In a moment in the tent, Telosh approaches Ethelred.
Hey ’Red, can I talk to you for a minute? The other day you said something about how I’ve been lying about following TyLin. I know I’m deceitful, but I’ve never lied about that.”
Telosh is clearly upset, but trying to hold it back.
“Yes, I turned away from TyLin and didn’t say anything about it, I let that be part of Inkam, not Lucius, but I have never falsely revered Her.
Bitterness and anger are apparent on the Westlander’s face.
“I would have sensibly cowered with you and the others when we faced Yogg if I had not received the stone beforehand. I would still have Thraan’s rapier, and the bow I took from The Made.”
He takes a long look at the Aegrian, and shakes his head ever so slightly.
“I may use trickery and guile when needed, but I don’t lie to my companions.”
Ethelred mulls over the words. Words like lies, falsely, cowered.
“Actions. Are those not what we are judged on? If there are Gods that care about us at all… Tylin for example… Do they care what is in our heart?.. what is in our thoughts? Or do they care about what you do?.. how we act?
You may have not scorned Tylin openly, but you did turn from her maybe even abandon. That is what I was expressing. You have not fully given yourself to anything. You have flailed between things like a leaf on flowing down a stream.
When I am working on a project, all my focus is on that project. There is nothing else. Those that are devote to a cause get results, but must also make sacrifices.
Maybe you can believe in all the gods. Maybe you can get favor from all the gods. Maybe.
Finally, cower? Really. Rushing in is not the only form of heroism.”
Telosh looks attentively at the Aegerian as he speaks, with an open but somewhat confused look on his face. At the end of Ethelred’s speech, Telsoh looks a little sad, and then smiles.
“I see. I am glad to know you didn’t feel like I was lying to you. That’s what it felt like you were saying earlier.”
Telosh takes a deep breath.
“It is true that discipline is not a strength for me, and I have never thought I would make a good priest. I have, however, always wanted to be a hero, like in the stories, and I have not always lived up to that desire. Working with you, and the others, I’ve felt like I was part of team, you’ve had my back, and I hope you know I have yours. TyLin, as Goddess or an idea, has been helpful in that regard.”
“But, after what it took to slay the black dragon, those ideas of heroism seemed… off. Guile, trickery, feints, and traps. These have always been my best tools, do you believe these are the tools of a hero like Raiden? A hero TyLin would recognize?”
Telosh looks a little sad in the end, perhaps a bit hopeful that Ethelred has some advice that will help him with this existential tension.
“What I have learned on this adventure is a hero is not about destroying, but about aiding humanity.
In one view us slaying the water dragon was an epic battle where heroes used might and cunning to best a foul beast and plunder it’s treasure horde. The chain strained against the beast, arrows flew, , the creature was slain! How heroic!
In another view we made a deal with non humans, worked with them to make a tool that evened our odds, made the battle a little sad. The heroes fulfilled a promise, made safe more area for the dwarves and returned much of their treasure.
Telosh, you have been a good ally. You have done heroic deeds.
Being a hero isn’t just about strength, rushing in acting brave.
Working with others, fulfilling promises, making allies.. those are some of the best of heroics for me.”