By Any Other Name

After the complicated, but thankfully uneventful morning meeting in preparation for the Kryptgarden mission, Ebbert had caught Rose heading upstairs and they had gone to have a chat with Lucky. Another complicated-- and, again, thankfully uneventful-- conversation under his belt, Rose headed off to see how many more he could possibly fit into the next couple hours before needing to leave on the mission. He had quite a few people he wanted, and needed, to inform about the dinner he had with the Open Lord last night; more importantly he needed to mention the life-changing thing he asked of her-- and that she was contemplating at this moment. Who knows who she might call on among those he is close to, so it is better that they know from him rather than hearing it for the first time elsewhere.

As Rose was well aware, Cathacrim was still staying at the manor, after the assassination attempt on him during the Day of Wonders Parade, so he would be first to hear. Well, first to hear today. The tiefling, who Rose is so sweet on, was found in Seldra’s room, discussing with one mother on how to get the other together with them again. Rose warmly greeted them both, and then informed them on his dinner discussion with the Open Lord. Seldra was amused- after all, she had taken the city once herself- and Cathacrim teased him about “fast-tracking [his] stately ambitions.” The two tieflings shared a laugh, a kiss, and Rose assured the Dragons’ protected pair of any help they may need in getting Maccath out of Luskan, before heading off to his next lovely victim that will be subjected to his news.

Rose finished affixing his mask and packing for the trip (leaving his prepared bags downstairs) before he left the manor as Silver Tempest and headed across the street to Corellon’s Crown for a quick conversation with his favorite dragon. Tempest gave his well-wishes to Fala and those that were shopping as he passed through, giving Sign a telepathic heads up on his way upstairs. The informative chat in the rooftop greenhouse ended with playful banter, roguish smirks, and plans for a well-intentioned gift basket for Open Lord Laeral from “an anonymous friend of Kamosrin and dedicated citizen of Waterdeep.” Rose-- Silver Tempest was in high spirits as he went on his way, leaving a wanted criminal and heading toward one with much better standing.

Near midday in the Trade Ward is always crowded, but luckily Silver Tempest walking with purposeful direction, and an appreciatively apologetic smile, was enough to get through the crowds easily. His trip to the Bregan D’aerthe headquarters would’ve been the most outwardly digestible place for Silver Tempest to show up, if a little odd- not that it will be a mystery for long what my connection is, everyone will know who I am sooner or later. However, Rose’s father wasn’t there, in fact, asking his dear ‘Uncle K’ only got him an indifferent, and frequently heard, update on Jarlaxle’s whereabouts: “out of town on business.” A long, fruitless, trip south to the Trade Ward was paired with a long one back to the North Ward, but not without stopping by a stall to buy a savory cheese and dragonbreath pepper hand-pie to enjoy on his way home.

Delicious snack long gone, Silver Tempest was on Whaelgond Street, minutes from home, when he received a sending message from Open Lord Laeral Silverhand. *I have considered your request and I accept. Upon return we shall meet and you shall publicly swear to the city, like at dinner.* His reply was a beat delayed in his surprise, *That was… quicker than I expected. It will be my honor to do so. I will notify you as soon as we return, Open Lord.* Through his astonishment, Rose-- Silver Tempest-- Kamosrin made his way, quicker than he was aware of, to the Gralhund Estate to tell his family the news.

The servants of the Gralhunds were a bustle with their normal midday activities stopping to watch Silver Tempest stride confidently across the grounds. The commotion had roused Hrabbaz, the orcish bodyguard to Orond and Yalah, to action. He signaled for the servants to continue their business. He was waiting for Tempest when he stepped further into the interior of the house. When Hrabbaz began to protest a voice behind him called out in greeting, not one of Kamosrin’s family or his love, but Nalie. She stepped to be seen from behind where Hrabbaz had been guarding. “Good of you to reply so quickly to our invitation, Cefrey and I have been having tea in the study.” Hrabbaz was mollified by the strange woman who had made herself at home within the estate.

His hand was mid-motion up to his mask in both remembering and in first solution, Silver Tempest’s half-moment of surprise turned to a smile and wave in greeting. “Yes, it is always a pleasure. I look forward to tea and discussion.” He turned and nodded in greeting to the orcish bodyguard, “Goodday, Hrabbaz.” Then walked past him into the study.

Hrabbaz looked confused as Silver Tempest walked past him. In the study Cefrey was seated reading a soft leather bound book that was written in elvish. Today she’d decided to buck noble trends and expectations wearing a loose flowery white and yellow dress. Tea had been laid out for her and Nalie with an additional cup set out that still had a bit of tea left at the bottom. Cefrey looked up from her book with a cheerful smile as she felt as much as saw Tempest enter the room. “We’re fancy today. What’s the occasion, Tem-pest?” She drug the name out to jog his mind on the matter. “Heard the morning meeting was…eventful. Care to join us for tea and talk about it? Your mother left a little bit ago to go do other business around the house.”

Rose grinned seeing Cefrey-- and Silver Tempest reached up to his mask with slight irritation. He pulled it loose so it hung around his neck. Kamosrin-- So many names… He took a deep breath. …but it is all me. He crossed the study to lean down and give his fiancée a kiss and settled into the chair his mother had previously occupied. “Less so here to talk about the meeting. More so to share the… very recent news with you and my parents. Besides, it sounds like Nalie has filled you in on the highlights.” He turned and smiled politely at Nalie with the statement before addressing Cefrey again. “On my way here, our dear Open Lord messaged me…” He shrugged with a smile in the pause for effect, and for his own belief of the situation to catch up. “She accepted my request. I am to be publicly sworn to the city when we return from the mission.”

Cefrey placed her book on the table and oriented towards Rose, placed a hand on his knee as she listened. Her eyes grew wide and blanched at the message he’d been given from the Open Lord. Cefrey brought her other hand to her mouth to cover some of the shock. Her eyes cut to the book before moving to meeting Rose’s eyes. A mixture of nervous apprehension and rejoicing rang through her laughter. “Th-that is…is so soon. Um, Congratulations!” Cefrey exhaled to calm herself.

Nalie moved to take her seat and nodded at his good news. “Quite the responsibility. Guess mum did not need much time considering your… offer. A few avenues for her.” She took up her teacup and drank from it.

Rose chuckled anxiously and took the calming breath along with Cefrey. “Yes, it is… quite a lot sooner than I expected. Not unwelcome, of course, but… yeah.” His eyes softened in apologetic sympathy as he took Cefrey’s hand in his. “I am sorry, love. For bringing such a sudden…” he smiled through the emotion, “exciting, disruption to our lives.”

Cefrey took her hand away from her mouth and put it on top of her other hand. Her expression softened to an apologetic smile. “Thank you, yeah. I know we will make it through fine, it’s just scary.” She pursed her lips reaching for a word. “I wouldn’t call it a disruption, it is a plan, a dream, and an aspiration. I get that. Just have to be careful with my extracurricular rabbiting around. Don’t want you in trouble on account of me. Centerstage for all the bad things we get caught doing and all that.”

Taking another breath and chuckling with the exhale, Rose nodded and leaned his head against Cefrey’s. “It is scary… but exhilarating as well. It is a huge change, but you’re right,” he tilted his head so he was looking in her eyes, “I know we'll make it through.” He gave her a kiss and sat back a bit, before continuing, smiling, more light-hearted. “And it’s not as though I am to be Open Lord as soon as I return. There will still be a transition period where everyone in our family will have time to get learn and acclimated to it all. Speaking of, I need to go tell my parents. I… still have one more place to stop by before leaving with the team.”

Cefrey returned the affection and nodded quickly. “Yes, um, Yalah and Orond are in the Library. At least I assume so given that is where Orond was and Yalah went to go meet with him.” She took a moment before adding. “On this trip don’t trust her, the other Cefrey, she lies. I know Nalie gave you the run down and I won’t beat a dead horse but don’t trust her, she’s dangerous.” Cefrey gave him a small grin and touched a hand to his cheek. “You have a safe trip, Briar.”

He smiled back at her, “So am I.” Placing a hand over hers on his cheek, he turned his head to press a kiss into her palm before standing and letting her hand slide off. “I’ll be safe and back here, darling. Top priority.” He smiled lovingly at her once again, and turned and nodded to Nalie before leaving to find his parents in the library. On his way out he reached up to put his mask back on, but shook his head and left it as it was. Everyone will know in a few days time anyway.

The servants watched him as he moved through the house to the library, Kamosrin Gralhund Silver Tempest. Upon arriving he caught his mother and father discussing matters upcoming in high society, they were planning a party and were having guests from outside of Waterdeep attend. Yalah’s eyes rose to see her son enter the room, she gave a warm smile and a quirk of an eyebrow. “Kamosrin, you can hardly keep easy secrets that way, dear. How are you doing this late morning?” Orond for his part looked up at him and gave him his own smile and nod of greeting. “Son.”

Kamosrin chuckled as he walked over to them, “I know. It was easier to get around the estate without being stopped for an explanation this way.” He gave them both a big hug and kiss on the cheek, their usual warm greeting, and then stood aside and between them to address them both. “Laeral messaged me not even close to an hour ago. She accepted my request.”

Orond’s growing smile into a grin was infectious with pride and joy. He gave a throaty silky laugh as he called out. “Kethra fetch us some wine! My boy is going to be Open Lord!” He reached and clasped his tiefling child’s left arm with both of his hands. “Congratulations my son! No one better could be chosen! When do you start? When is the winter witch leaving?”

Seeing his father’s reaction, Kamosrin beamed and chuckled as he clarified, “There will be a transition, so not the Open Lord just yet, father. There is a mission I am heading out on in about an hour, when I return, then I will be publicly sworn to the city.”

Lord Gralhund looked confused for a moment. “Yes yes, momentary transition period understood. Once they see how amazing you are you will be given two cities!” He held up two fingers for emphasis.

Yalah placed a hand on Orond’s shoulder. “Now now, Orond dear, give our son some room to grow into his station and enjoy himself. Of course he will do well but these things take time.” She smiled down at her husband flashing a small amount of teeth. Yalah looked back up to her much taller son. “Do you have your speech ready, Kam? Where are you headed? Nowhere too dangerous I hope?” She gave a lazy curious glance, she knew it was likely dangerous but wanted to see how he’d answer.

“I have some notes.” He tapped his temple with a smirk. “There will be a couple day’s downtime as we travel, hopefully enough to nail down an appropriately impressive speech.” Kamosrin placed a hand on his mother’s arm and gave a reassuringly confident smile. “It could certainly end up being dangerous, but we are well prepared and there are enough that know where we are going that reinforcements can be easily and swiftly sent should we need them. If all goes to plan I shouldn’t need to even think of lifting a finger. Nothing to worry about, [beloved soul-giver, Infernal].”

Yalah nodded with approval, “[Horn from my own head, Infernal], I will have a letter drafted to the Open Lord immediately to thank her for this opportunity. We will be in touch then, I am sure we will hear something if things go too far.” She gave Orond a look and twitch of her chin.

“Yes yes, I will also continue working on preparations for inducting your future wife into the house. We have dinner scheduled with her parents as well, just to go over our plans.” Orond took the bottle of wine that he’d called for earlier. He opened it and took the glasses from Kethra. Orond looked up at Kamosrin with a grin. “Some libations before the trip.” He chuckled as he offered a glass he was filling.

Grinning at both his parents, Kamosrin sighed, relieving some tension that had built up since that morning. “There is one more place I need to go before leaving… but I am parched.” He smirked and inclined his head toward his father as he took the offered glass. “I can stay for a single glass.”

Yalah took an offered glass as well. She looked between the two of them with a smirk before speaking. “A toast to the future of our family.” Yalah moved to clink glasses around and took a sip. “Where do you plan on heading before you leave?”

“May it be long and prosperous.” Kamosrin added in reply to the toast before clinking taking a sip, and then another larger one after the flavor didn’t betray him. “Somewhere quiet to unwind and prepare myself mentally. A temple, likely.”

Orond drank deep from his glass. “Oh, what temple? I have not been to many around the city, maybe a social function or two.” He scratched his head with a genuine curiosity.

Kamosrin chuckled lightly, “I’ve been to them all, but there are a handful I frequent.” He took a long drink from his glass. “I am not entirely decided on which, but we’ll see where my feet take me.” He smiled softly, looking into the wine he was swirling, unconvinced of his own answer. “Shouldn’t keep the Gods waiting, should I?” He smirked in amusement to his parents, then finished the rest of his glass and set it down on the nearby table.

Walking back through the estate, still Kamosrin Gralhund Silver Tempest, he stopped in the front room. “Afternoon, Hrabbaz. [First fletched carries the day, Orcish].” He nodded to the Gralhund’s trusted bodyguard, put his mask back on and left through the front door.

The joy and relief had fallen off Rose’s face and been replaced with the anxious consideration he had been masking almost as soon as he left the estate. A hand placed over his thrumming heart, Silver Tempest now sat, staring up at the ceiling in the Temple of Bahamut.

It was mid-day in the temple, sun shined in from the stained glass windows that depicted different battles Bahamut had taken part in. The ceilings were high and the floor plan was very spacious and accommodating, as though it were expecting dragons. Several people were at the temple’s center praying and off to the sides others were discussing religious matters and services. A silver dragonborn clergy seemed to be watching over and handling most of the proceedings. More people had chosen to gather around and in the temple today, no small part due to Tempest’s presence. Many were trying to not be seen paying attention while eyes were on the tiefling superhero.

Bahamut. Justicemaker. There is more than one reason I pray to you in the Temple of Io. I am not worthy to even sit in your temple. … But I have been told that perhaps I am too hard on myself. That striving to do better each day may be worthy enough. … I have apologized before for my prayers to you being simply a stream of anxious and overwhelmed thought. Whether you received them or not, thank you for being that comfort … and an inspiration to keep trying. … This is difficult. Being a hero. Protecting. Making hard decisions. Choosing the harder way because it is just and good. … Failing… and taking the easier path. … To lead a city, this will become harder still. … I have brought and helped bring justice, but I have also performed terrible injustices. I have killed, enacted violence, and enjoyed both before, … but I have also protected the weak and changed the course of evil. … Maybe the greatest evil I could convert…is myself. … I truly need you now. I pray in earnestness. I ask for reassurance. Guidance. In the years– days, even– to come I need to take refuge in your ideals more than I even have. … I may fail. … But I will continue to try to become a man worthy of sitting in this temple. … Please… “Watch over me.”

Underneath the hand Rose still held to his heart appeared a few platinum coins from his pocket dimension. Onlookers with sharp enough eyes watched as a chain formed its way, link by link, up around Silver Tempest’s neck from his hand. His eyes closed and he gripped the pendant of the newly made necklace as he whispered into the air. “Let me know I am going in the right direction.” He let his hand fall down, revealing a shield-shaped pendant with a dragon’s head facing left, the symbol of Bahamut, and he opened his eyes. The tiefling’s natural vibrant blue on black sclera eyes were on display for a second when they opened, but with the first blink they were back to Silver Tempest’s full white.

It was at the end of his prayer that a tall copper dragonborn dressed in patina-covered scalemail pushed his way through the growing crowd of people. They approached the lead priest and after a polite bow offered them a sword that was wrapped in blood soaked cloth. The steel of the sword was cold, covered in ice, to Silver Tempest’s mind’s eye. He could overhear the exchange. “Noxar Willowsbane would not stand down, they would not see temperance, they are no more as promised. This is for Him, the greatest piece of their hoard. If there is nothing more for me I will be leaving within the day, I have business south.” The priest thanked the knight for his offering and accepted it, a common ritual to help foster the faithful within Bahamut’s care.

The dragonborn knight looked over the gathering and couldn’t help but focus on the source. He approached and sat next to the superhero. Their nostrils flared as they looked forward as though they were praying. “How do your deeds lead you on this day?”

“To a place of uncertainty and apprehension.” The reply was soft-spoken, even for being in a temple. The masked tiefling’s near pupil-less eyes had fallen from the ceiling to watch the exchange between the priest and knight and now rested on the silver-plated steel dragon statue that sat in the center of the sanctuary floor.

There was a slow nod from the dragonborn that could be felt. He spoke with a quiet gruff voice that carried a matter-of-fact kindness to it. “Then you will need new ones then. Ones with less apprehension. Those will help lead you from a path of uncertainty. You are in the right place. Though your deeds would be the best prayer you can offer to the Justicemaker. You were led here though, which is a certain and honorable deed as any, regardless of where you came from. You crafted a symbol to help remind you of your path, another step in the right direction. All journeys begin with steps.” Another flare and sniff from his nostrils. “Though I do not presume on where you are in yours. You protect those righteously innocent and those weaker than yourself, another step. See you are well along your journey already. How does your progress feel thus far?”

At the mention of the symbol that now hung around his neck, Silver Tempest reached up to delicately twist it back and forth with his fingers. He continued the idle movement as he spoke with the same meditative near-whisper. “I have only been in this temple one other time. When I was first learning about all of the Gods. Back then my…deeds haunted me. I knew- felt I didn’t belong here… this temple, Waterdeep, at all. But I am here now, and I barely recognize the person I was, even though I know that was me.” He smiled softly. “The progress feels good.”

A long breath was taken by the knight. “I know the right thing can seem hard at first. It can seem confusing, difficult, frustrating, and wrong. But the point is to keep choosing the just and honorable thing to do. Eventually it becomes the breath you breathe and the blood in your veins. Just like this place can become your home and this place the one for guidance for you.” He slightly turned his head to Silver Tempest. “Correction, redemption, and mercy are all parts of an honorable and just life. Seldom do we get more than one second chance. If you are ready to take the next step in your second chance, know that there is no turning back. Every step is a prayer to The Platinum Dragon. Make sure yours are good ones if you desire His path.”

“A second chance… It feels like a new life. I am not going to be perfect, but I want to do better.” The pendant fell flat against the tiefling’s chest as he stopped his fidgeting and turned to face the dragonborn knight and spoke a bit louder, with assurance. “I don’t want to go back.” He began to stand from the pew, “I want to go forward.” Then he walked with purpose toward the priest.

Standing before the silver dragonborn, the superhero inclined his head and shoulders in a brief bow. He paused a beat– no turning back– then smiled peacefully. “An offering.” Reaching up with one hand he grabbed his mask from the front and pulled it off, snapping and breaking the affixation that held it in place. As his hand and mask came away, he dropped the looped spell, revealing his true eyes, shedding the magical, and last, part of the mask. He held out the decorative mask of Silver Tempest to the priest before him, still smiling, resolute.

There was a change in the room like the air had been pulled from the inhabitants collectively, all eyes on Kamosrin. The priest’s eyes widened but took the offered mask and spoke through the silence. “Bahamut thanks you for your offering, we shall keep it safe here for him until he arrives to receive it himself.” He bowed his head in thanks. “Thank you for your work and great deeds, Silver Tempest.”

The tiefling, now seen for all his names, bowed his head to the priest once more, “Thank you.” before returning to where he had been sitting, and the copper dragonborn knight. He grinned and extended his arm to shake. “And thank you…” He tilted his head slightly, leaving the break after his words for the knight to fill in.

The dragonborn knight’s snout opened in a toothy smile and he grabbed onto Rose’s forearm. “No need for thanks, just doing my duty. I am Drexel Arcrath, holy knight of the Platinum Cadre. Servant to the Good and Just.” Drexel’s face and arms wore cracks in the scales showing scars and places that hadn’t ever healed right. “Honored to have assisted this step forward.”

Drexel’s arm was grasped firmly in return. “Waterdeep is honored to have such a dutiful servant of the Platinum Dragon among us, and so am I. Kamosrin Faizan Ro–” That was as far as he got before being cut off by the temple bells that rang out the hours: 1pm, four hours after the Dragons’ meeting. “Shit. I’m late.” Kamosrin grinned, “Duty calls.” He turned his head to the gathering in the temple, nodded his head to them, then teleported away.

Lover. Fighter.

Cefrey

[ rabbit ]

This is a description and these are the qimbly wordz.

Felix / Cesa

[ devil's treasure ]

This is a description and these are the qimbly wordz.

Aeon

[ trusted wizard ]

This is a description and these are the qimbly wordz.

Lunae

[ true hero ]

This is a description and these are the qimbly wordz.

Ece

[ clever darling ]

This is a description and these are the qimbly wordz.

Hawthorn

[ kiddo ]

This is a description and these are the qimbly wordz.

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