"Well, now what? What do we do? We still have no way to get home."
Paul looks at Sterling and sighs. "Ok, so you're the victim. That's fine. What is your plan now?
Those skills that went away would have been helpful in the battle against the church and in getting out of here. Hmmm. Maybe skill wasn't the right word. Tool may be a better one. Maybe you have it the wrong way round. The tool is now in your hand where it won't do you any good. Maybe we are all just Trills"
Sterling smiles broadly. Victim no. Blessed yes. I'm the only one who is truely free. No more nattering self proclaimed godling tyrants for me. Sterling grabs the magus sword. Freedom!
"WHat's a Trill?" she asks, innocently enough.
"Be careful, don't touch it... it probably still has the power of Neri's voice in it. Maybe not as strong as in the gem, but DO be cautious, Sterling."
What will happen if he touches the sword while he is not host to one of you?
Unlikely, he is too hot headed, to stubborn, and too prone to shoot of his mouth. He will be unable to blend in... And without the powers... he is doomed.[i] There is a long pause. [i]Tools has a bad connotation... you are... needed... You would be dead now without us... This Sterling has no concept of... your term would be... honor among thieves? We gave you another chance at life... We only ask the same... I wouldn't kill you if you wouldn't do what is needed... but I might go seek new hosts. I only kill when I need to, it becomes messy when one kills without need.
He is wrong, you have not been taught.. you are borrowing... our.. not knowledge, that would turn your brain to... tapioca? Is that the right desert? Or is it pudding? You are borrowing our essence. If that essence leaves... You could learn to be a lesser version of what we are, now that you have borrowed that essence, but you would have to learn it... not simply borrow it... and yes, they are both stubborn morons.
I believe the phrase you would use is... I plead the bourbon?
Not a damn thing... Without an active essence to power it, the sword is just junk...
Yes deary, both of them are stubborn, opinionated, and entirely too full of themselves to ever admit they were wrong.
With an air of supreme smugness, Sterling takes the broken and battered sword in his hand...
...the sword seems a rather heavy paperweight.
I find it entirely depressing that I feel I have lived through this a thousand times before... it's like watching old family movies, if I read your memories correctly... I wonder if I can get someone to adopt me into another family...
Sterling looks down at the sword. well thats disappointing
"Sterling, you are powerless without a gem. We need them as much as they need us. They aren't parasites... they are more like symbiotes... Yours was stubborn and hotheaded... a lot like you, dear man, and perhaps not a good fit with you is all. I hear he did throw good parties though."
She listens to the voice in her head a bit more. It may not be totally forthcoming, but somehow she doubts it's lied to her directly.
"We are using a little bit of their essence, and it gives us some knowledge and powers we'd never have without them... My 'voice' tells me you could learn some of these things on your own, but you'd never have the power without a gem. They know a lot more than they are telling us. Apparently if they told us everything it would fry our brains."
She pauses a second...
"bourbon?" she blurts aloud, surprised by the reference.
he's stubborn but far from a moron... on the contrary maybe he overthinks things a bit, but he's not stupid. As for you being a god, I guess you mean you're pleading the fifth? It's a legal thing where I come from, but I guess you pulled that from my head, right?
"Sterling, I think you need an active gem for that sword to have power... without it, the weapon has no power, it's just an old piece of junk. I still caution the others not to touch it."
She looks at Sterling with a mix of admiration and pity at the same time. "What will you do now? Seek a new gem or just study on your own? Somehow I get the impression you'd never accept this one back again."
Would you recommend a different gem for him, one that he might get along with better? I don't want to see him powerless in this hostile world. Not that he'd ever accept another one after that experience, but maybe... I don't know... he might...
Sterling sets the sword out of the way of the others.
He had been raised protestant. He thought maybe a miracle was about to happen. He had believed that maybe he was blessed. Maybe he was chosen, like the prophets of the ancient world, to bring change into the lives of those ruled by petty tyrants of both faiths.
He had hoped it was providence for him to aid in creating a world, where people were free to worship as they like without reprisal. Deflated and defeated, Sterling shakes his head. His hubris tasted bitter. His faith shaken, Sterling walks out.
He heads to the village and sits in his office. And for the first time in a very long time, he prays.
Luna sighs when Sterling walks out... she watches him go from one of the windows in Paul's tower and sees he's headed for the village. She stands near the window, arms wrapped around herself for comfort.
She turns to the others, looks at them evenly, but her eyes are red, and edged with unshed tears. "Well, now what do we do?"
If Paul and Harry don't answer right away... she walks out slowly and heads to her apartment building. She'll greet the folks in the other units as she heads to her own door. Slipping inside, she kicks off her shoes and flops on the bed, staring at the ceiling for a few minutes. Then she curls up on her side, and has a good cry...
Dammit, why does he have to be so stubborn? and smart... and and and... oh damn!
"We were working on a plan. I'm not sure how the hell to implement it though. We need to get to those allies. "
Paul smiles at Luna and answers her, "A Trill is a race from Star Trek. It's basically a very human race, but they have a symbiote in them. Neither can live without the other once joined. If one dies there is a time they can replace the other or else they die to. The symbiotes end up living through many hosts and acquire many skills and knowledge which the host can use.
Good idea. I could use a shot of bourbon about now."
After Sterling marches off Paul looks at Luna, "Well he's had his temper tantrum what he needs is some "time out" time. I think he'll come around eventually. He's smart enough to know he's dead without a gem, just too prideful and stubborn to admit it. Not to mention that he can't stand needing anyone or thing. Hopefully he'll grow up quickly and lose this "It's my way or no way" routine."
Paul turns to study the map for a minute and then says, Allies would be good Harry. However, I think we first need to see what sort of watch they have on the shield and the three of us are probably best suited for that. You and I have spent some time in the woods, though you far more than me, Harry, and Luna, I think your new skills make you good at being unseen. We may not even have to leave the shield if it's a close watch they have."
That may be true, but... animals also don't talk... well most don't. And unlike some of the others, I don't particularly consider them good mates.. I hope you don't either... So all things being equal, I'll take the drama over isolation. The voice sighs. Sometimes I'd just rather have the companionship without the drama...
Ah, yes, fifth, I see now. And don't be ridiculous, I didn't pull anything out of your head, it would stop working correctly if I pulled it out.
....no.... The pause is long, and the voice is distant, as if it's not quite as close as it was a moment ago, then it clears up. I am informed that no, I cannot recommend any specific gem...
Actually grateful for being talked to, Luna doesn't go off to her apartment for a mini-meltdown.
"I kinda agree, Harry. But how to do it without Sterling? Maybe he'll change his mind? But I doubt it."
She listens to Paul and kinda chuckles softly when he mentions Star Trek. "Yeah, that kinda sounds like us now doesn't it? Though I don't think we'd die without our voices, we might be stuck here in the village living as one of them behind the wall here. Still, I get your point, we seem to have more of a purpose with our voices. And definitely more knowledge and power."
"I think you're being kinda hard on Sterling, but I get your point. I DO hope you're right about him 'coming around'. Maybe, if he does change his mind, he'll go back to the cave and choose another gem, one more suited to him. Maybe he'll find one he can get along with better."
She listens to Paul and Harry talk about finding allies and discovering about a watch on the shield wall. "Maybe Mabh can give us some insight on the church guardians.... how long they might maintain a watch on the wall after the village was destroyed... and whether they might rebuild it to restock it with their apostates... It wouldn't hurt to at least ask her before we go scouting about beyond the wall. And if we go see her tomorrow, it will have given Sterling a night to reconsider and maybe he'll come talk to us at least."
"Yeah, he might come around, but I'm not holding my breath. There's a lot of ego to overcome there. We'll see. "
Just curious - can't recommend one because of who Sterling is and there isn't one he'd get along with any better? or can't recommend one because you're not allowed? And if you ARE gods... who is informing you and making rules?
She poses these questions out of simple curiosity and not to push the voice in her head. If s/he doesn't answer or doesn't want to answer, that's fine too, though she'll be a mix of amused and annoyed without anwers.
Speaking of 's/he', is the voice in her head male, female, or gender neutral?
When you are working a grift, do you make decisions, or does your entire party make decisions...
"You're right, Harry. He does have a strong ego and a lot of pride. He won't come around easily or without a lot of personal pain. I don't know that he will come around ever. He's not a bad man, but he may have to face the fact that he won't survive long here without a gem. It won't be easy for him. Rather than try to force him to make a decision quickly, we need to just give him our support and friendship and let him make his own choice."
Luna rolls her eyes and smirks slightly at some stimulus that has nothing to do with what she just said.
So you're working a grift, and I'm a mark? Hmmph...
The voice can tell she's hoping it's a joke.
Sterling gets up from his desk. He grabs a flask of ethanol and pulls the stopper, and takes a pull. The 180 proof alcohol burns his throat and stings his sinuses. He winces as he pushes the volatile liquid into his gullet. Sterling follows it quickly with another swig. The ex-alchemist walks to the open doorway and leans against the door jam. He watches the village slowly move about its daily tasks.
He takes another swig. The moonshine was hitting him. The pain of his confrontation starts to slip into a haze. Sterling heads out into the street. His normally smooth gate is filled with pauses and a bit of swaying. Somehow he finds himself at Mahbs. He nods at the old woman and takes another swig. Hey there Mahb. How’s life treatin ya? His words come out like molasses on an October day. He offers the flask to Mahb to take a drink.
So I have a fight with, ya know, um what’s his name, Avlen…Avlenin…Alven and the chipmunks. He laughs at his own joke. You were right, those demons are huge pr!cks. Did you know that son of a b!tch tried to kill me? Then he shot out of me like a bad oyster. Took all my, umm, you know…skills with him. It’s just me now. Lumpy. Sterling gets a bit more animated. And Paul and Luna are like, “Hey man, take gem, all the cool kids are doing it.” Sterling shakes his head, as if to say he was being a little unkind.
Sterling takes another swig. Paul seems decent, I guess. I really don’t know nothin about him. He and Luna saved my ass though. Sterling’s eyes close and he weaves a little. Suddenly they snap open. That Luna though. She’s a cutie pie. He smiles She’s got that walk, like a cross between a woman and a little girl. he closes his eyes again. I bet her lips taste like strawberries
Swaying badly, Sterling falls backwards onto his ass. Some of the alcohol pops out of the top and splashes to the ground. Sterling looks at the spill. Uh oh, alcohol abuse This cracks Lumpy up. He laughs whole heartily. He attempts to get up several times only to be thwarted by gravity. He decides to instead sit with his back against the wall. Harry’s a good man. Tough, pragmatic, trustworthy, accepts me as I am. He’d back me whatever I decide. But the others have a point. Sterling again looks sorrowful How can you trust somethin that can kill you at a moment. Or leave you without any weapons to defend yourself…on a whim.
It would be hard work, but I could learn alchemy on my own. I’m no stranger to hard work. But I wouldn’t be as effective. Do I have the right to burden the others to carry my slack? Sterling starts to get sleepy. They need direction. I can give it to them. I know we need to get to Demonshale to steal a boat. We need mounts. But mostly we need a guide to get us there, and help us avoid pitfalls.
The old woman waves off the flask, and lets Sterling natter on, when he's done, she digs into her beltpouch and pulls out a small glass vial. She takes the waterskin off her waist and pours the powder in. After capping it and shaking well, she holds out the half-empty waterskin to Sterling.
"Drink it ye bloody fool, ye cannae make sense right now." She then gives him the Evil Eye (TM) until he does so.
After about 10 minutes of his stomach heaving afterwards, Sterling finds his mind extremely clear, and the alcohol buzz completely gone.
"Now, ye got ye head on straight? Ye ask how ye can trust 'un who cain't or won't tell ye what ye want to know, how ye can place ye life in the hands of folk ye don't know ye can trust." She spits on the ground at his feet. "Ye didnae have much truble askin us tae lay our lives on the line, and die, fer ye, when ye were the one doin' the askin. So you askin' how ye can do what ye demanded we do is a might bit insultin'. Ye be actin' like a spoiled brat to me boy. Ye be in a bad spot, and ye be actin like Trobit when he don't wanna take his bath. Ye be kickin and screamin, and too stubborn to admit ye be wrong." She snorts. "Ye be actin' jest like every male I ever met. Powers forbid ye admit bein' a horse's ass. We didnae exactly ask tae have ya save us, or tae live in hell. We didnae ask ta be ye're vassels. Ye don't see us throwin' temper tantrums and tryin' tae kill ye do ye?" She says pungently.
Then she sighs and pats the bench next to her. "Ye don't seem like a bad sort, but ye musta hat a very shelter life, back where ye came from. Dunno why ye be here, or who ye pissed off to be taken away from dere and dumped here. But ye be here, ye need to quit tinkin like you be back dere. Here, tings be hard, tings be deadly, and if ye lucky ye don't have kids to watch 'em raped or mutilated. When deadly tings happen, ye buckle down and do what ye have to tae survive, and ye hope ye don't piss off a god before ye die. If'n ye can kill de gods, or even jest piss 'em off, din good for ye. De rest of us is doomed, when we die. So if it takes kissin the ass of donkey tae have a chance at not seein' a god when I die, I'll kiss an donkey's ass. So ye tell me, I gotta kiss ye're ass to make ye see reason, or ye gonna spare me that indigny in me old age?"
Sterling stares hard at her for a long time, and finally blurts. I'm not saying, I'm wrong...but...maybe I need to bend a little...the little bast@rd did try and kill me he sees Mahb's stern expression. ...but maybe I could have held my tounge.
The fact is, I am who I am. I can't police my thinking, when they can hear every thought...I'll give it another shot.
I hear rumors that the peacekeeper was born and raised in demonshales. do you think you can help me sway him to be our guide? maybe set up a meeting tomorrow to talk?
In the mean time, I've got to find me a new devil and make a deal with him
After talking with Mahb, Sterling heads out to find Luna. He hopes she and her symbiote can help find him a proper mate.
Paul nods to Luna, "I agree with you on that. Let him calm down and come to his own decision on the matter and things should be better. I don't know how long that will take though."
Paul then looks at Harry to include him into the next part of the conversation, "I think are next order of action to be to scout the area around the field barrier to see what kind of watch they have on it. One thing I want to bring up before that though is that we need a leader when we are out there in and around battle. Someone needs to call the shots and make tactical decisions. Everyone doing their own thing is a quick way for things to go bad. Sitting around and debating things is fine when we have time like we do now, but when it hits the fan someone has to be in charge for better or for worse so we all act as a team. Any suggestions on who, or who not?"
"Don't look at me, I'm kinda more the background sort of person. Paul, you and Sterling have the smarts to see the big picture and make decisions. Harry's our front line, sorta, and has the know how, but in a pinch, might be too pressed to stand back and assess... I'd say it's between you and Sterling, Paul. You're sharp as tacks and he's got the force of personality, but he tends to rub folks the wrong way, though I think deep inside, he's got a good heart and means well. I think my vote has to go to you for being in charge."
She turns to Harry, and asks, "What do you think? Who should be in charge when we've gotta work as a team?"
I hate having to call you 'hey, you' or 'voice' all the time. Mind sharing a name I can call you?
Id will suffice... using any other name could make you stick out... and alert people who overhear you... best not to be in the habit of saying any names other than Id...
Id, huh... isn't that some kind of psych thing? Fine with me then, be 'Id'. Short and sweet. So what's with Sterling's new choice? You know who he chose, right? Think they'll mesh okay this time?
She is one of the easiest to get along with, although she's also one of the more reticent to talk. I expect he shall be his typical spoiled self and throw fits when she doesn't kow tow to his demands. I suspect she'll find that amusing however, so at least he's not likely to have his brains fried.
She, huh? Well if she's not much of a talker, they might get along indeed. Sterling isn't a chatty type either, though I'm sure his thoughts are deep, and she can read those, right? I hope he's a bit more malleable than he's shown a tendency toward, now that he knows what his 'Id' is capable of. I think having an Id that is amused by his attitude might encourage him though... but still better than having his brain fried.
Oh, I never said she didn't talk, I said she didn't say much.
Oh... OH!... ah... that might make for an interesting mix.. or a disastrous one. I hope he lives through it. *mental chuckle*
"I'm a habitual loner really, so no, I'm not any sort of leader. I can follow instructions though. Let Paul lead, he seems to have a plan. That's at least until Sterling gets back. Then they can do steel cage match to figure out the boss. "
"That's fine. I've given and taken orders. I'd be fine with either of you, Sterling, no. He likes giving orders too much and men like that are the worst.
Shall we start scouting the field now?"
The next day, a somewhat subdued Sterling returns to the compounds and asks the remaining group to accompany him to the gem room to return the gem he holds, and try to pull another.
The group makes their way back to the cavern, another week long trek round trip. They encounter a few hostile animals, but nothing they can't overcome with their new found confidence and resources.
In the relief room, they find that Neri's relief is shattered. Kong's is cracked, but still intact.
Sterling places the gem back in the relief he took it from, and after looking around, dodging dead bodies, pulls another stone from the relief of the smiling woman with the odd looking boomerang.
As the group is resummoning their weapons to unlock the entrance again to leave, the ground shakes, and there's a shattering explosion within the cave that deafens everyone. Once the shaking stops, they find that the relief of the inn has shattered as thoroughly as the volcano relief had.
Upon returning to the compounds, they find Jacob's inn has been destroyed. In the rubble is a bent and broken rapier.
Sterling goes into a tall tower that looks eastern, with flowing lines to it's roofs. It is a week before he exits. However, creatures exit it the next day, animals, some with humanoid faces, others with just a high degree of intelligence in their eyes.
They do not act friendly toward any one, but don't actively attack them either. Eventually the follow the scent trails to Hell, and after that there are always 3 or 4 of them guarding the small village, chasing off any dangerous animals that come near.
Sterling finally exits, wearing eastern armor, and carrying a large 3-pronged boomerang with steel blades on the edges on his back.
"Oh, my... that is a change... I'm gonna miss the inn... Maybe we should suggest to Mabh that someone open a small tavern in Hell?" Same thing with the rapier as with Neri's sword. I don't recommend touching it."
"Sterling, are you gonna be okay now? You definitely look quite different than before... kinda exotic and, well, oriental. And those creatures that are protecting the town now... very nice touch. I... Well, I'm glad you made the choice you did, to take another gem. I feel you've made a choice to be one of us, as much as to regain some semblance of power." Without giving him time to back away or escape, she gives him a little hug, whispering into his ear when she has him in a friendly, warm embrace. "Welcome back."
After things settle down a bit, and Sterling has had his week in his tower to accustom himself to his new power and new Id, Luna says, "Maybe it's time for another meeting, let Sterling know what we've decided about team leadership and such."
Luna grumbles at her own clumsiness in being seen and heads back to rejoin Harry and Paul.
"They are still maintaining watches on their side of the wall. I saw multiple patrols moving about and one of them spotted me... Sorry, I got careless. Anyway - they wasted some ammo and a spell, but none could bypass the barrier. Getting through is going to require some stealth and care."
"Oh, my... that is a change... I'm gonna miss the inn... Maybe we should suggest to Mabh that someone open a small tavern in Hell?" Same thing with the rapier as with Neri's sword. I don't recommend touching it."
"Sterling, are you gonna be okay now? You definitely look quite different than before... kinda exotic and, well, oriental. And those creatures that are protecting the town now... very nice touch. I... Well, I'm glad you made the choice you did, to take another gem. I feel you've made a choice to be one of us, as much as to regain some semblance of power." Without giving him time to back away or escape, she gives him a little hug, whispering into his ear when she has him in a friendly, warm embrace. "Welcome back."
Sterling stiffens at the start of the embrace, then slowly relaxes and returns the hug. it's the threads, right?
He pulls back with a smile. Hey, good news, The Sherriff was apparently raised in Demonshales. He can help us get there and negotiate pitfalls. We just need to convince him. Can you get the others to come? A show of sincere need could go a long way in getting him to help.
After things settle down a bit, and Sterling has had his week in his tower to accustom himself to his new power and new Id, Luna says, "Maybe it's time for another meeting, let Sterling know what we've decided about team leadership and such."
EDIT: just noticed conversation wasn't aimed at Sterling
Sterling bristles a bit. So we're not voting anymore, or more specifically I don't get a vote now. Sterling walks off to the village. I have a meeting with the lawkeeper. He was born and raised in Demonshales. I'm going to try and convince him to be our guide. You and the others are welcome to join me. Afterwards you can dictate terms to me.
Jacob? Jacob? Oh! You mean poor Satrinius, well, he's not in very good shape right now, but at least he's in better shape than poor Ptaleon. My goodness, I don't know what we'll do without old fire mane. He was a hot head, hee hee, but he was very good in a fight, you know? I wonder where they got the name mantle from, by the way? I mean, when I hear that, I get this image of a fireplace, and it's such a silly image, someone walking around with someone else's fireplace on their shoulders. I mean, really, a fireplace? I'd much rather carry around someone elses feather or someone else's earrings. Oooh, you need earrings! You look better in that armor, but you're missing something, earrings would help! And some tattoo's, I used to be pretty good at tattoo's you know, you'd look wonderful with a foo dog tattoo on your chest, I bet your lady friend would like that. She looks hot for you. You're interested in her too aren't you? Oh my, you really are a naughty man aren't you? Such thoughts...
Sterling smirks. OK, I'm going to assume that your good with it. At least this one was much more pleasant than the previous passenger, thinks Sterling. Apparently she didn't notice the magic earrings he's wearing that were taken from the dead priest. He had thought it made him look like a parody of an 80's cool guy.
Sterling heads off to the destroyed inn and pulls poor Jacob's rapier from the rubble.
Luna was busy reporting back to the others on the outcome of her scouting mission, i'm sure, while Sterling was actively taking Jacob's rapier from the ruins of the inn. While up in Paul's tower, she'd show Paul and Harry on the map where she'd seen the roving patrols and what their schedules seemed to be like (how frequently they moved about and on what paths). She'd tell them too what kind of magic they were using that didn't pass through the wall, if indeed she could tell.
While up in the tower talking to Harry and Paul, she'd bring up the idea of broaching the topic of party leadership to Sterling. "He's going to be upset that we made any kind of decision without his input I think, so perhaps we need to reopen the subject when we see him again. That doesn't necessarily mean our votes will change, I don't think mine will, but it will give him a chance to stake his claim if he wants to be leader. He very much was a man used to great power and leading his company in the real world . He might want to run the show here. And he's probably quite capable of it, too. I just don't want to hurt him, as I think he'd feel slighted if we don't consider his opinion. So what do you say?"
"He'll have a hissy fit if he isn't given the chance to rant and rave. As I said before, that man loves power too much and is too hot headed, he'll get us all killed. I won't follow him until he proves he's gotten himself in check. You or Harry, I have no problem following. Leading a company in the real world in no way prepares you for having others lives counting on you.
Yes, we should revisit this and let him know how we see this working and give him a chance to have input. Really we all have input while we're safe. Sorta like the school board makes policy and the superintendent has to implement it and run the school district on a daily basis. The four of us being the school board and the leader being the superintendent."
"Paul, while we're here, can you check your mercury table and try to see if maybe there are any tunnels beneath the wall. Will it show you underground features? Maybe ones that will take us beyond their patrols so we can enter and leave freely?"
Luna looks at the mercury with curiosity, then back to Paul, wide eyed with wonder at the idea of the mercury showing things that might be under the surface.
"For you, anything!" and gives Luna a big grin. Paul seems happy to change the subject from contentious topics.
"I've never thought to look underground. Let's start under this tower and move around the compound and the try the rest of the area under the force field. Maybe we can get to to look like one of those ant farms! You've seen them right?"
Luna chuckles at Paul's smile. "ANYthing?" she asks eerily, implying she can think of things far out of the realm of possibility. Then she laughs, letting the thoughts go for now.
"I've seen ant farms... that's kind of what made me think of tunnels... if we could come and go without heading through the wall, we could get around all their patrols maybe. When it's time to go to Demonshales if that's what we decide to do, we can get out cleanly. Of course that's going to depend on whether or not we have mounts or how big any tunnels might be, if there even are any."
"Anything. Who knows what these magical powers can do?", Paul replies in a serious voice.
"Tunnels are a good idea if we can find any or maybe a pass through the mountains that they might not know about. Let's have a look."
With that Paul walk to the map room and approaches the table and put's his hands on it and starts looking.
Paul's table shows only globs of floating mercury when he tries to shift the view to underground, either under the wall or within the mountains.
Neri's table is earth-sight based, which is why he couldn't see anything more than a few feet above the ground. Paul's is based off scrying magic, but it's blocked by too much mass, such as stone or dirt. Basically Paul's table is surface to space, while Neri's was surface to core. Between them they could scan everything. Each table ended up with 'half' the radar system during the split up.
Luna watches the mercury expectantly, disappointed when it doesn't show any tunnels. "Well that was a let-down. I was hoping it might reveal something useful underground. But does that mean there isn't anything to reveal, or it can't show what's underground... Maybe try getting it to show us the cave, see if it can show the inside of that. We KNOW what's there, and it might give us some insight into what it can display."
"I'll ask around a little, see if any of the 'locals' know about anything underground. Let me know when Sterling shows up so we can have our little meeting."
Luna heads back to her own compound and greets her neighbors cheerily... Asks a few about any local information about tunnels and cave systems in the area... If there are any of them, how to enter them and where they go. Also, what do the folks in her apartment building think of the new village.
Just for fun, using one of her new spells, she'd put her own arcane mark on the building and everything in it that she touches while moving about inside. She'll exclude the people though for the time being. Though she does consider that maybe if she does mark them, they might become more 'real'.
When she finally gets to her own apartment, she'll take a look at her collection of clothes. "Most of these won't do here at all," she says, talking to herself. She pushes the jeans to one side, as they are functional here, but her lbd and other fashionable clothes she pushes to the other side of the closet, whispering as she does, "Won't need you... or you... or you.. " and so forth. She closes her eyes a moment, and tries to imagine garb closer to that the villagers wear, at least in terms of shirts and blouses she can wear with her jeans. She also imagines a few fancier pieces from Renaissance Faire type events she recalls... a poofy shirt that will look good under the corset, leather lace-up pants, that sort of thing. She does the same thing with the shoes. If the clothes don't change right away, she just closes the closet door and hopes that when she returns next, she'll have more appropriate clothing for this place.
They do not change, but then she finds some of the things she is looking for toward the back of the closet, hanging in the corner. When she turns around, there are more on the racks she was looking at earlier. It appears closing her eyes isn't enough, she needs to be facing away from an area before it will change.
Sometime later, when she returns, the arcane marks are all gone.
Paul takes Luna's suggestion and tries to view inside the cave and see what's there.
Paul can see the mouth of the cave by the waterfall, but things begin to get fuzzy as he focus's in, and after a few dozen feet it's just an amorphous blob that rapidly deteriorates into floating bubbles of mercury. It looks a lot like a lava lamp.
"Well, no go on the cave so I don't think this works underground. I'll spend my free time looking for any decent passages through the mountains. If they think they are impassable they may not put a watch on that area."