CH. 10: Queen of Harts

[HorizonsDream]

"Oh," Jocelyn says as she looks up to the newcomers. "Saren, this is Ouragana and Arelion," she says, motioning to each in turn. "On our way here, we found a woman that had passed, so we were trying to find her family here in town," she explains. "And apparently she didn't have any family in town." Though, she was sure that could be discussed later. "And I guess you are right about the learning part. I just know that at some point during all of this, I'm expected to get married. So far, I'm having absolutely no luck in that area."

[Breila]

"Pleased to meet you" Ouragna says to Saren and notds to the rest of his crew before pulling up a hair and sitting down at the table, listening in to the conversation.

[JadedDM]

"A pleasure to meet you both," Saren says. "I am Captain Saren, and these are some of my crew; Ozap, Elisa, Tivrella, and Zarva," he says, gesturing to the gnoll, human, elf and gnome in order.

Ouragana takes a seat next to Andar, but Areilon politely declines. "I think I'll retire to my suite for now. We have the contents of that lockbox to divvy up, after all. Stop by afterward to get your share," she tells the others. "It was nice to meet you all," she says to Saren and his crew, before departing for upstairs.

"I just know that at some point during all of this, I'm expected to get married. So far, I'm having absolutely no luck in that area."

Saren chuckles. "Well, Octhanus is--among other things--the goddess of love. But it's not a checklist you need to go down, you know. Love is something that grows naturally over time, not something you can make happen. Getting married just because the church expects you to would actually go against the teachings of Octhanus. You really shouldn't sweat the small stuff; the only thing that is really expected of you is to follow Octhanus' teachings, both in spirit and in action."

[HorizonsDream]

"In spirit?" Jocelyn asks curiously.

[Breila]

Ouragana had nodded to each of Saren's crew as they were introduced. When Areilon mentions "the content of that lockbox" she flinches a little. To her, that choice of words seemed far too obvious to use in such a public place. But apparently nobody heeded them. Or did they? She carefully looks around if anyone seems to have noticed.

[Nuke]

Val also flinches at the mention of the lock box and tries to change the subject. "This food is good, I might have to try something else."

[JadedDM]

"In spirit?"

Saren blinks and appears puzzled by the question. "Helping others. You know...peace, love, compassion?"

Ouragana looks around at the crew members, but none of them seem to bat an eye at Areilon's mention of a lockbox.

"This food is good, I might have to try something else."

"Just be careful you don't go overboard," Elisa says. "The first time we stayed here, well...I ran up quite a bill without even realizing it."

[HorizonsDream]

"I know what you are saying," Jocelyn says with a shake of her head. "What do you mean by in spirit?" she asks. "I assume that this stuff should just come naturally to people."

[Breila]

When a waiter pass, Ouragna will order a simple meal, like a stew, and a little wine.

"Yes, all this comfort cannot be cheap" she says in answer to Saren's last remark. She watches his crew as they talk and eat, she had never met a group so varied.

[JadedDM]

The waiter takes Ouragana's order then departs to the kitchen to fetch it.

Saren takes a drink from his teacup, then sets it back down on its saucer. "In spirit? Well, all of the rules, the regulations, the dogma--all of it exists for the same reason. That reason is to make the world a better place, to promote peace and love and create a heaven here on earth. As long as that is your goal, then the small details don't really matter, in my belief."

[HorizonsDream]

"So the small details don't really matter just as long as the goal is the same? That is what you are saying?" Jocelyn asked, just to clarify she understood.

[BishGada]

Baeros plays with the dogs absentmindedly, he is concerned about his family in Mond. Only half hearing the conversation between Jocelyn and Saren he says, "As long as your heart is true for the cause, your actions can't go wrong." Suddenly feeling smart he adds, "Follow your heart and you will both do good service to Octhanus and find your love."

[Breila]

Ouragana listens in to the conversation, but doesn't yet participate.

[JadedDM]

"Exactly," says Saren. "As long as you are doing good in this world, you are serving Octhanus whether you acknowledge it or not."

The waiter returns with Ouragana's order of stew and wine.

"How about the rest of you?" asks Saren. "Are you all also followers of Octhanus?"

[HorizonsDream]

"Hmm," Jocelyn says thoughtfully. She had been stressing over the rules of Octhanus, that she hadn't even considered that if she just did good then it wouldn't be a problem. She glances at the others once Saren addresses them.