Bree waited with baited breath as they followed the scout further into the desert. When he stopped atop a dune, she watched with interest and awe as she saw the scout perform an act similar to the one that Octavian had tried to repeat over and over in the desert sands. When they saw the shimmer and approached closer, her heart leaped with joy having finally arrived at the fabled city that Octavian spoke about time and time again. She could feel relief wash over her as she realized their long journey might be finally at some kind of end.
Once they had entered the city, her eyes almost bugged out. There were blue people everywhere! Men, women, children, old, young, in-between, all walks of life were here moving about in the city. She never thought she would see more like Octavian, and seeing them still felt like a waking dream as she continued to look around in wonder. She wanted to see all the places, the wares, the foods, anything she had never possibly seen before. All of the possibilities excited her, but she had wits enough to realize that she should also behave herself for Octavian's benefit as well. So she would quietly keep to herself as much as she could and try not to draw attention to herself.
Oh good - friends and food. After a few moments, Arion moved over to introduce herself. At the moment, most of the refugees were likely in the category of 'strangers, likely to be a drain on resources'. The sooner they made a good impression - and started demonstrating their usefulness - the better off they were going to be. Exploring the area could wait - you only got one first impression, after all.
Qahnaarin gives a deep sigh of relief. "Blessed be all the gods," he made a praying motion to the sky, "for leading us to civilization. I was starting to lose faith." The speaker stays close to Octavian, not wanting to miss anything related to their mission or the current state of New Alexandria, but kept an eye out for a decent inn with a tub of hot water.
Inja whistles as the invisible wall parts for them and they pass through. The entire thing was breathtaking - the defenses, the magic at use here, the city itself. When she is offered food and drink, she shakes her head, directing the locals to the refugees most in need, the ones who have barely made the journey and are swaying on their feet with exhaustion and hunger.
Keeping Yama close, she ambles around, grinning at the blue ones, dizzy with relief. They made it! They escaped the Mad King's armies, the desert, the sand wurms, and made it here, to this fantastic place! Seeing such power and organization stokes Inja's hopes and her resolve to fight back. They need a day or so to recover and arm themselves, but after that it's time to plan their strike. She doesn't relish the idea of another march through the desert to reach the territories under human control, but perhaps the army pursuing them has been foolish enough to go into the deep desert after their quarry. Inja's grin widens at the idea of the giant wurms swallowing it whole... and if that hadn't happened, then at least there would be less distance to travel for her and the others.
Humming, Inja crouches down, sifting the sand through her fingers as she tries to envision a desert ambush. They could burrow under a thin layer of sand, camouflage themselves with magic.. oh! perhaps create the illusion of an oasis to draw the human soldiers out and pick them off in small groups.
Jasmine relaxes slightly as they appear to arrive at the destination. It was nice not to have the pressure of feeling responsible for the refugees, instead she preferred to move unhindered, with as little attachments as possible, and the entire caravan mission had felt like a heavy chain around her neck.
She doesn't say much of anything as she observes the other members of Octavian's race move in, but she keeps an eye on her religious followers to ensure she doesn't lose track of them.
Octavian returned the huge of the larger Illidari fiercely, the most emotion the wizard had ever shown. He held the hug for several seconds before pushing the warrior to arm's length and looking him in the eyes. So quietly that only those close could hear the wizard said "My brother Gaius....words cannot describe the joy I feel at this moment. But you were her brother and have reason to hate me. I could not stop them from killing her and for that I am more sorry then you will ever know. Please, leave your second in command in charge and return home. I would grieve with your House properly."
A thick meaty hand would grip Octavian's shoulders tightly, his head shaking slightly, "The only hate my brother, is for the humans who took you and others away from us. Many houses grieve during these sad and difficult times. Let's go then. It seems that many of your refugees are already have their needs met. They will be relocated where the others are." He'd give a nod to the second in command, and that was really all that was needed as he would motion for Octavian and the others to follow him towards the city in the distance. It would only be a short half hours march to reach the actual walls of the city.
Where the refugees would be lead would not be that great of a place to stay, but decent shanties and tents were pitched for them and many found it much more comfortable and preferable then trying to sleep in a tree or hide under brush from the humans. It did seem that the Illidari were already accustomed to seeing so many different races and refugees as they were already making quick work of dividing and caring for the lost souls.
Octavian would turn back and motion for the PCs to follow him past the refugee housing. "No my freinds, for now you will stay with me. It may have been 20 years but I still have a home. It's more than large enough for all of you." He would say.
A few moments later the true splendor of the city came into the view. The farthest reaches were lost up the slopes of the mountains the city was nestled against, glints of green and blue thousands of feet higher than the desert floor. At first the view would be almost blinding as sunlight bounced off a massive wall that encircled the entire base of the city. It was easily a hundred feet tall with a massive gate of a silvery metal of some kind that swung soundlessly on hinges that were easily taller than Tsakua. Inside the gates the city was a splendor of multicolored marble. Down near the gate were several barracks and several buildings that were obviously for military use. On either side a military camp stretched, the air thick with the sound of shouts and hammering metal. Anyone who would look with a DC 10 perception would see huge forges setup past the military section with barrels and barrels full of simple but well made weapons. Carts full of refined ore waited their turn as the famed smithies turned out more and more weapons for the growing Illidari warmachine. To even a layperson it was obvious that this was a race preparing for battle.
Octavian continued to lead Acteon by hand as he followed Gaius up past the military section closest to the wall up to a middle tier that was elevated above the lowest section of the city. Another wall enclosed this section with another huge gate and this caused Octavian to stop for a moment to gape at the construction. He resumed walking a moment and caught up to to Gaius, shaking his head. "So now they break the city's beauty to build ever more walls? A sad state the human's have driven us to."
Past the second gate the city changed drastically. Gone was the hardened military quarter. This section contained small houses made of plain white marble that shimmered in the bright sunlight. If asked why there was so much marble in the city Octavian would answer with "It takes a long time for marble to heat up and it cools quickly. Ideal for living in the desert."
They were walking up a main street that passed by several open areas on either side where hundreds of merchants stood before their carts and more permanent shops and hawked a thousand different wares. A food vender with grilled vegetables sat next to a merchant protected by a large half-orc in immaculate fullplate. Before the merchant were several pieces of cloth covered with dozens of glittering gems that sparkled in the harsh sunlight.
Octavian point to the right were a natural tower of dark slate thrust up from the city. Covering the entirety of the tower were narrow balconies covered with a large cloth for shade. Hundreds of black feathered humanoid creatures could be seen from the road as they jumped down from their abodes in the tower and glided down to where a large building sat near the tower. From inside the huge warehouse came loud screeches and calls that would catch Sharpfeather's attention. "Your people have been given that section of the city Pazeek. There is also a manger for Sharpfeather if you don't want to keep him at my house. You have the choice of there or at my house while you stay here."
"War is inevitable, we had the fortune that our magics hid us for so long, but with the refugees coming to this fabled safe haven, it's only a matter of time before were found. From what I heard from our scouts near the edge of the desert is that there has been large, coordinated movements long the border. We couldn't get numbers or estimates but along the entire border of the mountain range there has been human activity." Looking at the new walls for a moment he'd look back to Octavian, "We pray that this wall shall never seen blood spilled at its base, but that is only a philosophers dream." He'd shake his head sadly before continuing guiding them through the city.
It's been a tiring journey after the sand wurm, even with accurate guidance to their destination, and Pazeek is more than ready to be done with travel for a time. Not that there haven't been some compensations, mind. Waking up to find himself made into Inja's cuddle bird was certainly fun, even if neither of them were up for more than that. And Sharpfeather's expression upon finding Inja's companion somehow burrowed under one of his wings was good for laugh as well. But even so, he's past done with all of this sand and walking--and even the towed gliding is more tiresome than fun, what with the harness starting to wear grooves into his plumage. No, the worn tengu is quite ready for a rest at this point.
Entering the concealed city with the eager horde of tired, dirty, and hungry refugees, Pazeek looks about with interest. He's heard stories of this place, of course, just about evety tengu has at one point or another. But seeing it for himself is a completely different matter. Not to mention that experiences such as this are why he chose to wander further than is customary for his kind. As the main body of refugees are split off and guided away to their new home, Pazeek continues on behind Octavian, ever deeper into the city proper. Following the blue-skinned mage's finger as it points out the city's tengu district, he cocks his head in though for a moment before replying. "No, I think take I'll take shameless advantage of your hospitality instead," the tengu offers with a warbling laugh. "Since you're apparently someone around here, your place should be quite suitable for a bird of my esteemed stature," Pazeek concludes while straightening up and fluffing his feathers a bit, trying his best to look as impressive as possible for any female illidari who happen to look his way.
Unfortunately, dusty armor, travel-worn feathers, and apparent familiarity with tengu--if he's correctly making out some of the murmured exchanges of the illidari around him--work against Pazeek's efforts at the moment and he soon gives up the effort with a weary sigh. Eyeing Octavian, Pazeek speaks up with a more serious tone of voice. "Besides, I really do need some time to relax, just a bit, before I get to hear all about that mess at Freeport. Not to mention that teaching you still have to do, aye? If you haven't forgotten about that little bargain we made back in the jungle?"
"I, too, hoped we would not see war. Then the humans came... and so did my god." Arion noted quietly. "And now, here we are. I believe the phrase was 'hope for the best, plan for the worst'." If you weren't willing to act when action was needed, then all you were doing was living on borrowed time. It was a lesson that had been driven in rather poignantly by recent experiences.
“Of course not. I keep my promises but I should tell you that the people who taught ME also live in this city. You will not find a finer source of magical knowledge on this continent.” Octavian said while continuing to walk next to Captain Gaius. Every now and then the two could be seen talking quietly back and forth with each other. For several minutes the group with walk through the merchant section, always moving around carts laden with goods going both up and downlevel. Soon another wall and gate could be seen as the group continued to trudge up the slope of the mountain city.
At the base of this marble wall the group would be challenged by heavily armed guards. From on top of the wall dozens of crossbows were aimed at the non-Illidari contingent following Octavian and the wizard quickly stepped back to place himself between the archers and the rest of the group. "Please keep your hands away from your weapons. The section above us is the noble section where the senate, arcane learning and our temples are located. In this time of war this section of the city will be heavily guarded so please dont' provoke them. Right now I look the part of a vagabond so let Captain Gaius do the talking."
Jasmine remains irritated at the situation around her. The fact that these people were so outwardly hostile, the fact they would refuse to talk to anyone other than Octavian, the aura of suspicion, air of superiority - it made her feel like a criminal.
Annoyed, Jasmine moved a little closer to the Guard Captain, taking advantage of the crowded areas on the streets. Smoothly, she slid her fingers underneath a flap of clothing on the guard captain's uniform, liberating a small pouch. The pouch appeared to contain some coins, gems, and jewelry on casual inspection, and Jasmine tucked it away. She wasn't really much of a thief, and probably planned to give it back, but she figured it would be embarrassing for a Guard Captain to be pick-pocketed so easily and resolved to mention it at first opportunity.
Though he's doing a bit of interested gazing at their surroundings and the locals, Pazeek's sharp eyes don't miss the actions of the elf and her wandering hand. With a shake of his head, he matches his pace to hers and--after a look around to see who might overhear them--addresses her quietly. "Neat trick you just did there. Got a plan for keeping that hand attached when he finds out," the tengu asks casually, avoiding a direct reference to Jasmine's pilfering, just in case any particularly keen ears are turned their way.
Tsakua chuckles to himself as he watches Jasmine's deft hands slip the pouch away from the Guard Captain. He couldn't blame her. Since the giant wurm, the trip had actually been quite mundane. Along with that, it had been frustrating to be treated as prisoners - albeit, minus the shackles - but that was the cost of visiting a suspicious, defensive city during wartime preparations.
While walking, and relatively bored, Tsakua suddenly remembers something. Slipping a ring off of his finger, he reaches forward and taps Pazeek on the shoulder. When the Tengu turns around, Tsakua tosses him the ring. "I figure this might do ye some good," he says, "Ye're a bit more of a tricky fellow than I, and it'll prob'ly serve y'well...unless ye think Miss Jasmine over here is the more sly one o' the two o' ye. Either way, one o' ye can find some use fer this ring."
After falling back in step, Tsakua thinks back on the half-orc warrior he had seen. This was maybe the fifth one he'd seen since leaving Fithurun. He thought for a moment and pondered as to whether or not he recognized the half-orc in the market.
As they enter the city proper, Inja gapes unashamed at the grandeur of New Alexandria. She had never seen anything remotely close to this scale of building, the urbanism, the marble. This was the first city that she had ever visited, and what a city it was!
As they walk, she keeps a hand on Yama's back at all times, in case the lioness gets spooked by something. After months in the wilderness, the noise, the smells and the crowds are overwhelming for the both of them.
"Well, here we are at last, girl. We finally get to rest a bit." Remembering something, she catches up with Octavian to ask him "Can Yama stay at your house as well? Do you have an empty shed she could use?"
"Of course Inja, as long as she also recognizes that she is a guest in someone elses territory." Octavian said with a smile. A moment later the expression on his face turned into a thundercloud and he stepped over to Jasmine. Stopping directly in front of the woman he blocked her and held out his hand. Whispering harshly so that only she could hear he said "Give me the pouch or I will have you arrested right here and now. Robbing a Captain AND member of a noble house will get you thrown in prison for at least ten years. Give. Me. The. Pouch."
Bree shuffles along with the rest of the group, letting her eyes continue to wander all over. She was minding her own business, though occasionally listening as the others asked Octavian questions. I wonder once he is settled back home again, that he'll never want to leave again. Will we lose his companionship? She bit her lip, trying not to think about it. She felt him stop and looked up to see him scowling, making her flinch a little subconsciously, as she watched him move over to jasmine. She cocked her head curiously, but tried to keep moving with the group, stumbling a little as she did so.
Jasmine glances at Octavian, her face of wide eyed innocence.
"Ah, but giving the pouch to you instead of the Captain could be considered a criminal transaction, and I know you wouldn't ask that of me. Besides, this was just an exercise that's all, a discussion between Calistria and myself. I wanted to see how amazingly observant he was in a 'time of war'. Exercise completed." the Inquisitor finishes, before glowering slightly at the wizard, her tone becoming harsher.
"That said, since you are resorting to threats now, lets exchange some harsher words. Since arriving here, your friends haven't even bothered to acknowledge our presence. They won't even exchange dialogue with us, instead, we have an armed escort following us wherever we go, and even with you in our presence, someone I'm assuming of noble house, it still hasn't stopped the entire lot of them pointing a bunch of loaded weapons at us. Even the refugee's have arguably been treated better than us, at least so far. Now, maybe I'm overreacting, maybe this is just how your countrymen are, but you cannot assume we all know this, just like I assume you thought we all knew what Shi'Atar is or was and didn't mention it, even when the lives of everyone in this caravan was threatened. You are brilliantly smart Octavian, but the rest of us don't have your background knowledge of the region, of your customs. Maybe pointing a whole bunch of weapons is a sign of greeting here, I don't know but you need to tell us, so I can adjust my expectations and not take offence."
Her breath huffing slightly, Jasmine finally steps backwards. "Anyway, as I said, I fully intend to hand it back, the absence of acknowledgement is why I took it in the first place. I'd prefer giving it back in an hour or so, but if you insist on it, then I, not you, will return it now, as it was me who did it."
Jasmine approaches the Guard Captain and taps him on the shoulder, flashing him a bright and innocent smile. "Err, hi there...Captain Gaius is it? You dropped this pouch here" she offers, handing it back.
Recognizing the interaction between Octavian and Jasmine for what it is, Tsakua decides to get to know one of his other companions. Sidling up next to Inja, he asks "Ye may have tol' me this'un before, but how did ye come t'have such a fine beast?"
Octavian gets right in Jasmine's face. "I'm not having this discussion right now. You are in MY city among MY people who are not reacting in a negative way to your presence. You are being taken to a noble villa where you will be in far better accommodations then anything the refugees have. This is an act of courtesy and friendship from me. If you cause problems with my people during a time of war you will be ejected from this city and left in the desert to die. Do you understand that? Now give me back my brother's belongings or I will have you arrested."
Watching same interaction with puzzlement, Inja was startled by Tsakua's question. Turning away from Jasmine and Octavian, she ruffles Yama's coat fondly.
"Yama is not mine. We are... together." She smiles sadly as she reminisces. "There was a hunter in Haven, the place I lived before the humans destroyed it, like they do everything. His name was Nagash, and Yama was his bond-mate, his hunting partner. We found her in the woods as a cub and she immediately took a shine to Nagash, and him to her. When... when Nagash was killed, Yama almost died as well. She was trying to protect him." Inja sighs, her gaze far away. "I was returning from a hunt, when I found them. Haven burned and looted, the people killed or taken... I nursed Yama back to health and we've been together ever since."
Though he tries to keep his attention of the developing situation between Octavian and Jasmine, the ring tossed to him by Tsakua proves too intriguing for his curiousity to resist. With a distracted chirp of gratitude aimed over his shoulder, Pazeek gradually drifts to the periphery of the group while inspecting the ring. He doesn't think the half-orc would knowingly hand him something dangerous, or something that's a mere trinket, so it's a fair bet the ring does something interesting that--to judge by Tsakua's accompanying comment--would be particular use to Pazeek. Unfortunately, the tengu lacks the sort of focused magical knowledge that would permit a proper, safe evalutation of the item. Of course, Pazeek has never let such a minor consideration stop him in the past, and so he cheerfully slips the ring over a talon and readies as best he can for whatever happens after...
...Which is nothing? Blinking, the avian glances at the ring, gives it few experimental taps with the tip of another talon, and then frowns. Well, this was anticlimactic. Maybe he should ask Tsakua what it's supposed to do. But... not just yet. It'll be a lot more fun trying to figure out for himself right now, since he doubts their lives depend on whatever the ring does in the immediate future. Unless whatever is happening between Jasmine and Octavian decides to boil over, he amends to himself when he looks at the pair. Though he can't make out any words, their expressions and the tone of their suppressed voices makes it clear that neither is very pleased with the other right now.
Qahnaarin follows along quietly. His eyes are wide, scanning and gathering information as they walk through the city.
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Beyond the gate the noble section of the city was as different from the lower levels as the city was from the desert. The PCs would see that this section of the city stretched far into the mountains and there were noble villas scattered everywhere. There were several large buildings that were obviously different from those that could be labled as dwellings. A complex made of several small towers sitting on a large basalt building laced with gold and mithril would be identified as the Arcanix by Octavian, one of the premier centers of learning in the world.
The road that stretched up into shallow valley that this part of the city rested in meandered from side to side, curving around the boundaries of the grounds of the large villas that were built in a riot of different colors. Whereas the houses in the lower section had been with utility and slight comfort in mind, these immense buildins surrounded by often perfetly manicured grounds were all about comfort. Tall columns of white marble with delicate mithril fillagree would clash with houses of blocky sandstone with great stone sphinx's on either side of the main door.
A DC 10 Perception will reveal that all of the houses in the valley were built in a kind of radial design around a massive complex of white and black marble that easily dominated the view. Hundreds of feet tall, the building was basically a massive hollow square. All that could be seen from this far away was columns twenty feet thick holding up a vaulted roof. From inside the complex came a flickering orange light as if a huge bonfire burned within.
For over thirty minutes the group would climb higher and higher until finally they stopped at a ornamental gate made of mithril and covered with a thick mat of red rose vines. Before Gaius could push on the gate they were thrown open from the inside and a female Illidari with a streak of white hair at her temple came rushing out to throw herself at Octavian with a sob. The wizard stumbled back in surprise as the woman placed her hands on either side of his face for a moment. "My son..." she would sob once before burying her face in his neck and continuing to cry.
Behind the woman came several other tall Illidari, both men and women. It was obvious with a glance that these with the wizard's family members as they all clustered around the flustered Octavian and his sobbing mother and enclosed them both in a group hug. Tears were evident on many faces as the House of Lucarin welcomed home a lost soul.
It was an older illidari who would nudge Octavian's mother's elbow. "Love we are drawing curious stares. Why don't we let our son clean up and dress in something a little more respectable then bathsheets." the man would tease. Octavian's mother would hold on to her son for several long seconds before ragaining control and dabbing at her face with the corner of a diaphenous red robe. Drawing herself to her full height, slightly taller then the already tall wizard, the woman looked around at the other PCs with startling amber eyes. "Who are these ones shou'ren?"
Octavian disengaged from his family to wave at the other PCs. "These are my freinds Mother. Through a long and dark road we've walked together and I trust them. Without them I would not be here."
"Then you are all welcome to our home. You may call me Alreena. Come quickly, I imagine that you are all tired and hungry. Food, clothing, bathes and a bed are all waiting for you. With news of my son's return the entire family has gathered so the main house is full. You will have to stay in my son's home." she said. Linking her arm with Octavian the matriarch of the family led the now large congregration onto the family grounds. Several buildings were evident beyond the rose vine encrusted gate and Alreena led them on a path away from the largest of the buildings which was alite with magical lights that danced around the building. The building she led them to was surrounded by tall trees, something which should have been impossible in the deep desert.
Passing through the border of the trees the party would see a building made of black marble and accented simply with rare rosewood lintels and doorways. While the building was much smaller then the main house it was still huge in comparison the houses of the lower levels. Several flower vines carefully crawled up the side of the building and the grounds were kept in neat order but the house had an air of vacancy. "I couldn't bear to change anything about it. Father looked into the fire and spoke to the ancestors and you never answered so we knew you were still alive. But beyond the desert his sight is weak so we could not find you. To think all these years you were kept a slave, chained up like an animal. They dared touch my son!"
On either side of the door to the house were two golden dishes attacked to the wall. Flame suddenly erupted from these two dishes in a harsh glare as Alreena's fury began to affect the magic around her in visible waves. Red runes began to creep over the Illidari woman's skin as magic visibly shone in her eyes.
Octavian reach out suddenly and grabbed his mother's shoulder, hard. "You will not stain the honor of our house by acting in such a way in front of guests. Calm yourself mother." he commanded in the same voice he used with the refugees. While this was happening the older illidari male who had spoken with her earlier simply sighed in exasperation and crossed his arms, prepared to wait. Alreena tensed when Octavian grabbed her shoulder but strangled the attack spell that was on the tip of her tongue. As she did the fires next to the door died down to a gentle flicker that simply illuminated the area. With a wave of her hand the rest of the house would spring into illumination.
Alreena turned to Octavian and hugged him gently. "It is good to see the long years have not bowed your shoulders my son." She looked at the rest of the group and the smile on her face vanished. "Be warned that for a few days I must ask you to stay on the House grounds. I will alert the city guard to your status as honored guests of our family but until then you will stay within these walls. Food, clothing, entertainment and more are readily available, simply ask." she said.
With that the various family members began to disperse across the grounds. Soon the only two left were Alreena and older male. They hugged Octavian and spoke quietly for several moments before moving towards the main building. Once they were out of earshot Octavian let out an explosive breath and looked sheepishly at the group. "My mother. Lead Battlemage in the city. Fantastic power, terrible temper. Please my friends, enough trudging around. Be welcome in my home."
As a servant came to take Acteon the wizard pushed open the wooden door to his house and let out a sound that could only be a sigh of contentment. The area just beyond the door was a main receiving hall that had several exquisitely crafted wooden artwork. Either side of the main hall opened up into more rooms that were all filled with master crafted furniture of wood and silk. A large set of curving stairs was directly in front of the party as they entered and Octavian began to walk up those immediately. "Guests rooms are to the left from the top of the stairs. Pick what you want there is more than enough for each of you to have your own room. I am going to take a bath before I do anything else."
Bree would never cease to be impressed the further and further they went into the city. From the beautiful large gates to the various structures and merchant tables they passed on their way to Octavian's estate. She started to wonder if they would be looked down upon for their filthy, ratty-like state. She started overthinking about what if she was asked questions, if she couldn't speak the language, and other unnecessary stresses. It would cause her to begin fidgeting as she continued moving forward.
Once they got to his home and met his father and mother, she wasn't really surprised. She stood rigid when addressed with the others by Octavian and then held her breath when she heard his mother's reaction to his treatment. She's definitely a woman to be feared! She thought to herself, unconsciously swallowing nervously, standing of to one side. She would however perk up when the mention of baths and rooms. She hadn't had comforts like those in so long, she hoped it wouldn't spoil her too much as she grinned happily.
Tsakua lets out a barking laugh at Octavian's explanation for his mother's behavior. "She and me own mother would've got on jes' fine. Me ma gave me a look like that th' firs' time I came home from th'fights wi' me da'." Still, it didn't take a genius to see that Octavian clearly took after his mother.
After getting acclimated to his room, Tsakua would see about arranging a bath, before exploring the property. Jogging through trees, he'd begin scouting an area suitable for workouts. Rocks to lift and roll, trees sturdy enough to climb, all were critical for the half-orc's exercise.
Inja appreciates the beauty and elegance of the city, but it is a cold, crafted beauty, celebrating the blue ones' dominion over nature. Octavian's family's estate is no exception, and the druid looks at the manicured grounds with a tinge of disapproval. Still, they are guests here, and their hosts are being very generous. She makes sure to thank Alreena and Octavian for their hospitality, but before partaking of it herself she goes to seek a suitable place for Yama.
The estate is vast, and on their way to the stables Inja drills into Yama the rules of good behaviour. "Absolutely no biting, not even in play. And no scratching - not on people, not on furniture, not on trees. No scaring the other animals. No peeing on the pretty grass and then digging it up. I will ask them to make a sandpit for you where you can go instead. I will visit as often as I can and we can play together and I'll give you back scratches. They will give you food and water. now you be good here, understand? These are powerful people and we are fortunate to be allowed here."
Once she finds a servant or stablehand that doesn't seem too terrified of them, Inja explains Yama's needs and instructs them in her care. The feeding, watering and housing she leaves to them, taking upon herself the exercising and socializing needs of the lioness.
Pazeek's own reaction to the finery offered by the estate of the Lucarin family is somewhat restrained--he's seen the tangible benefits of wealth and status in other cities, after all--but he does admit to himself that seeing it from the inside as a welcomed guest is quite a bit different than his usual exposure. And he certainly plans to make full use of what hospitality Octavian's family has extended, after Sharpfeather is seen to.
That matter fortunately takes little enough time, though the stablehands don't seem all that enthused to be watching over a hippogriff and lioness both, never mind how agreeable both creatures are at the moment. Not that the tengu blames them at all, of course; far too easy to make a mistake and end up maimed or dead for it even when you're familiar with the beast in question. Hopefully, with Sharpfeather being a bit more than the average hippogriff as far as intellect goes--which Pazeek makes a point of mentioning to those who'll be looking after him--it should be a bit easier on the workers.
And then, finally, a bath! Hot water, soap, and a glorious absence of sand in places that sand has no business being. Pazeek is almost giddy with joy as he rids himself of a disturbing quantity of desert grit. Afterward, a nice, long preen to get his abused feathers into proper order, with the tengu going through some positively amazing--and painful-looking--contortions to get everywhere. It takes hours of effort before he's satisfied, but Pazeek feels it worthwhile as he finally wanders into the halls in search of food that doesn't favor preservation over taste. Wearing nothing but his own feathers--his clothing is just a touch rancid right now, and in dire need of its own wash--Pazeek doesn't seem the least bit ashamed or bothered by his technical nudity; possibly because, unlike most races, his bits are tucked away out of view when they're not needed for... activities.
Qahnaarin humbly accepts a room, and even volunteers to sleep in the servant's quarters should there not be enough room for all of the important people in the party.
He gets a hot bath, and sits on a bench near his bend and begins mending his clothes. War and genocide may be horrors, but there is never a reason to have a torn shirt.
It would be several days before an envoy approached the estates with an armed detail. They seemed friendly enough as a rap came at the door to the housing. Servants scurried about, gathering all those that were within the home, primarily the new visitors to the city. A simple nod to those gathered, "The assembly is ready to speak with the guests. Please follow me. Ah-.." He'd pause for a moment looking at them all, "Please, keep your weapons here. There will be no need of them inside the city." He'd give a friendly smile. The Illidari was dressed in silk clothing, mainly white but with dabs of red and gold. "And our apologies for taking so long to do this. The assembly I mean. There have been a few developments that required our immediate attention. You will be filled in at the assembly."
When they were all gathered and their weapons remain, they would be led through the city, taking a few side roads, which eventually lead to them to a temple looking building, entering and then being led to what appear to be a room before the main assembly area. The envoy would turn to them, giving a bow of the head. "Enter when you are ready."
If they entered the room, they would see the marble structure held a main atrium, filled with benches and raised seating, allowing an audience if need be. Along the base of the raised seating were half round tables, where several Illidari were seated. One of them being Octavians mother and the captain of the guard.
Tsakua cracks his knuckles at the invitation to leave his weapons behind. "As ye can see, I carry no blade, lad. Jus' me and me shield." With that, the large half-orc strides after his companions.
Wandering through the city, Tsakua gives an approving nod at the sights and sounds. "Tis a shame about the war," he muses aloud to Inja. "Afore that, I was lookin' at tryin' t'get a scholarship t'come out an apprentice at this place. Still, tis nice t'have finally gotten t'see it."
Qahnaarin stays to the middle of the pack as the group enters the atrium. He eyes flit all over the space, trying to take in as much as possible. He periodically whispers aloud, "Oh, my. Oh, my." He appears to physically bend from the weight of anxiety. He remains just behind Octavian as they enter.
Bree looks up at the envoy feeling refreshed after her long nights sleep in a comfy bed and having cleaned up. She felt reinvigorated and renewed. She nodded quietly and moved to follow, having left any weapons she had with the rest of her belongings. She turned to look back at the others whom began to gather and move as well. She, for one, was interested in what the envoy had to say to all of them.
Jasmine had spent the majority of time searching the house for books, anything for her to understand the history of the city and surrounding area. She tends to stay well away from Octavian, feeling awkward that he was so happy finding his family, while she wouldn't see hers. Still, the nice bed, and availability of a bath were much appreciated, and allowed the Inquisitor to wash her clothing , dressing herself in a towel while she did so until her clothing was suitable.
When the envoy approached, Jasmine wrinkles her nose at the instruction. She had no issue disarming herself, but her bow was her divine symbol, her connection to her deity, and she sure wasn't going to leave it lying around for someone to steal it. Slowly, she pointedly shoulders her bow on her back, before symbolically placing her quiver of arrows in a far off corner of the room, in front of the envoy's sight line, trying to communicate she was willing to disarm as best as she could, but her bow would go with her.
Though Octavian's home is a quite pleasant, the enforced restriction to its grounds eventually grates on Pazeek's nerves, accustomed as he is to wandering freely. And Sharpfeather is similarly displeased, as his ability to enjoy a relaxing flight is sharply curtailed; doing endless circuits above the Lucarin grounds isn't nearly as satifying a workout as what he's used. But both deal with it as best they can in their own ways; Pazeek spends a bit of time with those of his companions that he doesn't yet know very well--Qahnaarin's obsession with clothing is oddly fascinating to the tengu, albeit just a touch disturbing--with an emphasis on the group's female members, to the surprise of absolutely nobody familiar with the avian's personality. Meanwhile, Sharpfeather twits Inja's companion until the lioness finally gives in and chases the cackling hippogriff in a wild pursuit that often sees swathes of manicured grounds shredded by claws and hooves scrabbling for purchase, as well as violently tumbling bodies whenever Yama manages to catch the hybrid.
So the arrival of the illidari envoy is quite a welcome sight to Pazeek, who doesn't quibble in the least about the restriction on his weapons; not that such a restriction means a thing to him in any case, what with his beak and claws serving quite well when needed for such things. The tengu can't conceal his surprise upon seeing Jasmine openly toting her bow, however, and he privately wonders just how she managed that. But he shrugs the matter off after a bit of consideration and instead enjoys the walk, and the accompanying chance to see something new. Upon reaching and entering their destination, however, the tengu becomes a bit more cautious and thoughtful as he studies those awaiting them. Finally, he remarks quietly to those nearby, "And don't they have the look of folk expecting something from us then? I wonder if we're about to hear the cost of our continued stay here, and how we can pay it off."
Arion was somewhat amused at the request to leave weapons behind - but she did take Ylva, relying on her charm to get her companion inside. Besides, Ylva was genuinely nice - she wasn't going to claw someone unless they deserved it.
Octavian would be a much changed individual with his return home. The next day after their arrival he was found outside burning the bedsheet robes he had worn for so long with a spray of fire from his hands, his eyes burning with hate and fury. Now he went around in a fine white hooded robe with a deep blue stole with elaborate mithril embroidery. The soldier's scuffed boots had been thrown into the trash and now he walked in a pair of fine brown leather boots made from a supple material. The magical bracers had been cleaned to a shine and now sat over his cloth wrapped forearms.
When the call to the assembly came Octavian nodded and came quietly, his darkwood staff thudding solidly into the ground with every step. His ears perk at Pazeek's question and he turns his head to respond to the tengu's question. "I don't know. I was not expecting a summons from the entire council and frankly was hoping they would leave us alone. But unfortunately very little around here gets done without discussion in the forum."
When they entered the main room of the assembly Octavian led the group over to an empty table and indicated with a nod of his head that they should sit. He picked a chair at random, not caring that his refusal to choose the center chair and thus indicate his leadership raised a few eyebrows among his countrymen. After more than two decades away the wizard was finding his own views were drastically changed from his own people.
Inja spends the few days before the envoy's arrival lazying around, taking full advantage of Octavian's family's hospitality; food, baths, sun filtered by cool green leaves - she takes it all in with gusto. Puzzled at Tsakua's and Pazeek's obsession with training and workouts, she does as little as possible as she gathers back her strength. The trek through the desert, and before that, the months-long trek from Haven had taken a heavy toll on her and on Yama, so she cherishes this opportunity to rest.
When the envoy arrives and invites them to speak with the assembly, Inja simply shrugs at his request to leave their weapons behind. It was a sensible request, and besides, she didn't need weapons. Grinning to herself, she remembers the little kobold's remark about her 'true form'. She shrugs again at Pazeek's musings - to her mind, they owed these Illidari, who had received them in their secret city and shared their water with them unasked. Anything in her power that they would ask, she would give them, especially if it involved fighting the Mad King.
It was quiet for a moment as the entire collection of the assembly assessed the group, now most likely all washed up and dressed with some semblance of decency and new clothing. For whatever they seemed to want to wear in Alexandria, the servants tending to the Lucarin family would’ve seen to it. There was a moment of tension, as silence hung in the air for just a moment longer before one of them cleared their throats. The middle member rose, raising his voice so all could hear.
”It is unfortunate to find all of us here in this war that the humans have boiled up,” He began, making a gesture to everyone in the chamber, ”And its even more so that everyone, is being dragged into it by not of choice but fates will.” He looked upon the group then, his voice beginning to get serious. ”We’ve been talking to the refugees you saved and brought here. All of them referred to you as the Proven and as some form of demi-gods in the making. That each and every one of you have powers granted to you by the silent gods.” At this, a number of other illidari entered the chamber from the side doors, one for everyone in the group. Each one held a red silk cushion in their hands, upon this cushion was a translucent crystal. They would approach the group in the row.
”We unfortunately need to take these claims seriously as, if this is true… It changes many things.” A murmuring of agreement could be heard, each assembly member nodding their heads. ”It means that times are changing as that the silent ones do have a voice again. Please, touch the gems, one person to a gem. The gems will tell us all we will need to know about this.” Each Illidari held out their arms, holding the cushioned gem. The Assembly looked on with earnest, curiosity and mild speculation of the situation.
"Dunno about gods an' such," Tsakua muses to himself. "Always seemed t'me that a person's fate were in their own hands, an' that's how I like it. Still, th'last time I had th'chance t'touch a strange rock, it sure was a ride."
With that, Tsakua reaches out and picks a crystal up off its cushion.
"Gods? Huh." Inja looks skeptical, but she is not about to argue with the Illidari and their rituals. She reaches out to touch the gem being presented to her, but then hesitates. Motioning the gem bearer to lower the cushion a little, she snaps her fingers to get Yama's attention, then points at the gem. "Paw." As the lioness lifts a massive paw towards the gem, Inja reaches out again, timing it so that woman and lioness touch it at the same time.
Shrugging, Arion moved forward and picked up one of the gems. In her home town, she'd done weirder for the sake of ceremonies - and who knew? This might end up being something more interesting than she expected.
Jasmine isn't particularly thrilled about touching a magic gem that apparently tells these observers everything they wanted, but then again, she wasn't decline and show weakness either, grudgingly, she touches her crystal in front of her.
Pazeek listens intently to what is being said, wondering where this is going. Hearing how the refugees regard him comes as something of surprise though, since the tengu certainly doesn't share that outlook regarding himself; he's just a bird that's a bit more capable than most, is all. So he regards the proffered crystal with a clearly doubtful bearing, not terribly excited by the prospect of touching it. "Eh, not sure I want do this, to be honest," the avian says warily. "I'm a bold bird, sure enough, but touching this here strikes me as something that's gonna lead to a lot of problems for me."
Still and all, seeing nothing immediately untoward happen to those who went first finally induces Pazeek to place a hesistant claw on the crystal before him, though he can't help but mutter as he does so. "I just know I'm going to regret this eventually, somehow. Going to be crest deep in the shit, and able to point to this moment right here as the cause.
Bree nervously looked around at all the Illidari, listening to them speak about them and mention their unusual, otherworldly gifts. She was hesitant about touching an object that would 'tell things' about her, but she also noticed that everyone else was touching each of their own gems. She sighed softly and reached out to the gem. "I really hope this won't hurt." She said quietly as she touched it.
Qahnaarin raises an eyebrow, but seeing the compliance of his fellow 'Proven' he reaches out and touches the gem with a his forefinger.
Octavian arched an eyebrow at the appearance of the Resonating crystals but discovered he was just as curious about the possible reactions at his group's touch. Without hesitation the wizard reached out and took a crystal in hand, cupping it gently.
Just a singular person who touched the gem would only yield a soft white glow from where their fingers touched the gem. They could feel a soft hum, a pulse in the crystal itself. This would be the same for everyone who touched the gems separately, though it was in itself the combined experience that would be of significance. As soon as the final ‘Proven’ touched the gem, a sharp blast of white light would fill the room, blanketing everything in a blinding light. Suddenly you stood with your fellow ‘Proven’ in a white room, devoid of any other visual sense.
If you spoke, your voice carried no sound. You felt nothing but a warmth enveloping your body. You feel a familiar sensation wash over you. The feeling you had when you were touched by the energies that empowered everyone. A soft voice whispered intelligible words that felt like they had the weight of the world upon them. The room swirled, colors flooding in as it built a scene. All of you were clad in dirty, battle worn armor. Looking at each other, you’d see weariness, age and death etched in the lines that creased your eyes. You stood upon a wall, overlooking the vast armies of the human empire. Colossal siege engined loomed behind. The steady beat of the war drum pervaded your senses. Looking to your left and right you see soldiers, worn and weary, but defiant. Each and every soldier looking out upon the armies assembled. Soldiers of every race imaginable stood shoulder to shoulder filling the entire battlement with ready bodies. Behind you stood the city of New Alexandria, burning. Fires sung their deadly sins as buildings groaned and collapsed.
You feel dread fill you as you turned back to face the army. A solitary figure stood before the masses, clad in obscuring armor with a long red cap embroidered with gold. A thick helm covered the face, but you knew who it was. He raised a sword towards the group and you could feel the wall shake give away. You then found yourself on the field, charging the human armies with the yell of thousands of voices behind you, following you into battle. Defiance, hope, and fear laced every voice.
You could feel death cling to you, you could smell it. The next moment you're standing alone in the field of the slain. Another whisper and you felt your hair prickle. It spoke again, but you felt it trying to move you. The world spun and the colors changed. You were now looking down upon the city of New Alexandria. The world spun again and you saw small group, of yourselves departing the city and heading west into the greater unknown. The voice whispered again with more urgency, but this time you heard the words it spoke.
”Assemble….”
The world spun again and you saw New Alexandria once more, under threat of the enemy, but this time, there were no fellow soldiers, but just the outright slaughter and conquering of the city. Humans marching through the city streets, setting everything ablaze. Looking up with despair you see the entire western world suddenly burst into flame.
”Must… Assemble…” The voice spoke again, before the vision faded to black and you were thrown back into the present world, the assembly room was quiet, and were all standing with a look of shock on their faces.
One finally broke the silence, disbelief painted their face and words, ”They… they were right...”