Richter stepped out of town to escape the bustle around the Healer's Den and meditate for a bit. Deep down, he knew he should be helping with the Den but did not feel compelled to help with something he knew nothing about. Taking a seat under a shady tree, Richter looked over the activity and thought about its residence and its plight. Why am I here? he thought. Is Jastrey the right place to be? After only spending a few days here, I had already been thrown into peril by outside events. But something drew me here, that much is sure. Maybe, I am here to atone for the sins of my past? Maybe, I'm supposed to take all that's happened as an omen of ill fortune and move on? Or even maybe, is there something here for me I don't even comprehend yet? Richter wrestled with these thoughts as he closed his eyes and rested under the tree, letting the quiet of nature lead his thoughts.
Richter came out of his daze and turned his attention to the passing Empyrean. "Yeah, I'm Richter and you are... Victor. I remember now, the one with the big shield. You really know how to use that thing..." Richter picked himself up and outstretched his hand. "Glad to finally meet a fellow Empyrean around here. I really am fine, just confused on what's happening around here..." As he trailed off, Richter pointed to the supplies in Victor's hands. "I assume you are going to help the Healer's Den? I could tag along and help out now, no sense in me staying out here on the road alone. As long as you don't mind some company?"
Huffing and puffing and the sound of armor can be heard, signaling the late arrival of Taklinn. Muttering under his breath "durned long legged dolts and their fast walking" he says as he pumps his legs harder and takes up a trot to catch up to his fellow warrior. Upon hearing the final remarks from the Empyrean about Victor's skill with a shield, he scoffs quietly. "Never knew ye Empyreans were so warlike. I suppose in all me time on the surface there are still a few things that can still surprise an old dwarf. First time fer everything though, and I guess there's stranger things still than seeing two Empyrean Warriors in one place. But aye lad if yer thinkin' to help us out, a couple extra hands would never hurt. We were just on our way to get some more building materials I had stashed away, and yer help would be appreciated." he says with labored breaths.
"Ah, Takklin! Good to see a familiar face. I never knew that Empyrean warriors were such a rarity. I just picked up the shield as a child and haven't put it down since." An awkward moment of silence passed until Richter spoke again. "Well, no point wasting any more time here. We better head back with these supplies." Although his previous thoughts still lingered, Richter shook off his worries and joined the party as they headed toward the Healer's Den.
Victor nods to Taklin as he arrives, a smirk can be seen across his face.
"Nice of you to join us master dwarf. Was just having a nice chat with Richter here. Seems we have another hand to help with the Den. My adopted parents always said nothing helps a worrisome mind like good old fashion labor."
Victor ponders for a moment then speaks to Richter as the group walks slowly back to town.
"So where you from, and where you learn to wield a sword and shield? It doesn't really come naturally to our kind like magic does."
Thinking, Richter replied, "I was born and raised in Jomptland in Rastemier. I spent a lot of time in the orphanage as a child. I presume that I was abandoned because no one wanted a cursed Empyrean child. I have never know of any magic until... well... that's another story." Richter hesitated for a second and pondered Victor's second question. "It's hard to say when I started using the sword and shield. My mother died when I was young but before she passed away, she told stories of my father who protected the weak, wielding a large shield. I don't know how much of it is really true but the idea resonated in my mind. I devoted all my time in the orphanage training with the shield. I had lots of alone time to practice because the other children did not take well to me. I devoted my life to being the shield of the Jomptland townsfolk because of those stories. The sword, I have only picked up recently out of necessity. To be honest, I hate the damn thing."
Victor passes by on one of his many supply trips for rebuilding the healers den. This time he stops and acknowledges the new Empyrean in town.
"Well met............Richter, correct? You seem lost in thought, is something bothering you?"