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Kardul sits in his room at the inn, trying to wrap his head around what happened. He's not High Priestess Aranya! He's not even a Head Priest! But the High Priest of Order was talking to him! He didn't even flinch about drawing up a simple truth and confidence contract for talking about the concrete.

There was only so much to be talked about without having some to demonstrate, but Master Mason Yinglu, because it's easier to think of him like that than as a High Priest, asked for a demonstration, when Kardul has time.

It makes him want to run all the way back to Fourdock and never leave again. But he dismisses the thought as he tries to calm himself. He wants to spread Lord Thedeim's influence, and spreading His concrete will definitely do that. Yinglu knows about it... there's fair odds the church of the Shield knows about it, too. He hasn't forgotten the deal for the small church they are going to transfer to him.

Take things as they are, not as you wish they were.

The wisdom rings through his mind like the clear chime of a bell, steeling his resolve. He came here for this, he's not going to flee when things seem to be actually lining up for his success, even if there are forces watching he was hoping to avoid. His tasks are clear.

Prepare a sample of concrete. Get employed by the Crystal Shield church as their main inspector mason. Prepare and transform the shrine to be dedicated for Lord Thedeim. The concrete is fairly simple, now that he has the ingredients. They're heavy, so it's not the simplest thing to mix, but he's only making a few cinder blocks and demonstration shapes.

He needs to look into getting something to reinforce it with, too. The transmuted silk Lord Thedeim likes to use is a marvel, but not something Kardul expects he'll be able to find in enough volume to matter. Simpler steel or iron rods will work well enough, even if he won't need them for the small demonstration he plans to do for Yinglu. He sets aside about half of the mix in his room for now, intending to make a few smaller samples to show it in different states of being set, but he'll need to actually schedule with Yinglu for that.

Preparing for the shrine is also simple... or will be, once he makes some more coin. Warm oranges without being blinding, simple cream plaster, dark stained woods, that should be a good way to decorate without being obnoxious. He likes how silver looks with Lord Thedeim's orange, but he definitely doesn't have the coin to afford silver decor.

Which leaves returning to the Shield church and officially become gainfully employed. Today, a gnome is sweeping the steps, and Kardul wonders if the Shield likes to keep someone outside as a guard. It's difficult to imagine anyone trying to attack the church, but with a domain like Protection, the Shield's followers would probably prefer to be safe than sorry.

He smiles at the gnome as he nears. "Hello! Is Kleary in?"

The gnome smiles. "I hope so. He's supposed to be leading the service soon."

Kardul pauses, realizing the time. "Oh! Uh... is there time to talk to him before?"

The gnome leans on his broom, considering. "If it's something quick, I think. And important. He takes his duties seriously. I can check if he has the time, if you'd give me your name?"

"Kardul. I think it might be a bit longer for the whole story, but I can make it quick and fill him in on the details later."

The gnome's look of caution vanishes. "Ah, Kardul! He told me to let you in, if you showed up. Sounded pretty important, important enough that the worshipers and The Shield won't mind a delay." He turns and opens the door, revealing pews full of people, chatting as they wait for Kleary to enter. "The door on the left, up near the front. Just tell the priest outside your name, he'll let you in."

Kardul nods, trying not to look nervous. The orc at the doorway wears a friendly enough expression, but he's big enough to be a guard at the castle! The orc curiously eyes him as he approaches.

"Uh... I'm here to see Kleary? I'm Kardul?"

The orc's curiosity gives way to a wide smile. "Ah, he's been waiting for you for a few days now! Everything good?"

Kardul nods. "Um... yeah. I'm uh... I'm gonna be the mason in charge of inspecting the Shield's churches."

"Hah! No wonder he's been eager! Old Hejer retired out to the countryside, and the priests like to hire their mason personally, instead of just getting random ones assigned from the guild." He steps aside and opens the door, revealing a small office with Kleary at his desk, apparently putting the finishing touches on his plan for the service. He looks up and smiles, waving for Kardul to join him.

"Ah, come in, come in!"

Kardul does so and takes a seat while Kleary talks.

"So how did everything at the guild go? I can see that master's badge, so it must have gone well!"

Kardul smiles, a hand going to the badge as if he'd forgotten it was real. "Yeah... it did. I also met Yinglu."

Kleary grins. "Well, you're making all kinds of important friends! He's a good elf, devoted without being annoying about it. Most of Order's are. Anyway, I take it you're here to accept the job?"

Kardul nods. "Yes. I'll be doing more with the guild, but I am happy to be able to keep the Shield's churches standing tall and safe."

"Wonderful! I've got the contract here, if you want to go over it while I go give my sermon." he pulls out a thick contract, though not one so thick as to keep him occupied for that long. "It's mostly repetitive, detailing the specific duties for each specific location. Boring and tedious to read, but the accountants like the detail, especially with the compensation involving the deed to that shrine. If you finish early, you can read some of my books. I'd recommend that shelf by the door, myself."

Kardul turns and reaches over to grab a random one, and laughs as he sees the cover. "Tales of Misadventure? I've only heard them told by bards!"

Kleary nods as he stands. "Apparently one of them got the bright idea to write them down and sell them, and even pays adventurers good coin for the stories they wouldn't usually go bragging about at their local guild."

"I'll need to start my own collection, then," Kardul replies, setting the book on the desk before taking the contract to look at.

"If you need anything else, Breurn'll be right outside. And thank you for taking the job, Kardul. People always think about the paladins and people literally fighting to protect them, and often forget how important a shelter is."

Kardul smiles. "As someone who builds shelters, I still very much appreciate the paladins that keep monsters out."

Kleary laughs and opens the door. "Indeed! It takes both and more to keep people safe! I look forward to working together, and I think the Shield does, too."

Kardul nods and Kleary lets the door close behind him, letting him get down to reading the contract. As he does, he can't help but wonder if Lord Thedeim's stance on not officially working together with other deities will be one of the first things He Changes.