Upon hearing from the elven stranger that Greenest was not much farther ahead, Mercusio practically jumped for joy, arms raised to the heavens, and his face filled with elation that he could cry. “Yes!  Praised be Lathander!” he proclaimed.  But inside his gratitude was half-hearted; cursing instead his deity and any powers he knows of and holding them responsible for not making things easy for him.<br/><br/>But there is K’tanya.  The female half-elf has been lovely traveling companion for the young acolyte, and would have gone mad along the journey without her company.  He met her one night when she sought shelter at the monastery. Mercusio remembered serving her soup that time, and got awestruck by her natural beauty.  When she mentioned that she was on her way to Greenest, the head priest was delighted.  He asked a small favor of her – that is to accompany one of their aspiring acolytes to her destination.  Him - Mercusio Gondsworth.  While the spoiled youth-cleric-in-training did not like the idea of going off to a faraway place, and to do more dirty work for the order, the prospect of being accompanied by someone like K’tanya made such a journey less of burden and become pleasant instead.<br/><br/>During their travels, Mercusio found the half-elf to be kind and forthcoming even.  She would listen to his stories and concerns without being too critical.  He has certainly have never met a woman like her before, unlike her whining sisters back home, or like the paid female company he used to indulge in.  There were nights when he wished he and she would go beyond being friendly traveling acquaintances.  But he was not sure how.  He could entice her with riches, but even if he did have such in hand, he reckoned she is not that shallow of a person.  Trying toy with her heart might not work either.  He remembered her mentioning that she is some sort of magic-user, and there is of course the dagger she wears. Definitely, Murcusio wouldn’t want to cross her nor betray the trust they developed during this travel.<br/><br/>Remembering that he was with unknown company, Mercusio quickly regained his composure.  “Forgive me for that embarrassing outburst. It is just… well you see.  Knowing that Greenest is so close, I couldn’t hold the joy of starting my missionary work there the soonest.” That was a lie of course.  Mercusio plans to bide his time once in Greenest, hoping to find opportunities of enriching himself.  Perhaps he could charge exorbitantly from his healing skills.  That would be a start.  He quietly sighed. There was also the matter with K’tanya.  Their company would end once they reach Greenest.  Perhaps that is for the best, he figured, better she never finds out the real, ugly and annoying Mercusio Gondsworth.   But at least they could enjoy each other’s, friendly, company for one more night.<br/><br/>“We are most grateful ofyou, dear sir. I and the beauteous K’tanya gladly accept your aid and hospitality.”<br/><br/><br/>