At the Lathandrite Temple, Seeking Cleophus

Bryanna can be seen passing through the Myth Drannor encampment, asking after Dawnlord Cleophus. She pauses only long enough to hand out little bags of her home-made candy to the areas children should they spot her and greet her. Otherwise she continues on her way towards the temple in her quest to find Cleo, pulling a small hand-cart behind her with a very strong and locked chest in it which is chained to the cart with another lock.

Cleo looks up as the temple doors open, the big illustrated "Child's Book of Dawn" lowering to his lap as the assembled children turn to see what's going on. Cleo stands from his cross-legged position on the floor, smiling inquisitively. "Bryanna, come in," he says winkingly, as the children swarm her. "I know your candy is legendary, but isn't a locked chest going a bit far?"

Bryanna laughs, giving out the candy. "The chest is for you Cleo. Go on children, give us a few moments.. we'll all play a game before I go aye?" She gives him a grinning look and the key to the chest, motioning him to it while the children head off to break into the little bags of different flavors.

"I have a blessing that allows me to see traps, Bryanna. Just so you know." He smirks, but the lightness in his words is betrayed by hands that tremble as they take the key, perhaps with excitement, or perhaps with the realized gravity of the moment.

He places the key in the lock and gives it a turn, the satisfying "click" bringing a childlike grin unbidden to his lips. His eyes glimmering he slowly opens the lid.

The chest would open easily, to reveal its treasure inside. Sacks of gold coin, loose coin, and trade bars all arrayed inside. At this Bryanna unfurls a small note, reading it to him as he takes in the sight.

"Two hundred thousand donated in the spirit of friendship by the Township of Shadowdale in support of the Lathandrite cause, one hundred thousand donated by High Harvestmistress Julia, One hundred and fifty thousand from Aerandir, twenty five thousand from the adventuress Varanda, and one hundred sixty nine thousand five hundred from the Church of Nobanion in support of your faith and its efforts in this region."

She smiles at him, letting this sink in before finishing. "A total of six hundred fourty four thousand, five hundred gold in the local currency." She rolls the note and offers it to him with a wide smile.

Cleo blinks, shocked, his only expression a tear dropping from each eye as the letter is read and the slight, inaudible repetition of the names it contains.

"It's...it's all that we... Aerandir. Julia. Varanda...seven suns, I don't think I even know her. And...and Vincent? Bryanna, this is...it's quite a kindness."

He hugs her.

"Oh, I suppose you'll want your chest back!" He gestures to two of the temple guardians and together they begin to unload the contents.

Bryanna laughs returning the hug.

"No no, I don't need the chest anymore Cleo. I'm just glad we were all able to help."

She leans back and grins.

"Now.. get yourself cleaned up.. we owe the young ones a game of ball don't we?"

"Sure thing," he says as he wipes his face and calls the kids, leading them all out of the temple. "Can I keep that note? I have letters to write. Plus..." He whispers something in her ear, initiating a private conversation.

After a lengthy, whispered, sometimes heated conversation, smiles are exchanged and Bryanna runs to play ball with the children, rough housing and gamboling like one of their own. Cleo grins, his young eyes glimmering, but can take only one step toward the fun before a tap on his shoulder and a whisper from a priest reminds him of an important duty.

Cleo nods, and tells the priest to make sure the children all get safely back to camp, then takes one last look at the people at play before stepping back inside.