Still eating he looks at her. "Rabbit I met in fhe fight against wbats his name, Red I met at her place after an altercation with her man friend. Then breakfast, Which reminds me is tjere more food?"He says standing there answering her.
" Oh and the names Drausk Bloodreaver, former shaman of the Bloodreaver tribe"
Vivid imagery begins to form from the mind of Drausk. As it coalesces into view he is first brought to the scene of the battle. there he is shown ripping out the throat of a guard while glowing. Then he trips leaving him looking up at a ceiling/sky.
The scenes change and he is able to get up and see the one Audia in the jail cell. Following that His mind goes to sniffing out delectable smells of food for breakfast as he does he ends up running into a scene of a Half Elf and human naked in the street with profanities and objects hurtled back and forth. Red is halfway out the window naked herself. Drausk gets involved ends up helping throw stuff out the window, the two then go eat, meet the doctor and the kobold before going back to the smith, things play out that something is fishy and Red is in trouble and then he attacks.
As the scenes play out, Red turns crimson as her naked form shows up in the memory of when she'd been arguing with her cheating ex.
"What?! I wasn't naked during that! I wasn't even out of my work clothes," Red says louder than was necessary, as she turns on Drausk, the same fire and spirit that had drawn him to her now aimed at him.
"That is of little consequence," the female inquisitor says, forestalling any further protests as the scenes from Drausk's mind fade away and everyone is once more standing in the black void.
The inquisitor turns her baleful gaze to Ellia, her eyes narrowing as she takes in the torn dress she wears.
"You wear the clothing of the disgraced Lord Dulci's servants. Are you a spy? What plans have you for the Guardian and the Grail? Tell me!"
Ellia whimpers, then cries out in pain and fear as images and scenes from her memories begin playing out and flickering form event to event. First is a little girl turned out by her drunken father. The next shows the girl struggling to survive. Then comes the kindness of the previous Lord Dulci who takes her into his household and teaches her how to read, write, and do arithmetic. Then the sad day that the elder Lord Dulci died and his son took his place. As things move forward in time, they become clearer, more vibrant. The events of the day play out in a blur of fear, worry, and stark terror.
By the end of it, Ellia is huddled on the ground and sobbing, begging the inquisitors not to kill her. Audria looks disturbed, if not shocked, and slowly moves to offer what comfort she can to the young woman.
"Naive, but not evil. It seems that you are little more than a fool that was used by Lord Dulci."
The inquisitor then turns her gaze to Egryzon, and the shadow of a sneer of contempt curls her lips for just a moment.
"And what of you? How did you come by these people," she demands of the white-scaled kobold.
"Oh right the other woman was. Still, you have to admit, you are stunning either way. Be it in my imagination or standing before me. In fact, I know you want to take a dagger and stab me in the eye, but it's that passion that makes you beautiful and intoxicating to me" He says with a smile earnestly laying it out there, and hopefully avoiding a painful series of blows from the very capable Red
Sannah watches the other follow the Inquisitor into the other room impassively, only giving Audria a little smile of support.
She adopts a relaxed stance and waits....
Red's ire is soothed, somewhat, by Drausk's flattery.
"The eye wasn't the first place I had in mind," she mumbles with a chuckle. "Really, it's flattering that you like me so much, but at least buy me dinner first before you start undressing me with your eyes. I don't give out shows for free."
When the others were lead away by the inquisitors, Xavier let out a deep sigh. Noting the consternation of the guard captain, Dr Munroe asks him with a friendly smile, "Wow those two are quite something aren't they? I take it this isn't exactly standard procedure, wow long are they allowed to detain them?"
Egryzon stares fiercely at the woman, replying sharply to [pher contempt. "I am Egryzon the White of the Ashtooth tribe. I was sent to Akiheton by a great, white Light. I met the male human and...Drausk while retrieving 'Red.'" He gestures to the woman he names, then continues. "I met Audria and the pirate"—waving his hand in Zendara's direction—"while defending myself at the Sun and Moon."
Muffled, as if in the distance, a mechanical grinding sound fills the air, followed by the clangorous ringing of a bell. Moments later, the first of Egryzon's memories spread throughout the room, displaying vivid scenes of battle that are suddenly interrupted by a harsh, white light that envelops the area. When the glow fades, Egryzon's form can be briefly seen suspended in the translucent shape of a wyrm before the images shift to those of the kobold's most recent interactions, quickly transitioning from his first meeting with the smith, to his arrival at the bistro, to the skirmish at the Sun and Moon.
Zaknador aproaches Munroe. His voice remains neutral in tone.
Not all religions are bad, more the way a person interprets the scriptures. Inquisitors are a breed unto themselves and tend to get results however they wish. The woman seems to have a problem of some sort. If those that foolishly volunteered get on her bad side....well...they are f$~#ed.
He looks at the captain for a few seconds.
They have their own laws that blur and bend until they get what they want. Then again I could be completely wrong about them as I do not know their religion all that well.
Sorry, I forgot to tell you this last time, but as far as you can tell, they are being honest/
"At least you are proving to be honest, if simple," the inquisitor says, her voice not as cold as it has been.
"You. You're the one they call 'Red,' are you not," she asks, turning her gaze to the artificer, "What relation do you have to this Order? Why were they after you?"
Red takes a deep breath, Steeling herself as the scene changes from the black void that returned after Egryzon was finished. It shows a smithy with her hard at work on various projects, many of masterful make.
"None that I know of, and as far as I can tell, they could have wanted me for their beds or because I am an artificer," she answers, cool as a cucumber, even with the glare that the inquisitor levels her way.
Finally, she turns to Zendara.
"And you, what is your story? How did you come by this girl," she asks, waving dismissively to Audria who is still comforting Ellia.
"I'm afraid that you elven friend has the right of it," the captain answers the archeologist, "normally, they wouldn't be allowed to do this, but the Albian church has a lot of influence since they provide healers, wands, and potions to the guard free of charge. Not all Albians are like that. Many aren't much different from the silver-haired girl that's got those two in such a mood. The high clergy, though, especially the ones from Vigil, their holy city, are another story altogether. Some of them are just as diabolical as the Asmodeans, and even craftier. In any case, I'm afraid that my hands are tied. If they ask for us to hand you over, I have to."
He looks at all of you, sadness in his eyes.
"I'm sorry. I truly am."
Zendara doesn't attempt to prevent her memories from going on display or attempt to lie.
The void yields to images familiar to Zendara, of seeing the young girl in the alley and attempting to heal her, of taking her to a healer and being betrayed (for some reason the image of Anderson Malgrave introducing himself and calling her a "fisherwoman" is tinted a little bit red), and barely escaping...
The scene of the run through the marketplace is quick and then encountering Sannah seems to be significant, being accosted by Dulci, and finishing him. Then finding out that Malgrave was going to kidnap another girl, and running to save her, and the ensuing battle.... in every scene glancing or being aware of where Audria was and moving to protect or help her.
It kind of plays out like a heroic epic with Zendara, and later Sannah, as the good guys out to save everyone... she's somewhat embarrassed that everyone can see her overlarge ego, but she doesn't show it. She is proud of the fact that she saved the girl, and she is a pirate, after all. That's what we do she thinks to herself, only to see an image of Besmara flicker to life out of the void, and then just as quickly disappear, as she quickly thinks of something else and her associated memories come to an end.
The female inquisitor replaces her blindfold, hiding her eyes and the holy texts around them. She nods to her partner and the void is replaced by the room all of you were gathered into.
"It appears that all of you are telling the truth," she says, her voice neutral in tone, which is the friendliest you've heard it since meeting her. "We will need to ask your other companions what has caused them to become involved with this, but we do not have any further questions for you."
"Not all Albians are like that, but I believe you are right to fear for the young girl with silver hair. Whatever her position in the church, her presence here has stirred a hornet's nest," the captain replies.
The inquisitors return, leading the six that went with them. Ellia, the maid that had been escorting Sannah around Spindle, looks to be badly shaken. Audria appears to be comforting her, and it's remarkable how the two of them look so young when compared to everyone else, even the young captain.
"You three, come with me," the female inquisitor demands of Dr. Monroe, Sannah, and Zaknador.
Xavier stared at Ellia wondering what sort of ordeal the inquisitors had put her through. Apparently it seemed he was about to find out. "Err, sure." he drawled. He hadn't really done anything, so there didn't seem much to loose by going with them...
Sannah looks up from her reverie, fixing the inquisitor with a steady gaze.
"Do not fret, Commander she says to his apology, "You perform your duty commendably and with compassion, unlike this one, she says, indicating the impatient inquisitor with her chin, " who seems to enjoy her position and it's power too much , I think."
She then turns back to the inquisitor, and indicates with her hand that the woman can lead her wherever...
Zaknador watches the captain as he explains his position and the honesty he shows towards the Inquisitors.
If we are taken away from here by the Inquisitors...Captain if you would send word to the Nethys Church of the situation. They deserve to know the whereabouts of their own. It will be ill advised for another church to interrogate a member of our faith with out a representative present. Judging from the chip on that female...she does not seem to care about the law anyways.
As the others return and the three of them are asked to come along.
that is it, egg her on...not like she is enjoying this already..but then again, she might be on to something...she seems to get angry way to easy and that could work to my advantage.
why would we do that. You only needed to verify her story and her story. He points gracefully at Audria and then at Red. As it has been stated there is no evil in our hearts and with all due respect Lady Inquisitor, I doubt that Archbishop Isolde and the Albian church wish to offend the church of Nethys. As is Nethys Canon Law, a representative of the church will be present when questioned by another recognized church, lawful or government organization. I am more than willing to answer your questions but I recommend you contact my church to inform them of your wishes. Unless you have done so already and if so, I would like to see the Letter of Accord.
Zaknador watches her closely to see if he is pissing her off or not.
She may just skip the formalities and just brain f!+@ me right here and now. I better keep up my mental wards.
"With all due respect, drow," the inquisitor replies in a cold, flat tone, "you have become involved in a situation involving a holy relic. A powerful and dangerous relic that was to remain hidden." She glares at Audria for a pair fo heartbeats before turning her attention back to Zaknador.
"I'm afraid that this situation makes it impossible to observe all of the niceties of protocol. I can obtain what I came here for peacefully or by tearing it from you one scream at a time. Either way, I will learn what your involvement in this fiasco is."
This is not going to end well. I need to be careful here...need to piss her off just enough to give me an edge. She is not a matron mother that is for sure but still she is an Inquisitor.
Well now then...Human...I can see that we are familiar with each others race. I never thought you cared at all about the protocols that where put in place because zealots such as yourself. It is what you want that counts correct. Screams...you have no idea how pathetic that sounds...screams...So shall we play your game....ask your questions.
While the others are distracted by the drama, Zendara pulls Sannah aside and gives her the very short version of what happened during the questioning, so that she will be prepared.
After that, if the inquisitor is still busy, she'll update Xavier as well.
Xavier wasn't liking the way this confrontation was brewing. The paranoid yet proud Drow clearly wasn't going to give an inch. On the other had as far as Xavier could tell he was innocent so it would be too bad of his reticence got him hurt or worse. The worst of it was there didn't seem to be anything he could do.
Or was there? Zendara pulled him aside after speaking to Sannah and she explained how the previous interrogations had gone down. It seemed they had at least some wiggle room to emphasize certain things. Maybe the inquisitors would come to the same conclusion he had about Zaknador when they saw events thought his eyes. A slim hope but it was all he had...
"Very well, we can hear your tale when we reach Vigil," the female inquisitor says as she gives Zaknador a cold smile. "Captain, prepare an escort for these... people. They will be coming with us."
Vigil! It could be worse, but Dr Munroe was staring to get rather irritated by the inquisitors. Ignoring them and looking the captain in the eye, he demand, "Hey! Are you going to let them order you about like that?! Think about it, I work for Arcanum. What do you think they're going to say if I'm extradited without due process. No offence but somebody really senior, like a judge needs to sign this off."
Sannah mutters her thanks to Zendara for her description of the inquisitor's 'examination'.
She turns to hear the good Doctor's plea to the Commander, "Dr, as the Commander explained before, he has no choice but to acquiesce to this woman's demands. His duty commands it, if his conscience does not. Do not put him in the position of contemplating abandoning his duty." she says, looking on the Commander with a look of compassion for his predicament.
Then she turns to the inquisitor, a look of disdain on her face, "I for one, need no escort. I will accompany you willingly, and I strongly suggest my companions to do the same. Something brought us together , the conflux of a struggle for an object of great power. I do not see such things as insignificant. Take us to Vigil..."
Zendara wished things had gone differently and that they could have gotten through the questioning and then been allowed to leave because further delay was just endangering lives. However, at this point Sannah seemed to have the right of it. Vigil was the only sane choice. If they could just jump through all of the insane hoops of Audria's order, maybe they would believe her and they could finally get to rescuing the others. ... And get their weapons back. She felt uncomfortable not having access to her bow.
I, too, will go willingly. Whatever it takes to be able to be able to help Audria accomplish her quest.
She went to make sure the other girls were okay to travel.
On to Vigil it is then.
Great, out of the pan and into the plane of Fire.
Turning his back to the inquisitor, Egryzon takes a few steps back. After seeing her treatment of Audria, he didn't particularly care for the woman, or wish to follow her idea of resolving the situation, but, try as he may, the kobold failed to come up with a way to escape with the guardian in tow. Perhaps it would be best to play along, for now.
"Fine. I shall go as well. Willingly. Egryzon stresses the last word as he turns to face the inquisitor, shooting her a glare overflowing with scorn.
Zaknador looks from the Captain to the companions trying to silently instill the importance of his request.
Need to buy as much time as I can to give the captain the time he needs...I hope
I am certain that the captain will have his hands full as he has more important things to do. Am I not correct, Captain?
He turns back to the female Inquisitor.
Madame extremist....I mean evil b*&$!...I mean angry cat lady, I mean Lady Inquisitor. We are all here willing and waiting on you. If you would be so kind as to lead the way so that we may be rid of your stench as soon as possible....and if you could stand down wind that would be great....hmm too much
He stares at her for a long time
If I can piss her off, this may turn into a very long walk.
In a very slow and condescending voice...
Well...we are waiting.......
you know...the gate to Vigil....hello?
"I'm afraid that I must insist that you come along," the male inquisitor says to Dr. Monroe, "You are involved in something much bigger than the Arcanum, even Akiheton, now."
An escort of a dozen guards is assembled and with the inquisitors leading, you are all brought to the gate that leads to VIgil. It is late in the day, and the sun is beginning to set in the west, a red-orange disk of light. The gate, however, shows a brightly lit courtyard surrounded by gleaming marble and vibrant greenery. You step through and into a cool breeze that is perhaps a little cooler than comfortable.
Before you have a chance to take in much of your new surroundings, however, a young man with guileless brown eyes and brown hair and escorted by two Albians in gleaming armor comes up and throws his arm wide in welcome.
"Oh! Visitors! It is a rare treat to have someone new visit Vigil! Welcome! Welcome! Is that Audria I see? Oh you'll have to pardon me, where are my manners, I am Fidelias and these are my keepers Gwendolin and Maria. It is a pleasure to meet you," he greets all of you in a cheerful and energetic voice.
Both of the inquisitors stare at him with open mouths as Audria's silver eyes widen.
Xavier's words fell on deaf ears and armed guards escorted them through the portal. At least they weren't in irons but it was clear they had no choice in the matter. As they walked through the portal, the words of the Captain rang in his ears, The high clergy, though, especially the ones from Vigil, their holy city, are another story altogether. Some of them are just as diabolical as the Asmodeans, and even craftier.
With dark thoughts clouding his mind, Xavier was taken aback by the cheery welcome from Fidelias. Recovering his wits a fraction faster then their escort, managing a grin he replies, "Err nice to meet you Fidelias, name's Munroe. We're uh, well I would like to say we're just visiting but to be honest I've no idea how long we're staying."
Glancing at Fidelias's escort he wonders why a kid would rate such an escort. Maybe he was the son of somebody important, but try as he might, he couldn't place him.
Zendara is extremely surprised, but she recovers quickly.
She smiles. Greetings Fidelias. It's so nice to see a friendly face. It's not exactly what we were expecting.
I was wondering, if we are your guests, could we possibly have our weapons returned to us? I assure you, we mean you no harm.