More pilgrims arrived, ushered in by the guards who watched both the tunnel and the people within. Their presence gave the pilgrims peace.Â
One was fatigued, making it despite his own troubles, though at times a yawn could be heard coming from him now and then in the lull. But still he watched the door.
The tallest of the guards watched the door, a strong presence to see with the tired pilgrims who caught up to make the event. Stoic and absently intimidating, he proved kindness as well, welcoming all to come in and not linger in the back as if punished.
The two other guards watched over the scene and the performances. One a lady, her red hair trying to escape her helm and clearly use to standing in one place to watch people. Though attentive, her demeanor was serene. And the other guard, a miqo'te with a disarming smile only anchored in the fact that this was a safe place. This was a place to reflect and worship without fears.
![[Image: 1dZJDNt.jpg]](http://i.imgur.com/1dZJDNt.jpg)
![[Image: MJyV9jg.jpg]](http://i.imgur.com/MJyV9jg.jpg)
One was fatigued, making it despite his own troubles, though at times a yawn could be heard coming from him now and then in the lull. But still he watched the door.
The tallest of the guards watched the door, a strong presence to see with the tired pilgrims who caught up to make the event. Stoic and absently intimidating, he proved kindness as well, welcoming all to come in and not linger in the back as if punished.
The two other guards watched over the scene and the performances. One a lady, her red hair trying to escape her helm and clearly use to standing in one place to watch people. Though attentive, her demeanor was serene. And the other guard, a miqo'te with a disarming smile only anchored in the fact that this was a safe place. This was a place to reflect and worship without fears.
The two bards continued to play the melodic music. Introductions were kept short and Chuta with his grin said his thank yous as Garryson stepped up to share his words.
 "It is an honor and a privilege 'ta stand before ya today. My name is Garryson Shipkeeper, founder of the XI:7 corporation. We are 'ere 'ta honor one of the Twelve, and whenever we speak of the gods, there is a certain amount 'ta faith involved. That is what I'd like 'ta speak to you about today. To me, the essence of faith can be explained with three simple words: "But if not."
⌘⌘⌘
 These words were taught 'ta me by me 'ol Cap'n when I was a younger lad. While I was with 'im, he reflected often on our relationship with the gods. He had a faith... an assurance, that we admired. He was utterly convinced there was somethin' greater than each of us as individuals.
⌘⌘⌘
 "Cap'n's final days taught me how 'ta believe despite the world around us. Cap'n had a price put on 'is head, and we were hunted. Through the thick of it all, 'e never lost 'is faith. He always told us that the gods would bless us, but if they didn't... we would fight anyway. To 'im, faith was not waitin' fer a miracle 'ta prove somethin' to us. It was livin' yer life with confidence, and becomin' better each day.
⌘⌘⌘
 "We're told stories of the gods walkin' among men in ages long past. Whether they're true or not... its hard 'ta tell. The gods might be real. They might not. I think what is more important is how we lead our lives. This is the age of man. We do not study the divine 'ta mimic what they do. Rather... we study them 'ta become what they are.
⌘⌘⌘
 "I, for one, hope that Thal was waitin' 'ta meet my mother. I hope Da had someone 'ta guide him. I hope that me crew dined with him, and told stories of our times together. I hope and pray that everyone has a chance 'ta rest in the life 'ta come.
⌘⌘⌘
 "But if not... I hope you all still live yer lives with confidence. Believe in somethin' larger than yerself. We live in a realm full 'a death and corruption. We barely held on after the Calamity, and it is going 'ta take more than a few good men 'ta rebuild our realm into somethin' truly great. See past yerselves and envision a realm where our children can live confidently.
⌘⌘⌘
 "I thank you fer lettin' me speak with you today. I pray that the Twelve guide each of you as yer stories are written. I look forward 'ta the day we may finally put down our weapons, and tell our stories.
⌘⌘⌘
 These words were taught 'ta me by me 'ol Cap'n when I was a younger lad. While I was with 'im, he reflected often on our relationship with the gods. He had a faith... an assurance, that we admired. He was utterly convinced there was somethin' greater than each of us as individuals.
⌘⌘⌘
 "Cap'n's final days taught me how 'ta believe despite the world around us. Cap'n had a price put on 'is head, and we were hunted. Through the thick of it all, 'e never lost 'is faith. He always told us that the gods would bless us, but if they didn't... we would fight anyway. To 'im, faith was not waitin' fer a miracle 'ta prove somethin' to us. It was livin' yer life with confidence, and becomin' better each day.
⌘⌘⌘
 "We're told stories of the gods walkin' among men in ages long past. Whether they're true or not... its hard 'ta tell. The gods might be real. They might not. I think what is more important is how we lead our lives. This is the age of man. We do not study the divine 'ta mimic what they do. Rather... we study them 'ta become what they are.
⌘⌘⌘
 "I, for one, hope that Thal was waitin' 'ta meet my mother. I hope Da had someone 'ta guide him. I hope that me crew dined with him, and told stories of our times together. I hope and pray that everyone has a chance 'ta rest in the life 'ta come.
⌘⌘⌘
 "But if not... I hope you all still live yer lives with confidence. Believe in somethin' larger than yerself. We live in a realm full 'a death and corruption. We barely held on after the Calamity, and it is going 'ta take more than a few good men 'ta rebuild our realm into somethin' truly great. See past yerselves and envision a realm where our children can live confidently.
⌘⌘⌘
 "I thank you fer lettin' me speak with you today. I pray that the Twelve guide each of you as yer stories are written. I look forward 'ta the day we may finally put down our weapons, and tell our stories.
![[Image: hpThOka.png]](http://i.imgur.com/hpThOka.png)
