Vedek Rivis stood from the meeting in one of the many assembly chambers in the administration building of Omega Prime. It had been a long and arduous morning, the strife between the Anticans and the Caitians being the major subject. The last thing Wells city wanted was the violence to spill over into their peaceful city.
“May I treat you to lunch” one of the Omega Prime administrators offered.
Vedek Rivis stretched her back and looked longingly out the window. ‘No … thank you though. I believe I’ll take a walk, get some air. It looks to be such a beautiful day.”
Half an hour later the leader of the Temple in Well City found herself strolling along a path in Riverside Park. Stopping for a drink at a fountain she saw an older gentleman sitting alone on a park bench, watching the passing river traffic. His white hair falling in his eyes as the wind blew, even from this distance she got the feeling that the man was suffering a great pain. A voice in her heart told her to go and sit.
“May I join you?” she asked as she came upon him.
Marcus pointed at the empty space on the bench with his open palm. “Please Vedek.”
“Vedek Rivis” she smiled as she sat. “So you are familiar with the vestments.”
Marcus smiled. “Some. My name is Marcus Dinn.”
She looked at the passing sail boats. “It’s very lovely here. Do you come often Mr. Dinn?”
Sighing. “Each day.” He nodded. “It helps.”
“Helps what?”
He took a moment. “Clear my mind.”
“Troubles at work?”
“Work? No. I’m retired.. I run a small establishment. A lounge, hardly what I would call work. ”
“Ah. A Bar keep. Then you carry other people’s burdens.”
“What?”
“Well, isn’t’ it said people confide in their barkeeper?”
Marcus smiled. “You could say that.”
Rivis studied his face. “But that isn’t what troubles you, Is it Mr. Dinn?”
“Offering spiritual guidance Vedek Rivis?”
“Forgive me Mr. Dinn, but I can’t help but notice a Pah in need. If I may be so bold Mr. Dinn, may I suggest the writings of Akorem Laan. I’ve found great comfort in his verse.”
She got up. “It was a pleasure to meet you Mr. Dinn. I hope our paths cross again.”
Marcus stood up. “Maybe you will find yourself thirsty one evening, or hungry.”
“You put a good Hasperat on your Menu Mr. Dinn, and I may take you up on it.”
“Hasperat it will be. Have a good afternoon Vedek Rivis.”
“You as well Mr. Dinn.”
As she walked away Marcus sat back down wondering what had caused her to stop. Had the pain in his face become so apparent. And where, he wondered, could he find a recipe for Hasperat.
Off:
Marcus Dinn
Owner of RICKS
Vedek Rivis
Temple of Wells City, (NPC)
