Facebook Roleplay Chat Archive

 

THE SECOND DAY IN TRENFIELD

Hikaru wanders to where (Ragnar?) Is and clears his throat.

Ragnar looks up from a gun on his bench and takes off his engraving glasses. "Ahh, Storm Fox! How ye' doin' lad?! Wha' kin I do fir ye?"

He grabs a cloth and wipes his hands off, small metal shavings falling to the floor of the hold.

"I need your help Ragnar. I have some... Ideas to create a shrine for Balgor here. But I don't know all the things I need to do. I need professional guidance so it's going to last."

Ragnar scratches his beard thoughtfully. "Metal 'll last damn near fer'evr, provided someone don't make off wit' it to melt down! Stone kin last jus' as long, if done righ'... wood'll be th' quickest, but also th' weakest."

"Traditionally it'll need a little wood, and a bell, a slot for monetary offerings. I'll be asking Balgor to bless it so that it will curse anyone who tries to deface it or steal it's contents" hikaru looks determined.

"I have his symbol too and i know his official colors"

"A bell, eh? Tha's easy. Ye' wan' plain brass or a nicer metal? An' wha' kinda wood do ye' be wantin' ta' use?" Ragnar opens his storage locker and groans. "Mawh... me stores in th' airship are lookin' pitiful! We migh' 'ave ta' go up 'ta th' shop!"

"It'll need to be a hardwood to be strong and durable maybe something red if we can find it. But elegant. The bell would best be brass or Silver. Any leatherwork would best be brown leather."

He grabs the rice hat Ruby has for his disguise. "Shall we then?"

Ragnar holds up a finger. "Let me grab mah new tools. They be be'er than me ol' ones!" Ragnar grabs his hammer and tongs he got from Ruby and tucks them inside a leather toolbag. "Le's be off!"

Hikaru tucks his revolvers into his hidden pockets. "Ready."

Ragnar smiles broadly. "I like th' way ye' think!" He tucks a large caliber collapsible rifle into a hidden pocket in his coat, dropping his two normal revolvers into their holsters. "Least I got me one hidd'n!" He nudges Hikaru with his elbow as he walks past. "C'mon, ye' kin 'elp me smuggle some stuff back when we're done!"

"Alright Ragnar. Alright. Let's get this over with."

Ragnar nods, leading the way to customs. "Blast, th' damn line is longer than it was yesterday!" He punches the wall angrily. "Damn Rhen..." He mutters under his breath

"Blasted zealots. Can't wait until we're outta this country."

Ragnar impatiently waits his turn, smiling maliciously when he sees it's the same customs agent as before. "I suggest ye' do somethin' abou' yer' wai' times... I 'eard talk ah' shootin' if this starts takin' much longer..."

He sets his revolvers down on the counter, not taking his hands off them, and leaning forward. "This is absa'lutly asinine... I've checked these in daily fir th' past couple ah' days now. Ye' really ought ta' come up wit' a be'er system!"

The customs agent jumps slightly at the imposing dwarf. He scrambles for his papers, twine, and stamp. "Ze system is vat ze system is, mein good dvarf! You 'ave been compliant, like a good citizen ought, und you 'ave registered you're veapons as oft as you 'ave been here. Zat isht good enough for me." He stamps the weapons on the tags again, and leaves the weapons be.

Ragnar lets out a defeated sigh, motioning for Hikaru to come forward. "Th's is anoth'r of me workers. He don' speak much Comm'n."

Ragnar points at his revolvers on the table, then enunciates in his deep accent. "Ye' need ta' put yer' weh'pons on tha' table."

Hikaru feigns confusion and looks back and forth. "Nani?"

Ragnar smacks himself in the forehead. "Yer' sword." He points at the table. "Put it there."

"your veapons...," says the customs agent. "You must register your veapons here, and 'ave zem peace-bonded."

Ragnar glares at the customs agent. "Yes, cuz' big words and lots of em' are gonna 'elp... "

He turns back to Hikaru and points at the katana on his hip, then to the table, then to the tag hanging from his own revolver. "Gotta get tag so we kin' go."

Hikaru's face lights up with understanding and he genially puts the katana on the table and speaks in wuxian. Then adds in heavily accented common: "No toruboru!"

Mutiger follows in after them, holding a stack of pamplets. Eventually, not only do each of the customs agents have one in their hands, but also a large stack of pamphlets sitting next to them with a sign saying "Please take".

The customs agent looks abashedly down at the pamphlet the large red orc man gave him, and scoffs slightly. "'Ave you read ze rules und regulations regarding running a veapons business in Trenfield? You cannot promote on government property..."

Hikaru bows apologetically and talks humbly in wuxian. Continues to bow apologetically and speak humbly.

Mutiger silently hands him another pamphlet.

Ragnar looks at the customs agent and chuckles. "Ye' do realize ye'd 'ave be'er luck talkin' ta' 'im, right?" He points at Hikaru

the customs agent shakes his head and glares at you three. "If you do not cease and desist this action, I vill call ze authorities, and zen you can see who 'as ze better luck at talking to people!" The customs agent has stood up, gripping the pamphlet angrily.

Ragnar smiles at his compatriots. "Let's be off, lads!"

Hikaru is now on his knees with his head touching the floor speaking very contritely and apologetically

Mutiger hands him an entire stack.. before they leave.

Gets drug out by Ragnar continuing to speak in wuxian

The customs agent watches after as you leave, carefully but hastily moving the pamphlets to the side. "You know...ve are vatching you...ve 'ave eyes all throughout ze city. I vould be careful if I verr you..." he calls after you.

As they walk away Mutiger hands Hikaru a pamphlet.

(As soon as they're out of earshot) "Poor fools have no idea who I am."

Mutiger looks around picks up a stick with mud, writes horribly on one of the pamphlets he's holding "Hekaroo" and tries to place it on his back.

"Not now mutiger. We've got work to do."

Mutiger nods and lets the pamphlet fall to the ground.

Ragnar bursts out laughing. "Aww, jus' like th' time we snuck inta' Lenova ta' sell guns ta' them rebels!"

Mutiger frowns at the word "rebels".

"So simple, they always seem to think Wuxians are submissive cowards so they overlook me every time."

Ragnar looks at Mutiger when he changes expression. "Lenovans ain't nice. Th' rebels 'ave a good cause."

"Were they protecting something? Or destroying it?" The frown remains.

"Tryin' ta' pratect one an'ther. Th' rebels we sold to was a lot like us... outcasts in th' eyes a' th' church. Jus' tryin' ta' stay alive."

Mutiger nods

Ragnar looks up, looking Mutiger in the eye. "One thing ye'll need te' know abou' me... if I think a sale will cause more 'arm tha' good, I'll refuse ta' make it. Tha's why I'm not givin' these damn Rhen soldiers nothin'..."

He looks away, clapping both of the others around the waist. "Let's be off!" He starts making his way to his shop.

As they walk, Mutiger falls in step with Hikaru, "What are Rhen?"

"Blasted zealots from another country."

Ragnar looks over his shoulder. "Rhen are... th' soldiers tha' 'ave taken over this lovely li'lle town Hikaru an' I spent a lot a time in. Th' be zealots. Religious fanatics who wan'ta spread their religion by any means nes'sary, e'en if tha' means by force."

"What do they look like?"

Hikaru spits contemptuously.

Mutiger smiles, and says, "If they're so small they're easily defeated."

Ragnar smiles. "I like yer spir't, Mutiger!" He looks at Hikaru. "If he keeps tha' attitude, he migh' jus' join ye' on a wanted board!" He laughs boistriously

"Ha probably but I like him, he can join me if he wishes."

Mutiger nods respectively, "They might be looking for the wrong species."

"It's been a while since I've seen your shop Ragnar. You still openly selling cannons?"

Ragnar grins. "I dunno... nobody 'as asked yet!"

"You're gonna get yourself in real trouble one of these days."

Hikaru looks around taking in the old familiar smells and sights. "Alright Ragnar, what do we need to make these things."

Ragnar points at a cabinet. "Th' wood is in there. We'll 'ave ta' make th' bell, so pick yer' metal fr'm tha' pile ah' scraps ov'r there." Pointing to a bin full of cut-offs and leftover pieces of metal. "As fir th' leather, I think I got some good stuff in tha' trunk." He points to a nearby wooden crate. "In th' false bo'om, ye know..." He grins

Hikaru picks through the metal for brass and brings it to to Ragnar

Ragnar holds up the piece of brass, looking it over in the light. "Tha'll do fine."

He lights a forge and begins looking around the shop. "Now where's tha' damn crucible?"

Ragnar turns to Hikaru. "Ye seen th' crucible aroun' anywheres? Looks like a stone pot."

He opens a cabinet and coughs as a big billow of dust falls out. "Ehy Mutiger, ye' seen a crucible kickin' 'round?"

Mutiger walks around looking under papers finding other papers underneath. Not entirely sure what it is he's supposed to be looking for.

After bringing a hammer and a hand cannon over, Mutiger brings over the crucible Ragnar was looking for.

Ragnar grins broadly. "Ah, good find Mutiger!" He drops the brass into it and slides the crucible into the hot forge. He opens a drawer on his bench and pulls out a bell casting, and sets it on the stonework table. "Once it melts, we'll pour it inta' 'ere."

"This'll take some time. Might as well work on the wood while we're waiting."

"Yer' righ'! Wha' wood do ye' wan'ta use? If ye' wan' red, we kin use cherry or mahogany, or we kin jus' stain a diff'rnt wood red." Ragnar walks over to the cabinet, opening it. "Looks like I go' it all, too."

"Let's use the Cherry. Why not?'

Ragnar pulls out a beautifully full-figured piece of cherry, the grain standing out with both dark and light highlights. "Now, wha' do we need te' do to it?"

Ragnar begins sawing the large piece of wood down into usable sized planks, getting them ready to make the wooden box.

Pausing to check the brass, he grabs the tongs from his leather bag and pours the molten metal into the cast for the bell, leaving it aside to cool and pouring the remainder out into an ingot blank so as not to waste it.

"I'm glad ye' asked me ta' 'elp, Hikaru... been a while since we worked in th' shop ta'geth'r!"

"It has been a while. Seems like we haven't had any time since I was young."

"It realleh' does. Feels like th' las' time we 'ad time was when we made yer' rifle."

"That was a long time ago wasn't it." Hikaru works on sanding down the wood and making it smooth

"Do you know if that bell has been cast?"

"It's prob'ly cool by now..." Ragnar walks over and gives the cast a test tap with his finger before picking it up with the tongs and dunking it into a water barrel. "Aye, it's solid. Jus' gotta cool it down so we kin 'andle it!"

"Alright!" Continues working until it's finished

Hikaru also takes the time with Ragnar's help to fashion a very small portable shrine for personal use.

"Alright Ragnar, shall we go set this up in the slums?

"Aye! Le's do it. Mutiger, ye' comin?"

Mutiger nods and follows them.

Ragnar follows Hikaru through the town, out towards the slums. "So, wha' are ye' gonna do once ye' find a spo' ye' like fir it?"

"Put it up, then I'll pray to Balgor to bless it. I get the feeling he can't ignore this one, because it's the only way Lord Balgor can gain a following again. We have the sign to, that explains that it's for those who need a god of slaughter and death. And how to use it."

"Good idea, goin' ta' th' ruined part'a town... lotsa thugs an' miscreants runnin' abou' 'ere... never know when yer' gonna need a God of slauh'er"

"That and the fact that even the rhen army is too afraid to come here."

"This spot looks good, out of the way. Let's set up here."

Hikaru sets up the shrine (presumably with Ragnar and mutiger's help he's a little guy) then places three gold coins into the donation box. Then he claps his hands together and bows. "Bless and consecrate this shrine to thine disciples and devotees Balgor-sama and curse those who dare to deface it with a gruesome death that they may still bring you power."

the shrine radiates a sickly red light, a whole 60' radius around the shrine itself. You hear Balgor's voice resonate in your mind saying, "Well done my good Spear of Slaughter. You have gained my favor this day. Now go forth and spread fear in my name--bring me new followers."

Hikaru smiles darkly. "Shall we?"

*             *             *

The next morning, after a fitful sleep at The Dangerous Pelican Inn (fitting name, Ruby thinks, like... eyes watching all night) she stares out her window at the shipyard for the Trenfield Areoport. Seeing the balloon of the Skyshadow poking up among the sails of other ships, she grumbles, "Poor choice, thinkin' a room in town would be a nice change of pace... Waste of a gold."

Ruby sighs, packing her things. However... Nervous about the customs issues they may run into down the line, she dawns her Eliza gettup, hoping to fish for more information in town.

She heads to the customs district, specifically looking to find out how Rhenese travel papers are handled. She smiles, pulling out a handsomely carved cherry wood pipe. "Maybe with some luck, we can have an easier time getting to the places we need to..."

Customs lines were arduous and long that day. You find yourself standing in said line for almost two hours.

When you finally reach the customs agent, he is flustered and overworked. But when you approach, his eyes light up, and his dour mood lightens a little.

"How may I help you, miss?"

Eliza brushes her hair behind her ear, putting on her most eloquent voice. "Why hello there. That wait seemed forever, but... It feels shorter seeing you at the end of it." She flashes a charming smile.

"I just arrived in Trenfield yesterday by airship.... Lovely, absolutely charming city. However, I fear I have business in several surrounding towns."

Eliza feigns a forlorn look mixed with a bit of concern. "Customs for my airship took foreeeeever, darling... Might I ask your esteemed opinion on the quickest, most reliable way my associates and I may travel? Are there any documents, paperwork, or rules I should be aware of...?"

The customs agent, a small, weaselly man, is taken aback by your dashing looks and unabashed charm. He struggles to find words at first, but stutters out an answer. "V-vell, zerr isht one vey to travel vithout anything ozer zen a simple permit, and zat isht by train."

Eliza is quiet a moment as she mulls that over, but not too long as to seem suspicious. "I see... That does sound quite liberating. And might I get one of these simple permits here from you?" She flashes another glittering smile.

"But of course, madame!" He reaches into a nearby box, and produces some paperwork, and a yellow cardstock, the size of an index card. "Fill out zis papervork, sign here and here," indicating two lines on the cardstock, "and zerr vill be a fee of 2 gold pieces to purchase zis permit."

She eyes the paperwork closely as she signs it, trying to memorize the style and phrasing as best she can. Finishing the last signature with a flourish, she passes over two gold from her coin purse.

"You are just the biggest sweetheart, you know that? I bet the ladies fawn over you all the time here." Eliza smiles again. "May I get a copy of the paperwork for my staff? Perhaps we can fill it out and return it to speed up the process with... you personally."

"But of course, madame! I couldn't imagine not allowing zis!" He smiles back at you, winking. "Here isht das papervork for your staff. Err...how many are in said staff?" He begins stacking papers.

"Oh, only six others." She pauses, remembering Azandar is no longer with the group... Not wanting to correct herself, she resigns to having an extra copy for future use.

"Six it is zen!" The customs agent eagerly hands over the papers to you. "That vill be 2 gold for each, madame."

She bats her eyelashes, "Is there any discount for... Bulk filing my paperwork?" Eliza puts extra emphasis on these last words, a great deal of confidence behind her smile.

The customs agent smiles back and pulls at his collar. He looks this way and that way, and back at you.

"Tell you vat: for ze 2 gold pieces you already gave me, I vill give you all 6 permits and you tell me ze names of your staff members."

*crap... I don't know what they will want to go by while they're here. If their real names, I'd rather not put more paperwork out there on them just yet... Well... play it cool.*

Eliza breathes, then, "Oh darling, I..." She chuckles deeply with a bit of an embarrassed sigh, "Some of them I just hired, I... I'm not sure I have their names right just yet. They are temporary staff until I finalize my work here in Alwyn." She tries to look bashful. "I'm rather embarrassed, could we perhaps...?" She slips another gold across the counter.

he customs agent looks down at the gold piece, looks up at you, down at the gold piece, and up at you again. He carefully slides the gold pieces into a satchel nearby and winks at you again. "It vill be our little secret, madame!" He hands you all the paperwork.

She blows him a kiss. "You are truly a man among men, kind sir." With a wink, she heads back out to the bright street outside.

Listening to the gulls off the coast, Eliza heads off to the ship to work on... "filling out" what she can of the paperwork, in case they need it.

Up ahead she sees a soldier with a stack of papers, pinning them up.

"Wanted! The criminal known only as Malice, for crimes including multiple counts of:

Murder
Kidnapping
Extortion
Torture
Theft
Slaughtering of livestock
Trespassing
Arson
Terrorism
Threats of violence

And more.

If you know anything of this criminal, a reward for the apprehension is offered!"

The Rhenese soldier slams the wanted poster on the bulletin outside every district of the city of Trenfield. He angrily walks away cursing under his breath.

Eliza walks by one of the posters as she leaves the customs district, slowing to a stop to read the laundry list of crimes. She clutches her paperwork tighter, feeling unnerved.

"How horrible... I hope he's not here in this city now..." She bites her lip in concern, hurrying on her way.

In another part of the city, Ragnar jerks the poster off the bulletin, reading it. "Crap... still after 'im, eh?"

Ragnar spies an older poster and begins cackling loudly. "Good te' know th' Rhens are smar' eno' ta' be afraid a' Firelord!" He smiles as he touches the worn wanted poster.

*             *             *

Getting back to the Skyshadow, Eliza skirts around the soldiers and paladins milling about. Once on board, Eliza lets out a sigh, her accent changing immediately. "Dang country and it's backwards rules, I swear..."

She wanders through the quiet vessel, heading to her room to change. "I wonder if Miss Mella is okay... And that the others aren't gettin' into too much trouble."

Taking a break from the responsibility of owning Iron Falcon Armory, Ragnar has retreated to the airship and decided to shift into Rodrick.

He is fiddling about in the hallway, banging on a pressure valve with a wrench.

Hearing the jarring noise, Ruby leaves her room to see what the fuss is. Much more comfortable in casual attire, she now seems to have freckles and coppery-gray eyes, as opposed to her usual green.

Rounding a corner, she sees Rodrick and cracks a smile. "Hey there, I haven't seen you in a while. Everything goin' alright with the ship?"

Rodrick smacks the valve again. "Yeah, just this dang valve is giving a false reading. It says the pressure in the line is too high, but I know it's not. The regulator in the engine bay is giving a normal reading, so it's just this valve." He hits it again with the wrench, the needle finally slipping to where it should be. "There! Stupid thing..."

She chuckles. "That's definitely one way to fix things! Anything you need help with?"

"Hmm... " he taps his chin with the wrench, leaving a small grease spot on it. "I wouldn't mind getting some lunch, if you're hungry!"

Ruby's eyes light up. "Absolutely! That sounds like a fine idea. I was stuck in customs for houuuurs this morning, and went right to work when I got back. Ain't really taken a break yet."

She leads the way toward the kitchen, looking through the crates of supplies Thorin and Eliza ordered. "What'll ya have?"

Rodrick wrinkles his nose thinking about the green mass sitting on his work bench. "Not a sandwich..."

Ruby shakes her head. "You and your sandwiches..." She starts pulling out a few ingredients, placing them on the counter. There's a medium-sized piece of red meat, a bottle of cream and some spices that she saved from working with Ruck. "How about I surprise you?" She says with a wink.

Rodrick feigns hurt. "Sandwiches are quick and easy. Not my fault they turn green too quick..." He smiles at Ruby. "Sure, I know Ruck's seasonings when I smell them... "

"Well you need fresh sandwiches then. With how often they turn, I'd be surprised if you haven't built up an immunity to mold..." She cracks a smile as she teases. Chopping up the meat and husking some fresh corn, she tosses them into a hot sizzling pan.

"Ruck is a good teacher! I want to keep practicing from his cookbook... I'm not the best at cooking." She bites her lip as she concentrates on adding the spices and cream. "This recipe is one I know how to do, at least."

"Smells good! Ruck used to cook all sorts of food and my family would sell it in Wuxia. It was a nice place." He smiles to himself, staring off into space and memory

"That sounds wonderful. I'm sure it was popular." She smiles thoughtfully. "I...haven't forgotten our chat on Dolor. I wanna help get your folks out of Lenova and up to that island. Or somewhere closer for you... If you still think they'd enjoy it there or somewhere else."

Armella enters the room mumbling to herself while wiping stained gloves onto an equally stained apron. She has a few smudges on her face as well from attempting alchemy. She looks to see Rodrick and Ruby, "Oh, hey you two, I wasn't expecting to see anyone just yet, I thought people were still around town." She takes off her gloves and puts them into her apron's pocket carefully before going to a pantry and grabbing a small pouch she keeps of dried food rations, she then sits down at the table and munches

"Hiya Mella, glad to see you! Where you... Practicing alchemy?" Ruby gets wide eyed. "I thought you weren't none too fond of that sorta thing?"

Armella shrugs, "I'm not but I thought about personas and things and figured maybe I could give it a go if I changed my mindset of thinking I'm bad at alchemy I would maybe be better. But sadly, no, though I have found that mixing certain things causes rather volitile reactions."

Ruby looks at Armella with a mix of pity and amusement. "I'm sorry, sweetie. Maybe we can look over things later together? Rolland would likely be able to give some good advice." She glances over at Rodrick teasingly.

She scoops a few bowls and cutlery out from under the cabnet, filling them with the chowder-like stew. It's hot and fragrant, and she passes each of her friends a bowl before sitting down with hers. "Enjoy!"

Rodrick smiles and takes a large bite. "Ooo-oooh! It's hot!" He breathes around the food in his mouth, trying to cool it down.

Ruby looks ecstatic as she digs in. "This is goat, actually! I wasn't sure if the market would have any. But one stall did!" She savors another bite full of nostalgia. "My mother used ta make me this... Good memories being in the kitchen with her, watching her work."

"Rodrick, I don't want to pry, but I heard Ruby mention Lenova. If you are planning on blowing anything up there could you give me a heads up or something so I can maybe prevent innocent people from getting killed? I still have friends there, and while I do want to go back, I don't want to go with guns blazing just yet." Armella smiles slightly but shifts a little in her chair, not entirely comfortable with the idea of having to go up against the place she spent a good chunk of her life.

Ruby splutters and chokes on a bite of her food, eyes wide. She didn't realize Armella heard anything about Lenova before she came in. Patting her fist against her chest to clear her throat, Ruby mumbles, "No no no, not at all! We were just..." She looks over at Rodrick apologetically.

Rodrick smiles and swallows his mouthful of food. "Nope. I swear. As little bloodshed as possible. That's always been my rule when it comes to a place my wife and kid are in... I don't want them exposed to what I have to do more than they have to be.." He shoves another spoonful of food into his mouth

Armella stares at Rodrick for a moment before putting her head in her hands with an exhausted laugh. "Your family is there? We could go and get them now, I'm pretty sure everyone would be okay with that." She looks at him and back at her food and nibbles on a piece. "But it could be complicated if a group goes in, I doubt people would want to disguise themselves as people who would fit in there and *wouldn't* cause any problems"

"Small group." He says around a mouthful of stew, swallowing before he continues. "My wife and son only know me and Hikaru, and I don't want to scare them... they've been on the run and in hiding for so long, I'm sure they are very on edge." He smiles and dunks a piece of bread into the bowl, shoving it into his mouth with a grin. "This is really tasty, Miss Ruby!"

"Thanks, Rod." She blushes and shyly continues to eat. After a moment she turns to Armella. "We were thinking of where they could be safe. Things seem so...volatile right now, with the Rhenese." She stirs her chowder. "Dolor seems peaceful, though."

Armella nods, "That makes sense, I guess if they aren't in immediate danger there's no point in worrying too much right now. But if you do need help at any time, let me know and I could at least give information of some kind to help the two of you."

 

 

SECOND NIGHT AND THIRD DAY IN TRENFIELD

It is deep in the second night you are in Trenfield. The city is fast asleep, and everyone is bedded down for the night, the law-abiding, docile citizens resting their cares away.

In the business district, however, there is a great commotion! The pounding of booted feet on the pavement resounds in the still night air, the quick pace if the marchers full of impatience and purpose. Rhen soldiers and paladins on clockwork horseback make their way to the summit of the hill, where rests the logging company and Iron Falcon Armory. The paladins set a perimeter about the business, one at each corner. The soldiers form two lines heading toward the entrance. Four soldiers grasp a large object in their hands, weighing them down. The night is still...

The four soldiers approach the door of Iron Falcon Armory, and proceed to use the large handheld battering ram to break down the door.

SLAM!

One stroke.

SLAM! SLAM!

Two strokes.

SLAM! SLAM!

Two more strokes.

SLAM, CRUNCH!!

The door if Ragnar's token business caves in to the ruthless strokes of the battering ram. Immediately, the soldiers enter the building and begin searching the entirety of it, taking hold of and seizing many items, stock, and wares. They search everywhere...in corners, under cabinets, in lockers, around tables, and about the forge. They take everything they can, and leave.

A note is stuck with a dagger to one of the still-standing doors. It reads:

"In the name of the most glorious Führer, and of the Seven Great Kaisers, your property, and all of its assets, has been appropriated for and in behalf of the Rhen Autarchy. Such that it is, illegal production of firearms will cease and desist, and your place of business and the ownership thereof is now the property of the Glorious Rhen.

Should you be caught in the act of manufacturing firearms illegally, you shall be detained on site. You have been warned! May the Light of Tarj forever shine in glory!"

With that, most of the soldiers depart, leaving the paladins and four guards at the once proud doors of the business...

Ragnar wakes up, making his way through customs and up through town to his shop. As he draws near, he notices the multitude of footprints in the dirt. He picks up his pace, and as he rounds the corner and sees the door of his shop lying sideways, his face turns a deep red and he erupts at the paladins standing outside.

"WHA' IN TH' 'ELL 'APPENED 'ERE?!" He flips his coat back, exposing his large caliber revolver, the customs tag fluttering in the breeze. He approaches the nearest paladin, glaring at him with a look of absolute fury. (27 intimidate!)

"Yer' gonna tell me wha' 'appened... righ' now... or else..."

The paladin backs up a couple of paces, his clockwork horse stacking the ground nervously. The paladin turns a pale white at your intimidating presence. He backs a few more and stutters out an answer. "Ze state...i-it appropriated your property. Your b-business i-is now ze property of ze Rhen Autarchy." He makes a gesture, and the other three paladins on clockwork horseback come around.

Selrin exits the logging company door, just in time to watch as the dwarf - Ragnar - angrily demanding what is going on. She leans back, hidden from view in the shadows, watching the scene unfold. She laughs softly to herself as the paladin gets nervous.

"Serves you right, fool," she says under her breath, looking at the paladin all the while.

Ragnar laughs maliciously, glaring at the paladins. "Ye' really think ye' kin take me? I am Ragnar of Iron Falcon Armory, an' I am a be'er shot th'n alla'ye..."

He pulls out his collapsible rifle, flipping the stock out and slapping a high capacity magazine into it, flipping the customs tag out of his face.

"Now.... move. If yer' stealin' my business I'm gonna go retrieve mah' personal articles..."

The paladins, part ways, but have there weapons trained on you. The one is still pale white, sort of young-ish looking for his title. One of the other paladins, a bearded man, steps forward. "You 'ave been flagged for illegally manufacturing firearms outside ze jurisdiction of ze state. You vill comply vith the law, or ve vill use force. You may go und retrieve your personal items..." he says with a scowl, "But you vill submit them for an inspection."

Ragnar glares at the older paladin. "Illegally manufacturin' firearms? I been makin' firearms under this brand longer'n ye' been alive! I read yer' damn rulebook, an' I was waitin' fer' yer' officials ta' come set up an inspection! It weren't mah' faul' yer' too slow an' impatient!"

The paladin smiles cruelly. "Zat was ze inspection! You see," he hazards his mount a step forward, "ve do not muck around here in zis place. Ve do not take kindly to strangers who sink zey are above ze law. Und also: ve do not take kindly to wagrants who knowingly und carelessly make disruptions in town, und especially in ze church! Vatch yourself, master dvarf!" He and his compatriots part, leaving open the way for you to gather your items.

Ragnar sneers at the old paladin, walking past. He walks up to the door and unlocks the other one, opening it. He shoots a look over his shoulder, the same malicious smile and pushes a large cart from outside into the shop. He uses the shop hoist to load a crate on the cart and begins loading it with all his tools, his forge, anvil, and other smithing supplies. (23 stealth) he opens the false bottom and puts a bunch of his top of the line rifles inside.

He lifts a section of floor up exposing a hidden cache. He pulls all the firearms out, loading them into the crate, looking out the door with a cruel smile, yelling out to the paladins, "Glad ye' didn' take me personal firearms!"

The paladins dismount from their clockwork horses, and draw their own pistols. The lead paladin draws himself up. "Now, mein good dvarf, come forvard, und submit your personal items to an inspection."

Selrin watches from the shadows, arms crossed (21 Stealth).

"What will you do now, Mr. Ragnar?" she whispers to herself.

Ragnar lets out a chuckle. "Arc munitions... an' not even good ones..." he pushes the cart out a little ways, allowing the paladins to get closer. "Touch anythin' withou' me watchin' an' ye' die..." (NAT FREAKIN 20 INTIMIDATE! AWW YEAH!)

All four paladins shudder and take a step back. The older paladin who did the most speaking, grabs the young looking paladin by the pauldron, and shoves him forward maliciously. "Inspect!"

The young man, no more than barely 19, takes a tentative step forward. He peers into the crate and looks at the items within. Rummaging around for a few moments (more than anything to keep from meeting the dwarf's baleful stare), he stands up at last and salutes his fellow paladins. "Z-zerr isht nussing here, Herr Eingardt." The older paladin nods his approval, and with a gesture, the paladins lower their weapons. "You see, my good dvarf, compliance isht freedo--"All four paladins shudder and take a step back. The older paladin who did the most speaking, grabs the young looking paladin by the pauldron, and shoves him forward maliciously. "Inspect!"

The young man, no more than barely 19, takes a tentative step forward. He peers into the crate and looks at the items within. Rummaging around for a few moments (more than anything to keep from meeting the dwarf's baleful stare), he stands up at last and salutes his fellow paladins. "Z-zerr isht nussing here, Herr Eingardt." The older paladin nods his approval, and with a gesture, the paladins lower their weapons. "You see, my good dvarf, compliance isht freedo--"

Ragnar shoots a look at the old paladin. A look that is very out of character for Ragnar. His eyes glint gold for the briefest of seconds before a smile spreads across his face. He begins laughing. A malicious, hysterical laugh. A laugh of a man who has had something inside snap.

"Shu' up, ye' ol' bastard."

Ragnar shoves the cart past them, pulling the door closed behind him and hefting the damaged one up and clicking it into place.

He switches between the younger paladins. "Do yerselves a favor... get a be'er gun. Tha' arc piece ah' junk won't do ye' much good... th' may be some on a bench in there..." He looks at the old paladin again. "An you... c'mere fir' a minute."

The older paladin strides forward. "Vat do you vant, dvarf? Speak quickly, I don't 'ave all day!"

The younger paladins enter the building, opening the one good door, and going inside.

Ragnar dives forward, grabbing the old paladin and falling into his shadow with him in tow. The last thing the paladin sees and feels before his vision fades is the shop exploding in an enormous fireball.

The paladin and Ragnar are falling, yet not. Weightless, yet heavy. He lands on the ground with a heavy thud, Ragnar landing on top of him.

"Ye' made me do it. Ye' made me come 'ere... I 'aven' been 'ere in nearly two hundred years..."

The paladin can see nothing but a pair of glowing gold eyes, but he can feel the seething hatred radiating from them.

"I hate ye'. I hate yer' church. Yer' kind..."

Selrin ducks quickly to avoid the explosion, but doesn't forget that the dwarf and paladin were JUST there... Now, gone...

The paladin pulls out his pistol and begins firing madly into the shadows, his teeth gritted. "YOU SAVAGE! VAT 'AVE YOU DONE?! VERR 'AVE YOU TAKEN ME?! I VILL KILL YOU! THE RHEN WILL HU--"

Ragnar slams his fist down into the paladin's chest. "I SAID SHU' UP! I'm th' one who gets ta' talk 'ere..."

Ragnar throws a small flare so that the Paladin can see just enough to view his surroundings. Enormous thorned trees dripping black liquid, grass swaying in a nonexistent breeze, and Ragnar... holding a large silver chain that extends off into the dark... "Ye' did this..."

Selrin slinks into the shadows again, disappearing without notice. The fireball of the armory exploding billows high.

Richard Eingardt has been a paladin of Tarj the wise for 23 years now, and has seen his fair share of horrors in his line of duty. Nothing prepared him for this...

Ragnar looks him in the eye, a look of pure hatred emanating from his soul. "Ye' shoulda' left it alone... who? Who gave th' order?" He takes a step closer, pulling on the chain. A deep growl echoes through the shadows surrounding the small light put off by the flare.

"It doesn't matter who gave ze order! It vas given by ze state! Ze Rhen gave ze order! Vat do you vant vith me? Vat isht ze meaning if all zis? Vat isht zis?"

"WHO GAVE TH' ORDER!?" Ragnar jerks the chain again, this time pulling something into the clearing. A large reptile-like creature emerges from the darkness, it's scales mottled nearly the same color as the shadows and trees. It's eyes have a faint red glow and it's long, daggerlike teeth shine in the flarelight, dripping with saliva. It's forked tongue flits across it's lips, tasting the air before a deep, low breath escaping it's nostrils.

"This is me Varaskun.... particularly nasty shadow beast..."

Eingardt fires off a shot at the beast. Moving his gun in his left had, he draws his blade at his side, a steel arming sword.

Ragnar pats the large reptile's neck. "If ye' got a cut, one drop of 'er saliva an' you'll be dead... it'll take two weeks fir ye' ta' fin'lly keel ov'r, but ye'll die sure enou'..." He takes a step forward, pulling the Varaskun closer to the paladin

Ragnar lets out an evil laugh. "Yer weapons won' do ye' no good here... yer' in th' shadow realm."

"Vat? Ze shadow realm? You speak utter nonsense! Die you savage!!" Eingardt tosses his empty gun aside, and pulls a buckler strapped to his hip out. With that, he charges both Ragnar and the Varaskun.

Ragnar lets out a sharp whistle, and the Vataskun roars loudly. (21 vs will or Paladin is dazed)

Ragnar growls at the paladin. "I'm losin' my patience, ol' man! Answer me! Who gave th' order?!" Ragnar uses his free hand and pulls a large caliber revolver (.460) from his coat, shooting the blade of the arming sword. (19 attack roll)

"You vant a name, I'll give you a name, you savage! Führer Wulf Steinhauser! He gave ze order! He gives all ze orders!"

Ragnar smiles. "Thank ye. Sorry yer paladin friends died fir nothin, but ye' pissed me off. Nobody messes wit' Iron Falcon..."

Ragnar whistles a different tone and lets go of the chain. The Varaskun hisses and opens it's mouth, moving forward at an alarming rate.

"Any las' words?"

Paladin Eingardt cries at the top of his lungs. "STARS ABOVE, TERRA BENEATH!! TO THEE ALONE, WE FOREVER BEQUEATH!!! TARJ WILL LIVE FOREVERRRRR!!!"

Ragnar frowns. "Stella, dinner." He snaps his fingers and points, the Varaskun lunging at the paladin, the large teeth sinking deeply into the man's lungs. The beast drags him down to the ground, squeezing the air out of him with it's powerful jaws.

Ragnar walks forward, kneeling next to the dying man. "Let tha' Tarj bastard know I'm comin' fir him eventually..."

Ragnar stands up and disappears, stepping through a shadow and back to the material plane. (Aaron)

He emerges from behind the smoldering crater that was his workshop, walking towards the spot where his cart is. The same spot where he and the paladin disappeared from a few minutes earlier.

"Stars above!" She emerges again, and trots over. "Are you well? Can you stand? I..." She falls silent, memories causing her face to shift through various emotions.

Ragnar looks a bit flustered as Selrin rushes to him. "Ah! Yes, I'm alrigh'... damn paladins must'a tripped th' failsafe an' blew th' whole damn workshop up!"

"That was...quite a feat. There is only one other person I know who could move through shadows like that, and he was no dwarf."

Ragnar pales a bit. "Wha'dd'ye mean?" (You can obviously tell he's lying, he's making no attempt to cover it)

"You shadow-stepped. It is plain, and I saw you do so with that paladin! I haven't seen that happen for...a long time!" She pauses. "Come on, let's get your things to safety. The patrols will be coming shortly!"

Ragnar nods. "Oh.. okeh. Ye' I guess yer' righ'... let's ge' outta' here!" He gestures for her to lead the way, grabbing his cart.

"Follow me, and try to move quietly as you can," she says, picking out a rather meticulous route.

Ragnar nods and begins pushing the cart after her, moving forward with cat-like grace for someone pushing a cart laden down with a couple hundred pounds of firearms, tools, and equipment.

Ragnar follows Selrin, trying to mimic her purposeful steps and pace. "Ye' know anywhere we kin' 'ide this cart? It's slowin' us down... but I don' wan' th' damned Rhens ta' 'ave it!"

 

 

THE THIRD AFTERNOON IN TRENFIELD

Armella leaves the ship and heads into town, she's dressed in a pale blue floral kimono with her hair pinned back. She was used to wearing one as a child and the feeling of it came back to her with ease. Her talk with Ruby had inspired her to try and soften her appearance and since she had to be in disguise she was attempting to put on a persona of someone who hadn't gone to become a Paladin but stayed and became a respectable young lady. Something still lurked underneath though and showed through when her concentration slipped in thought of the charge given to her by her patron, not fear, but a presence as though fully armed and advancing towards an enemy. Perhaps going to the cathedral would help clear her mind.

Ruby heads toward the church as the bells toll. She's still trying to get used to being there every day, and not thinking too hard about her sinful, vagrant behavior in the eyes of her god. She guiltily fiddles with her necklace of Tarj, for once not dressed up at all. Just simple Delilah, in a simple dress. She feels naked almost without her disguises, trying hard to act natural. To just be herself.

Turning onto the busy thoroughfare, her eyes scan the crowd out of habit. Seeing a tall woman walking in a kimono, she curiously hurries her pace to come alongside her. She peers up at the woman and cracks a wide smile, feeling immensely better. "Hiya Mella! May I walk with you?"

Armella turns and looks at Ruby, "Of course, I would love the company. I honestly wasn't expecting to run into anyone today." She pauses and glances around, "I assume the others are more disinclined to venture out to our destination in preference for personal studies."

Continuing down the street Armella takes in the scenery, despite being so close to Lenova, she hadn't actually been to Rhen before and despite it being a little overbearing in some cases, she was enjoying herself. It was nice to be able to be around people again that didn't seem to hate everything she believed. "I've been thinking, what is your opinion on following commands? Is the way they are worded more important than the potential meaning that could be corrupted by personal interpretation?"

"Following commands?" She hesitates, trying to pick her words carefully.

"Well, failing to follow commands to the letter can have certain.... ramifications. Depending on who you're reporting to." Her voice lowers as they pass some Rhenese soldiers and a paladin, who are talking in whispers about some kind of accident.

"I think it depends on how flexible the person is to who you're reporting. Do they appreciate creativity?" She smiles a little, thinking of Luther. "Or is it dangerous to disobey?"

"Also do you have a personal code that you hold above other things? Can commands be themselves, corrupted?" She wrinkles her nose.

"But if you follow what you know is right, or what..." she trails off as they approach the church, looking up at the whitewashed building glittering in the sunlight. "...or what... the scriptures, or Tarj, say is right... then... maybe that is what's most important..."

She gets really quiet thinking about things, feeling a weight hanging on her shoulders; around her neck like a noose. She fiddles with her necklace again in silence.

Armella listens silently thinking of what Ruby says, "I guess I'm overthinking," She pauses and folds her hands in front of her. "I was thinking more in contracts anyways, so no need to worry there. I knew a story growing up about a farmer and an imp, the farmer had a daughter who had golden hair and the imp fell in love with her. The farmer couldn't get the imp to go away so he told him that he would give him everything he had that was golden. The imp agreed thinking of the girl, but was given his entire supply of wheat instead insisting that his daughter was not everyTHING. I believe the lesson was to watch one's words. I'm sorry if my question brought to mind things you didn't want to think about."

"Oh!" Ruby looks at Armella, her brain feeling sluggish as she mulls that over. "You're fine! I just... I over think sometimes." She smiles as best she can. "That's a really interesting story... It's something good to think about."

There's a faint clicking sound approaching from behind you, and as it gets closer you catch a faint smell of fine Scotch, Emerald Shimmerleaf pipeweed, and an earthy-woodsy cologne. Smells you know to be accustomed with Rolland.

Ruby remembers quite vividly, having her own pouch of Shimmerleaf in her room onboard the Skyshadow. Turning her head to look, she smiles, her mind clearing a bit. "Oh hi! Fancy seeing you out today Rolland! Are..." She looks a bit confused, and feels funny asking. "Are you heading to church?"

Rolland smirks. "Well, hello ladies! I wasn't planning on it, but I might just change my mind if that's where you lot are heading... just let me make sure..." He opens his satchel and looks inside, as if checking to see if he has something. "Ah, yup. Got it."

"It's nice going with company." She walks up to one of the lines waiting for the Ablution water.

After taking her turn and walking inside, Ruby finds a nice clear bench near the back. She scoots down, making room for the others.

Armella follows them in quietly, going through her mental process of clearing her mind and running through the Lodestar. A fleeting thought passes through her mind about possibilities of there being more, but she pushes it aside quickly. She sits next to Ruby, "I'm glad it's not just us, it’s nice to get off of the ship together."

Rolland nonchalantly slips past the water lines (15 stealth), and follows Ruby and Armella. He sits down on the end, near the isle and watches as people enter.

"It really is, after so long. And just... This feels so normal. It's nice." Ruby slowly exhales, peering up at the stained glass windows. She absentmindedly pulls out her copy of the Lodestar from her satchel, softly adding under her breath to Armella, "It's almost... foreign though... After so long. Being here these last few days, I mean."

Rolland spies a family walking in. He waits until the boy, appearing to be around 10 or so, was near him before carefully and quickly (14) slipping a Lodestar into the boy's bag in trade for the one already inside.

He looks around, attempting to hide a grin and stifling a laugh. (Rolls a straight 2.....lol oblivious.)

Ruby looks around for anyone else they might recognize. She sees the logging company owner, Rufus, sitting and smiling with his family on the far side of the seats. She also spots the merchant, Theo, who she and Thorin purchased supplies from the first day. He grumbles a bit as people pile in beside him.

"So Rolland, what made you interested in church? Your..." She bites her lip, not sure how to say it in a public setting. "Your extended 'family' doesn't seem all that religious, is all."

"I have my reasons..." He grins, waiting and watching. "Plus I enjoy everyone wearing their best."

Ruby cracks a smile. "That's true! You fit right in. Probably the best dressed here..." She chuckles, then opens her book. Often she holds the Lodestar out of habit, and to give her hands something to do. She has all the verses memorized by heart, as many but the youngest children do.

Armella side glances at the two of them trying not to smile while listening to them. She was glad that Rolland was here, after her dream she was torn about whether or not people were included in 'anything magical'. They were her friends, despite how they were born it didn't make them evil just because of possibilities. Or at least, not in her mind. She wanted to focus on the Lodestar and its teachings but also wanted knowledge of why, even if it was dangerous.

Perhaps her friends were a bad influence on her. She could understand why Emma was so upset upon finding out about her mother and the anger she felt inside at that was as strong even if she didn't show it. With a deep sigh she turned through the pages of her book, "Rolland, I..." Armella pauses and stares at her book not quite sure how to ask, "You are odd but normal but not, do you want to get drinks later with Ruby and me?" She forces out quickly. "If you want to Ruby, and it doesn't have to be drinks, but I want to get to know everyone better and that just happens to be the only way I know without discussing theology." Armella adds quickly trying to be quiet.

Rolland looks at Armella, physically fighting with himself to hold back laughter. He takes a deep breath and regains his composure. "That sounds like a nice activity. I'd enjoy that, especially with you pretty ladies!"

He attempts a sneaky glance (Drat! 4... lol) at the boy he switched books with, waiting for the hilarity to ensue... "I'm always in the mood for a good drink, great company, and delicious food..." he adds with a smile.

Ruby smiles, nodding. "I think I'd like that, too. Perhaps not drinks for me though, I..." She distinctly remembers the last time she had drinks with her friends, and it didn't fare extremely well. "Maybe we can meet later. I might just take a short walk after church, clear my head a bit and enjoy the scenery."

The church doors close as the meeting begins. The head priest says his normal anecdotes and the reading of the Lodestar begins. One by one, people approach the statue of Tarj to pass the salt from one pedestal to the other. Others pass their necklace or amulet above the colorful flames that erupt.

A fit of giggles can be heard across the pew from the boy, snickering as his mom nudges him to keep quiet. He tucks his book down so she can't see, and continues sniggering under his breath.

Rolland bites his fist in an attempt to keep from laughing, pulling the collar on his frock coat up to hide his face somewhat from view. (15 stealth)

Ruby glances over (13) but can't tell what the matter is. She flips to the next page of her book to read. (Is hers normal or not? XD)

Continuing to read and waiting her turn, she debates taking the Mark of the Antimon and foregoing the Loderite. She had been considering that for months now, but hadn't worked up the courage to. Too many questions, especially when keeping a low profile. Although she really didn't feel worthy of the Loderite with her actions of late.

Taking her turn, she begrudgingly stands. Participating as normal, she returns to her seat and flips to the next page to continue reciting. Her dream flickers through her mind.... Always making her wonder if the statue would look at her someday.

Rolland begins coughing and excuses himself outside as to not disturb others. (Ruby's next page is... different. Lol)

She glances down, still lost in her thoughts. She keeps reading with the others, but starts getting tongue tied. "The dark shenanigans--wait no... Chaos beckons. What the...?"

She skims the rest of the page and then flips through the book. "Succumbing to that tired, horrid art that is the work day..." Ruby looks incredibly confused. She closes her book, looking it over in detail. It all appears the same.

She flips it back open. "Stretch forth and reach for his pocketbook... This isn't right!" She mutters, opening her bag and digging through it. She can't find any other copies, and sits with her Lodestar book closed on her lap, trying to recite from memory alone again.

Rolland steps back in, a bottle of water in his hand and a handkerchief dabbing his mouth. "Excuse me, something must have got stuck in my throat." He whispers. (12 deception)

(15 insight!) Ruby eyes him closely, feeling something is off. The priests had also moved on without noticing his absence, skipping his turn for the Loderite as well.

Rolland pulls out a book and opens it, writing notes inside it; all sorts of legal words.

Ruby keeps looking over occasionally, then paws back through her book for any other strange things. She even tries to catch glances at the books of the patrons in front of her, but they all look normal.

Rolland is muttering things to himself, ignoring the services for the most part but still maintaining a level of respect one could expect from someone who loathes an institution they're currently seated in...

"My client is emotionally traumatized and is demanding... no, that's no good..." Rolland scribbles out a line in his book.

(rolls a nat 1........) Ruby glances over at the mumbling, but fumbles and drops her Lodestar and bag on the floor with a loud clatter. Items tumble out and she lets out a small squeak, covering her mouth in embarrassment. Seeing many eyes looking over at her, she sinks down in her seat and starts scooping up her things, her ears burning.

(Perfect timing to retrieve his funny book!)  Rolland begins assisting in picking up the things from Ruby's bag, again switching the edited version of the Lodestar for Ruby's original. (...yeah, no problem. Nat 20. Lol)

He hands Ruby a small handful of items, Lodestar included. "You alright, Lady?"

Ruby blushes even more. "Ye-yes, thank you Rolland." she takes the items and her Lodestar, staring at the cover. Putting her items back in her bag, she flips her scriptures open absentmindedly. "It was just--"

Ruby stops and stares at her book, silent. She looks pensive. Then she looks over at Rolland, who is watching her. She turns back at the book, confused. "N-nothing, actually. I'm good! Maybe just a bit tired. Thanks for your help!" She slumps in her seat on the pew with a funny expression.

Armella tries to focus despite her friends and finds that is more difficult than she anticipated. She fiddled with her kimono sleeves a little with her book on her lap. "You two make me wonder if I'm too stiff for life." She joked looking at the two of them

Ruby looks over, her ears turning red again. She almost forgot her friend was a paladin of the church, and looks a little ashamed at making a commotion during the Loderite.

"My apologies, Miss Mella..." she shyly falls back into her more honorary titles, smiling sheepishly. "I should be more focused on the ceremony."

Having made his slow, ponderous way to the statue ahead at the dais, an elderly gentleman takes his time moving the salts to the fire from one hand of the statue to the other. The green flame erupts forth, sending forth a sweet, pungent aroma. Suddenly, the eyes of the statue open up, and light shines from them. Three distinct taps from the high priest's staff signal the beginning of the Rite of the Alkahest.

"You have been chosen as the rightful subject to take up with Tarj the Wise, your knowledge and wisdom. Rejoice ye this day! Thou art chosen as God's Alkahest to join Him in the Realms of Light!" The old man gaps and falls to his knees, weeping for utter joy at the thought of ascension!

Ruby's gaze snaps to the front, staring at the glowing statue and the weeping man. Her heart beats fast and she sweats, distinctly remembering her dream. A mix of emotions swallows her up; relief she wasn't chosen, but then a slight pang of jealousy, followed by guilt. Then happiness for the man... but fear over the result--is this a truly normal Alkahest? Or is there another monster at play in the city?

She remains quiet, gripping her Lodestar as the room fills with a buzzing excitement.

Armella's attempt to relax was halted by the announcement. Part of her wanted to be happy for the man who was supposedly joining Tarj and the other part wanted to test the humanity of the high priest by bashing his face in just to be sure nothing resembling tentacles came out. "They can't be everywhere" She muttered to herself, trying to reassure the thought that it wasn't completely an awful ceremony.

Rolland snapped up from his book, alerted by the situation unfolding in front of him. "Blast... seems every time I set foot in a church with the intent of peace, something tips my hand..." He mutters under his breath. (14 stealth, raw roll)

He makes sure his cane is close at hand, just in case, and checking his satchel, makes sure all his books are there and in order. Barely opening a rather large one while still inside his bag, he slowly and carefully cocks the revolver tucked within the cutout of the pages. (17 stealth, raw roll)

"Miss Armella, should I try and check the priest's mind?" He whispers to her.

Armella looks at him confused, "Check his mind? Wait I don't want to know, do what you will."

Rolland looks down at a copy of the Lodestar, not at all caring about the words on the page. Instead, his mind is reaching out, feeling and flitting toward the high priest at the head of the room. Briefly he touches the old man's mind, (6 raw roll vs will... guess the old man feels the mental prod...) to see if he is in any way distraught or saddened by what is happening before dedicating his full mental assault on the high priest. (...whoa! 18 raw roll!!)

The old man is beyond overjoyed! Never in his long life has such an opportunity arisen as to be able to become one with Tarj. He is beyond words at this moment in his life, as he has been supplicating his god all his life to become one with Him. Suddenly, his mind feels a tingle, as if something is reaching out and touching it, and he feels slightly lightheaded. The feeling passes however, and he rises up, standing to his full height. A great smile is on his face as he beams up at the high priest.

Suddenly, the high priest wavers in his balance. His head becomes light, and a tingling sensation wafts throughout his whole body, starting from his head. He wavers some more, and leans heavily on his staff.

As Rolland is scrying the mind of the high priest, he learns that he is a native Lenovan, and has been assigned to this particular church to survey and oversee things generally. As far as he can tell, he has nothing secret to hide. But… he does learn that there is a High One at the church, however...

Rolland focusses his energy, pushing a seed of doubt into the priest's mind, attempting to make him wonder if taking someone's life is really a good thing, even if it is in the name of his supposed God...

Rolland, still staring at the book in his lap, begins to have beads of sweat form on his brow as he strains his mind, forcing his thoughts and consciousness outward, searching for the mind of the High One. (13 perception, raw roll)

The priest straightens up, wondering at the tickling sensation in his mind. He slows his recitation of the Loderite to an even pace. He wonders at the thought, *How is it that we kill people? The Alkahest goes straight to Tarj! I must consult the High One on this matter...*

(16 raw roll) Rolland searches through the sea of minds that surround him...and find no sign of the High One.

Armella sits ridged in her seat staring at the statue that decided the man's fate. If Rolland found anything out from him or the priest she wanted to act immediately. However, if they did, things may be set in motion too soon. Clearing her mind from her emotions the best she could, she takes a deep breath. *If there is a monster here, I am going to stop it unless otherwise guided * She thinks, partially challenging anything to stop her. This was her faith and she would purge everything from it and start from the ground up if she had to.

Dropping all guises of reading the Lodestar in his lap, Rolland wills his mind on further... clawing its way through the building and surrounding area, trying desperately to find the mind of the High One. Rolland broadens the search, feeling the minds of the mice scurrying about under the church, the birds roosting in the bell tower... "Where is he...?" He mutters through gritted teeth, sweat dripping from his face, his fists clenched so tightly his knuckles a stark white against the red beginning to ooze from between his fingers. (I better freaking find something!! 19 raw roll... lol)

His mind probes and searches, and his mental scrying leads him to the bottom area of the church. Suddenly, he hit a huge mental wall. His mind scrying effect backfires on you. (Take 15 damage, which is the halved version.) Rolland nearly passes out.

(18 raw roll, 29 with my persuasion bonuses!) Ruby jerks out of her thoughts, looking over in alarm at her friend's faces; the stony, dangerous eyes of Armella staring at the Alkahest on her right, and the incredibly pained look of Rolland, blood dripping from his trembling hands on her left.

Her heart racing, she drops her Lodestar immediately without a second thought... and grabs each of her friend's hands in her own. She exhales a deep breath that she's held for what feels like an eternity.

Ruby gives Armella's hand a reassuring squeeze, one of deep camaraderie and understanding. She gently cradles Rolland's hand, easing her way into his to unclench his fist. The fresh blood is slippery but she holds his hand comfortingly and firmly.

Not wanting to speak out loud, fearing her quivering voice would shatter her meager attempt at relaxing her companions, she keeps reciting in her mind, *You are okay. We are okay. He will be okay. We will find out more. We will save him after if need be. We will be safe. This is okay. We are okay...*

Rolland opens his eyes from the mental attack, one eyelid fluttering as he tries to maintain consciousness. "It's in the basement..." He whispers to Ruby and Armella. "And whatever it is, it was able to attack my mind..."

He shakes the cobwebs from his head, an angry look flashing into his eyes briefly. "We have to stop it." He hisses under his breath.

Ruby feels a chill crawl up her spine at those words. Her eyes widen and she looks between the both of them.

Glancing at the over-joyous old man heading back to his seat, she nods affirmatively, giving their hands each a small squeeze. "We will."

Slipping her hands free for a moment, she wipes the blood from her hand on the inside of her bag. Ruby tugs out a familiar teal silk fabric. She discretely starts cutting it and coating it in the last of her healing salve, working inside the satchel on her lap.

Glancing over at Rolland, Ruby quietly takes each of his hands to wrap up the bleeding nail marks. "I think I'll need help making more of this stuff later," she whispers with a ironic smile. "Especially if there is an impending fight with a monster."

Armella sits in a mix of shock and anger. She wants to go down and find it, but a voice in her mind reminds her that the three of them alone might not work. Though...Maybe it doesn't know they are there. Last time, the monster caught them off guard. Maybe this time they could do the same to it. "Should we get the others or go and investigate? Not fight, just look, to keep tabs so it doesn't get away" She whispers back to the two, partially hoping they would want to go and search.

The three of us sit in the church, the services coming to a close. Apprehension and nervousness hangs heavy among us. We now have a suspicion that there is a High One here in this building, according to both the Rite of the Alkahest, and what Rolland scried. People begin to file out of the building when the Loderite ends.

Ruby gives Armella a very searching look, remembering what happened last time. Still having nightmares of it occasionally, even. She looks at her friend, armorless, weaponless, but still willing to investigate to save others. What a true paladin of the church--of any righteous church, of any god--would do...

Seeing that spark in Armella's eyes, and that angry, determined look in Rolland's, Ruby quietly whispers through the excited crowd of people exiting the building, "Wouldn't hurt to look around, I suppose... At least find out more of their process for the Alkahest." She glances over at the man being congratulated by patrons.

Ruby smiles at them both, grabs her belongings and stands up. She exhales, turns on her heels, and heads over to the crowd... instantly putting on a mask of excited joy and giddiness. She acts like a completely different person.

Ruby fawns over him like a beloved grandfather, giving him a big hug and showering him in platitudes. All the meanwhile, glancing occasionally at the priests and paladins nearby. She intends to stay near him as long as possible...

The elderly gentleman chosen as the latest Alkahest beams with an unspeakable joy, tears streaming down his aged face, and his mouth split into a wide smile.

He hugs Ruby back, returning the sweet platitudes.

Armella stands behind Ruby, adopting her usual stance despite not having her usual more intimidating appearance. She was looking around for any signs of potential problems. (13 perception)

The only things she notices are the people leaving the chapel, the paladins inside and outside the chapel, and the high priest at the dais.

Rolland walks up next to Armella, with the guise (19 slight of hand) of holding her hand, but in reality slipping her a collapsible baton. "Just in case" he mutters.

He easily makes the move. Armella stiffens up, thinking he is going to actually hold her hand. But feeling the baton pass to her, she shuffles it up her sleeve. She looks at him disapprovingly.

One of the paladins in the chapel approaches the three of them, and asks "vat can I do for you?"

Ruby--Delilah, really, at this point--gives a glowing smile. (26 persuasion)

"Oh! I'm sorry! I was just so happy for the new Alkahest... I've had other friends chosen, too!" Her eyes twinkle brightly. "I pray daily, and strive to uphold every tenant, so some day I may be blessed with the title Alkahest."

She looks imploringly at the paladin. "I've been wondering for weeks, could I... be blessed to speak with the High One? To receive knowledge and guidance as to how I may better dedicate my life to Tarj the Wise?"

The paladin returns the smile, and beams proudly. "It vould be my honor to introduce you to ze High One."

The paladin looks among the three of them, and makes the holy gesture of Tarj. "May His blessings forever rest upon you! Vill your friends be joining you in visiting ze High One?"

Rolland leans on his cane, nodding. Armella nods in agreement as well.

Delilah returns the gesture back, hoping to placate any possible inkling of suspicion that could possibly persist. If they're all able to go together, it should hopefully be safe enough.

"We're so excited!" Her eyes widen, a thought coming to mind. "Will you be escorting us?" She smiles hopefully. Perhaps a paladin or two nearby could help them if something happened. A paladin--especially a Rhenese paladin--should despise magic and evil, horrific monsters... right?

The paladin beams, and straightens up to his full height. "It vould be my honor, laud and blessings be to His name forever!"

With that, the paladin makes to lead them down into the depths of the chapel, and take them to the High One.

We are lead down a set of stairs into the depths of the building, and are brought to a wide set of double wooden doors. The scene is all too familiar as we three mask a tension behind feigned joy and interest.

The paladin opens the doors, and gestures for us to enter.

'Well it's now or never,' Armella thinks to herself as she nods to the paladin and walks in.

Delilah still isn't quite sure what happened to Rolland earlier, and tries to sneak a glance at him to judge how he's holding up. (Crap, raw 4.. Not super sneaky lol)

She grits her teeth. She doesn't want to see him hurt any more... She doesn't want to see Armella hurt any more... A memory of the penitent armor shots through her mind and it makes her stomach turn.

But watching Armella bravely and boldly step forward through those doors without even a fraction of hesitation fills Delilah with borrowed courage. 'That's what makes someone heroic...' She thinks to herself, as she follows after with only a slight tremble in her limbs. 'That's a true paladin. I swear I'll do my best to protect my friends... or die trying.'

Delilah struggles to keep the multitude of thoughts swimming in her mind placated so she can properly investigate the room. Without being able to get close to anything yet, it's difficult to tell if it is a room inhabited by something unhuman. (9 investigation)

The three of them and the paladin walk in to the chamber, and see a tall robed figure with a veil over its face. The paladin gestures with the hand symbol of Tarj, and greets the High One in Lenovan. The High One returns the gesture, and speaks back to the paladin in Lenovan, waving a gloved hand in dismissal. The paladin bows, and exits the room, leaving just the three of them, and him (based on his voice) alone in the room.

The High One turns to them, and speaks common in a Lenovan accent. "How may I be of assistance to you, children?"

Delilah straightens up, fiddling with the beautiful buffalo ring on her hand. 'I'm with my friends... My herd... I'm stronger through them. I'll be okay.' She thinks, exhaling her tension... and putting on another smile full of childlike enthusiasm. (25 persuasion check with advantage).

"Oh how blessed this day is I can speak with you, most illustrious High One!" She makes the holy gesture of Tarj, and bows her head in reverence. "My friends and I just witnessed the choosing of a new Alkahest and were... Positively overflowing with emotions." She glances back at the other two with a pointed look, hoping she can stall long enough for the three of them to locate anything suspicious.

"Could you... Would you please share of your knowledge and wisdom to this humbled, young garden of minds?" She looks up imploringly at the veiled face. "How might we train ourselves to someday become Alkahests, too?"

Armella stands behind Delilah trying to not seem standoffish in her pose. She kept switching back to the first time they met a High One, her time in penence and how she truly wished that whatever Rolland did was because of maybe a natural cause and not really a monster.

She kept her head slightly bowed as she observed the High One. She was focusing on his physical appearance and trying to surmise if this man would be a threat.

(I'd like to use my feat "Know your Enemy": spend 1 minute observing or interacting with another creature outside of combat, you can learn certain information about its capabilities compared to your own. The DM tells you if the creature is your equal, superior, or inferior in regard to two of the following characteristics of your choice: Strength score Dexterity score Constitution score Armor Class Current hit points Total class levels (if any) Fighter class levels (if any) )

(This guy has a strength of 13 and a dex of 17.) She can surmise, after a time of study, that the High One looks as if he could move slightly faster than her, but is not nearly as strong as she is. Armella relaxes a little bit as she notices. ‘I can take this guy no problem…’

The high one looks at Delilah and cocks his veiled head. “Teach you to become an Aklahest? Why, you do not become one from teaching, you become one through living.”

She presses further. “How might I live my life to that ideal?”

Continue to follow the teachings of Tarj. Give your life in service to him and your fellow men. Spread his knowledge throughout the world. That is how you do it.”

Delilah thinks back on their history with the previous High One—his mannerisms, his attitude. This feels… markedly different. There is a somber, peaceful aura about this gentleman… As opposed to the hostile tense aura of the last High One we met.

She bows, thanking the leader for his wisdom and knowledge. She sneaks a look at Armella, wondering if she should keep stalling or if Armella has made any presumptions about this fellow yet.

Then, he begins to approach the three of them. Reaching into his robes, he produces three copies of the Lodestar. He hands each of his visitors one. He says, “Give these to a friend that you may know. Someone who is struggling, who is lost hope or faith. Give it to them and let them be enlightened that they may find peace.”

As Delilah takes the book, she looks carefully at his hands. His hands are five fingered, fleshy… normal. Human. (Nat 20) This is totally a human. Ruby looks over at Armella again, deferring to her judgment and trusting her intuition.

As the High One hands the Lodestar book to Armella, he looks at her. He stands a few inches taller than her—a very, very tall man—but when he looks at her, he takes a step back. “Are you one of our anointed paladins?” She hesitates, but nods. “Yes.”

“Well! Then this should be easy work for you. Take these Lodestars and hand them out to someone that needs them.”

Armella agrees, “Of course. It would be our pleasure.”

The High One then, surprisingly, takes the veil from his face. They see a wizened old man, clean shaven and bald. He has a kind smile on his face. He leans down and kisses her on the forehead. He comes over to Delilah and kisses her on the forehead. He then approaches Rolland, who instantly stiffens and backs away slightly. The high one backs up and smiles, giving him a pat on the shoulder instead.

“If you need anything, consult the high priest or the paladins in the building. They, and I, will do all that we can do help you.”

“Thank you,” Armella says as goes to leave. She walks up to the door, the one the paladin closed behind them, and gives it a little knock. The paladin immediately opens the doors again and watches as the three of them exit the room. The paladin says, “This is such a grand opportunity! You vere able to see ze High One! Not always a privilege that common folk can say that zey have. But you have been blessed. Good day to you all.” With that he closes the door and leads them out.

Once they get outside, Rolland turns to the girls. “I’m going to go to the airship. I have some things I need to mull over.” He makes his way off, his staff clicking on the ground as he walks away. His pace kind of quickens as he gets further away from them, a little perturbed for obvious reasons.

Armella waves, leaving for the time being to return to the Dangerous Pelican Inn by the port. Ruby dismisses herself to go for a walk for some time through the city to think about things as well.

 

 

THE THIRD AFTERNOON IN TRENFIELD (Before Game Session)

A dark figure lurks in the shadows of the docks, waiting for the patrols to pass. After they do, he slinks his way up an alleyway and over a locked cargo gate. He steps into the darkness at the end of the building, cloaking himself from sight and waits for a large group of people to leave the customs office.

Finally, he spies a group he can blend into the city with! As they pass him, he pulls his hood up and cloak tight, making sure they are hiding his illegal features, and steps in behind the group.

He makes his way to the market, looking for a flower merchant. Eventually finding one, he purchases a bouquet of star-lillies, a very expensive flower that only grows in this region. The shopkeep is ecstatic that she is able to sell some rather than watch this bloom die yet again... the mysterious dark figure slides a platinum piece across the counter, telling her to keep the change and walks out.

He starts making his way up the hill, heading for an old and dilapidated part of town when the wind gusts, blowing his hood down. The man curses as his jet black skin is exposed for a brief moment, his eyes glowing gold...

(I'll continue more later!)

The dark figure heads deeper and deeper into the broken and abandoned part of town, out past the slums and into the ruins.

He makes his way to a crumbled and basically destroyed church, opening the rusty gate to the small cemetery with an audible screech. He takes a deep breath and pauses a minute before stepping through the gate.

He makes his way back to the corner of the graveyard, sidestepping broken headstones and carefully placing his feet as he makes his way past dug up graves. Eventually he comes to the grave he was heading to... stepping over the fence and off hallowed ground, he kneels by the headstone.

A stone unlike any other, it is jet black stone with pure white letters set into it. The words say, "My Angel of Shadow, may you fly forever." He lays the flowers next to it, casting the odd stick or weed that had been blown in from the wind to the side.

"Sylvania, I'm sorry you never got the chance to grow up. Your brother would have loved you... just as I, your father, love you..." Nerezza says out loud.

The iron bells toll cold and melodic as services end. Delilah exits the building with the throng of church goers, feeling more conflicted than ever about her faith. She passes some silver coins to one of the paladins with a weak smile, wishing the tithe would ease her consciousness. It did not.

Bidding fairwell to Armella so she is alone with her thoughts, Delilah walks through the city for some time. The countless individuals busily returning to work make for a dull, comforting background static.

Out of the corner of her eye, something feels... Different. Something unlike the bustling merchants, inconsequential cityfolk, and uneasy Rhenese soldiers. The hair on the back of her neck stands on end in a familiar way.

Not even really sure where her feet have carried her, she scans her surroundings nervously. She spots a cloaked and hooded individual separating from a group of jabbering shoppers, milling just outside the market square. Her eyes follow after with interest, curiosity welling up inside her... Despite not having any friends or protection with her today, it gets the better of her. She follows. (12)

(16) Delilah hangs back, trying to blend in to the crowds, but they grow thinner the further she goes. She looks up nervously at the peeled and unkempt buildings and gulps. It's sad and quiet here. Nervously she glances around, looking for where the figure went. (13)

Catching the flutter of a cloak around the corner of a condemned building, she hurries her pace afterward. Peering around the brickwork, she both hears and sees the squeaky, rusted church gate moved aside. Delilah's brow furrows. She thinks hard, looking at the poor state of the building and the unkempt graves beyond, then back to the figure heading inside. She circles around, trying to keep well out of sight. (10? XD)

(12) She leans against the far wall of the church building, beside one of the few remaining plates of beautiful stained glass. Delilah hears the footsteps come to a stop.... and as his voice carries through the cold air, her eyes widen. Confusion and questions fill her mind, a chill running down her back. (20!)

She quickly looks around the corner. Her voice trembles a bit, not realizing she's speaking out loud.

"Nerezza...?"

Nerezza doesn't appear to be bothered by anything, and just continues kneeling by the grave. After a few minutes he glances over his shoulder. "Ruby, was it? A friend of my son's..." He puts on a sad smile, obviously fighting with his emotions.

She looks taken aback, not sure if she should leave him be with his mourning. Knowing now it'd be rude to not reply, she nods. "Yes sir." Stepping tentatively forward, she reverently kneels near the grave.

Nerezza rushes the dust and blown dirt off the stone, and rearranges the flowers he brought. He sits down behind some bushes and throws his hood back.

Delilah watches the gentleness of his grief, and as Nerezza moves away she reads the epitaph for herself. The fragrance of the star-lillies hangs in the air like a clinging memory.

Glancing around to make sure no one else is watching them, she sits nearby her friend's father. Trying to not show her intimidation under the look of his golden eyes, she mumbles a quiet apology. "I-I'm sorry to have interrupted you here. I... didn't know."

"It's quite alright... Sylvi would have wanted me to not be alone." He smiles at Ruby. "I think she would have liked you..."

She blushes and looks down, fiddling with her necklace. "I would have loved to have met her..."

After a few moments of silence, she slowly adds, "I'm... trying to be stronger for my friends. I want to keep them safe. I want to keep your son and his family safe." Delilah looks up at Nerezza, meeting his gaze...seeing his son in his eyes.

"Strength can be found in the strangest places. For most, it is found in the comfortable surroundings they know from their daily lives... I once knew a man who found his strength in the unknown. The unseen. He found he was at his strongest when most others would be at their weakest..." He looks up to the sky, a happy and yet sad smile on his face.

"I also knew a woman who drew her strength from one of the harshest and most unforgiving elements of all..." He catches a drop of dew off a nearby leaf, holding it up into the light. "She could manipulate it and force it to her will, command it to destroy her enemies, but also heal her friends... I believe you saw her... on Dolor..."

He clears his throat, looking down from the sky and back to Ruby. "Strength is a good thing. It keeps us safe, but it also keeps us going. I don't know how much my son has told you, but I am old. I have seen the passing of cosmos, tyrants rise and fall, kingdoms be built, and so much more... it wasn't until relatively recently that I discovered what it means to have the strength to carry on even when you feel like giving up..." He has a look on his face, not unlike the determined look you have seen before on his son's face.

Delilah is quiet and reflective as she listens to Nerezza. The weight of his words sink deep. Being next to someone so ageless makes her really contemplate her own short mortality, and how, to him, this life she's living will be gone in the blink of an eye. All of that, and seeing that familiar look on his face, she turns away and wipes her cheek.

"I'm sure I won't ever be able to fathom time and strength quite on the level that you and your son do..." She chuckles softly. "I'm sure it's a blessing and curse for both of us, in its own way. You've...been through a lot." She looks back at the headstone, her smile fading slightly. "You've lost a lot."

"Loss is part of life. Do we ever truly live if we never lose things? Yes, loss hurts... but it is also what makes the good moments that much sweeter... worth savoring and looking back on." He smiles at the headstone, tears streaming freely down his cheeks. "I can still hear her laugh... A beautiful sound that would make sirens jealous... make Gods weep..."

He reaches his hand into his bag and pulls out some crackers, offering a few to Ruby. "These were her favorite. Mine too..." He chuckles, biting into one.

She gratefully takes a few and nibbles at one reverently. She fights back her own tears--from the understanding, the feelings, the emotions, even just the flavor of the crackers... It all seems to mingle into one. But most of all, from watching this father weep for his daughter.

"You...remind me of my own dad, in a funny way." A little laugh escapes, mingled with a soft sob. She breathes deeply, finishing her first cracker. "So... Did Rodrick never know his sister? Is he aware she's here in Trenfield?"

"No, Sylvi was... taken... before my son was born. She would be nearly ten years older than him. He knows about her. I often wonder if her being laid to rest here is what caused his Dwarven form to base his business here..." Nerezza munches on another cracker

"And how do I remind you of your father?" He says with a slight chuckle and a grin

Delilah gets shy, but mumbles around another bite, "My father was the wisest man I knew. When I was little, I looked up to him so much. He was a hard man sometimes, but he looked at me with such love. He called me his 'precious ruby' til the day he died. That's why I use it as my...nickname. I miss him." She looks up at Nerezza.

"Who... Who took Sylvi from you?" She gets a pained look in her eyes, almost afraid of the answer.

Nerezza mirrors Ruby's pained look. "In a way, I took her from me... you see, the reason magic isn't around much anymore is due to what happened at the rift. What no one has told you, is that the magic that persevered... survived through the cataclysm that nearly killed us all... has an even harder time passing that magic to their children. Sylvi's body couldn't contain the magic it was born with... the shadow realm was breaking through into this world, using her as a doorway because she was too weak to contain it... she passed away after a few days of fighting, but I feel her presence near me. She hasn't passed on yet... that's why I come here every year on her birthday. To let her know I'm still with her and I haven't forgotten her." He smiles at Ruby, golden tears staining his cheeks

"I... never thought about magic in that way before. That it... it could..." She can't quite figure out how to say what's in her mind, the idea of inheriting something so unstable, when it used to be so pure. All this magic stuff still feels so foreign, but also... so familiar.

Delilah fusses for a moment, wringing her hands. Closing her eyes, she tucks her pendant of Tarj away into her shirt. Looking at Nerezza with a new resolve and hope in her eyes, she asks,

"What would it be like if we could fix magic, Nerezza?"

Nerezza pulls out a black crystal the size of a small bowl, holding it in his hands so that Ruby can see.

"I can show you what the world was like before... and what I hope it would be like once more.... that is, if you would like." He smiles

Delilah's eyes grow wide, the sorrows forgotten for now. She looks back and forth between the crystal and his smile.

Both terrified of scrying again after what happened with Balgor and simultaneously feeling that incessant, gnawing hunger for knowledge, she hesitates. The pendant of her god feels egregiously heavy around her neck. Memories of slaughter cast shadows behind her eyes. Church doctrine funnels accusatory guilt in her mind.

Her heart flutters wildly as she decides.

"Please... I want to see."

Nerezza focuses on the crystal, the surface starting to swirl silver.

Images of walking through the shadow realm, but in full color rather than grayscale.

Images of carnivals, Nerezza performing magic tricks and illusions for the court and it's patrons.

Images of the feywild, faeries zipping and flitting from tree to tree, giggling and throwing tiny balls of fire at Nerezza. Dryads dancing around in the woods, the lights of the Wildlands joining in.

Images of a kitsune woman, whipping and swirling frost and water around with a vicious fury; then the same woman gently manipulating the water to heal a wound on Nerezza's arm.

"These are some of my fondest memories, the easiest to remember. The least painful."

Delilah watches, utterly mesmerized. She feels like a small child again, taking in the magician-like tricks of Nerezza, the giggling fey, the healing magic. Her heart swells with utter joy.

"These are some of my fondest memories..." Her mind falters, the voice echoing and mingling with the voice of Balgor, when he said the self-same thing. She looks sorrowful, asking tenderly, "But not all magic was used for good, was it? It... It can corrupt people? Just like they can be corrupted without magic?" She watches Wildland lights bob around her dreamily. "Is this world ready for magic again?"

"True, magic can corrupt..."

Visions of a king succumbing to voices whispering in his ear, making promises and pacts with a demon, and thus becoming tieflings.

"Magic is like any power. Those that have it can use it for good or evil, the choice is up to them... "

A beautiful scene of waving green grassy fields is suddenly broken asunder as an image of Gideon comes into view on the crystal.

"Magic is what he wielded..."

The battle continues, unfolding with Nerezza bonding to Saar's shadow and then the swordsman splitting into nearly a hundred before laying waste to the World Razer.

"Magic is what defeated him... balance... in all things."

An image of a tiny baby, her skin as black as Nerezza's but hair as white as ivory, a beautiful laugh ringing out before the crystal returns to it's natural state.

"I believe magic is necessary."

Delilah staggers from terror at the sight of the imposing World Razer, only ever before seeing his tapestry. It did no justice. The actual memories here turn her blood to ice. But awe washes over her at the melding of Nerezza and the mighty hero, Saar, and their combined might in the face of such utter destruction... Magic against magic. Good against evil. Balance.

Then the sight and laughter from the tiny babe strikes her. Innocence. Fragility. Gentleness. Pureness. The cooing fades, leaving Delilah with fresh tears spilling down.

"You are kind... Sharing these memories with me. Thank you, Nerezza."

She lets out a shuttering sigh, feeling weak and tired. Her tears shine with resolution. "I hope to see balance in the world someday... with you and the others." She looks at him carefully.

"I really do."

"As do I, young Ruby... I think you would enjoy a world where magic isn't broken and considered evil. Back when magic was prevalent, priests could use it to grow crops at a faster rate to feed the poor. It was used to travel the astral seas... even sail the skies, long before airships were even a dream in the head's of inventors... magic was used to create many wonderful things. It's a shame it is being so attacked merely because it isn't understood..." Nerezza stares at the scrying crystal, as if looking at a memory but the surface is still...

She watches him, considering it all. "If the weave is fixed... There will be order again. No chaos."

She looks at the ruin of the church house and subconsciously touches where her pendant lies around her neck. "Perhaps others will start to understand then. I'll help teach them... Knowledge can ease fear."

Delilah looks contemplative, as if she just realized something. She chuckles, "You're like Balgor in a way, right? Do you have your own patrons, God of Shadows?"

Nerezza nods slowly. "I used to... not so much anymore, though."

"Well...maybe more gods will come back if we start honoring them too. Balance... Right?" She smiles. "I suppose you two can teach us more about them all sometime."

"Although... I have to admit, I'm scared how the world would handle that again... The Rhenese have such a tight grasp on everything now. Small steps, I suppose..."

"The Rhenese are just another tyrant... they'll fall just like any other."

With a soft laugh, Delilah adds, "With the perspective of limitless time... That seems true."

"Where are you off to, next? Would you like to join us for dinner aboard the Skyshadow?"

Nerezza smiles at Ruby. "Dinner could be nice... are you quite sure everyone else would be fine with me coming aboard?"

"If we are truly hoping to bring back magic... Perhaps all of us should be more open-minded with our magical guests."

She shrugs. "However, if anyone isn't keen, well.... There is a city of food they can choose from. They are free to obtain it else where." Nerezza simply nods, reaching out and patting the headstone. "Happy birthday, my little Shadow Lilly..."