Lavorra sets out

Plot Hook

Objective: [6] Save an ally in peril

Adversaries: [5] Enemy horde or ****

Rewards: [6] A unique item of power

—

The early morning birdsong rouses Lavorra with a groggy groan, her petite fist rubbing at her heavy eyelids, her mane of fiery red hair in absolute disarray as she slides herself up against the coarse pillows of her convent bed.

A moment later, she remembers what day it is, and her tiredness and morning crabbiness dissolves in an instant.

After two long months serving at her Order’s Chapel, her rotation in the sisterhood is finally at an end. Off come the wimple and cassock. She can picture perfectly her plate armour and shield, waiting for her in their chest, no doubt as eager to be reunited with their mistress as she is with them.

She swings her legs out of the bed, soft bare soles descending to the cool stone slabs of the dormitory floor. She tip-toes across the room in her simple night dress, which - despite her petite build - clings to her curves and ample assets in a way that one might not expect in a sister of the faith.

She washes herself once she enters the small privy. Neryli, one of the full-time sisters, had slipped her a bar of soap - a precious piece of contraband - a little something to get her ready on her way back out into the world. Lavorra lets out a soft, happy hum as she works up a small lather, relishing the flowery scent as she gets clean, then changes into her tunic and leggings. She feels honoured by her two months at the Chapel, but by the Matron she is more than ready to be back out in the world, questing and adventuring.

Though in her impatience and excitement it feels like an age, in no time at all she is knelt in the Chapel courtyard, dressed in her plate and gear - beautifully cleaned and maintained by her sisters - as the Mother Superior finishes her parting blessing. She exchanges embraces and smiles with her fellow sisters, and feels a small pang at leaving them. But it is nothing to the eagerness she feels at reuniting with her true companions.

Sister Loreli guides her to the main gates, the two Elvenwomen arm in arm. As they arrive, she turns to face Lavorra, taking something from her pocket with utmost care.

“I urge you to take a little time to reacclimatise, dearest girl. For those who join us for a short time, it can be something of a mission to adjust back into the world, after such peace and tranquility.” She smiles at Lavorra fondly, touching the younger Elvenwoman’s cheek. “With that said, this came for you, and I thought you’d be eager to see it.”

She presents Lavorra with a small, fluttering paper bird, hand-folded with care and elegance. Lavorra grins, recognising the creation as one of her companion Melira’s. Pressing her lips to the origami creation, she whispers softly.

“Thank you for your journey, little wing.”

At the words, the papermunculus’ magic dissipates, and the parchment unfolds to reveal Melira’s message.

Lavorra’s eyes grow wide as she reads.