Jones heads to Schloss Caromarc, ever mindful of its precarious ledges, and seeks out the Count.
Jones makes his way to the castle, this time greeted by Wormwood at the front door, and led through the place.
The Count has been hard at work it seems (supervising your employees is exhausting), and much of the castle has been repaired or improved. And Jones could swear the bridges are even narrower...
Jones finds Caromarc in his sitting room, reading a book.
"Ah, Jones!" he greets you when you arrive.
"Have you been successful, then? The Whispering Way is stopped?"
Sledge will go with Jones to make sure he is safe.
Jones looks around to make sure they aren't being eavesdropped before speaking.
"Not yet, but I believe we've stalled their plans considerably. We came into possession of an artifact of great importance to them, and are now looking for a place to hide it from the Way."
"But, that's not what I came to talk to you about. During our adventures, we came upon an underwater Mi-Go base, and recovered two pieces of their fascinating alien technology. I'm told you might be interested in such things?"
He shows Caromarc the two devices.
Caromarc leans forward and inspects them.
"Fascinating..."
"These are actually organic! And yet they produce effects similar to very powerful wands. Hm. The possibilities for this type of technology are endless!"
Jones raises an eyebrow, looking genuinely curious.
"Is that so? Well, I'm glad some good came out of their horrid experiments."
"In any case, would you be interested in buying them from us?"
"Oh yes, definitely. Name your price. Within reason, of course."
"Hmm...does thirty thousand for each seem reasonable?"
Yes...that price seems more than fair." Caromarc says.
"I'll need a few days to gather funds. You can feel free to stay here, if you like. My son will be happy to see you."
"Of course. Thank you."
Jones leaves with Sledge and looks for the Beast.
"It's nice to see that Caromarc was able to bring life back his domicile. It actually seems like a pleasant place to live..."
He walks more slowly as he crosses a narrow bridge. "...ah, aside from major flaws, of course."
Meanwhile Darius effectively awaits at a location with Zin. The main reason they likely did not bring her due to the supposed mindset she had. The last time she visited the Caromarc's she had decided to duke it out with an Air elemental over a precarious bridge. It was the place they had met Sledge but lost an ally. Now that he had thought about it, the castle was the beginning of the ever changing dance the group went through. And when Zin started to act more accustomed.
" I hope they can garner quite a bit of revenue from Caromarc, those items were both annoying and one of a kind. Which reminds me, Zin, you have become uncharacteristically quiet. That and you are begging to stare a bit hard. "
You find the Beast deep inside the castle, the room here you fought the Promethean having been cleaned up and turned into a sort of loft for the creature. He sits, happily reading a book of poetry aloud to himself.
Upon seeing you enter, he lets out what would be a squeal for someone without such a deep voice, and jumps up to greet you.
"Jones! Sledge! You came to visit!"
"Hey, man. How's life?"
"Great! No more cages, no more fighting. Life is peaceful. How did your quest thing go?"
"Went great. I killed a bunch of aliens. It was cool."
Jones smiles when he sees the Beast.
"It's going well, in spite of a few mishaps along the way. We'll be staying here for about a week, so you'll likely get to see Darius and Zin soon. Although Darius will look somewhat...greener than you remember."
He nods toward the book in the Beast's hands. "What are you reading?"
"A collection of Taldan poems, by multiple authors. I find them...comforting."
"You have excellent taste."
"Now, we have some business to attend to in town. Particularly, we need to check on Darius and Zin." Jones chuckles. "There's no telling what they're getting up to on their own. We'll be back later this evening."
After bidding the Beast farewell, Jones and Sledge head back into town to continue selling loot.
Z immediately averted her eyes from Darius in a moment of shock from being called out on it. Oh no, I hope his isn't uncomfortable, ummm... find something to talk about..
Z shrugs, "There just hasn't been much going on recently is all. Besides, I haven't been that quiet, you all just don't ask for my opinions on what we're doing. Which I don't mind, so I just keep quiet whenever the need to burn thi--"
Wait a damn second....Wait a DAMN SECOND! That peasant! The one who shot me, he's here somewhere!
Z smiles cheerfully at Darius and extends her hand to him, "Would you care to join me for a walk, Darius?"
-Posted with Wayfinder
Jones Identifies the Ring of FF.
Orcius narrowed his eyes and the last sentence the deranged woman spouted from her mouth but relented at the sudden excitement and invitation. While at first hesitant to take her arm it eventually clicked that such an arrangement would likely prevent Zin from achieving anything relatively dangerous. He knew she was terrible when it came to close quarters combat.
" I suppose it would be rude to deny such a simple request " his arm locked with hers, " Do you have any place in mind? As to the topic, you do realize there are other things to think about than burning... " The stone-faced orc peered measuring Zin's response.
Is he being serious? Humor him.
"Of course there is." Z says, patting Darius' arm quickly, lest she start a fire.
Good, now change the subject.
"In fact, there have been so many things I can't burn, I'm hoping to have you and Jones take me to the library in the next few days. I'm planning to research into either some spells I don't know, or try to create my own to circumvent that issue." says Z nodding to herself.
Nailed it.
Okay, time to find this peasant.
But despite her efforts to locate the peasant, she spends even more time stealing glances at Darius.
He is so bulky now in this new form of his. It's really peculiar.
My stomach feels really funny. Gods please don't let me get sick in front of him.
-Posted with Wayfinder
Darius walked evenly, examining her words but usually going along with the flow. " The library, here? To my knowledge anything you wanted to know was found out, remember? One of our main goals is to cure you of your affliction, that only we have experienced the hell of and even so my own was a fraction of what you continue to persevere through. I must say however, I see you may well start to close the gap between you an Jones. oftentimes you dont see eye to eye to one another. "
The constant rate at which Zin seemed to look at him, the ground, then around was peculiar. The former almost as if a child who was caught with their hand in the confections jar.
" Zin, what are you looking around for? Are you assuming some of the peasants may well be angry? And to remind me, nice try deflecting the conversation. I meant there are times when you shouldnt answer something with burning. Not capability. " a tusked smirk appeared on Darius' face.
"Y'know, Jones, now that I think of it, maybe we shouldn't have left Zin alones with Darius. We should double-time our way back."
"Of course there are times when you don't burn things, namely, when people treat you with the proper respect and reverence."
"That's pretty rare in this land it seems however." says Z craning around Darius' frame trying to look down a side street.
However Z just finds herself admiring Darius from a different angle.
Damn it woman, get yourself together!
Throwing her hands up in frustration Z turns back to Darius, "How about a drink?"
-Posted with Wayfinder
Jones shrugs. "We do need to discuss our plans with them, but I don't see why we must hurry to find them. Darius can easily handle Zin, especially with his new Orcish strength."
"I, uh, don't think the physical strength will help."
"Hm."
Jones walks slightly faster.
Darius quirks a brow at the suggestion but relents, " Why not? maybe it will stop you from tittering around like a hummingbird. And get rid of that queenly attitude, for a small time. Jones and Sledge should be done soonish anyway. "
Z scrunched up her face, "I'm not tittering." she said somewhat sheepishly.
"And I don't see the issue with how I feel."
Z turns to Darius sprouting her wings of flame, perhaps startling some nearby peasants.
"I don't know if I'm a young prodigy to be able to do what I do, or the benefactor of some sick double edged curse."
"But in either case, too many people here are keen to either try to use me for their own ends, or more foolishly, put a sword in my chest. It's hard enough to not look on everyone with contempt, let alone keep them from harm."
"I've been at this whole curse thing for two years now, and admittedly my own personal power has grown a lot since then. But I'm not entirely sure that's a good thing."
Z sighs, "I'm not trying to be a martyr. Everyone has it rough here, I get it. I just... I don't know."
"You're the big bad monster hunter, right?"
"Well think how the monster must feel every once in a while. It can get pretty tiring."
"I guess I just mean, you started out.. Ummm... Half elvish?.. Then you became the monster hunter."
"I still haven't got to decide who or what I want to be, I'm trying to even get there."
Z shrugs, "Let's go get that drink."
-Posted with Wayfinder
Darius chuckled for but a moment at her initial reaction but as the woman spoke his expression become much more serious. It occurred to him that though she exhibited some crazed state of mental stability, Zin's faculties were no less brilliant, perhaps even more aware than normal. This was perhaps the most information she divulged to him since the exchange of her curse.
" Well, the journey is never easy, to find what defines your purpose in this plane. Some have it thrusted upon them, others decide it, fighting against or with the cards they have been dealt. "
The orc's eyes examine Zin, " If you want my opinion on the matter, you are neither monster or martyr. You have a plethora of great potential but are easily swayed by negative outlooks and in turn pervert them into that which you feel is right. This is why you strike out with such force, for weal or woe. "
Darius gave a sweeping motion towards the sky, " While its true that I am or rather, was a Half-elf this land still attaches stigmas to those who are different. My line of work is family oriented but encouraged by this society, and thus in a small way was done for acceptance. But, have you wondered why one such as I worship the Goddess Sarenrae above all else? Would it not have been easier to follow a more wrathful or unforgiving god, such as Torag or Iomedae? It was as you said, what of the monsters I hunt. As we have discovered even my specialized foe does not all carry the same mindset. And so, by following her, I strive to become stronger, such that I can have the strength to make such decisions. It is why I have much faith in that you will become someone of good standing if not already towards that. "
"... Good standing?.. "
"I'm not sure I follow you, but I think I should feel insulted."
We're standing awfully close together right now.
I'm not sure what this new transformation does for him, it's so odd looking. I wish he'd just use his normal appearance.
Z looks up at Darius, Was he saying we should?
Just do it before you lose your nerve woman!
In one movement Z presses herself up against Darius, throwing her arms around his neck and kissing him.
Z tries to embrace Darius as long as she can before he either fights her off, or she reminds herself of her flames around Darius' neck.
Looking away she says, "I.. I hope I did that right, that's my-- your stupid tusks got in the way, so if it wasn't any good it's you whose to blame!" she says, pointing a finger at Darius suddenly confrontational.
-Posted with Wayfinder
-Posted with Wayfinder
Darius had little time to react before the deranged Zin embraced his new form. Conflicting priorities went on his mind, with naught but her actions he could tell this was desperation and misunderstanding. At the same time Sledge informed the orc hunter she was not mentally stable, so too much of a surprise would be less than ideal. The lesser of two evils was to ride it out.
The reciprocation was cursory but believable and once they had parted he blinked quite a few times. It was not the first time he had been approached by a woman but intimate contact was few and far between, usually a liability. " ..... Well I'm still alive without any burn marks, I would rate that as a good sign. I don't think I need to get a drink any longer however. "
Darius chuckled, though a slight shake to his visage. " I suppose I'll take responsibility for that one. We should meet back up with the others before this gets too 'heated' "
Z turns back away from Darius, her face turning red hot before casting her eyes up to Darius' and whispering, "Would that be such a bad thing?"
-Posted with Wayfinder
Before Darius can respond, Jones and Sledge appear from around a nearby corner.
"Ah, there they are! You see, Sledge? There was nothing to worry about."
"Now, if you two are finished sightseeing, I have good news. Caromarc has agreed to purchase the Mi-Go technology we recovered, and has also given us permission to stay in his castle while he gathers the funds!"
Z turns to Jones.
I should turn him to ash right now, might still be able to salvage this.
But, I'm sure given recent events Darius will request that he and I share a room anyways.
Fair. A castle is certainly better than staying here anyways.
"... How lovely..." Z eventually manages to mutter, though unable to keep the murderous intent from her eyes.
-Posted with Wayfinder
Darius places a hand on Zin's shoulder and firmly presses down. " Splendid. Zin, I'm sure we should enjoy the change of pace. A Castle will have much better to sleep than an Inn. We can even have some or Caromarc's Wine. "
Sledge raises his eyebrows, sensing the sexual tension in the air.
Jones gives no indication of noticing the sexual tension.
"Yes, and now we can focus on our primary goal here. Let's find a Pharasmin temple."
" At this point I have also thought of using Abadar if no such place could be found among the Pharasmin ranks. Did Caromarc immediately pay for the devices or does it require some time? How is The Beast? I hope he is enjoying his well earned peace and freedom. "
"Caromarc needs a few days to gather funds, and the Beast seems quite happy. He was reading Taldan poetry when we saw him."
"I think we should definitely consider every option available. Hopefully, the priests here will be less ambitious and greedy than that Pharasmin in Thrushmoor. With your ability to detect lies, and mine to detect thoughts, it should be easy to discern their motives."
" So pleasant to hear such news. My condition shall be better still. Let us go find another church while the light is available. The night will have other such complications to deal with. "
Darius leaned so that he could whisper into Zin's ear, as it seemed apparent she was not pleased.
Z nods to the others after hearing Darius' words, "Sure, so let's be on our way then?"
The Temple of Pharasma is exactly as it was the last time you visited
This Pharasmin temple, which none of the living party members have ever visited, is run by an eccentric old lady. She stands ready and waiting with a fire.
"Let me guess, you need a Restoration?"
Darius gives the woman a tusked smirk, she was crude but straight to the point. An amorous quality at her age. " While that is not false it is unfortunate to say we will need it at a later time. What I am more interested in is your devotion to your Mistress of Bones. We have something that needs to be... hidden and discretely transported to your main church.. if possible. "