While Gimar was busy with the business of his estate, Nicola had spent her first day in Northbank shopping. But, like all small towns, the pickings were limited.

The next day she wandered out towards the new construction, in the run-down part of the city. Mayaheine was originally a worshipper of Pelor, or so the cosmology went, and this temple would certainly help the poor and downtrodden. The priestess made up her mind and found the foreman.

Glareon tossed a brick her way, and Nicola surprised herself by catching it deftly.

The gnome indicated a tall human whose back was turned. He wore tall leather boots and workmans' pants, and his cotton tunic was bound at the waist by a belt; as he turned, she saw that the buckle bore the insignia of the Northbank Town Watch. His dark hair was cut medium length, and his face was clean shaven.

Together they worked for the rest of the day on the new temple. One day fell into another, then one week into the next, and they got to know each other very well.

Their building project had been formally blessed back on the 1st, a holiday known as Goodrhys. Now it was nearing completion, and the first service would be held on the morrow, the last Godsday before the Richfest.

Corin attended the services the next day. Nicola only sat in, really, joining in a few of the ceremonies and invoking the occasional blessing. After the service she failed to catch up with Corin, so instead she spent the remainder of the day at the seamstresses shop. The weeks of work had left her body tanned and her mind invigorated.

Much later that day, Nicola made an herbal soup for Corin, using some of the spices Dollin had taught her about. She arrived at the guard post just after sunset. Corin stood watch, and as far as Nicola was concerned he looked like a steel sentinel in his polished chain mail.

The two gnomes ambled through the business district. Most of the town's population was inside, staying out of the heat. While they walked, they talked, and Mayor Redstone gave Yodavan an old ring that she had used as an adventurer. Soon they reached the Gimar estate, and knocked at the door. Their tapping was answered by a well-dressed halfling.

Disclaimer

This is not an authorized site for material relating to AD&D (© TSR).
AD&D (Advanced Dungeons and Dragons) used to be a trademark of TSR, which held exclusive rights on the material associated with the game.