such a tragedy in all its years and it was still reeling from the tremendous loss.
Most of the damaged buildings were un-repairable and therefore had to be demolished to the ground. Large gaps now littered the town's landscape where homes and businesses had once stood. There was also a new road that led though town: the giant path carved by the great boulder of debris.
Welton had been fortunate to receive aid from neighboring towns, as well as from the Church herself. Men and women poured into the town, looking for anyway in which they could help.
Marissa saw Beaumont several times over the past month. He too had been helping with the rebuilding of Welton, and had remained inside the confines of the town. They never spoke but she would occasionally catch him walking by. Part of her wanted to speak with him in more detail about what had occurred, but she never pressed it.
With the recovery effort going well, Marissa felt it was time to rejoin her quest to the north. Gathering what little she could for supplies, she yet again saddled Faerun up for a long journey. As she was preparing, Beaumont entered the Church stables.
"Hello Marissa," he said.
"Greetings Beaumont," replied the young woman as she continued to tighten Faerun's saddle. She did not turn to face him.
"I guess you are off to the Holloway Peninsula I presume?"
"Yes, I'm continuing with my final student task."
"Might I have a word with you?" he asked.
Marissa's attention piqued. She stopped loading up Faerun and turned to face the young man.
The adventurer struggled to get his words out, "Marissa, I don't know how I could ever repay you for saving Elanor's life. I don't know whether you know the facts, but her parents, my sister and her husband, were lost during the accident. It was only because of your courage that little Elanor was fortunately saved. I will forever be grateful for that…"
"Beaumo…"
"Wait, I'm not finished. One of the main reasons I returned to Welton was to reconcile with my father. With this whole event, this whole insane event, our family bond has finally been rebuilt. My father and I have put the past behind us and each of us has made our peace with the other. This portion of my journey is over.
"Finally, I was unsure of whether you would have had the strength to complete your quest. I see now that you have strength way beyond your years, and are even a stronger person than I. I'm sorry for misjudging you.
"And so, if you will allow me, I would like to accompany you to the Holloway Peninsula at your prior request. Assisting you on your journey is the least that I can do as penance for all that you have done. I owe you that, and much more. I will not ask for payment of any type…"
A quivering Beaumont looked into Marissa's deep brown eyes. A feeling of prior regret hung on his face. He stood there motionless, and the young man waited patiently for a response to his plea.
The female mage thought for a moment. She was unsure of whether she still wanted his help. She was also unsure of whether she even needed his help. While she had been able to hold her own so far, it would be helpful to have a knowledgeable guide for the trip. Plus, his fighting skills may come to be a valuable asset. Two sides of the argument bounced back and forth within her head.
"Yes, you may accompany me. I believe that I will require your assistance for the journey. I would be honored to have you along with me as a companion, Beaumont." Her response was very terse and formal. It was spoken with a monotone voice and Marissa did not show any of her emotions.
She held out her hand so that they may shake on the deal. The young man's leathered fingers connected with hers, and a slight tingle climbed up her arm and into her neck. They shook hands and the informal contract had now been set.
The young mage Marissa now had a guide who would take her to the Holloway Peninsula, and the main destination of her final student quest.
Continue reading onto Chapter 21
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