The rumble of thunder could be heard outside, but Ciermont Von Kleinwerth paid it little heed as he looked over his journal and waited in the lecture room at the Chantry College. Over time students and scholars would enter through the back, individually or in small groups. Some took note of Ciermont being present and smiled or nodded their heads, others just moved to take a seat. As the afternoon bell tolled outside a few more late comers slipped into the room, hoping not to draw notice.
"Ah Scholar Bastien, glad to have you join us today," Ciermont announced with a smile as one more individual came into the room, his boots leaving wet marks upon the stone.
"Apologies Master Von Kleinwerth, but the weather is just dreadful. Makes getting around so troublesome."
"This is not the first time Nydds has faced terrible weather for such a long duration, Bastien. Now take your seat, and let us discuss a time when this region faced far worse consequences than simply getting soaked. A time of unyielding cold and ice, and creatures that came with it that were even more deadly. The Witch Winter."
"Again," Sir Gedrick said, standing still with a plain wooden practice sword in his hand.
Camryth came at him with her wooden quarterstaff, attacking with a series of thrusts and swings. The sound of wood striking wood filled the area as staff met blade time and again. At the end of the sequence, both took a step back and lowered their weapons.
"That was good," Gedrick said with a smile and shook his practice weapon to scatter some accumulated water from it.
"But I never even got close to hitting you," Camryth responded as she tried to blow a wet strand of hair away from her face.
"One lesson at a time, Camryth," Gedrick answered, taking a step back and raising up his weapon, "Now once more."
She raised up her staff in turn and gave a firm nod. And then Camryth came at him again.
Gerjonn Chandrennin walked down a hallway within the keep of Vornavis, pausing for a moment to gaze out the window. The rain and storm clouds made for a lesser view of the city, but there were still sights to take in. As a bolt of lightning flashed outside, Gerjonn turned and continued on his walk. Approaching an open doorway, he slowed as he heard a pair of familiar voices speaking, though the words did not carry fully into the hall. He slowed his pace and came to a stop just beyond the door.
Inside the room Salnim Malwind and Kasendra Chandrennin stood looking over a large table. A map of the northern Baronies was laid out before them, along with a number of other documents. Kasendra leaned forward to point at several spots on the map, as she spoke quietly. Salnim nodded his head, and touched a couple other places on the map, before answering. The spare hand of each also rested on the table, clasped gently together.
Gerjonn watched them for several moments, not saying a word, and not being noticed as their backs were turned to him. He nodded to himself and continued down the hallway. Once well out of earshot of the door he said to himself, "You'll do just fine."
