Yippee! Another episode of A Cappella. Hurrah! Was really looking forward to this installment in particular...and it's lived up to anticipation. Thank you!
> The Firecam home was brightly lit with hundreds of candles, and the sound
> of laughter rang through the halls. The revelers had been treated to good
> food and good drink
If I may ask (out of pedantry?), about how many guests attended? Was just sort of curious, since I thought his lack of popularity might've been emphasized during the Test chapter.
> Anomen had been repeatedly toasted, which he
> had received with a mixture of delight and embarrassment.
Nice to see him actually getting positive feedback...unlike at home... Time to wheel out the Cor piñata.
> He
> heard a low chuckle beside him and turned to see Lady Sirelle. Her eyes
> twinkled at him.
Professor Dumbledore? How you portray this OC throughout the chapter reminds me a lot of a lady Prof D.
> “And it is a pleasure to speak to you. I always enjoy meeting unusual
> people, it is the only thing that makes parties bearable.”
Really? Rather think myself that not attending them makes them even more bearable. *g*
> Jarran told her about the battle against Firkraag, politely pointing out
> Anomen's bravery, then told her a slightly edited version of the defeat of
> the beholder cult.
? If you don't mind my asking, why slightly edited?
> “If he would have allowed it, I would have sent Anomen to his squiring
> “He wouldn't take help from his own grandparents?”
> “Not a copper. I have a sneaking suspicion that by wandering the city in
> battered armor and threadbare clothes he hoped to shame his father into
> supporting him. Alas, Cor's hatred of the Order outweighed even that.”
Yee-haw! You done anticipated this question & answered it very plausibly.
> “He did that?” she gasped in shock. “I never would have dreamed he would
> go so far.”
> Silently Anomen wrapped her in his arms and hugged her. She held him as
> tightly as she could, and for a moment he felt like a little boy again,
> running to his grandmother with a skinned knee. He felt his throat tighten
> and knew he was on the verge of tears. But his grief was still too painful
> to acknowledge, and he fought to bring his emotions back under control.
> “So Marnus has inherited the title? How is Marnus?”
> “He and Amelera are doing well. She's expecting another child.”
> “Another? Marnus has been busy. I never received news of the second
> child.”
> “Oh, it was another son. Amelera is hoping for a girl this time.”
> “Give them both my best wishes when you see them next.
I love how you're letting us free space for speculation here.
> “The same could be said for you, Sir Keldorn. I am especially impressed by
> your abilities as a teacher. Anomen has bloomed under your tutelage.”
> “I only did what I could to bring his qualities to the surface, my lady.
> He already possessed all the traits of a good knight, he merely needed the
> discipline to focus them.”
Warm and fuzzy time.
> Jarran joined Anomen, who was standing by the fireplace with a wide grin
> on his face. “What is so amusing, my friend?”
It's nice that he has friends.
> Anomen just pointed, and Jarran followed the direction of his gaze. Lady
> Sirelle was on a sofa, looking like a porcelain doll next to Minsc. The
> two of them seemed to be having a serious discussion, one that was being
> listened to most intently by Boo, who was perched on Minsc's knee.
Lol!
> “Yes,” the bard said with a grin. “I will miss you, Keldorn, but I think
> Anomen will do quite well as your replacement as our resident knight.”
> Anomen blushed deeply. “You flatter me, Jarran. A man would have to serve
> many years to even approach Sir Keldorn's level. I… I will miss you as
> well, sir.”
Oh no! No Keldy. Bye! [waves]
> “Just remember that my home is open to you, should you ever need to speak
> to me.
Yay! Thx for leaving the door open...
> I consider you my friends, and I will be sorry to see all of you
> go. Well, all but Jan.”
Sez who that paladins can't get off one-liners? Keldorn da man!