Right, past lives mean nothing, but..

by Chaplan De'Midrian

"Chaplan," Baresh said, raising an eyebrow, "Ahh yes..I've heard you were rude to an Elder Ranger a few days back."

Chaplan blinked and chuckled, tossing a few coins onto the bar. "For my wine, but the story first." The young Mage takes a deep breath before beginning. "I was in the Ranger guild to practice foraging and I happened to have a wounded leg that I was tending for practice. Well, me being young, I'm not too good at it so the bandages didn't last too long. Well, I was i the middle of looking for something, so I didn't get to tending it right away. Instead, the Ranger who no doubt told you I was being rude and disrespectful, Sailai, tended my leg without asking."

Chaplan smiles as Baresh sets a goblet of dark red wine in front of him.

"It took me aback a bit, but I let it slide, thinking perhaps it was the last bit of practice she needed for a circle. Well, after that Baresh, I went back to tending my own leg when the situation repeated itself. She again, tended my leg without asking for my permission. Finally I stated simply that it is bad form to tend someone without asking or being asked. Her reply was something to the effect of: 'Well if you had a problem with it you should have said something the first time.' That was quite rude, and to be quite truthful, the whole situation went downhill from there. I don't remember what exactly was said by either party after that so I won't insult her or make myself look good by saying I defended myself against insults or some such rubbish."

Chaplan takes a long drink of his wine and pauses to take a breath.

"My soul, I know, has been travelling Elanthia since the time when clerics couldn't raise people from the dead, and even before. I made no pretense of using my 'age' to yell at anyone for anything, but in all honesty, Baresh, have Elanthian Ethics truly changed that much? Since when does a person take the 'Novice' title to mean someone is inexperienced and new to the realm? Since when does the 'Novice' title mean that a person does not deserve the same respect as a person wearing the 'Arcane Master' title, even if it is only asking permission to tend a wound? Maybe you can explain it to me, Baresh, because I don't understand."

Chaplan finishes his wine and shakes Baresh's hand, smiling warmly.

"I wish you good luck and good business, Baresh. And as for Sailai, the next time you see her, tell her I said hello."

Chaplan laughs quietly and turns to exit, leaving Baresh with a slight grin and a short chuckle.

A few more patrons walk in, ordering for their tables when...

Chaplan slowly walks into the bar, looking slightly depressed as he takes a stool. Baresh wanders over to him with a mug of ale, setting down in front of him. "You're back rather quickly," the innkeeper observes.

Chaplan nods and takes the mug, placing a few coins on the bar. "Well, I've been trying to find Sailai to apologize and perhaps have a civil talk with her, but when I try, she leaves and refuses to listen. I'll admit, I probably didn't something that was going to sound like an apology, but I was, in all seriousness, trying to lighten the mood a bit. I had a friend Locate her when I noticed she was in the Realm and so I went to where she was. I asked her if I could have a word, and then said 'Maybe more civil this time'."

Baresh winces and pats Chaplan on the back. "Aye, that doesn't sound much like an apology."

Chaplan nods and continues. "Aye, I realize that now, which is a bit too late, don't you think? Anyway..I laughed after I said it, thinking maybe it would break the ice..you know..lighten the mood or something, but she just rolled her eyes and left. I had my friend Locate her again, but she left again before I could find her."

Chaplan takes a long drink of his ale and shrugs, glancing up at Baresh as he places the mug back on the bar.

"Well..she's probably going to keep avoiding me, and as much as it pains me, I'm willing to bet she'll come in here and complain about me stalking her or something. Hopefully you'll tell her about our conversation first and I can try and figure out how to apologize in person. I never meant any harm, and now I'm only trying to fix it."

Chaplan finishes off his ale and sets the mug on the counter.

"You'll convey my message, Baresh?"

The innkeeper nods and shakes Chaplan's hand. Chaplan smiles and heads toward the door, whistling quietly to himself.

Baresh chuckles quietly to himself and takes the mug and coins from the bar.