Morning Mass (Feb 12, mid morn)

[Hannick]

"Thank you for the tea Wizwik." *Hannick smiles at Juniper and hands her a baked good from the table before he goes to sit down, and he pats the seat beside him.*

[Wizwik]

-Wizwik smiles to Rajani- "If you need anything feel free to call on me~" he gives a small bow, he looks to Hannick "You're welcome~ If you wish for more please let me know~"

[Granyte the Ogre]

-Once those gsthered have seated themselves, he steps to the front of the banner, back to the chairs and those seated upon them. In a louder then normal voice, but not quite a shout, he begins to speaks- 

Valdr, The Stormbringer, Father of Valhalla, I pray to thee, come and hear the words of those gathered here this morning in your name. Bless those that wish to hear your story and who act in your name. And bless those that come to simply learn or debate, for allowing oneself to learn takes great courage. In your name I pray, Praise Valdr! 

-He turns to the group then, a smile on his lips and he takes a deep breath.-

Today marks the first Mass of Light, and it be only fitting that Valdr, Father of Valhalla, be the first subject. In time we will hear tell of other Gods, and as their followers wish they will receive their own sermons but today is for Valdr. Valdr is a new God, new to this world and i have been asked several times how one so new can be worthy of worship. This is a great question, and one I answer time and time again with the fact that age means very little when you are a God. Also, remember the Cronicles, written to tell of how the Gods came to be. The Chronicles tell us of how Valdr recieved his Third Eye, and the Runes, left by Odin himself. He gained all the knowledge in the world so that he may be a wise and just God. 

-He pauses to take a drink of water-

[Wizwik]

-Wizwik raises his mug of coffee as Lamalas speaks, the mug has a 7 toothed gear on it-

[Granyte the Ogre]

-He continues, eyes scanning those gathered, and any that have come during his speaking. He never looks at one person for long, giving each a moment of connection-

So with the knowledge that Valdr has gained, he set forth his Tenets, his rules to live by. His knowledge allowed him to know that the first and most important of all his Tenets should be this.

Always lead by exceptional example, so that you may inspire bravery and strength in others. Be the oncoming storm to those that serve the selfish and cowardly.

-He stops for a moment, letting those words linger before continuing-

Always lead by "exceptional" example. -Putting emphasis on the word "exceptional"- Not just do what you want others to do, but lead them by unusual, and outstanding example. Don't follow the path others have laid out before you, that is not your path, blaze your own trail and allow others to follow you. Always lead by "exceptional" example, so that that you may inspire bravery and strength in others. Inspire others to be their very best, to push their own limits and to shine in the Light of Valdr. Not everyone can be a Leader, some people don't think they have what it takes to do it. So by leading by exceptional example, we allow them to see their own strength, their own bravery and allow them to become better then they thought possible.

Now, what do I mean by Bravery? Do I mean to run head first into a battle, with the cry of the Gods on your lips? No. Do I mean to strike the killing blow on every foe you face? Of course not. Not everyone is able to fight. If we were all fighters, then who would heal us when we get injured? Who would create and mend our blades, staves, spears or clubs? Who would cook us dinner in the cold harsh nights? Bravery is not about who is the strongest fighter out in the world. It is about who takes their skills, their talents, and uses them to the best of their abilities to the service and assistance to others.

Allow me a story, two men were walking down a trail one day. The first, was more muscle then man, he could lift a maul and smash his enemies into a puddle without breaking a sweat. The second was tiny, frail, and had very little magical ability. He knew how to mend wounds to a small degree but otherwise he would be what others would call useless. They come across a travelling pack of bandits, pestering a small family and stealing all their worldly possessions. The first man grabs the bandits one by one and throws them around like toys. He barely bats an eye as their daggers sink into his skin before he rips their weapons from them and drives the bandits off. The second man runs past the bandits and uses his meager magical skills to heal the family. He ran from battle, he did not join the fray, and yet I would call him the more brave of the two men. Why? Because he used his skills, knowing full well that he might get hurt, he might even die if a bandit caught him in the back, but he still pushed forward and helped the family. The first man knew that he would win, there wasn't a foe that could defeat him, and so his bravery was lessened by the fact that he knew he would win.

-He stops for another few moments and takes another drink-

[Lilith Caia]

Lilith listens with slightly raised eyebrows and a neutral expression.

[Granyte the Ogre]

-He begins again, pacing back and forth infront of the chairs, slow deliberate steps-

So we do not always have to be the first onto the battle field, we do not need to face the beasts face to face with nothing but our bare hands. We need to show bravery in everything we do, show our strengths, not the strengths of others. Wizwik...-He turns facing the gnome- Can create contraptions that can shake a man to his core, or can create a simple cup of tea -He says as he lifts a mug off the table- Does he not show his bravery in each and every one of them? -He turns to Juniper- Juniper, you heal people and keep those around you alive. Bravery in your acts is shown everytime someones wounds heal. -Finally he motions to Lilith- And you, Lilith, in simply sitting down and writing out contracts and deals for people unable to do so, you show your bravery in knowing how to make each deal fair and perfect. -Turning back to the rest of the group- So go out there, show your strengths, show your bravery and don't allow your fears to stop you. You ARE Brave if you want to be, you ARE Strong if you push yourself, not just because you can swing a weapon harder then someone else.

Always lead by exceptional example, so that you may inspire bravery and strength in others. Praise Valdr!

-He finishes his speech, lifting his cup into the air and then pouring a healthy amount onto the ground at his feet before drinking the rest in one swallow-

If anyone has any questions on todays subject I will gladly answer them at this time.

[Lilith Caia]

Lilith looks at Lamalas with her eyebrows raised so high it looks like they're trying to escape.

[Riven Shadowlight]

Riven's attention drifts from Lamalas. He looks at Lilith from the corner of his eye with an amused expression.

[Granyte the Ogre]

-After a minute or so, and no questions, he smiles and nods- Well then, thank you all again for coming! Please enjoy the baked goods and drinks and we will hopefully see you all next week. Next weeks Mass will be on the second part of that Tenet, Be the Oncoming Storm to those that serve the Selfish and Cowardly. Hope to see you all then! -He smiles and heads off to replace the Banner infront of the Guiding Lights Camp-