A Land Far Away

Spiritual wealth?

Merse sat uneasily in the large chair, across from Magistrati Lim. On the desk that separated them, was a contract, and a few small purses which held a scandalous amount of coin. Magistrati Lim was speaking...

"The House of the High One, here in Saerloon, is premier amongst all of the Temples of our Lord of Spells. There is no grander temple, no better place to worship, no more suitable a venue to understand the gifts that are provided by Azuth..." Magistrati Lim paused and looked expectantly at Merse, who nodded. Magistrati Lim continued... "The issue off course is the rather... unusual nature of your request Master Long'us". Magistrati Lim paused again, and looked at Merse expectantly, who nodded again.

Magistrati Lim frowned then spoke on... "Devotees are under normal circumstance inducted after a suitable application period, sometimes of up to a year...” Merse reached into a pocket, and placed another plump purse on the table. "Off course, I have found that with personal attention these things happen much faster, in some cases right away, what is of concern, and will certainly raise questions however, is your age Master Merse... it was... thirty two, yes?".

Magistrati Lim did not wait for a reply before speaking on... "Most unusual, I am not saying we have not taken in older applicants before...” Merse placed another purse on the table. "...so I am sure it will not be an issue". Merse watched as Magistrati Lims eyes darted to the coin purses again, flicking to each in a mental calculation. Magistrati Lim smugly lifted a hand and spoke an almost impossible word... at which point the contract on the table, slowly rotated itself, and moved across the desk to just in front of Merse.

"This contract will see you entered into the ranks of the clergy of Azuth. You will be taught the tenants of the faith, proper forms of address, how to pray, and worship, and best serve the temple... and through the temple Azuth himself... in time, should Azuth will it, it may be that you will be able to call upon his power in some small ways, to do things other think of as magic..." Merse reached up for the contract then paused as Magistrati Lim spoke...

"However Master Long'us, it is also possible to enter into the ranks of the Magistrati, and in addition to learning how to devote one’s self to Azuth, the high one, you will also be taught how to understand his greatest gifts... that of spell craft, you will have your own spell book, and learn how to shape the weave, using the formulae that Azuth himself has gifted us through generations of wizards and researchers."

Merse again reached into a pocket and placed another purse on the now crowded desk.

"And that is off course where I see a man of your potential, just sign the contract there, and your place in the ranks of the Magistrati is assured, and you may immediately join your brethren in the dormitory."

With an almost imperceptible clenching of teeth Merse reached into his coat, and placed another purse on the table.

"I did off course mean private room"

A different world.

Merse wandered around the temple grounds, fascinated. The House of the High One as a landmark was well known within Saerloon, but the genral public tended to frequent temples of Waukeen more than any other. Beautifuly manicured lawns and still pools stood out amongst four story buildings. Here and there robed monks went about their business, carrying bundles of scrolls back anf forth through arched corridors, clergy men led small groups of children on tours, and robed mages stood in small groups having earnest discussions.

Occasional displays of magic were seen, and while everyone seemed curious as to what was being cast, few seemed surprised. For Merse, this was fantastic. Despite his fathers holdings being only a few miles away, it felt as though a whole world seperated Merse what he now regarded as his "previous life". Everything here, was fresh, clean, exciting, invigorating... Merse was beginning to feel "alive".

Merse felt a smile growing on his face... and chose to let it beam out, reveling in the feeling of finally being happy.

Retired!

What the....?

MERSE NOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!

And you think IM bad veilan.