Peek: A Change of Scenery

Kardul tries to keep his nerves in check as he gazes at the elven capital city of Horlon. As an elf himself, he should feel welcome, but he hopes to bring Change with him. A well-established city like Horlon is often very resistant to Change. His hand moves up to the pendant and the small orange glass marble hanging from it, calming his nerves as he takes a moment to meditate at the top of the small hill.

Lord Thedeim started as a simple run-down manor in a backwater and declining town. The small starts can lead to great finishes. He smiles and pats at his white robes, trying to get the worst of the travel dust off of them. They're simple linen, not the dungeon silk the High Priestess wears. He could have probably asked the spiderkin for similar, but he'd be too afraid of ruining them either in travel or in trying to clean.

No, simple bleached linen is more than enough for him, and he resumes his trek toward the seat of elven power on the continent, eager to find a place to set up a branch of Lord Thedeim's church.

The line to enter is simple enough, and Kardul is glad the city has a gate specifically for merchants and another for people on foot. The elves checking people have a professional demeanor without seeming to be on alert, and are efficient with their questions.

"Name?"

"Kardul Mason."

"Purpose of visit?"

"Immigration, specifically to found a church."

The guard raises an eyebrow, but no objection. "A church? Looking to build one, Mr Mason?"

He chuckles in reply. "If I need to, but I'm be surprised if there's any open plots within the walls."

The guard smiles and nods. "I'd imagine so, yeah. Still, do you have the skills your name suggests? New buildings don't tend to go up, but there's never too many masons to do maintenance around the city."

Kardul nods. "I do, yes."

"Then permission granted. I don't know how much coin you have on you, but if you need to get more, visit a mason guild. If you have enough to found your church, you should head to the zoning council building. I don't know what all needs to be done for what you want, but they will."

The robes elf smiles at the guard. "I'll do that, thank you. I'll probably want to do both, honestly."

The guard nods and waves for him to go in, his attention moving to the line. "Next!"

Kardul eagerly walks forward and into the noise of the city. Hawkers shout their wares to him and the crowd, but he keeps moving. While he does intend to go to the masons and the council, he first wants to get a room at an inn. The council probably wouldn't take him very seriously if he shows up still wearing his traveling pack.

Thankfully, deeper into the city, he gets past the louder taverns and finds a row of quieter inns, and settles for one called the Camomile Inn. Inside, the scent of soothing tea fills the air, and the catkin receptionist quickly gets him set up with a small room, as well as a bath where he can clean not only himself, but his robes.

Once clean and dry, he hurries to the council, hoping to get the paperwork at least started before they close for the day! Directions are acquired from the receptionist, and she even confirms he should make it if he hurries.

The worker at the council doesn't look very happy to have him, but at least the troll doesn't toss him out. "How can I help you, sir?"

"I need to get a permit for a church?"

"Where are you planning to set it up, sir?"

"Uh... I don't know yet? I was told to come here to make sure I didn't violate any zoning ordinances."

The troll manages to hide his groan behind a deep sigh. "There are many empty properties currently zoned for churches."

"Uh... what's the smallest? I don't have the most coin on me, but I'd rather have a small church than one in desperate need of repair."

The troll hauls out a heavy tome and flips through it with practiced ease, before lifting an eyebrow at what he sees. He clearly decides it's not his problem, and turns the book around for Kardul to see.

"Just vacated earlier today by the Shield. It's only a couple doors down from one of their churches, if that matters."

"Uh, no, that should be fine. Lord Thedeim and the Crystal Shield get along well."

The troll gives him a look that speaks volumes about how little he believes him. "Thedeim, was it? I don't believe that one is in the registry."

Kardul tries not to fidget. "Well, that's why I'm here. It'll be Lord Thedeim's first church here in the capital."

The troll slowly inhales to probably explain why this wont work, but is interrupted by a wolfkin who steps up behind him. "Ah, that explains it. Justiel, the new divine registry just came in. One new entry: Thedeim." He hands the troll the book that must be the registry, and the troll sourly checks, looking even more unhappy the longer he reads.

"So he is. Change, hmm? I wouldn't have expected the Shield to be friendly with that, but I try to stay out of the divine." Despite his personal feelings, the troll gets the permit settled quickly and efficiently. "This is a probationary permit. You'll have to come back and pay the fee once you have either the deed or a lease contract, or other document that shows you have the right to use the indicated property."

He pauses and gives Kardul a flat look. "Do try to come back with that earlier in the day, next time. The finalizing paperwork takes much longer than the probationary one."

Kardul nods and accepts the paper. "Yes, sorry! I only just got to town."

The troll simply nods and puts a little 'desk closed' plaque down and gets up. Kardul gets the hint and leaves, even as the wolfkin chuckles at the rude dismissal. Once outside, though, it finally sinks in.

He's done it! Well, ok, not quite, but the first step is taken! He carefully puts the permit inside his robe and makes his way back to the inn, giddy with excitement. Change is coming!

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Inspired by... well, a lot of people, who have asked about Thedeim's church spreading :P