Tauriel Thermaya

Friend of Corvix, Vigilant of Torm, appointed guardian and priest of Callum's Temple in the Sword Mountains

"I'm honored for the consideration and your confidence in me, Callum," the dragonborne started after the two had exchanged greetings and their usual pleasantries, "but you know this is where I belong."

The paladin smiled, expecting the answer.  "I do, Corvix, but I thought it worth offering to you anyway.  After all you've done for me, I thought it the least I could do."

"You've done much in turn for the Temple of Honor, myself, and Bahamut.  You are in no one's debt, and from the Platinum Dragon's part, Torm is noticing too."

"At this point, I trust you'd know better than I.  I only seek to do what I can." 

Corvix offered a nod and a smile.  "Indeed, and in that endeavor, while I can't offer my assistance personally, I took the liberty of contacting another I trust."

Callum bowed.  "Again, I'm grateful for your help."

The priest motioned for him to follow, the two falling in step as they wandered the halls of Bahamut's temple.  "She has just returned from a pilgrimage to the Feywild where she achieved the rank of one of Torm's Vigilant.  She also received her ordainment from Bahamut by my hand, so I can attest to the strength of her faith."

"She's a dragon knight?"

"No, but her prayers are heard by both the Platinum Dragon and the Loyal Fury.  I respect this path she walks, for she seeks the betterment of both our gods while not burdening herself with labels or ambitions of station. She is a fine testament to our gods' mutual respect and loyalty." 

"I look forward to meeting her," Callum replied, impressed by Corvix's account.  

"You need not wait," the dragonborne replied, pushing open the doors to the main hall and revealing a small crowd gathered within.  

Priests and clerics were speaking with a central figure, a tall Eladrin clad in blazing orange armor, the striking gold of her eyes as fierce as the protective maille.  A golden morningstar hung from her hip, a kite shield emblazoned with Bahamut's likeness underlaid beneath the symbol of Torm set upon her back, a dense bun of golden hair tucked neatly at the top of her head.  She spoke with a quiet warmth and eloquence with the others gathered until she noticed Corvix, the dragonborne nodding toward Callum as they entered the chamber but waited outside the gathered circle.  She finished her conversations with the others, politely excused herself, then made her way to them.

"Greetings Corvix," she met him warmly, embracing the priest as an old friend.  "Almost blinded me with those polished scales."

Corvix chuckled.  "Not as much as you, Tauriel.  Vigilance suits you well, as does the armor."  

"They provide," she answered with a wave upward and a low bow.  When she rose, her eyes met Callum's.  "And this is our Tormtar benefactor?"

Callum nodded, offered her the symbol of the Triad, then extended his hand.  "Callum.  Well met, Tauriel."

She grasped his arm, eyes narrowed.  "Callum.  Not 'Nomad?'"

"I made the mistake of hiding for too long.  Though I'm glad to hear my requests for discretion have been honored."  He turned to the dragonborne.  "My thanks for that."

"You're welcome, Tormtar.  Now, if you two will excuse me, I have matters to attend to, as I'm sure you have many of your own to discuss."  

"Indeed," Tuariel was the first to agree, bowing to Corvix as he departed.  She was quick to turn back to Callum.  "Corvix told me you were looking for someone to head and guard the construction of a new citadel in the Sword Mountains.  Why was I requested?"

"Because you were the one he recommended," was his answer. 

"You know nothing of me?"

A shake of his head.  "Beyond what Corvix has told me just now, no."

She couldn't stifle the chuckle that escaped her.  "You take much on faith, Callum."

"As do you, Tauriel.  This will be no easy task."  

"Indeed, with its imposing ambiguity and baffling methods."

He shifted, rolling his shoulders back to relieve an ache in his neck.  "Baffling methods?"

"What rank are you, Callum?" she asked directly.  "You wear no insignia and your armor is black, yet Corvix trusts you enough to vouch for you and aid in the construction of this temple you wish to build.  What's your deal?"

Callum grinned beneath his helmet, knowing there wasn't much he could do to avoid such a question.  It was more than warranted.  As such, he was quick to lift his visor and reveal the being beneath, drawing another narrowed gaze from Tauriel.  "I choose the way of black for I wish no rank among the Tormtar.  For past transgressions, that way is lost to me.  My wish now is to serve the Loyal Fury and act as an agent of the light and a sentinel for good, wherever I'm called, however I may answer."

The Eladrin's scrutinizing gaze stayed locked on him.  "These past transgressions must have been significant, Callum.  There is a touch of darkness about you.  I can sense it."  

Another nod.  "I won't deny it, Tauriel.  And it may come to pass that my old enemies become yours and any of those who choose to make the citadel their home.  But such is the way, and the darkness within me is but a glimpse the very darkness that we would stand against wherever it reveals itself.  I aim to ensure that no one suffers what I was made to suffer, nor is corrupted as I was once corrupted."

She considered his words through a long, steadying breath.  "Corvix told me your story was complex.  As were the circumstances for your request and his assistance.  I get the feeling this is just the surface of that complexity."  

"You'd be right.  To be clear, I'm not looking for someone to give orders to.  I'm looking for a cofounder to help me fight the battles ahead for me, and one to help bring others to our cause and the light.  If I am to lead, I would do so through deeds alone.  I trust you to help and advise me in this, and defer to you as a colleague, not a subordinate."  

"Which is wise considering you hold no rank and should, by all accounts, be answering to me."  

"Complex, yes?"  

She laughed again.  "Quite."

"Take your time as you consider this, Tauriel," he bade her.  "I thank you for the thought you've given it already.  You should know, standing with me in this could bring the darkest of evil before you.  I wouldn't have you agree to this without knowing what you're getting into." 

"Fair enough, Callum.  Do you have some time?"

"I do."

"Then tell me your story.  The whole of it, without omissions, including the depth of these past transgressions.  I will determine after that if I'll participate in this undertaking of yours."

He shifted his feet as he weighed her offer.  "How much time do you have, Tauriel."  

"As long as is needed."

"Good enough."  A quick glance around.  "Going to need a mug of ale or five to tell you everything.  Buy you a drink?"

She narrowed her eyes one more time, then grinned.  "Sure."