Odd Shards

[*Sunshine]

Kala's work and her impressive knowledge in those matters did not went unnoticed.

First came a few craftspeople, seeking her advice on how certain runes might affect what they make. Thencame some sages to discuss the theory with her, how the runes have power, how they are different (or similar- depends whom you ask) to Glyphs and Symbols.

Most of them had nothing new to offer, nothing to add to what Kala has found so far.

Then, one day- it was late at the Foundry, only those who do not need to sleep (or require less of it) were still at work- Kala was approached by an elderly dwarf.

He watched a while patiently, eying that Archon forging a mace for that impatient Aasimon, that elf etching flowery patterns into some sword's hilt, and this silent lich smelting some odd ores with the help of its construct.

When he approached her he did so respectfully, his wide, embroidered robes reinforced with mithral maille and dragonscale, the dagger on his hip having one of those pearl only found on the Plane of Water in its pommel.

"You are the Factor of the Godsmen, the one who tries to master the Strenght of the Runes? I heard there is one who mastered the basics already and might seek to find deeper knowledge."

[*Sunshine]

"Thank you.", the dwarf says and clasps his hands behind his back, looking over the workbenches and foundries, the anvils, the forges and the few people present who are working them.

For a moment he seems tired, shows the wearyness of a man who has seen scenes like this too often in far too many places.

"I am Golmar Thenn.", he then says, returning his attention to the woman in front of him. "Your work is impressive, you gathered lore, developed skills. Yet to truly understand what you began you still have to undertake the journey. Feel what this all is about, make the lore and power of the runes part of your self."

The man strokes his braided, silver grey beard, once again seizing the factor up and Kala has the feeling she is tested- and that whatever this creature might have to share cannot be bought with all the gold or influence in the multiverse.

"Do you have what it takes to complete this journey?"

[*Hydra]

Kala remained silent for a few seconds, as she considered the offer. She dug deep into her heart, confronting her faith until she was able to see. As she returned from her brief introspective journey, she glanced back at the dwarf extending her hand to grab her staff.

"I've succeeded in many things Master Golmar, but I know that in this case I'll have to walk again as an apprentice... forward."

[*Sunshine]

"Good, good. You show wisdom, you are humble, willing to learn." The man reaches into a pocket of his robes and hands her a notebook with a stylus attacked to it.

It is wood and stone, the pages thin and light yet incredibly strong and whatever magic was used into its creation has been cast by an expert. The pages are empty, still waiting to be filled.

"Let this be your companion on this journey and a guide for the years to come. Fill it with your wisdom, your experiences and your follies as they all shape who and what you are."

Clasping his hands behind his back again he goes on: "The Runes are death and life, creation and destruction and beginning and an end.

The time you spent in this world is a journey from your birth towards you death so this time it will be different.

Find the dead, talk to them learn about them. There is one who walked the path you try to find now before- Hragunt-Twisted-Leg. He rests and waits in Sigil's Hall of the dead, his crypt is one of the oldest. Few even remember it exists. Go there to make your first step."

[*Hydra]

Kala picked the notebook, carefully examining, before she looked at the dwarf and nodded.

Then she came back home, warned those who were dear to her went to her first destination, determined but also hesitant if her memories where correct she could expect the presence of the Dustmen, the old rivals.

[*Midnight]

As Kala enter's The Mortuary she would be greeted by deathly silence broken occasionally by the shuffling of a zombie, or a groan of some unseen unliving creature. She would pass a woman leaning over a corpse that is being prepared for burial. As the Dustman looks up flickers of dark red hair could be seen from under the heavy hood of her robe. The woman would give her an appeasing look then shake her head as if disappointed in something before giving Kala a dismissive wave.

"No. No. We can't bury you until you are actually dead. The courts were rather clear on that after last time. Please come back when you are."

[*Hydra]

Kala half-smiled as she though she had recognized factor Valios.

"My apologies for disappointing you, I'm looking for someone you've buried there. Now since we aren't actually friends, I suppose its going to cost me something or at least fuel your morbid flame."

[*Midnight]

"Morbid? Morbid!"

She turns and addresses the corpse she has laid on the slab. The irony may well be intentional.

"She called me morbid. Did you hear her? And she says she is not my friend."

The corpse of course does not react.

"Comes strolling in from the Foundry no less and calls me...."

The slightly theatrical protests trail off.

"Cost you something?"

She may be addressing Kala again now. It is difficult to tell.

"Yes it might very well do. It depends on who you want to talk to."

[*Hydra]

Kala answered with a mirthful tone that was quite unusual for her.

"Emelia... Again, my apologies for oppressing your ears with my ill suited excuse of an humor, was it so inaccurate that I may stand corrected about a specific detail ? Or shall we speak about me venturing into the hall of dead ?"

[*Hydra]

Kala glanced back, serious once again. Her golden eyes gleamed faintly in the dark

"There are many things to be known about the nature of the source, like it doesn't favor either life or death. Or maybe are you more interested about more esoteric aspects of faith ? Like how the ways of old part from the path of the cleric, and how they can join intertwine ?"