An Air Genasi Walks into the Lathander Temple

After several months of absence, Ratava can once again be seen walking through the streets of Myth Drannor. He strides with a determined air to the Temple of Lathander, and upon entering it approaches the main altar quietly. Falling to one knee, he speaks a simple entreaty, seeking guidance and in the days to come.

"Blessed Lord of Dawn, I... I have been gone for a long time. I have traveled more than I had thought to, and felt the crisp sea wind against my face. Many days and nights have I lain under the stars, resisting the gentle lull of the ocean as it tried to draw me to sleep, and my thoughts were crowded with recollections of the past. I left my family to find a better way, oh Morninglord, and.. I did. I found you, I found myself... but the path was... rocky."

He sighs heavily, and slowly unfastens his cloak, folding it neatly on his lap. "The Blood Ravens are no more. Members dispersed in my absence. In truth, it is probably for the best. I... I'm really not cut out to be a mercenary. Only helping those who have the coin for it? It is... deplorable. Standing idly by as injustice is perpetrated, simply because one has not been hired? I can't. I can't do it. Even at the height of the company's glory, with Kalisa and Kaelen and Calintz and Nicho... still, I would do what I could on the side, unofficially. No contracts, no resources... just doing what I could."

He takes out a small glowing vial from his belt, and uncorks it, then tilts the contents over the cloak. A thick, shining liquid slowly breaks free, pouring over the cloak in small globules. As the last drop hits the cloak, the entire solution ignites, a hot white fire burning at the fabric, until not even a single red thread remains. Ratava bows his head as the conflagration ends, then looks up to the statue of Lathander, speaking in slow, unsure tones, "So... what do I do now?"

The conflagration drew the attention of the Abbot. Elijah walked over to Ratava and studied the air genasi for a long moment. "So... the proverbial prodigal son returns..."

Ratava looks up to Elijah, then grins and dips his head back down respectfully.

"So I have," he respond, smiling warmly. "It has been some time, Eilijah. And once more, I come to you with doubts and a heavy heart." He shakes his head wanly. "What happens next?"

The monk motioned for Ratava to get up, offering a slight smile and a firm hand to the air genasi should he need one.

"And once more I wonder if counsel would take root or be blown away by the winds," Elijah replied steadily, letting his words linger lightly upon the almost imperceptible small breeze he felt between them both.

Ratava gladly accepts Elijah's hand, clasping it with a firm and warm grip, and rises to his feet.

"Sometimes winds decide to linger," he replies with a small smile. "And I am here to stay, I think. There is much work to be done, especially with the harvest season upon us."

He then sighs heavily. "The Blood Ravens are gone. In truth, I could not have continued to lead them if the company remained. The mercenary life does not agree with me, I've found. I needed it once, for structure and purpose, to continuously hone my skills. But now? I find myself wanting, no, needing, to do something more fulfilling. Something... good."

Aerul is loitering by the fire when Ratava walks by towards the Lathander farms.
Ratava misses to see him and walks by purpose in his steps.

Aerul thinks he knows the goal of his friends walk and leave him be but remains by the fire keeping an eye on the path from the Lathander farms should Ratava return.