*Aesthir regards the Lieutenient Vercilaas, and agrees with the overseen of the legal procedures due rank and file,*
- I appreciate your confidence Lieutenient, at this point of course I am here as an overseer for the legal activities are to be done in proper way and fashion, since the Constable was not directly involved and I have my jurisdiction tied to Vehl, even more with this being a Rofirenite development and investigation, of course you and the temple may have the right to decide the proper course of action, and with that moving this things should remain in control of the Temple for the time being, .... unless its your desire to be passed to the guard of Vehl for custody. Yet I uinderstand if this decision would fall into the hands of your supperiors. -
*The man speaks openly for the people to listen to him, and he acts professional and responsable, showing pride and the Politely right statements , once they are moving away , as Aesthir gestures the Liuteniant to walk alongside with him to a more separated area of the camp*
Foresta standing just behind the main group chewing on a corn stalk stops and looks as if she is committed to speaking but nonetheless pauses a moment before speaking.".............yeah, what he said!"
Aesthir and Lieutenant Vercilaas can be seen walking a short distance away from others and are having an involved, but very civil conversation about something...
*Storold tries to gather as many of the others as possible*
I truely advice that we do not move these stones much closer to populated areas. What I am really afraid of are some evil powers stealing them and using them for ill intent. That is why I suggest we call someone knowledgeable about the Pits here to examine the stones and give us a good idea of what we are dealing with. I suggest either Connor or the Pit stalkers, since Moraken is probably still upset about me giving him up to the deamon we dealt with to get these stones. But I would just like your input before I tell someone to come all the way out here, so that you wont be upset about their involvement.
I agree with Storold on this. We take em' to Vehl there's all sortsa crazies there that would give there left leg to put their hands on these. Heck for all we know them demons could have a way of activatin' some detonation in em' and make em blow sky high and killing folks for miles. Its best to keep them away from any big cities with someone who knows how to move about magically incase the demons come back for em'. The demons might also be tryin' to scry for them too so maybe we can conceal them somehow.
I dont mind sticking around until Connor or the Pit Stalkers can have a looksy. As for Moraken, I helped defend his abode from a drach incursion back during the cult wars so I think he owes me a favor but its your call.
Vrebel spits some blood and then plops down on a tree stump that has recently been charred from the fighting. He is obviously still recovering from the fighting and body stacking but seems determined to figure out the situation.
*Storold nods to Vrebel* I believe it would be best if you ask Moraken for his oppinion then. If he comes out here we will just have to deal with him trying to blow me up, if that is what he wants to do. Thankfully this is in the middle of nowhere so people wont get hurt.
I will try to contact Connor and the Pit Stalkers, I have been removed from the church too long to actually know if Connor is part of their number, so I will contact both just in case. Hopefully one of these three parties will be able to show up within a reasonable time to help us determine what to do with the stones. I will meanwhile try to keep the stones hiden from scrying eyes and I trust that the more seasoned warriors amoung our number can keep spies and the like away through more conventional means.
*Storold takes some time to carefully study the magic around the stones to determine if it would be affected by any protective magic he might lay down around them before starting to cast spells to ensure that the stones are not a danger to the group and to shield them somewhat from scrying from afar.*
Vincent was again tossing and turning in his bed. The cozy Brelin Inn held little comfort for him. The midnight hour was nigh and he was awake. He could feel his pulse throbbing in his temples and his mouth was dry. As he rolled over to grab a glass of water that he had placed on his night stand he froze in mid-reach. The Pit creature Dalianavera was sitting on the window sill, a supple tail flicking to and fro in the moonlight. He quickly rubbed his eyes, sure he was imagining the sight… but when he again looked in the direction of the window, she was still there.
In a soft and seductive voice she said, “My little Vincent, It is now time for the second phase of my plan, and I need your help…”
He could perceive that comfortable warm sensation creeping into his mind… that familiar tickle. She needed him… and that felt good. Before he knew what he was doing he heard his voice uttering from his own lips these words… “Yes, if I can.” He could not help himself, and in fact he was not even sure he wanted to do anything other than help her.
She approached him and smiled. He could see the tips of her razor sharp teeth again. He also thought he saw something familiar in her black eyes… affection?
“My Vincent…I must depart for a time. Until then, you will be the beacon that guides me back to this world.” She briefly touched his bare chest near his heart. He felt no pain, but was nevertheless surprised to see white glowing sigils pulsing in time to his heartbeat under his skin. There was no visible part of his body where they were not present. After a few brief seconds they disappeared and she stepped away. He could only watch. His body did not seem to want to obey.
In one swift motion she crouched and slapped the floor. There was a bright flash of light and a crack of thunder. The windows to the small inn blew out into the night, taking large chunks of the frame with them. Vincent was tossed back onto his bed. Air was sucked out of the room. When he looked she was gone again.
Other frightened tenants and the innkeepers rushed to Vincent’s room, kicking in the door, demanding to know what had happened…
----------
//Another relevant party has been sent a PM.
Several adventurers and Rofirein Knights who happen to be on guard duty around the strange stones briefly see runes of unfamiliar and unknown origin light up in a bluish white color. It happens so quickly a few have to look to comrades to confirm they actually witnessed the anomaly.
Vincent stared out beyond the shattered window frame, his mind racing. He had rather hoped to be with Moraken by now; the wizard who might help him better understand. Yet it did not seem to matter any more, and what if Moraken was to tell him things he did not want to hear. I mean all that pulsating body thing was good, right! Surely the truth was right here, with him. She had never actually said goodbye did she, but she meant it surely, promised to return. Promised more.
"EXPLAIN YOURSELF" the man shouted, and Vincent was drawn back to a situation not without risk. These Inn people could do him harm in their ignorance, not understanding the full importance of his situation. he considered, and drawing on an inner strength he calmly explained "Easy citizens, Just a specialist wizard nightmare, nothing to see here!" His eyes flicker to the shattered window frame and he grimaced. "Well almost nothing I suppose, shadows in the night, my over stressed sleep, barely nothing. " He shrugs apologetically. "Spells can do terrible damage dont you think.....fortunately I am here to defend you all....perhaps over some drinks, all on me of course, perhaps some late supper, I can reassure you...Innkeeper you will have that frame fixed at my expense ...I insist!....I am a specialist did I say that already?"
Vrebel blinks a few times when the stones light up and looks to Storold
You do that?
He returns his gaze to the swamps and outer areas and then leans over Storold drawing his greatsword. He cleaves a large cobra that was directly behind the old bald mage.
Maybe we should find a cave or somethin' this place reeks of death and aint good for moral. Plus it aint good to be keepin' these stones so close to were we found em' in case they come back.
Lieutenant Vercilaas rushes into the holding area where the stones are being kept, following the Knight who brought word of the temporary activity of the artifacts. He barks orders to his men and within a few short minutes there is a sparse perimeter around them. It is obvious to the adventurers that the line of armored men is much too thin for comfort. There is tension in the air for the space of about five minutes as men stare into the brush and swamp mists. No threat materializes.
Lieutenant Vercilaas orders the men to stand down, dispatches a patrol, and then addresses everyone else. “Our defense here is untenable. If we are attacked here we will be overcome. With the approval of the ranking Co’rys official” (He glances at Aesthir) “we depart for Fort Vehl. The stones will be taken to the temple of Rofirein. We will decide their fate from there.” (He then looks to Storold) “We cannot wait for your friends any longer. The danger is too great. The artifacts will be much safer in Vehl, even considering the risk to the city. They cannot fall into the hands of the enemy. I would recommend sending word to your allies of the change in plans… the method should be very secure.”
He issues some more orders and horses and men begin lining up into a column for departure.
Mangus grumbles more in controll of his tone this time to one of the young soldiers in his shifting circle, "Off to Vehl with'm. Meh! Er don see's why dey don' jis smash'm an' be done with it..." With that he offers his services to carry one of the stones to the lieutenant. By his own accounting there are a few present with the necessary thuggery to lug one of the stones around other than himself or perhaps Devarein.
Foresta is busy doing some kind of snake count when the bluish white shimmer appears on the rune stones and so she misses the whole thing. When the soldiers start to fuss into action suggesting prompt movement away from the site and towards Vehl. She does not seem surprised. She does not offer any opinion on the changing plans, standing alone on a dry tree stump in the swamp, and one might conclude she does not seem unsurprised either. She circles the stones trying to interpret the faded magical surge. Anyone watching might note she seems to find sure footing in the swamp almost without effort as she concentrates and checks over the runes.
*Storold speak up after considering the new commanders orders*
It is true that we do not stand much of a chance should an enemy attack us... However that is not the fault as much as it is the fault of these stones. For all we know there could be a legion of deamons waiting on the other side for us to move to a given location. Like for ibstance a town... Containing innocent souls and allies alike for them to exploit.
If we bring these stones to Vehl we risk a much larger disaster that if I had fought the deamon we captured earlier. And for all your churchs hard work in Vehl to be in vain, and the town to turn into the next Stone would be a pity, would it not?
That is why I say we shouldwait for magical reinforcements to safely deal with the stones, whatever the cost. Because the cost of these stones triggering in a civilized area is far far greater than we can imagine.
//Double post, sorry
No destroying them like that might produce even worse result. The problem is that no one here understands their true function... Destroying them might end up destroying most of this swamp
Lieutenant Vercilaas spurs his mount into the area where the stones are being held and shoots a nasty glance at Mangus. His horse nearly barrels over the unsuspecting adventurer. “The stones are moving now!” Half a dozen knights dismount from the perimeter, take custody of the artifacts, and lash them to the backs of two riderless horses holding the bodies of fallen followers of “The Gold.”
He scans the adventurers and says “You are welcome to accompany us and assist in protection of the stones. Do not attempt to hinder us though... You will be placed under arrest. They will be taken to the temple of Rofirein for further deliberation and safekeeping. Your debriefing would be of great value, so I do urge you to consider continuing to offer your help.” He then jerks his bridle and guides his horse towards the front of the quickly forming column and yells "Aesthir, please join me!"
You are quickly discovering that the Lieutenant definitely has a different personality than the fallen Captain.
The public portal at the “Red Raccoon” activates and a half elven male and female step into the common area of the inn. The male suddenly looks a little queasy and disoriented, but quickly gains his composure. The innkeeper Alphonse and his wife Jesible smile broadly as they see the new arrivals... “Connor and AnnaLee! It has been ages since you last passed this way… Welcome! Apologies though… We had an incident last night and are still trying to make sense of it and clean things up.”
The innkeepers lead them away from the small crowd to a more private area of the inn where they hold a fairly lengthy private conversation.
//PMs sent…
*Storold moves so that he can be heard by the captain and his men*
By which rigth do you claim the stones? Because you can clearly not claim the belong to the Realm, otherwise no adventurer would exist, since their only source of income would be gone. Secondly you are violating Lucindas law by bringing potetial harm to others by your actions with these magical items. I therefore see just as much reason as you do to arrest me to hold you and your men responsible for their crimes against Lucinda.
Foresta flits accross the sunken swampland, approaching nearer Storold briefly inturrupting his flow. "In response to Unit Captain Vercilaas's words, whats in a rank anyway, has become louder and well more manly....over here....." She skips surefootedly towards Vercilaas and his men "You Sir have become very outspoken and determined, you can see what has happened of course - it's a balance thing, you-him." She has returned to a position almost midway between the two opinion groups. "Time for a nice cup of herbal tea I think, and we can all speak with..quieter voices?" she suggests.
Without heeding the words of the adventurers, the column of nearly 40 well-armed and armored knights of Rofirein pull out as a cohesive military unit and begin moving toward Fort Vehl. Lieutenant Vercilaas does not so much as glance in the direction of the adventurers as they disappear into the swirling fogs and mists of the swamp.
*Storold shakes his head to himself and shouts after them*
Do you really want me to stop you with force!? Your church is worse at keeping magical artifacts safe that a xeenite priestess is at keeping men from her doorstep!
Vrebel takes a long pull from his yew pipe and exhales the golden splendor smelling smoke in the form of a near perfect ring. He looks to Storold a bit impressed and then to the disapearing column of Rofireinite knights
You talkin' force?
His eyes glimmer for a moment at the thought but then he appears more serious once he mulls it over
What kind of force? I mean thats a full column of Rofireinite knights that just spilled blood to save our tails. I ain't real keen on getting into it with em' but I've got yer back on this.
He glares over to Foresta and then back to the disapearing soldiers
Unless she can get them horses back with the Stones the only other option is to cut em off before they enter Vehl. It's a darn fine mess.
He takes another puff from his pipe and starts readying his horse for travel
*As an overseer, Aesthir rides with the Rofirenites, so far , and appriach the lieuteninant*
Good sir, I see that the tensions are getting a bit high with the last developments, and I am sure that you understand the reasons why this good people aren't happy or even more apt to say nervous about the incident, with this said I do think that you are devout to do the best for everyone rather a single group, since the scope of this problem may be way beyond this realm.
With this said, I understand the strenght in numbers is for the safety of the stones, and the dangers that they may entail and i agree with you, but .. back when we started this incursion , we planned on doing so in a small numbers to prevent a massive danger that would be deemed unnecesary, If we get this stones into the city, and the stones activate, what hopes do we have? If an unit of prepared knigths were ready, we had some chance, but .. Vehl would find the enemy surroundered by inocents, people who looks for the city for the safety of the dangers outside. Captain Draedan made his best to heed the wisdom of the gold by putting safety of the numbers first, I do believe you follow in his wake by the same wisdom.
If numbers is what you need, I am sure that the church would believe more appropiate to protect the inocents rather than risk them to any danger, even if the danger now its just a threat. So .. instead of our current plan of action, would you mind if i suggest an alternative?
*Aesthir awaits for the man's acknowledgement then keeps speaking*
Instead of Vehl , I believe there is a small stronghold, enough to provide some shelter that is just one day ride away from the city .... The fabbled Jesom's Hope, if i am not mistaken, I do believe that if the stones are guarded there, it holds way less posibilities from a disaster, and once we got there, a messenger could be dispatched towards the temple for reinforcements or instructions, this also would give chance to the Lucindites that may come to find a more familiar spot to study the place.
We should not forget, as your unit has acted admirably, that the only law that matters at this point is Co'rrys' law, with your beliefs in the Divine law of course as compass to guide us, as it guides every civilized kingdom.
What you say ?
*Aesthir awaits for the reply of the man*
Lieutenant Vercilaas purses his lips as his horse slogs through the swampy water and he listens to Aesthir’s words. After some consideration he nods and says “Yes, the Rofirein monastery of Jesom’s hope is a good alternative. It is small, but the walls and buildings are stone. It can be defended… and it is far enough from Fort Vehl to reduce risk to the population, but close enough that representatives of the church, city, or other interested parties can access it within a day’s ride. The only drawback is there is no portal… so if reinforcements are needed, they will also be a day’s ride away.”
The Lieutenant passes word to one of his sergeants of the change in destination. The men are stoic and not a complaint can be heard from anyone.
He also mutters, “And we can attend to our dead there as well. It will be a fitting resting place.”
Foresta works some oak splinters into a small fire she has quickly put together mainly from some carried belongings, the swamp offering little dry materials. She holds up a couple of wooden cups offering a herbal brew to a fast vanishing crowd. "Ah well, more for me" She muses. "All's settled it seems. "
*Aesthir bows his head in acknowledgement*
Quite wise descision, must say Lieutenient. I understand that the descision is not an easy one, but we should not sway on the aim for what is correct. *gestures over the column and the dead bodies, then nods slowly at his last remark* They indeed deserve a good resting place for their heroic deeds.
**he bows his head, as the hood falls upon his eyes, some relief for a moment, but then his features reutnred to the cold and almost unnerving smile, were his concerns existed, it was not apparent, as he keep striding with the knights*
*The former knight, almost matched the formation, alas he kept the distance, showing that he is just there as an overseer, and not part of the contingent of the Rofirenites*
//An OOC note: The ranks of Dreardan and Vercilaas have been adjusted to match Lore entries. Captain Dreardan will be henceforth referred to as “Section Commander Dreardan” and Lieutenant Vercilaas as “Unit Captain Vercilaas.” I’ll go back into previous threads when I have some time and make the changes retroactively.
----
The tired column of Rofirein knights, and those adventurers who made the decision to follow and assist them, ride into the small Rofirein monastery of Jesom’s Hope. The institution is comprised of a large courtyard surrounded by three long stone buildings. Two small towers and a portcullis secure the third open side. It is obvious this order is very martial in nature. A bell begins ringing and robed monks scurry about tending to the exhausted knights and their mounts.
Unit Captain Vercilaas greets the Abbot, "Protector Ognas, it is a pleasure to see you again.” The older monk nods and replies; “It is good to see you again as well Captain.” The Abbot frowns as his eyes pass over the mounts bearing the bodies of the dead and he mutters, “So many have fallen my friend.” Captain Vercilaas replies in a quiet voice, “Yes, many have given their lives in service to The Gold.” To those watching this interaction it is obvious there is some tension on the part of the Captain. The Abbot looks to the gate and asks, “And what of the Commander?” Captain Vercilaas looks to the ground and says” He has fallen Protector. I wished to spare you the duty of the funeral rites. You should not have to bear the burden of making the preparations. I intended to go to Fort Vehl and send word for you… so you can mourn as any in your position should be able to do.”
Protector Ognas Dreardan is silent for a few moments, and then he says to the Captain “Tomorrow is the 28th day, and Ausir will be at its highest point. It is proper his services are held on the Vigil of the Dragon's Eye. Captain Vercilaas places a gentle hand on the old man’s shoulder and then reluctantly departs to see to the security of the stones.
For those who might have been close enough to these two, when the Captain leaves they can see that a single tear courses down the cheek of the old man… A proper reaction for a man who has just found out he has lost his son.
At the Red Raccoon, Connor and AnnaLee spend some time, working together though often separate, talking with their fellow innkepers about the events that happened not long before they arrived. AnnaLee gathers a description of the room's occupant from Alphonse and Jesible and conjures a very accurate illusion of the man's likeness, which she then uses to prepare a detailed sketch of the same.
Both take turns investigating the room where something like an explosion took place, though most of what they seem to “look” at simply cannot be seen in any normal sense. They confer with each other about their findings, keeping their conversation generally quiet and discrete so as to not cause any further alarm, though a few words can be overheard as they seem to be preparing to depart.
“There's something moving away from here,” Connor says to Anna. “I believe it is related, though not the cause.” She only presses her lips and nods, already thinking similar thoughts to his.
They pause to share some parting words with Alphonse and Jesible, indicating that if things go well, they'll be back in a few hours and perhaps with answers, though in any case, they'll return and let the innkeepers know what they find. A few moments later, they step into the portal, AnnaLee going first, and vanish...
*On the main road, north of the “Red Raccoon Inn.” Approximate distance from the inn is roughly 4 hours by horse at a brisk walk. The location of the portal opening is about 10 minutes from the approaching “planar anomaly” and on a hillside overlooking the road. Connor and AnnaLee have both been by this location many, many times and are familiar with the geography. There is a thicket of brush and trees between you and the road. Nobody was around to witness the portal opening. It is about 10:00am and the day is going to prove to be clear and sunny.*
------
There is a shimmer in the air… almost mirage-like in quality. A couple of crows squawk at its sudden appearance and fly away in a huff. The “shimmer” expands into an oval shape and a couple of half elves step out and quickly take stock of their surroundings. The male orients himself to the south and points, the female nods in understanding. The “shimmer” disappears with a low “popping sound.”
------
//Vincent is aware of the impending encounter OOC. Have fun, and if any of you have any questions, concerns, need for GM feedback, interaction, etc… we have our open PM threads. I am ready to assist in whatever way I can.
*The column seemed in shape, Aesthir nodded with sattisfaction, and the place , the rocks, the small quantity of people seemed to work perfectly to the goals, if there was an army of demons on their way, would make less diference if there were a castle, the memories of the battles came to his mind slowly, at least he was in peace, for the Section Commander was now in a better place, his soul didn't had to go back, at least in that he knew that he would be resting finally, A lot of people think of death as something wrong, its not that life its wrong either of course, but the fear of death it was simply primal, irrational, the fear of what is beyond, but someone should know better than that, Life its a chance to prove yourself and change the world, to make the life time count for, one should not expect or accept the rewards of death without effort, alas there was always a bad thing when efficient men leaves the world, that is how he felt about the Section Commander *
*He noticed the protector and his attitudes, once his duties as over seer were completed, he approached a small shrine to make some prayers, he made sure to enter the place as another worshiper, and made clear that his presence there was a as an overseer from the guard, and not by any other implications, alas he was still a believer *
*Once the prayers were done, Aesthir approached to the old protector, and spoke to him while not otherwise engaged *
Greetings Protector *with a small bow of his head*
Thank you for the hospitality and security of this walls, this men really had proven themselves in the name of the Gold and deserve a proper ritual and resting place, It was indeed a hard battle, one I'd wish there won't be need to repeat anytime soon. *once he says that he introduces himself* My name is Aesthir Stargazer, Lieutenienta of the Vehl Guard, I am here as an overseer of the proceedings, to secure the safety of the town, and investigating the anomalies that led to this tragedy.
I am in the understanding that you and the people here will hold the rituals for the Section Comander and the fallen, I had the blessing to met the captain just for some days before his demise, a kindred soul must say, One that surely the world will miss, In the short experience I had with him, I was convinced of his faith on the golden, putting duty and honor in good standing.
*The man awaits for his acknowledgement and reply*
The pair step out onto the road begin their walk toward the south, moving at a careful pace to take in the terrain and the potential for cover, should it be needed. Though their heads are hooded, their faces are unshrouded and easily visible. They make no efforts to conceal their presence or approach.
They proceed forward in this way, eyes, ears and other senses alert for the approaching "anomaly". When the figure can be seen, they take up a more normal traveling pace, and when it is within a couple dozen yards, the male of the pair gives a friendly wave to their fellow traveler.
Vincent had been riding down the road at a pretty good clip after leaving the Inn. He felt relieved that the inn keepers and their employees had not decided to make an attempt at “stringing him up” for the damage to their establishment. Dalianavera had come to him again. Probably because he was “special”… he was a “specialist after all. She was lucky she had him. Now that he thought about it further, the whole kingdom of Brelin was lucky they had him.
Vincent was so absorbed in his own thoughts and ramblings that he did not notice the two other travelers on the road coming in his direction until he was about 25 yards away. He did not detect any danger as he looked them over and the male waved to him in a friendly manner.
Connor and AnnaLee see a tired looking man riding down the road towards them. Before he notices them they get the impression that he is totally immersed in his own thoughts and was even muttering to himself. Connor is a little perplexed with his personal observations.
//PM to be sent for Connor and AnnaLee’s observations regarding their special “skillsets.”
*Storold is still not very happy with the situation of the stones being closer to civilization. But having given up on straight up taking his frustrations with the acting commander out on said commander, he spends most of his time weaving protectings around the stones. Thereby hoping to minimize the threath they pose to Layonara as a whole and keeping them safe from outsiders trying to steal or manipulate them*
Unit Captain Vercilaas nods in approval as he watches Storold weave his enchantments around the stones. The containment barriers and wards he brings to life glow briefly before fading from the sight of those not trained in seeing and recognizing them. He leaves the room though without saying anything. Storold gets the impression that the Captain is still irritated over the heated discussions in the swamps.
The Lucindite Jason is in the room and informs Storold that he is going to start installing wards on the exterior walls of the monastery.
Mangus finds himself paying quick, close attention to Storold. His understanding of the wards that he is placing on the stones is distinctly limited by comparison yet one or two aspects of one or two of them almost seem vaguely familiar to him. Not enough to in any way truly comprehend them to be sure, but just enough for him to realize, that with specific training and focus he will someday be able to place such wards and have such wisdom.
He addresses Storold.
"Some day Er want's to learn yew prayers and prayers like dem. Some day... Er wants to be dat strong. Prove to me Gram Er turned out to be er good enough Orc. Good enough."
He looks directly at Storold.
"Et gonna defend dese stones Mr. Storold. Er gonna do deh best Er can. "
To himself he mumbles inaudibly and not comprehensively, "Unless ert all falls apart"
Vincent brings his horse to a halt as his way is momentarily blocked he gradually focusses attention suspiciously on the duo before remarking "Half Elves I'd expect. Long time since I have seen two half elves." He looks around the trees behind them, and back to the harmless pair. "Longer still since I have seen two half elves waving. Or were you perhaps drowning there, who can say ? No matter, I would have the road if you please!"
Foresta arrives at Jesom’s Hope somewhat later than the others having made her own way there after doing things druid. She contents herself with checking over the lifestyle of the monks and their garden areas while waiting for things to develop. Where she meets monks she warns them of impending imbalance to their ordered world. She appears neither specific or particularly worried on their behalf.
"Merely a greeting to a fellow traveller, sir," Connor says in polite reply. "This road belongs to all and no one. It is not mine to give or deny, but if you might spare a moment... You seem to be trying to put distance behind you. If you would, is there anything on the road south that might pose us a threat?"
Vincent seems to dramatically consider the land to the south, staring as if something might appear at any moment. "There is terrible danger everywhere for ..the unwary. Death stalks the dim and trusting. The road will take you careening through the darkest of dangers, into the ominous mysteries of petulant pitfiends, a veritable tempest of thrilling terror. It cannot necessarily be outrun. Indeed danger may come from a different direction. Some say true terror is the soft cold caress of a creatures wing. But I bear open my heart - perhaps these are merely the fears of a specialist, and nothing you should concern yourselves with. You should walk where you would. " He looks back from the still empty, and frankly rather unremarkable road to the south and turns to study the half elves once again, adding in a renewed and determined voice "I will be heading to the north, and Moraken's tower - whoever of us lives might revel in the fact that they chose the right direction!"
"Ah...well...." Connor responds with a nod. "We shall be cautious then, for if there is something on the road to bring fear to a specialist, it is possibly worth note. Farewell then on your journey north. Since you are destined there anyway, do please give my old colleague Moraken my regards. The name is Connor. Might I know your name, sir?"
"I Sir am Vincent Coste, be cautious if you will, or continue with your merrymaking and act according to your natures. But tell me, you say you know Moraken, then if so you will know he is a master of travel to the Pits. So am I of course! but I would consult with him. I have a need to travel. " He pauses reflecting on something and adds. "You half elves of all people must understand affairs of the heart cross races from time time, continents, allegiences, why not the very stars I ask you ?"
Connor spares a slow but brief glance at Anna for just a moment before his eyes return to Vincent. "Indeed, I do know this of Moraken," he replies. "It is quite common knowledge for those of this world who know his name. Though it may interest you, sir Vincent, that I know something Moraken does not."
Anna returns his look, her eyes relaying some silent message back to Connor. She turns a cool expression back to the traveler and begins to take in every inch of his demeanor, tells and that which cannot be seen by the average observer.
"Well I suppose we all know something Moraken doesn't - but please, enlighten me." Vincent quietly requests of Connor a little uncertainly.
Connor takes a step forward, his face and eyes focused on Vincent with an expression of curiosity and examination.
"Someone has written all over you," he says as his head tips slightly to the right.
"If you mean a bond and protection of supernatural strength of love even beyond life itself, then I may concur." He replies to Connor tilting his head to the left as he follows Connor's movement. "What kind of a man are you to question love this way?"
"Well..." replies Connor. "that certainly is a wonderful metaphor, and I would not be one to judge such a thing...though in truth I did refer to the play of strange, glowing runes about your skin. In such a case as they are one in the same, then I would ask you to entertain but one further question, and we may all be on our respective ways. Exactly how many Pits are you currently courting, sir?"
"I do not court a Pit, or Pits, I merely follow my heart, or the writing thereon you so aptly mention." He grimaces, mildly distressed at the apparent enormity of his words. "I cannot say how far it will take me or even how....so I cannot necessarily answer your question -why do you ask?" He looks at the two a little concerned and looking slightly like a trapped animal.
"Oh...No reason really..." Connor says with a shrug and a hint of a dismissive gesture. "except that you have strange writing all over your skin... and several Pits seem to be firmly attatching themselves to you, much like a fleet of boats held by the same anchor." There is a slight pause. "This just got a bit awkward, didn't it?"
Vincent clutches at his chest as he replies. "I feel the tapping at my heart, it guides me but others too, some visitors from the Pits perhaps, but for the love of such a rare and radient maiden I will not still my beating heart. From here I have endevoured to see into the darkness there - deep into the darkness peering, fearing, doubting even my own ability, doubting the truth that real love demands. It is as you say, by it's very nature, .....awkward. Merely this and nothing more!" There is a pause as he gathers his thoughts before he adds more dismissively. "But I have delayed you long enough I would be about my journey."
Five full squads of Rofirein knights stood at parade rest in the failing evening light outside the old stone walls of the monastery of Jesom’s Hope. Firelight from burning oil in a large brass urn reflected off their newly polished and cleaned armor. The urn was burnished to a bright gold color, and a large dragon was embossed on its side, its great body encircling the item. Unit Captain Vercilaas stood a few feet in front of the knights, his face solemn as he watched his friend’s father walk among the fallen before the ceremony began. Approximately five yards further were laid the bodies of 25 fallen knights of The Gold on wooden pyres, piles of tinder and dried wood branches stacked around each one. Wool blankets emblazoned with The Order’s compass were laid over the full length of their corpses.
The adventurers who had accompanied them from the swamps near Halin watched from the gate.
Protector Ognas Dreardan stopped at his son’s body. He placed a hand on the wool blanket covering Section Commander Dreardan and whispered, “I will miss you greatly my son. You have brought happiness to this old man and order to a land in need of the structure and guidance of our Lord Rofirein. You have served the people and your order with honor.” He then took his place near the burning urn, glanced at Ausir’s bright point in the evening sky, and gave a hand signal to proceed.
A bell was rung by a monk, its clear tone piercing the silence. Captain Vercilaas called his men to attention and a crashing sound echoed off of old stone as they did so in military unison. Protector Ognas Dreardan intoned in a firm and unwavering voice: “Lord Protector, we bid farewell to these knights who have fallen honorably in your service. They have given all there is to give. We now consign them to the protection of your embrace and the cleansing power of your fiery breath.”
The bell again rang and the name of a fallen knight was read by Protector Dreardan. The process continued until the name of each of the fallen was read. When the last name was read and the sound of the last ringing of the bell faded away, several monks carrying torches ignited the pyres holding the dead.
As Captain Vercilaas dismissed his men, a small meteor streaked through the sky and landed in a nearby clearing with a thudding sound. For some it was merely coincidence... but for the faithful it meant much more. Most headed off for bed or other duties. Protector Dreardan and Captain Vercilaas continued to watch the flames until they had consumed all there was to consume.
Foresta watches procedings from a distance unwilling or unable to disturb the Rofireinite procedings with her presence. However at its conclusion she sets off with a bag of 25 saplings and heads towards the scene of the meteorite crash with a view to planting her charges somewhere suitable nearby. "All is as it could be." she mutters as she exits the gates leaving the sounds of more traditional ceremony behind her.
*It was for sure a moment of pain, Aesthir would understand that, he won't suffer it or he had acted diferently, but certainly could empathize with the old man, he wanted to speak to him about the soul of his son, to explain that he even if not full in the investments he once were, was able to feel for the soul of the fallen captain, one that he had come to respect, and why not .. befriend. Alas the old protector was probably too consumed into his pain, or maybe he knew already . .. Anyway .. its better this way , he had to keep things separated and show that he was with the guard right now, even if his heart belong to the Gold, yes... had to be better this way *
*Aesthir was calm at least that the good section Commander soul was in a better place, he called upon the gold to bring him back, and the soul didn't came back. . The soul of the man resting on the Gold's embrace, ... yes it was better this way*
*His face didn't show any of this, he was calm and collected , his usual neutral face and maybe that creepy smile, he waited and watched with respect as the service processed, he remain away of the Rofirenites, watching closer than the others adventurers, paying his respects, but not too closer*
*Once he spend enough time to finish his own prayers, he leaves the place and moves away to the outskirts of the camp, he stops by and looks for watches on the outside, he has been a man of faith, but as also a pragmatic investigator, he was not going to simply let superstition rule the day, he infomrmed the people on the watch of his departure, and then wearing his armor and fully armed start to move towards the forest, after a couple of meters outside the camp, the man frame vanishes in thin air*
After the funeral rites are completed Aesthir excuses himself from those around him and walks to the perimeter of the cleared land around the monastery. The familiar smells and sounds of the swamps greet him. The skies are clear and the moonlight is bright. He calls upon the power of Rofirein and slowly fades from sight, not even the slow and careful tread of his boots making sound as the protective and concealing embrace of the Lord Protector envelopes him.
It does not take him long to find the impact site of the meteor. He finds a hole punched into the sod, and laying in a deep crease in the wet soil is a black iron meteor the size of a small pumpkin. The earth around the object is covered in a fine gold colored dust. He does not see anything that seems amiss or of danger. To the contrary he feels calm, collected, and at peace. As he contemplates what he is seeing he notices Foresta making her way to the perimeter of the clearing. She has an armful of willow saplings and has begun excavating small holes for what appears to be planting of the small trees.
-----
As Foresta plants the small willow trees, she contemplates many things. The act of planting and nurturing is comforting for her. Facilitating new life after the loss of others seems right… seems like balance. She knows in her heart that someday this will be a great grove… one that will outlast the stones of Jesom’s Hope and the monks taking shelter inside. She wonders if there will be stories that survive that tell the tale of the birth of this grove. She wonders if other druids will take responsibility for its care after she has returned to the earth from where her life sprung…
Connor blinks a few times at Vincent's reply, looking back quietly for a couple moments before replying. "Right then..." Connor says. "Off you go. Safe journeys and all. Good luck on the path your heart would lead you, but do have care what you bring along with you. You are a beacon, sir Vincent, and more than just this love you speak of may be attracted to you because of this." He pauses and moves symbolically out of Vincent's path with a easy, sweeping gesture.
"I will delay you no further this day," he continues. "yet if you entertain another visitor in the deep of night who is as noisy as the last, we may see each other again."
Vincent Coste offers a polite wave of the hand and meanders northwards, and is soon alone with his thoughts.
"A beacon eh, Vincent the beacon, and Connor, what of him and his warning, a beacon slayer perhaps! What indeed am I trailing in my wake I wonder. What of Dalianavera, still beguiling all of my sad soul, those firey eyes burned into my very core, runes around my heart and more. Tell me I implore, is it real, can there really be hope for such a couple, specialist and servant of the Pit.
He looks all around him nervously and hastes his horse to faster speed.
. . . . Such feeling ...
*Aesthir stayed there for a moment enjoying the calmness of the peace, his mind back to when he was a kid , when the terors of the dark seemd to far, back in the day before the ill-fated day that man arrived to his house to break his life, memories of times long past, of a sister he never saw again, the moment of peace was sucking him off the reality, he forced himself back to reality , pain was there for a reason, and the terrors of the world was not going to stop themselves, long ago he made peace with the fact that his life is not of glory and joy, he had to be the one who stopped the darkness to push forward, the one who does what others doesn't have the guts to. .. painful lessons of late remind him the dangers of straying one such dangerous path *
*He returned to the place he were the golden dust spread over the small area affected by the impact of the starmetal, he observed the pink dressed girl with the plans from his etherealness, then looked into the metal again, he closed his eyes, and focused on the starmetal piece, atuning his magical senses to it, but aside that sensing with his faith, looking for a familiar feeling and above that... the understanding of what to do with this starmetal piece *
Although the sound of the 25th tolling of the bell had passed some time ago, the sound was imbedded in Mangus’s mind, intertwining with thoughts of Commander Dreardan and the unfolding events of the last few weeks. He had never been to a Rofirein funeral like that. It made him proud to have been one of those chosen to fight with the Commander… and it made him sad to know that such a great man had been taken from their midst. He walked slowly toward the impact location lost in thought. Mosquitos and midge flies floated around him in voluminous clouds. The large moon's silver light was bright and it seemed to cast a comforting blanket over everything it touched, keeping the darkness at bay... but it also marked him as a target for the little insects. Mangus’s thoughts drifted to an old lullaby his Gram used to sing to him in her gravelly and comforting voice when he was a child.
“Ausir's Silver, Orn is White,
One is always in my sight,
With the stars that shine so bright,
Guarding me throughout the night. When the dawn comes they are gone
But I know, not gone for long.
When the night comes they'll be there
Shining down their light so fair.”
Mangus always liked the moons. He found himself humming the tune to himself inexplicably.
As he approached the perimeter of the clearing he saw Foresta the druid carefully and with an experienced and practiced hand planting saplings. At first he thought it strange, but then the significance dawned upon him as he counted, one, two, three… and he realized the number would most likely stop at 25.
--------------
Connor watched the back of Vincent as he proceeded down the road. The man was a “strange bird” for sure. It was difficult to determine if he was daft, eccentric, or merely putting on a show. The half elf was willing to bet it was one of the three…
Anna gave Connor another one of her knowing looks; the ones that often conveyed volumes of information. She thought to herself that things were likely to become much more “complicated.” A wry smile accompanied that thought.
--------------
Vincent contemplated Connor’s words as he rode on… “A beacon.” What did that mean? Why was he her beacon? He was sure she could have chosen or forced someone else… or something else. Why him? Why Vincent “the specialist?” Well of course! Because he was special! But there must be more to it…
Deep inside he found himself actually hoping there was more to it. Moraken might shed some light on this. Hopefully he would anyway. There was that word again. "Hope." A pesky word.
--------------
Reality was like a cold splash of water. The pain returned… or perhaps it never left. Aesthir shrugged his shoulders. Duty called, as it always did, and like a good soldier he answered the call. He moved closer to the impact point to get a better look.
From his ethereal shroud he examined the meteor and the golden dust. The small meteor was iron. He could see the edges reflecting Ausir’s bright light. It had been scoured and cleansed by fire before it struck the ground. It seemed fitting under the circumstances. Aesthir wondered if the metal could be worked as he trailed a few fingers through the golden colored dust around it. As he closed his eyes and attuned his senses to the Al’Noth, he did not feel anything significant… but there was something. Something he had not felt in a very long time. He quickly withdrew his fingers from the dust. Almost guilty he stared at his fingers. It was with difficulty that he held back a tear that threatened to run down his cheek.
--------------
//I have PM’s related to this string that will be going out soon. My message box is down right now, so as soon as Dorg gives it a swift kick in the britches I’ll have those out. Aesthir, Connor, and Anna may want to hold off on posting until those are sent, as the messages may influence decisions and actions.
*He steadied himself, he swear to never cry again, not since his youth, and only once he had broken that promise, it won't happen again, it can't happen again.*
*As he observed the dust, he pondered on the situation, this had not to be done in a official way though, it was fortuite of course and a sign maybe, or maybe he was just there on the right place at the right moment, he focuses on his ethereal form and appeared out of nowhere in the scene, not before giving a small silent prayer to the gold, as he appeared he already had a bag ready, diligently he start to collect the dust and the iron piece from the ground, making sure that it was cold already before even touching it, what to do of it it would be decided, but for now it was for sure he was not going to let this here abandoned
A finding to make him think about his future, about his past, of what defines him as a person and the things he had sacrified in the process to get here, or. ... a simple piece of iron from the stars.
- We mortals are indeed small - *he whispered to himself as he finished picking up the rests of the things, somehow the feeling of calmness was still with him, he didn't fight it, he absorbed it and focused his mind into a goal for the world instead of a feeling to be held for himself, a world where the guilty gets punished, for those non guilty and obedient of the law to live good*
*He start to walk back to the camp, looking at the druid girl in her pink / maple clothes , for any action or words, but he seems to have a clear intention to return to the campsite*
Connor and Anna watch the combined form of Vincent and his horse receed into the distance. They speak quietly but in great detail about the recent encounter and what to do next. When Vincent can no longer be seen, they resume their walk back toward the Red Raccoon. When their talk is concluded, they pause, share a brief but warm embrace, and part. Anna continues her walk back to the Inn while Connor simply vanishes in a brief flare of magic.
Several hours later, Connor and Anna arrive back in the area of the Red Raccoon, the latter on foot and the former appearing as suddenly as he disappeared hours later. They share a few words of greeting and walk together to the Inn's public portal. In a few moments, the portal flares briefly, they step in one at a time, and disappear.
-----
The following morning, not long after first light, the same pair appears in Co'rys, a short distance from Jesom's Hope. Connor takes a few moments to get his bearings, his eyes closed for the first few moments of this, before they start walking toward the monastery's gates.
*Connor senses a lingering taste of some type of planar activity. It is not currently active and has a flavor that he has come to know all too well. His previous encounter with the strange rider comes to mind. The general direction is that of the monastery.*
As the two half eves approach the old stone monastery they can sense something is amiss. Several monks are seen on the roof tops in lookout positions and Rofirein Knights are patrolling the perimeter of the compound. Adventurers can also be seen about. Hands are on weapons and there is a feeling of… tension. An alarm bell tolls and a Calvary squad quickly issues from the gate and rides in their direction. The armored Rofirein Knights rein in their war horses as they approach the half elves and the lead rider issues a challenge. “Ho there! I am Unit Captain Vercilaas of The Gold. What is your business here strangers?”
As this interaction is taking place. Another rider approaches from the Fort Vehl Road. He is wearing armor with the Vehl Guard’s colors and his spear carries a fluttering banner of Co’rys. Like the two half elves, he stops a fair distance away and yells to the Rofirein knights, “Sergeant Kalvin of the Vehl Guard! I carry word for Lieutenant Aethir Stargazer from Captain Andrew of the Vehl Guard!”
As hoofs begin to beat the ground, the smaller of the two half elves pales and clutches at the slightly larger half elf's arm. Subtle magic springs up around them, warding away potential evil. She steps in close to the other, giving their forms a blended appearance from a distance.
As the horse approaches from the other direction she utters something dark and ugly to her Companion. Then turns slightly so she can maintain easy visual of both sets.
“Iremlaala...” mutters the larger of the pair to the other at about the time the smaller makes her preparations and puts herself on guard.
In contrast, the larger of the two seems undaunted and unintimidated by the approaching riders. The pair continue walking until they find their path blocked by the number and proximity of riders. Coming to a stop several steps away from the Unit Captain, the larger of the two turns his face up to the man on horseback and grins a little.
“Excellent!” says the taller of the pair. “Very thoughtful to send an escort. Please... show us in, if you will. We are expected.”
Unit Captain Vercilaas motions towards Sergeant Kalvin of the Vehl Guard and says, “Verify his identity and take him to Lieutenant Stargazer if he checks out.” Two of his men spur their horses forward, meet up with the Vehl Guardsman, and after a short conversation and an exchange of documents they escort him toward the monastery gate. The heavy barding and armored warhorses of the knights made a stark contrast to the lithe stallion of the courier.
The Unit Captain turns his attention back towards the two half elves. His helmet visor is up and they do not sense any overt hostility… but there is caution and tension in his eyes. They also notice that his hand strays towards the pommel of his sword. He says in a polite but firm tone… “We are expecting people, some are welcome and some not. Please provide some documentation of your identity. It would be unfortunate if you fell into the category of unwelcome visitors.” He then nods towards Anna, “It is not our intent to cause undue anxiety to the Lady. Please understand that security is currently a high priority.”
//PM to be sent to Mr. Stargazer...
Anna blinks in surprise at the Rofireinite captain as he orders the messenger escorted in so easily. She gives a cool look at the Toranite and horse as they pass by, though she shrinks back minutely.
When they are asked for “documentation” she makes an odd sort of face and looks towards the captain but her eyes look back to his beast and she stiffens once again.
“Documentation?” says the taller of the pair with a measure of disbelief but otherwise remaining well at ease. “Unwelcome visitors? Are we to be threatened with violence, Unit Captain...Vertex, was it?” The speaker raises one eyebrow and pauses only briefly before continuing to speak. “We are here by invitation, and we carry no 'documentation' that you would accept as valid, so do be a good lad, break this circle of men and beasts, and escort us within, where I'm sure our identities will be confirmed to your satisfaction.”
Unit Captain Vercilaas smiles. “Yes, "unwelcome visitors"… which we have not ascertained at this point you would be classified as. Also, my name is pronounced “V-e-r-c-i-l-a-a-s.” (He enunciates it.) Provide your name and who you represent… if you do represent anyone, and the name of the person who invited you. Otherwise you will not be granted admittance to the monastery. Hopefully I make myself abundantly clear? It will be very easy for me to have the person who invited you come out to verify, and we can put this…awkward situation behind us.”
The semicircle of mounted Rofirein Knights make no indication that they intend to move out of your way. In fact most of them are fingering weapons now, and there is some increased tension in the air.
*Aesthir is seen storing something as the messenger comes in, he returns and nods at the man , with a good salute* Good to see you, Kalvin, Make yourself at home.
**he takes the scrollcase and reads the one from Andrew, a slight frown appear on his face, yet he returns to his usual calm and calculating look*
Well, seems we have work to do here, Kalvin? Are you familiar with the situation we got here?
*If he is not, he will give the basics of it, how the events unfolded and the dangers that the stones represent are, he leaves aside anything regarding magic or such terms from the probably unstudied in the field things to the guard*
And what is the outburst out there?
Kalvin takes everything he is told in his usual semi-stoic manner and whistles when Aesthir is done. “You’ve been busy.”
In response to the last question he answers, “The Knights have a couple of half elves detained on the road. I think they were heading here. I think I rode up just as they were arriving. It looked a little “tense” out there.” He grins.
*Aesthir nods slowly at the reply, standing by the entrance of the tent , he watches as where the events are being unfolded, he still attaired in his armor with the Vehl guard colors , once he realizes where the conmotion is, he gestures to the man to come with him, and proceed towards where the half elves are, not before casting a true sight on himself, he takes a conservative stance , moving to the outskirts of the circle, trying to measure the situation and of course not making the authority of the Captain to look less, and eventually coming closer to the circle*
The taller half-elf smiles broadly, though its meaning is unclear. "Oh, I can assure you of two things, Unit Captain V-e-r-c-i-l-a-a-s," he says, enunciating similarly and maintaining calm within his voice and demeanor. "The first is that I can gain entrance to your monastery with or without your leave, though I would prefer to avoid making a mess."
The half-elf takes a step toward the Captain, keeping his eyes to the mounted man. "Second, I will give you no information under threat of sword, so unless you would deal with the stones and all their consequences on your own, tell your men to stand down and withdraw...or tell us what law we have broken, Servant of the Gold, and arrest us."
As the half-elf takes a step forward and makes his statement the Knights quickly begin drawing weapons and spreading their formation. The Unit Captain also frowns when he hears Connor mention the “stones.” His demeanor immediately becomes suspicious. As this is taking place he says, “You will not gain entrance to our monastery without my leave sir. Attempting to do so will put you in a position of trespass on Rofirein property. Under the current circumstances, we will use deadly force to stop you if necessary… and it will be justified."
-------
*As Aesthir approaches the mounted Knights he sees the situation degenerating very quickly. His professional assessment of the Knights and their demeanor is that an offensive action is imminent, and his past dealings with the Unit Captain does not give him any hope that a "cooler head" will prevail once that begins. Weapons have been drawn and there is a lot of... "enuncinating" going on between the Captain and the half-elf. The female half-elf appears to be very agitated and uncomfortable...*
// If this is going to go to combat shoot me a PM. We can set an in-game date to resolve. ;-)
When swords are drawn the female half-elf rolls her eyes a bit. A silent prayer for patience in dealing with tactless soldiers is cast up, hoping to keep herself Balanced rather than irritated and sarcastic. Seeing how the events are going thus far, however, she begins readying herself to call up some potentially necessary spells.
"And, you, sir," says the half-elf. "will not learn the truth of the stones without me. I am here by request and favor, and I can easily return should your hospitality worsen, but I will not be threatened."
"So I say again, sir..." he continues before his voice takes on a more serious tone. "Sheathe...your...swords."
*Aesthir gestures to Kalvin to go back to the place where the stones are guarded and to stay put there, he makes sure he doesn't make any visible sign towards any particular place, then moves forward at the conmotion, he doesn't run, but walks steadily fast, then speaks once he is close enough , as he hears the replies from Connor he approaches *
Good people, lets not make the work of the enemy easier, words and intents could be easily misunderstood, lets make things with clear head and civilized ways.
*At this moment he manages to get at least closer to the circle, his demeanor as not threatening but neither shy*
*he nods at the two half elves then to the captain* I am Aesthir Stargazer, *more with the intent of stating that to newcomers* I am here representing Co'rrys and Vehl interests *The man wears the colors of the guard on his armor, then speaks to the Captain* Of this two travelers I had traveled in the past if any scarcedly, and this gentleman is an ally to the gold, or at least was so during the last time we traveled together, Even if I don't know the reasons for them to be here, i could guess it. I can tell you that there is no need for innecesary violence sir.
*Then he speaks to the two half elves, he give a more acknolegeable nod at Anna*Its been a while since we had met, and again not in the most favorable circunstances. An invitation and a favor you say? By Storold I presume?
*Aesthir observes the two and then to the Captain, hoping that his interruption had managed to calm the animosity of the situation*
The Unit Captain frowns again, “Then you can identify yourself and state who “requested” your presence in order that we may verify you are not an agent of the enemy before you are allowed inside the monastery. That is my final word sir. If you do not like it… there’s the road.” *He points his sword in the general direction behind Connor with a disgusted look*
...and the enunciations continue.
The Unit Captain looks to Aesthir after he speaks, then back to the two half-elves. If you are vouching for them Lieutenant, that is good enough for me. I will require their names though. He looks back to Aesthir as he sheathes his sword. His men follow suit. He makes a hand signal and his men wheel their horses about and head back toward the monastery gate. He watches Aesthir, awaiting his response.
"Right then..." says the taller half-elf, seemingly satisfied with the alacrity by which the stand-off has abated. "Since you've finally listened to reason, my name's Connor. Two O's...two N's. I represent myself in this matter, though I can give my credentials if you ask nicely. As for who invited me, that would be a man named Storold. I trust he is still here and can confirm all I have said."
Unit Captain Vercilaas looks thoughtful for a second, “Storold… that explains a lot.” He then looks to Aesthir and says “They are your charges while in the monastery Lieutenant. Please see that they do not inadvertently injure themselves… You might also want to start getting them up to speed regarding our situation. The reason for our caution might make more sense to him then.” He shakes his head and digs his spurs lightly into his warhorse which responds by taking him away from Connor, Anna, and Aesthir. He rides to his men and begins organizing a patrol.
*As Connor, Anna, and Aesthir are speaking and moving in the general direction of Jesom’s Hope, a few things are immediately noted by both Connor and Anna. Not too far from the main gate are 25 separate patches of scorched earth. There are also powerful wards applied to the walls of the compound. You guess from their style and composition that they are Lucindite.
Anna, the Heartsong and resonances of the surrounding area are a jumble. You feel fear, anger, sorrow, and loss. It vibrates from the surrounding rocks, the trees, and the walls of Jesom’s Hope. The vibrations come from all directions, but are originating in the general area of the monastery. It feels like men preparing for battle, for the unknown and possibly even death. The resonances are recent and ongoing.*
*Aesthir replies to the captain with a small smile as if finding funny an invisible irony*
It is more than what you think, Good Captain, I may need to speak with you once we are back to the monastery, its a matter of urgency, due the developments on this place.
*He then returns to the half elves as they walk forward towards the monastery* Welcome, Sir Storold has prepared some wards for the stones, we appreciate the help you two could provide with this ugly situation, I am not sure how familiar you are with this, but I'll explain the short version to you and the facts so we are in the same base ground. If you consider its safe to speak now of course.
*The man walks alongside the half elves towards the camp , and in the general way where Storold may be hanging *
Mangus approaches Forresta with his hands out in front of him. He sees that she is busy planting trees and he does not want to surprise her unexpectedly.. "Er...greetn's Miss...Foresta is it? Erm... Er'm Mangus! You saved me down in dat cave where we found dem stones."
He tries to smile in such a way so that his toothy grin will not come across quite as deplorably as usual but inwardly he realizes he probably looks just as menacing to her as any other time.
"Well, yew said Er could repay's yew iff'n Er planted er tree. So...Er wants to pay me debt. Er wants to help yew plant some er dem trees!"
He looks around at the landscape where the celesteral rock crashed into the earth.
"Sakes! What happened here?!"
Connor and Anna walk along with Aesthir as they make their way into the monastery.
"Considering how picky the Captain seems to be," Connor responds with a bit of a grin. "and considering that our 'enemy' already knows what happened, I would suspect it is safe enough for you to describe the events that have happened so far."
Foresta pauses in her work to speak with Magnus. She does not seem to react to his appearance one way or the other but is seemingly distracted by the hand trowel in her hand, tapping in against an older tree than the one she has been planting. "The question Magnus is - do YOU want to help by planting?"
She hands him the trowel and leads him to where she has been fixing a failed plant. She shows Magnus the sapling waiting to be planted. She chuckles to herself at his question about the site and adds "It seems I need to replace a sapling, and here you are..the Rofireinites need a sign, and here from the skies, is a shattered rock. Perhaps there is something about this place or time but...hey one sapling at a time...but we should get back I think as soon as we are done here." She looks to the skies and some circling birds.
*Aesthir walking with the other two, nods* The good captain means well, yet he needs to learn a bit more about the wisdom in life, Leadership fell upon him all of sudden since the previous senior officer is no longer among the living. Alas that doesn't justify his extreme actions at times, but well ....
*He continues walking* I meant to ask cause i don't know what had you seen on the way here, when the pits are involved i've learned that no precaution is enough, the stones we are about to see were found in a crypt some miles to the north, it was used as a portal, what we have here is just part of the said portal, which was disrupted by one of the creatures we found there .
During the assault I was following a particular pattern in the Al'noth, which help us to find the position of the stones, They were found facing one against the other in direction to the four cardinal points. We found a large group of pit creatures, with fiery eyes and wings down that place, some of them able to comand powerful magics. At the time we finally reached the room where the portal was, there were gylphs glowing on them, one of the pit fiends that were in the room, destroyed one of the four stones, at the moment of our arrival. The three surviving stones are held in this monastery. The glyps vanished once the stones were moved from the place, and just recently had blinked with the gylphs.
We learned originally of the portal thanks to a pit fiend that this good knights caught and interrogated in the area of Center back in Brelin. This pit fiend escaped as its my understanding, i was not present at the moment of its escape since I was doing a research on the "pattern in the al'noth " i told you previously. This first pit fiend apparently was able to affect mortal minds, and with ease must say.
I am sure that Storold Sir, could confirm and expand a bit more on this subject.
**He continues walking awaiting for their reply*
*Storold is spending his time in the monestary in deep concentration close to the Stones, he is focusing on the Al'Noth to ensure that no one is scrying from afar or trying to enter the Pit of Layonara from them*
Mangus digs several holes around the area in dog like fashion. It is clear that digging holes is something he is quite good at. But when it comes to planting the trees in the holes and the sensitivities needed for them to be planted well, in this area he falls short. It takes him a rather long time to get just one tree planted properly. But with patients he manages to get it done. When he and Forresta are finished planting the trees, he follows Forresta back to the monastery.
"I would like to see the stones first," says Connor, his head already looking in their direction while he continues to follow Aesthir's lead as they walk through the monastery. "At some point, I might be curious about the crypt, but one thing at a time."
*Aesthir nods slowly upon the reply* Of course, that is what you came all this way after all. The crypt may not be inmediately available, but I can point out the whereabouts of its location to you of course.
*He lets a smalls space before continuing* The stones are a bit more safe here, than it was in the wild, at least the conditions for its defense had improved, even if they were not as dormant as we thought they were, they had a small spark of activation not much time ago, and for now the stones has to remain here by order of the Guard of Co'rrys , This new developments just happened and in the same time as your arrival.
Yet there are some ways to work with this which I can discuss privately with you once the proper examination of the stones is ready. Lets just say that there are other cogs in motion.
*As they aproach Aesthir guides Connor and Anna thru the halls towards the hall where the stones are, alongside with the Rofirenite guard and Storold*
Connor simply nods and listens to Aesthir as they walk. When they reach the stones, Connor pauses and regards them first from a distance, partly for caution and partly to allow Storold to become aware of his presence and not upset the Protector's efforts. From a point where all three stones can be held in his view, Connor turns his senses toward the space around the stones, looking for any effect they may be having on their surroundings.
*As Storold discovers the newcommers to the room he turns and bows deeply to Connor and AnnaLee*
Sorceror Connor and miss AnnaLee, I am glad to see that you answered my calling. Hopefully you can help in identifying the true nature of these stones and either get them to a safer place or dispose of their magic in a safe way. I do not have much to report on the workings of the stones myself, I can only tell that they are not from here and that they might pose a threat to the public if they were to fall in the wrong hands. So I have done my best to ensure that no one could find them and that they were not activated from some other Pit.
Having grown increasingly reliant on Connor's support down the hall, Anna is in the room only a few moments before she goes limp and crumples to the floor.
*Vrebel watches with a grin as Connor and Anna enter the "stones area". He temporarily lays down his card game that he was playing with one of the Rofireinite cooks and smiles at the interchange between Storold and them.*
"Glad you all arrived. Hope the gaurds out front weren't too much trouble. The new commander don't take too kindly to outsiders if you know what I mean. Anyways have a look at the stones and get her *motioning to Anna* some water while yer at it."
Foresta arrives back in time to see a group of guards discussing some sort of 'what if' scenarios about half elves. Listening in as is her want - she believes these particular 'what ifs' don't seem to end too well for the guards. She shrugs and is moved to spend a little time with the guards in case any of them are encouraged to consider a career change at this troublesome time.
"You see how dangerous objects draws dangerous people, and these two are just the start - it is like some great circle of life...have I talked to you about the circle of life....no..how remiss...let me explain." She starts off engaging them in one of her ready sound bites that finishes up some considerable time later talking about a much more tranquil grove recently planted not so very far away.
A cook scuttles by in search of water on some urgent errand. She turns to Magnus "As sure as a thorn in the wild is better than two in the thumb - that spells trouble. I wonder what'll happen next...or mybe I should say who!"
*Aesthir smirks a bit upon Storold reply to the newcomers apparently had not acknoledging his presence, but doesn't make any more remark to him on that , as this happens he instructs the Vehl Guard to go and look for the captain, to see if he has a spare moemnt to talk, once he has finished then he speaks*
- Its indeed of dire importance that the nature of the stones be determined, as far as for moving them it would become problematic, since other circunstances had entered to the game, I am bound to inform to the Captain that the stones has to remain here for the time being, since Vehl guard has taken them into custody, and this has been put into me as a burden to carry on with this. There is of course my desire to have this stomes to put more people into danger. And so .. there are other ways we could persue to do things smoothly. I do hope to have your cooperation in this mater, i do think that something can still be done about this guard claim. But of course i may need your help. -
*He looks upon Vrebel as he comes closer, then as Anna falls to the ground he is ready to help, but of course being Connor the one that is closer, he doesn't get in the middle for him or Storold to help her first, *
Connor has enough time to nod in acknowledgment to Storold before Anna collapses. He's able to slow but not prevent her descent, and he kneels down to the floor with her. Knowing Anna as he does and seeing her still conscious though limp, he breathes a little easier. "Let's get you out of here," he says to her quietly before starting to gather her up.
"She needs to be away from these," Connor says more loudly to the others in the room and to no one in particular. "Is there somewhere she can recover?"
*When the cook rushes in with the flask of water Vrebel grunts revealing his Ark'Neth creature card and dumps the rest of his cards on the table. He sighs a bit frustrated but takes the flask and walks over to Connor and Anna.*
"Guess either the stones or the ale got to her." *He bends down helping Connor with Anna as he talks* "I ain't real sure whats safe but seems we need to get her outa here. Maybe we could use Captain Vercilaas' tent."
*Vrebel offers Connor a questioned look with a bit of a smirk and then hollars toward some monks to help them with directions*
Anna jerks under the force of Verbel's volume and drags her arms up protectively over her head, the movement limp and mostly ineffectual. Her form curls inward somewhat.
Connor politely shakes his head a little. "No, thank you, but she doesn't need water," he says while gathering her to him and starting to stand. "She needs to move."
He looks down at Anna as he begins to walk back out of the room. "Let me know when you feel better," he says to her quietly.
*Hands on his hips, Vrebel stares down at Anna briefly and then watches as Connor leaves the room*
"Your welcome." *a quick nod to Connor* "Let me know if ya'll need anything else"
*He gazes around the room and sets the water flask on a table nearby Anna. He then heads back to his card table and takes the cook's mug of ale and swigs it*
*Storold frowns deeply as Connor and Anna starts to leave*
I am sorry that I could not keep the influence of the stones more contained. I hope that miss Anna will have a speedy recovery and that we can remove or contain this powerful magic in time before someone uses it against the people or even worse against magic. I will help do whatever is nessesarry in order for these stones to be dealt with in accord with the desires of Lucinda.
*Storold seems to also completely ignore Aesthirs comments about the stones being in custody of the Vehl guards*
Connor stiffens a little and a chaotic series of events begins to unfold…
The three remaining stones in the monastery room flair to life. Their dull surfaces shimmer and white spider-like glyphs, invisible to the naked eye before, crawl across their surface. Two Rofirein Knights who had been standing guard inside the room clamber over each other to get out and begin drawing weapons. Their cries start a general alarm and a “call to battle stations.” Storold is jerked out of his interaction with the other adventurers, and Aesthir is stopped abruptly as he was starting to respond to Storold’s last comment. Vreeble’s cards fly out of his hands as he reacts in lightning speed to a flash of light from the room housing the stones.
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Storold – A PM is being sent.
Connor – A PM is being sent.
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//OOC Except for Vincent –
Vincent was riding down the road after a delicious campfire breakfast and a cup of hot coffee. The morning was beginning to warm up and he was making good time, whistling a low tune to himself while he contemplated what he was going to say when he arrived at Moraken’s tower.
In a thunderous flash, his horse reared and threw him; it then bolted off the road into thick underbrush and disappeared, clods of dirt kicked up in its fear fueled run. He thought lightning had struck nearby, but as he sat up he saw Dalianavera rushing toward him, panic in her face. She hissed, “My little Vincent, you must go now! You must stay hidden until I come for you!” She grabbed his wrist and with her free hand flung a dozen silver balls the size of grapes into the air, white glyphs already beginning to crawl across their surface. In one fluid motion, still grasping Vincent tightly she squatted and slapped the ground. All Vincent remembered was another flash of light accompanied by thunder and a glimpse of a sack over Dalianavera’s shoulder. If anyone would have been watching they would have seen the man and the silver balls blink out of existence.
Vincent stumbles as he seems to appear out of thin air on a small hillside overlooking the town of Center. Dalianavera is nowhere to be seen. He feels a little dizzy, his stomach in knots, as if he had fallen from a great height. The silver balls she had thrown into the air were nowhere to be seen.
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//OOC for everyone –
Within seconds of Vincent and the small silver balls disappearing there is a second crashing sound that echoes over the roadway and reverberates into the surrounding hillsides. Dalianavera rotates on the balls of her feet like a cat, a grimace showing a mouth full of needle-sharp teeth, and red electrical energy cascades from her outstretched hands as she strafes the roadway with a torrent. Stone melts and vegetation is vaporized. The newcomer, a short black-haired woman looks very similar to Dalianavera, small bat-like wings and a reptilian tail protruding from her custom made clothing. She winks out of sight, and then appears nearby… avoiding Dalianavera’s brutal attack. The newcomer looks to the side for a brief second and grins as she snaps her fingers and disappears with a thundering crash and flash of white light. Dalianavera quickly slaps the ground and disappears in a similar manner. Silence then envelopes the surrounding area. No birds chirp and no animals move about for a long period of time.
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In 12 places throughout Layonara, many of them in Brelin and Co’rys, small silver balls appear out of thin air and drop onto the ground. They hum faintly and bright white script flows over their surface.
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On the snowy island of Krashin, one such ball falls into a barbarian camp on the beach of a long and deep fjord. Their longboats were pulled ashore and they were preparing for a long fishing trip. One of the large fur clad men saw the sphere drop to the ground and he bent over to pick it up, a puzzled look on his face. As he straightened up, two pit creatures winked into view. The explosive concussion of their arrival blew him into the cold water near the longboats and many of the other men onto their backs, and they quickly began scrambling for cover and what they hoped would be safety.
The shorter of the two fiends shouted “You have betrayed your Emperor and our Order sister! How could you have fallen so low! You have conspired against our brothers and our Way!”
Dalianavera grimaced, “No! It is you my sister who have committed the sin of betrayal! You… and our Emperor!”
Few places on Layonara have seen the magnitude of the battle that then ensued. The energies unleashed were near cataclysmic. Time stopped. Fire fell from portals high in the air. Trees were stripped from the surrounding mountain sides in gale-force wind shears. Lightings composed of positive and negative energies crossed paths. Anti-matter met matter in displays of total annihilation. In the end, one of them fell.
Dalianavera knelt next to her fallen sister as she lay dying, and the mortally wounded pit fiend spat, “I curse you my sister. In another life I will find you and destroy you. Was this child you carry in your belly worth it?” She chuckled and blood ran from the corner of her mouth as she saw Dalianavera look to her stomach. “Yes… I know. I can sense when another of our kind is conceived. Why did you do this?”
Dalianavera frowned again, “I did it because I must. Nearly nine centuries ago our powers were harnessed by our great emperor to wage war for the sake of law and order. New worlds were opened up… new frontiers. We served The Golden One…. the Great Dragon of Law. Over time, conquest became nothing more than conquest, a tool of chaos. We have burned worlds. Committed genocides. Enslaved nations. It is time to restore order.” With a quick and fluid movement Dalianavera severed her sister’s head from her neck with a long curved dagger and deposited it into the sack on her shoulder… with the two others already contained within. “His mandate to rule has ended. It is time to make right what has become so wrong.”
She stood up, looked around briefly, and then warped space and time in her usual manner and teleported away.
A severely injured man crawled from the rocks at the edge of the shore where he had wedged himself. His body was burned and broken. He grasped a small silver ball in his hand. His eyes saw nothing though, as the bright lights had taken his vision. He heard the discussion between the two strangers, but the language was alien. He did not understand what was said. He sobbed, as he knew in his heart there was no way his family had survived what had just occurred.
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* This plot line will soon be scheduled for an online session to tie things up. Expect this thread to remain open for another week or so. Thank you all for your steady involvement*
Foresta had barely uttered the words "I wonder what'll happen next." when Vreeble’s cards fly out of his hands as he reacts in lightning speed to a flash of light from the room housing the stones. She smugly turns to her audience of potential converts with a well developed but overused - I told you so and see what happened type of shrug.
However as the seconds tick by she considers that her usual course of action - lets just wait and see how it all ends up, is going to leave her firmly in a dangerous place. She makes herself scarce, this time in inoffensive cat shape.
*Two bugbear bezerkers and a heroisom card....a sure fire win most of the time. Vrebel, almost in slow motion, watches as the cards are in mid air. Another frustrated grumble and then he intinctively draws his greatsword and rushes to the flash of light in the temple room placing himself between Anna and the stones.*
"Brace yerselves folks! Anything comin' out of these stones gonna getta Layonora welcome thanks to my blade!"
*He assumes a defensive posture and concentrates on the stones and for....anything...that may come from them*
The stones continue to glow and a slight hum can be heard… which stops every 30 seconds on the spot, there is a slight clicking sound, and then the hum continues. There is no evidence of a planar rift, gate, or other disruption in frequency.
Vincent found himself on his hands and knees, horseless, breathless, and in his heart of heart he sensed he was faraway, though below him he could see a rudimentary community, something not fully developed....Center he suddenly grasped.
Vincent gave himself a shake, checked his belongings, and started to regain something of his dignity. Travelling in such a manner of course was not unknown to him. He could teleport, he had been to the pits - he was a specialist was he not.
“My little Vincent, you must go now! You must stay hidden until I come for you!” was ringing in his distressed ears. He routinely shrouded himself with invisibilty all the time suspecting it was going to take a lot more to stay..hidden. He moved off to where he could watch both Center below, and the place he had suddenly materialised only a few moments before.
He watched, wondering why here, why back at Center...he considered further travel likely pointless for the moment.
*Storold seems a little worried at first but soon calms down*
I don't think we will have any problems here... However this activation of the stones seems rather strange. Can you see why they are acting up like this Connor?
Connor pauses from the assault on his senses caused by the rapid string of events, though he manages to keep his wits about him. He sets Anna against the wall where he is, quietly asking her to stay put and that he'll be back. He returns to the room with the stones with a slow, purposeful walk. His expression is one of concentration and seeking, some of which does not appear to be oriented toward the stones.
He pushes past whatever people are in his path or milling about along his way to the stones and comes to stop just in front of one of them. He kneels down and turns all his focus to one of the stones, peering at the rune-covered surface that's visible to his senses.
"You can stand down," Connor says without urgency in the general direction of people on alert before looking to Storold. "These are incomplete. They were activated as a group...or responding to something else, but there is one missing, and so they cannot become fully active."
Once more he addresses the room. "The danger is not here; it is elsewhere," he says. "Brelin, mostly...and Krashin somewhere...and elsewhere in Co'rys, but not in this place"
Mangus trailing considerably behind Foresta is seen jerking about spasmodically as if some other entity controlled his arms and legs and that entity was being tossed off a fleeing horse drawn cart in the middle of the Battlehelm moors.
Only apon closer inspection could any viewer notice that the source of his strange motions was simply a butterfly that he was persuing clumsily.
He freezes in his bouncy tracks when he hears a comotion comming from the Monestary.
"What the?"
With a will he charges the Cloister
As Vincent sat and watched from his hidden vantage point he pondered all that had happened to him recently. It was a lot to take in and absorb… even for a “Specialist.”
The activity around Center seemed normal. He did not note anything out of place. But why here? His right hand picked a small stone out of a depression in the ground next to him. He flicked it away watching it skip off of another rock… and he continued to watch.
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The butterfly flapped away in an erratic pattern as Mangus ran towards the monastery. An alarm bell had begun ringing and men hurried to pre-appointed battle stations. It was not long before the alarm ceased. Swords remained drawn though and mounted knights cupped lances at the ready. Mangus arrived at his post a little disheveled and out of breath, but happy they were not being overrun by demons. He squinted his eyes as he peered into the surrounding countryside, watching intently like all of the rest of his comrades.
//I’m going to set the date for the final in-game portion for this plotline. Watch for the calendar post. Please continue to post in this thread to reflect any actions to be considered IC before the quest date. You’ll have approximately 2 weeks from today.
Vincent had a problem. There was no use denying it, reluctantly or otherwise, he would need to do something. He carefully looked around one last time in some forlorn hope he was wrong. But he was not surprised to find that he was right: Not a stone in sight. During his long watch he had thrown all the available stones skipping away after the first, down the hill. Hours had past and he was thoroughly stoneless now. His once strong nerves could take no more. Center it was then. He stood and stretched. He renewed his cloak of invisibility and set off hoping some clue would come to light.
Having offered his assessment, Connor returns to Anna and kneels in front of her. The pair have a relatively quiet conversation, though it is not exactly a calm conversation. For Anna's part, something Connor says draws a stern, unmistakable look and an accepting nod...likely more said in the expression than in the exchanged words. When the conversation is over, Connor stands and moves off and speaks with Storold. He summarizes the situation with the stones in a brief and concise way and says simply that he'll be back in a little while and to remain vigilant with all he has done so far.
Connor moves off again, out of the sight and attention of most who are still on edge from the sudden change in the stones and the resulting alarms, and he is not seen again within the monastery for some time...
In a few places within central Mistone, a few people claim to have seen a hooded figure of a man of medium build and in dark clothing. In each report, he is reported to have appeared "out of nowhere", taken something from the ground (or perhaps left something, yet nothing was found in any instance) and vanished as if he was never there at all. Near the desert, such reports were dismissed as the "Sand Ghost", but no one could explain the impressions of footprints left behind in the sand. In comparing the reports days and weeks later, the other unusual thing that comes to light is that all sightings seemed to happen around the same time of day despite the improbable separation between locations.
*Storold renews his wards and tries to build in some advance warning based on his experiences an Connors advice. This is to avoid being run down by a group of knights rushing his location near the stones*
Dalianavera sat cross-legged on the hillside above Center, her long supple tail wrapped around her torso… not too far from where she allowed herself to be taken as a prisoner months earlier. She had come full circle once again. It was almost funny how existence manifested in circles. Nothing was linear it seemed. The Gold worked in mysterious ways. She watched the top of the building where her “Little Vincent” was currently located. A poor confused man, her key, the father of her child, and one of the few things in all the pits she had developed an attachment for. She would see this through to the end. She would protect him. She continued to watch and waited for the sign to manifest that would prod her into action again. Patience was a virtue she had developed over centuries.
_______
Sergeant Kalvin of the Vehl Guard pulled Aesthir aside and grinned. In a low voice: “I do not envy your position my friend. Captain Andrew was very clear. The stones are the property of Co’rys and we should take them into custody and move them to the city. I fear it will mean no end to the trouble he will pile onto you if you do not see that order through. I stand ready to support you sir.”
The day in Center seems unremarkable in most ways. A merchant cart arrives, another departs. The sounds of voices conducting business and settling differences among the many stands and kiosks that litter the settlement carry on the wind. Stories are told. Children run and play. Patrons enter and leave the inn at a regular pace. A few who are so-privileged appear from nothing in a wash of magic within the circle of standing stones near the edge of the main part of the settlement.
At about the same time, another smaller wash of magic swirls briefly near Vincent just a few meters away, though a casual observer would not notice such, nor would such an observer have any reason to believe that something or someone now stands in that very place. For a few moments, all is quiet, as if nothing happened at all.
"Greetings, Vincent," says a voice coming from the location of the minor disturbance. "I did say we would see each other again..."
Vincent does not appear to react to the arrival at all initially. He appears to be watching over three merchants haggling over the price of poppies. The trio are engrossed and appear to see nothing. Nonetheless an astute observer might have noticed the merest hint of an arched eyebrow appear. After the new arrival speaks there is a brief silence as if Vincent has failed to hear him. A moment passes. Vincent has all the appearance of one interested in all things poppy, he does not move but stands stoically like a statue.
"Yes by my reckoning you are a little late!" at last he flatly remarks. His eyes still locked on the three merchants who appeared to be finishing up their discussion. "Still here we are. What news?"
"One must prioritize," the voice replies unapologetically. "The news I believe you know already, and news is not the purpose of my visit. I come bearing a message. Well...two really...possibly three, but definitely two, at least."
Vincent grimaces at the unapologetic tone, seems about to say something and pauses is if he has been distracted by something. He delays a moment before asking.
"Oh dear the raven master will be as poor as these prattling poppy merchants now I suppose. Please what is your unknown information then?"
"It is a message, as I said," says the voice. "You are advised not to approach Moraken's domain. If you still intend to meet with him, another location must be chosen. He will employ every means at his disposal to prevent your approach, in fact, which will certainly be...messy."
There is a slight pause before the voice continues. "Yet I suspect you are even now rethinking this intent, or at least you have assigned it a lower urgency than a day ago, as you are idling here instead of traveling."
Vincent visually seems to imagine the pain and shivers at the prospect.
"Well Moraken seems to have lost his appeal suddenly. Thats, well thats life saving information perhaps !" He pauses, shaking his head at the thought, wondering what he has got himself into before remembering "But you had another?"
"Indeed," the voice replies, its tone somewhat ambiguous. "For the second, tell her that this land is under my protection, and she is creating quite the disturbance. It's really quite distracting. Yet, if she has some reasonable purpose, I would be willing to parlay under truce and hear her reasons. Otherwise, do tell her that my tolerance for her activities will steadily decline."
Vincent is briefly a silent enigma, before he suddenly sparks into life bustling amongst his belongings he produces quill and green coloured ink and makes some notes speaking aloud as he writes."My protection....reasonable......uh huh.......decline....right." I think I have the second part then. He shrugs. I make no guarantee about delivery of course as Moraken of the first message has closed that door. I remain in the hands of others here. He puts aside the ink uncertainly.
"Oh, but she is close, Vincent..." says the voice with some subtle emphasis. "close enough to watch you even now...close enough for her intervene were I to pose some grave threat to you, I suspect."
"Looks like I'm done here these things are duds"
"Gonna get some fresh air and a change of scenery. Let me know if anything happens I'll be around"
*Vrebel offers a nod to Storold before he leaves the monastery. He salutes to the knights outside brielfy and shakes hands with the cook before packing up his horse and heading in the direction of Vehl.*
Mangus situates himself at his post with some of the newer recruits. He entertains them with stories of his childhood as an orc growing up in a human Village. He makes them laugh from time to time as he describes some of the strange methods his grandmother employed in raising him. None of the recruits bothered to mention the strange curiosity of a human woman raising an Orc child.
Dalianavera looked up from her contemplation, suddenly alert. Her black eyes with no pupils were unfocused, yet they saw much. She smiled. The one who walked the planes in this world was near. She could feel him. He was a smart one. Within seconds she sensed her planar anchors outside of Center. She suspected that he would bring them as she had sensed their movement over the last few hours, slowly consolidating. They no longer moved though. Her eyes focused and shifted to the town again, and the location of Vincent. She contemplated her next move, alert for any sign of danger to Vincent.
The Knights saluted Vrebel, offering smiles and thanks for his assistance. He had developed some very good friends in this campaign. Strong bonds built upon shared suffering, duty, card games, jokes, and drinks… the sustenance of soldiers. As Vrebel mounted his horse and prepared to depart he was stopped briefly by Unit Captain Vercilaas. “Thank you for helping to bring my friend out of that crypt Vrebel. I will never forget that. If you have need of anything, do not hesitate to look me up.” He salutes and turns away and heads back into the monastery. It appeared the Captain had a softer side after all…
// When you are ready for your reward, let me know and we can meet in game.
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The recruits make some room for Mangus… a lot of room. It had taken a lot of time and effort on his part, but Mangus was beginning to overcome some of the prejudice that often accompanied interactions with his race. He had proven himself in battle and within camp. He had shown both respect and compassion… and it was being returned three-fold. They pass him some ale and a chunk of recently roasted venison and listen to his stories.
There is a slight rippling of magic as the shroud of invisibility drops, revealing the shape of a hooded man, his overall features impossibly shadowed for the time of day. In the next moment, another pull on magic with a different feel, and a silvery metal sphere appears in he man's right hand.
"Return this to her," he says, giving the ball a toss in Vincent's direction. "Tell her I'll be where more of these are in one place in three days time."
No sooner than the words are uttered, leaving no time for a response, the man vanishes, not just from sight but from the rooftop entirely, leaving only a rapidly-vanishing twist of magic in his wake.
Hundreds of miles away, a hooded man appears in the courtyard of Jesom's hope and mingles about with the other people moving from one place to the other. He makes his way back to the chamber with the stones, finding Anna along the way.
"Miss me?" Connor asks of her with a warm smile.
"One round fer me an' Gimpy here Harry!" Mangus drops a few more coins on the rough hewn plank of aged hickory at which he is seated. Seated next to him is a gray bearded dwarf with a peg leg and a patch over his right eye. The two of them pulled up to the bar only moments ago. Mangus could be heard rattling on about some tall story about a quick thinking fellow playing an old school shell game with an overzealous lacky in the middle of a power trip. But the details of his story were vague as the only part that could be heard was the very end as they were entering the bar.
The dwarf seemed to be paying just enough attention to ensure that Mangus would buy him a few rounds of drinks.
Mangus continued...
" Ya see Gimpy, me gramma taught me two things Er don never fergit's! Deh first thing is, iff'n you walks into er card game an' yew don' know who is being played, den yer deh one who's being played!"
The dwarf blinks and nods in response, graciously accepting his first round of beer.
Mangus continues...
"An' deh second thing is... ...is... ...erm... ...Deh second thing Er don' never fergits... ...is...
...Well, it don' matter too much! Deh main point is we was successful in our goal! An' dats all dat matters!
Drink up Gimpy! Gonna be Er long night!"
Vincent stares stupified as the silver ball lands and rolls to his feet. He peers down with arched eyebrow studying the ball whilst memorizing the instructions. He waits a moment staring at the exit point. He gathers his cloak about him and pulls it along swirling in his wake. "This was not a good day to give up drinking! Luckily I'm a specialist." he explains to himself. He wanders over to the travellers campfire long the haunt of adventurers down the ages. Indeed had he not picked up work at that very spot from time to time. He needed time to think.
*Aesthir takes the time to say farewell to the Rofirenites, and to the old monk in the Fort, he also greets to the adventurers that remain in the camp before his departure with Sgt Kalvin, he will give a final prayer in the memory set for the fallen before abandoning the place, during this he pulls out a small vial of golden dust, he pulls out a small vial of it and spreads it over the memorial. ( I know they were burned in pyre, he is doing this in a representation of the fallen any specific area of the Fort that serves to honor the fallen would do it ).
__________________________________________________________________________________
*The man walks alongside Sargeant Kalvin, as the events unfold, he was not happy of course, but his face betrayed no such feeling, he had long past had learned to not to show his thoughts and his experesion calm and collected was like the mask he had learned to use all this years*
- Captain Andrew will be pleased isn't it? - *The tone used beetwen serious and sardonic*
- This stones shall be put to good care in the guard I hope, At least one mission down, this will help your resume quite, as well good Sargeant. -
- Now lets just pray to the gods that this doesn't turn out against the city -
*Once they arrive to the city, Aesthir will present his report to the case for file for the guard, and will give report as well to Andrew when the time arrives *
Aesthir says his farewells to the monks and Protector Ognas Dreardan then he makes his way to where the funerary pyres had burned. He offers his prayers and leaves his offering of golden dust on a large round rock. It feels both good and right. He has a small sad smile as he rides away with Sergeant Kalvin and the Rofirein knights escorting them and the stones back to Fort Vehl.
Upon arrival at Fort Vehl they are greeted by Captain Andrew and several guards. The stones are taken into custody. Aesthir’s full report is received and he is promptly waived away, dismissed by the Captain without as much as a “good job.”
Several hours later Aesthir chuckles as he hears of the Captain’s anger after inspection of the stones by mages revealed that they were dead and nothing special. He fully expected to be blamed for this and receive another crappy assignment… but it would be more than worth it.
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Soon after the bell tolls midnight, the Orc bouncer grabs the ankles of the now passed out Gimpy and Mangus and drags them out the doorway into the alley. They are promptly deposited near some barrels of trash, surprised stray cats fleeing in all directions.
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Soon after Vincent’s mysterious visitor had left he picks up the silver ball and heads to the campfire in the clearing near the inn. He sits for quite some time and does not even look up as the woman silently sits next him. He does not even need to look up… he knows it is Dalianavera…
//Mix, when you have some free time later, let me know… I need about 30 minutes in game with you to wrap up this quest. No other participants are required. Apologies for the delay.