Zonker stepped to the side with Des. Noting the confusion and concern(?) in her expression, he further followed her lead by lowering his voice. "Well, lass, as I say twas nae a major mistake. First, I do thank ye for mentioning the orphanage in the Oracle. ODIN knows they can use all the help they can get. Furthermore, I wouldst be most pleased tae collect and distribute any offered coin. I ha', as ye well know, done so for years, delivering the proceeds from the LCI, and now that which my sister Rena collects at the Silverleaf Tavern. I ha' nae problem with that portion of the text and, in fact, twas a verrae noble and meaningful gesture."
The large Norseman shifted his weight a bit while idly spinning the old staff in his right hand. Finally, he cleared his throat and said, "Howe'er, I donnae RUN the orphanage. For me tae claim that or tae e'en allow such a misconception tae remain unaddressed wouldst do a disservice tae the many Matrons and couples who ha' sacrificed their time and effort tae do such. Though I donnae discount the importance of money -Freya knows playgrounds and maintenance donnae come free- what I mostly engage in be simply Gold Coin Charity. Tis naught compared tae the real charity as practiced by those men, women, and other beings who toil tae keep the Rhydin Orphanage going. What I do? Tis naught compared tae the gi'ing of oneself. Unfortunately, this I ha' always been unable tae commit tae in the way others ha'."
Zonker frowned; his head bowed as he explained further, "There was always something else for me, ye see. There was my life as a warrior. There was my sometimes unfortunate stint as part of the Order of Lyonsbane guild. Then came the LCI. In addition, and through it all, there was my own family, both blood and extended, and my work tae rid this bloody land of the blight of slavery. Always something that took precedence..."
"OH, I spent time at the orphanage as I couldst." he continued, "I played with the kinder and didst my best tae bring smiles tae their faces. But twas but rarely, and when I left twas the Matrons and couples who were left with the children. Twas they who fed them and clothed them. Twas they who tended their wounds and held them when they cried. Twas they who made sure that the coin that I brought was used wisely. Anyone who spends any time in Rhydin knows that the number of children who need such a place be nearly endless. The gold I and others provided was ne'er enough. Yet these wondrous caretakers performed their work with great prudence and equal joyousness. The payment and delivery of gold pales in comparison tae that. Thus, I must repeat that I donnae now, nor ha' I e'er, RUN the Rhydin Orphanage."
The aging ex-warrior lifted his head and looked Des in the eyes. Hoping to mitigate any guilt or sadness his old friend may have felt based on her erroneous wording, he added, "I think I know where the misunderstanding may ha' come from. Because of the recent explosions that destroyed the Matilda DeVey House of Hope, those displaced families ha' been temporarily staying at Castle Moriah. Of course, the House of Hope be nae an orphanage but rather a place for families who need shelter for a time. Also, though they may reside at my Keep for now, at least until I can find or build a new structure, I donnae e'en run IT. The resident families mostly do so themselves. In point of fact, I was nae e'en fully responsible for establishing the H o' H. Twas the members of the LCI family who knew and loved the fiery but kindhearted Matty DeVey and who wished tae provide for her a fitting and enduring memorial. Once more, tis simple Gold Coin Charity on my part."
Finally, Zonker flashed a smile and said, "So enough of that. I know ye shall do what ye feel be right tae rectify this. I ha' now but one last question. I heard ye be married now. I just wish tae ask if anyone, family member or friend, ha' gi'en this lad the standard, 'If ye hurt Des, e'en for but a fleeting moment, thy blood and entrails shall be used tae paint the streets and paths of Rhydin!'? If nae, I stand ready tae do so."
