A fateful encounter

“We could probably do with some decent lodging for the night,” Julian says with a smile. “Lead on.”

Nodding, the priest resumes his walk down the road. “I’m Father Tristram. Who might the two of you be?”

*Without missing a beat* I'm Mary Sure-Johnson.

Julian only just stifles a snort. “Julian,” he replies when Tristram looks his direction. “Her brother.”

“Sure-Johnson,” Tristram repeats as if trying it out. “Rather unusual. I don’t think I’ve heard it before.”

*Straight faced and without a hint of sarcasm* Our parents were medically insane. We blame them.
*She keeps walking.*

“Oh, I’m sorry,” Tristram replies, looking a little uncomfortable. “We do live in a world where madness reigns, don’t we?”

*Hides the ear to ear grin that spreads on her face. She simply nodes and keeps walking. After a moment*
So what are you doing out here baldy?

Julian stifles a snort. Tristram blinks at Lilith, trying to figure out if he heard her right.

“I’m on my way to pick up a, uh...reward.”

*Stifles a yawn* Like a spiritual reward for good deeds?

Tristram scowls, apparently having taken umbrage with that. “No. A monetary reward for a job well done.”

*Abruptly stops walking, her curiosity very piqued. She glances at Julian.* You don't say? Well, well you must be good then.

Julian smiles and conspiratorially raises his eyebrows at Lilith when she glances his direction.

Tristram puffs up his chest a little. “I am, yes. My investigative powers are unmatched in my order.”

*Smiles broadly now, but since her back is to Tristram, he doesn't see it*
You don't say! Well color me impressed. And what order are you part of? See Jules here is a cult-I mean cleric as well.

Ooc://I cannot for the life of me remember what the name of Tristram’s order was, so I’m gonna make it what it was before Austin changed it!

“The Church of Lathander,” Tristram replies with a sense of pride. “And yourself, Brother?”

“Still shopping,” Julian replies. Tristram tilts his head in confusion. “Haven’t found the right organization to...cure what ails me.”

*Glances sideways at Julian. She frowns slightly but doesn't reply to that comment*

Tristram gives Julian a similar expression as Lilith did. He picks up his pace to come up alongside her. “What ails him?”

*She gives him a solid stare*
Can't keep it up- if you know what I mean. Poor boy.

It takes Tristram a moment to catch on, but once he does, his eyes go wide and his face turns a little red. He splutters, then turns to look over his shoulder at Julian. “I hardly think the church is the appropriate place to seek help with *that*.”

Julian furrows his brow, confused. He glances at Lilith, wondering what, and how much, she told him. “Believe me, the church is the only entity that can help,” he says.

Tristram’s mouth falls open.

*Lilith looks at Tristram and points to her head and shrugs.*

Julian narrows his eyes at her. He knows full well who is and is not mentally sound in this group of people. “Tell us about your work, Father Tristram,” he says, deciding to change the subject.

Tristram, though still shocked, does not really want to talk about the last topic either, and so responds eagerly. “I’m an investigator,” he says. “I’ve been looking into some nefarious dealings lately. Missing villagers, all that.”

Why? *She says at first with disgust then catches herself and says now with much concern* I mean why? How awful!

“Well, if you must know...” Tristram’s eyes glint in excitement. “I’ve discovered something else... They’re building a weapon of some kind. A big one.”

*Lilith has to stop herself from showing how incredibly interested she has now become.* Oh wow, that's... terrifying

“I’m not quite certain exactly what it is that they’re building, but I’ve done my job and it’s time to claim the reward.” He grins at Lilith.

*She looks at him and smiles back. Her eyes glint slightly.*
Well, I think I could use a break to eat something and rest my feet. What about you Jules?

“I think a rest is always in order,” Julian replies, smiling at Lilith. “I’m sure there’s some nice spots to rest just off the road?”