Ahh this was a good feast, I needed something to help glaze over the fact that I just executed one of their compatriots and created a lich powerful enough to overwhelm them if needed. Nothing like alcohol and the atmosphere of a party to do such a thing, I had everyone who had even a little experience in relevant affairs helping over the week to prepare. This of course was mostly the ‘villagers’. I suppose that is what they should be called now though I made sure that they were well supplied and did not need to use their own stores.
I want at least some of the ice to be broken, I know that we cannot truly integrate everyone but having their leaders be at least somewhat ‘humanized’ is good. Perhaps this could encourage sedition if taken too far but I honestly doubt that, while they are not dressed in their full regalia the aura from those that make use daily of miasma and necromantic energy bleeds out giving a subtle pressure similar to what mages and great warriors give off. We are here within arms reach but we are not you, never forget that is the lesson that I want to give.
I walk the aisles with face covered with a half mask and my true flesh here in person and see the various states of partying people, some talking in their own groups others in drunken merriment. Some are more subdued but still enjoying the atmosphere here, I kept away any undead in the room itself to ensure that they are not reminded but a few floating trays that drift in preset formations through the room before entering the kitchen where the servants have already gone to join everyone in the party. There they are replenished by worker minions and everyone is able to enjoy what they wish. Things seem to be going well until I see a child by himself near a pillar, I both see and feel the sadness and the beginnings of hatred. This is familiar, yes this is the start of hatred and despair. He is dressed simply the fare usual to a free farmer family, in this atmosphere I would expect his family to be near but I can assume what happened to them. Something I am used to in the aftermath of a battle or a village that has survived bloodshed.
But what interests me even more however is the faint aura of magic I feel emanating off of the child, I can see simply with experience several paths forward. The vengeful killer whose arts can only kill, an early grave from a dagger plunged by withered hands into his own chest, and a necromancer of course wishing to bring himself some solace. None of these paths end well but I could use more members in my cabal, let us find his caretakers for I see that he is with the religous demograph.One of them will know this child's history and I can induct a new member, learning from a young age is best for becoming strong.
Bending down next to the child I look at his face and ask “Child you have faced much loss recently have you.”
He looked at me the thousand mile stare and replied “What do you know about losing parents”
“I never knew them, never had, never would and there is no one to direct my hatred at”, I did not lie about such things. He simply turned back but I can see that he is not as hostile, even this young child understands to not be impertinent after such heavy words. I take a plate of food and a mug of cider and place them near him and wait. Eventually he starts eating a little, still sad but at least it is not on an empty stomach. Patting him on a shoulder I say that I will be back in a bit and leave to find his caretakers.
Looking at the crest of Veuna on a necklace around his neck I go find those worshippers to ask around. Seeing one man and woman who appeared to be the heads of at least one family of them I go to them and ask about the young child by himself.
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The woman looks sad and this appears to be genuine and replys “That is David, he lost his entire family when the village was attacked. He must have slipped away while we were not paying attention, he is a good boy but the loss of his parents have weighed heavily on him”
“His eyes speak of despair, the kind that will not leave. Has he withdrawn heavily from the world or expressed interest in learning to fight?”
“Yes he expressed interest in learning to use the sword but none of us are soldiers so even if we allowed it we could not”
“He has magic potential, he will discover it eventually. As followers of Veuna I assume you know what may happen if it goes wrong”
The two flinched and spoke about how they had worshipped Veuna for generations and had a few hedge mages come from the family and even a few talented enough to join without the expensive associate system of the magic guilds but of course none of those mages are with the family anymore. They have a cursory knowledge of magic but it is the domain of each family to take care of such matters, obviously david’s family died without telling anyone about him. They expressed concern about what will happen if he is taken under our care. I admitted that it will be hard for him, nothing in life is guaranteed but I will do what I can to watch over him and ensure that he would not destroy himself in hatred.
They look at each other then bid to their fellows that they will be back in a little bit, then they walk with me and say that they wish to hear whether David wants to join first. Walking to him I can see that he has finished most of the food and is slowly drinking some cider, he is looking a little better with some food but is still not doing the best. Only time and care will ease the pain in his heart, I walk over to him and bend back down to be level with him and look into his face once more.
“Do you wish to learn to use the magic within you, to be able to strike at those who would cause you harm. I can teach you to hone yourself into a cold blade to strike those that try to destroy what is yours, to keep what you have from being threatened. I offer you this opportunity now, you can back down and live your life with your villagers under my care or join me and grow strong.”
Goading him through hatred while something that will cause him to grow fast will kill him quickly, I build to last. He looks me in the eyes and asks whether he can fight the church, I say that he can grow strong enough to defeat them if they come. Now is not the time to confuse him with words of caution but nor is it the time to push home the church as an enemy. That is for when he learns under me, slowly will I push home that hatred will only get him so far. It is calm rage and a clear mind that will allow him to thrive, emotions are good but they are second to being calm and controlled. I can allow him to hone it like a cold blade ready to strike before it becomes warm with fresh blood and then to continue fighting without losing himself to bloodthirst.
He considers it only for a few seconds and replys “Yes, when can I start?”
I smile and reply “Tomorrow but you can watch now”
He nods and reaches out his arm which I grasp and pull him up to his feet.
“Welcome to the conclave my child, you will see what the future holds now”
Bringing the child with me I head back over the the necromancers and disciples and decide to give a little lecture on a few things to flesh out their knowledge along with some demonstrations to illustrate my points. David watches from the side, not understanding but engraving my actions into his mind. What I do now may prove useful as I show the more direct uses of miasma for battle instead of the debuff/buffing that is normal. I see that even the more experienced necromancers here have gotten something from my work but the days draws to an end and things are dispersed while the minions start clean up. A fresh start tomorrow will certainly be called for after the alcohol is gone from their systems and hangovers are nursed. David will be given a little rundown of things and what is planned for him before he seriously started training, I have hopes for him to succeed in what I promised.