Day Five of the Odinsleep (Cedron's Response)

Day Five of the Odinsleep (Just after 1:20 am, 5 hours 40 minutes until sunrise)

Kysek returns to his studies while Ra’ziir rises and makes his way outside.  The half-elemental bladesinger passes Raven who is returning from his prayers to resume work on his armor.  Raven pulls up a seat, stretches his fingers once more and continues weaving the Heartwire through the links in his chain armor. 

Ra’ziir walks for a short while.  He turns down streets at random while he lets his mind wander along with his feet.  Hoping to find a sage who is familiar with who or whatever this χρόνος may be, he is somewhat surprised to discover a woman and old man sitting in chairs alongside a small, shabby house under the flickering lights of a torch.  Two large dogs are curled up on the ground behind their chairs, soundly sleeping at their master’s feet.  The woman leans forward with a clay pitcher and pours the old man a drink.  The two notice Ra’ziir and beckon him to join them and offer him a cup. 

The woman pours Ra’ziir a drink before filling her own cup.  “You are one of the mortal warriors who fought alongside Idunn this past day, are you not?” The woman phrases her words as a question but it is obvious from her tone that she already knows this to be true. 

The old man adds, “I would think that even a Ljósálfr as yourself would require rest after the day’s exertions.  What troubles cause you to wander so late into the night?” 

Back at Völundr’s home, Cedron stands stunned, taken aback by Idunn’s offer.  Dozens of thoughts, some honorable, others selfish or outlandish, run through his head but he finally allows his wisdom and faith to guide him to the proper answer to the goddess’ question. 

“I am most honored by your offer, Idunn.  If you were to grant but one request, then I would ask the following of you, I wish to plant a seed from my pouch in your orchard.  This seed will sprout and grow into the Tree of Progress; protected and nurtured in your orchard as you protect all your other trees.  I realize that this may seem an odd request when presented with such a generous offer by your glory, but it is my only need and I am but a humble priest.  The Tree of Progress is a testament to my lord Malazzarr, the purveyor of progress.  It is a modest connection to him and I swear by my very soul that no harm has ever befallen those of good heart as a result of this tree.  What say ye?” 

Grotto’s jaw drops and he covers his face with one hand to hide his embarrassment.  One of Idunn’s eyebrows rises in a delicate arch and a knowing smirk pulls at one corner of her mouth, “You wish… to plant… a seed… in my garden?”  Her pauses are laden with expectations and she allows the question to hang in the air for a moment before she begins giggling.  “I had suspected you may wish such a thing but I failed to anticipate the literal interpretation.  I would be pleased to watch over this tree of yours.  I will give you a day to make whatever preparations you require.” 

The dwarf silently excuses himself and joins Raven at the table to finish working the Heartwire into his own armor.  Grotto looks across the table and notes Raven’s haggard expression, “You want something to bring you down so you can sleep or pep you up and lift your spirits?” 

Raven shakes his head, “No, but thank you.  I believe I will a clear head on the field tomorrow and would rather fight a Jotun than battle the hangover one of your alchemical mixtures would most likely leave me with.” 

Korbin, Niklas, and Morn all sleep while Shadow meditates in the Reverie.  Drax dreams of his last few days in Asgard, the nature of stealth and invisibility.  These small musings from his wakeful experiences and his training at the monastery on Oerth begin to coalesce into a firm resolve, an epiphany that will allow him to assume his mantle as the Perfect Wight.