"Captain Merit, great to see you as well. Iomedae be praised! ." begins the Professor as he takes the quill and signs his books. "It means a great deal to know you and Na-Caladon admire my work. I am truly humbled. It will drive me to continue my work, in earnest!"
"The ritual went well, once I got over the shock of seeing what I saw. I can't begin to fathom the return of the Telestari. I began to suspect Marianasu's hand in the cursed item once I realized the diabolical nature and the Telestari connection. Your logic was brilliant in the use of the alien metal in the ritual. I believe it saved Belarious' life."
Dolo steps back and paces the room a bit, as is his habit when working out details of a plan. "Time is of the essence, as you well know. I will certainly work to see these items hunted down and removed from the hands of temptation. If they were to fall into our enemies hands, Iomedae help us."
Dolo finishes by adding, "I will do this, not for my benefit, but because it is the right thing to do, Captain. They are called abominations for a reason. Their sole purpose is evil and should not suffer existance any further."
"I will see you at dinner then unless you have anything further for me."
The cabin had been burned long ago... It had been reduced to ash and what came from those old memories caused his thoughts to darken, he shook with the effort to push aside the violent memories that welled up in him. No gods had answered his prayers or anyone else's during that time, no one came to the aid of those in desperate need. No... they suffered for nothing. He quickly forced himself to focus instead on today's battle and how the blow they struck today had put to rest some of the anguish in his heart, it would never truly heal what they had suffered through but it sure felt good to bloody the enemy for once.
He cleaned his armor throughly, trying to remove the blood from so many intricate pieces was a time consuming task even worse if allowed to sit, once he finished cleaning it he took a cold shower. It helped him to push aside his thoughts and become numb. Focused. The feast lie ahead and he couldn't allow himself to be brooding, no, he would be presentable. Having finished his shower, he dressed himself in some simple and untorn clothes before collecting his armor and descending to the dragon's quarters.
Once he found his way down to the dragon quarter he found Lin fast asleep, his thought returned to her first day at the cabin. So small, so fragile and shining like the finest silver you'd ever seen...
He shook his head trying to force himself to focus. Perhaps Lin's dreams were seeping into their bond, or the clash with the old red had shaken him more then he wanted to admit. It was become harder and harder to focus and it was slowly beginning to irritate him, he normally was more controlled then he had been for most of the day. Trying to push aside his irritation he quietly checked over Lin's wounds making sure she wasn't in any serious pain, after a few moments he was satisfied to see that her wounds were nearly non-existent after the healing they had received from the priests.
He sighed quietly as he realized he had nothing else to do, the feast was still a few hours ahead and the page was not going to return anytime soon. After a couple of minutes he finally shrugged in defeat and after setting his dress clothes on a shelf close by, he sat down and gently leaned against Lin's powerful side. He tried not to awaken her as he laid his head against her. Surprisingly he found himself drifting off to sleep faster then he expected, as the powerful beating of a dragons heart pulsing in his ear and the feeling of each powerful breath she took gently helped him to find a deep and comforting rest. At least the gods had granted me one favor in life, although I really hope the page wakes us...
** spoiler omitted **...
You are awakened by a timid knock at your door. You can hear your page's voice outside.
"Lord Min? It's...it's Aaron. I'm back. Can I...I mean, will your dragon still take us up? If it's not too much trouble, that is..."
Dolo finishes by adding, "I will do this, not for my benefit, but because it is the right thing to do, Captain. They are called abominations for a reason. Their sole purpose is evil and should not suffer existance any further."
"I will see you at dinner then unless you have anything further for me."
The captain smiles. "No, professor; nothing further. And thank you. I...sincerely thank you. I owe you much. I will keep things brief at the dinner, then we will supply all of you as well as we can overnight and help you get away from the city in the morning."
1d20+3
In this place, in this city, your thread to Sarenrae feels stretched. As if she is indeed welcome here, but as if they are stingy with their hospitality, even as far as the gods are concerned. You feel the Dawnflower's presence, clearly, but cannot gain your usual strength from it, buried as it is in marble and glass and pageantry.
Maybe even other female goddesses do not stay here.
Will you accept this mission, Sir Damian? To succeed will mean a quicker end to the war. Two armies now seek these things, along with at least three archmages. Your road will not be easy. But the good you can achieve...is limitless."
To begin, there are three travelers, in the deep south, past Hallas, who have four of these items. If you can find them, they will give you three, but the fourth they must come here to get rid of, for it is bound to one of them and must be severed as we did here with Belsarious today. After you retrieve those three, though, you will be on your own, and dependent on the professor's skills."
The captain rises. "We should be heading out to the courtyard. We will dine together, then tomorrow we will escort you south, out of the city." He begins walking out to the courtyard, indicating for you to follow.
Dolo finishes by adding, "I will do this, not for my benefit, but because it is the right thing to do, Captain. They are called abominations for a reason. Their sole purpose is evil and should not suffer existance any further.""I will see you at dinner then unless you have anything further for me."
The captain nods. "Professor, I thank you, and we will speak more. I will see you at dinner."
Damian enters the courtyard behind Captain Merit, ready for a nice dinner and the discussion of their mission. He stands at his seat until it is appropriate to sit.
The boy makes no sound as you take off and gain altitude, he only clings tightly to Lin's saddle and tack. You are able to fly over the city, but to go past would be too dangerous. Once you've leveled out and are simply gliding, Aaron looks back at you and his cheeks are slick with tears, a mix of crying from joy and elation, and just sheer windspeed.
"Th...thank you, Lord Min, Lady Lindórievórea. I...it's..." He stammers.
You are about to reply when you see a flash of light far to the south. A single beam of white and ice-blue light rockets up from the ground and pierces the clouds. It's size, you estimate, must be massive for you to see it from so far away. There is a huge explosion of some sort in the sky, and then the beam stops and all is back as it was.
"Wh...what was that, Lord Min? Was that the enemy?"
Everybody: Arriving at the courtyard at the appropriate time, you find a single rough table set out, with a generous variety of food available. There are fresh vegetables, good meat -- venison and roast pig, some game birds -- and plenty of beverages of all sorts. Tea, coffee, klah, and even a light wine. Ale is frowned upon in the City of Light. When you are all present (even your companions/mounts), Captain Merit bids you to have a seat, though he remains standing.
"My friends, I would like to begin by thanking you one final time, together, as a group, for aiding in the defense of this city. It is your worthiness in battle that was shown today that finalized my decision to entrust you with this mission.
As some of you know, the Twelve Abominations of the archmage Marianasu, now dead -- we hope -- for many millenia, have recently resurfaced. The teapot that Belsarious found, or which found him, was one of them. They are each cursed magical artifacts of great and terrible power, and must be neutralized, and removed from this plane.
You are all aware of the Black Dragonflight. Indeed they are on our doorstep at this moment. But a new force has arisen; from the ashes of the fallen kingdom of Iridian to our north, under the direct command of an army of red dragons, the Red Dragonflight is now moving across the land, though they do not attack like a traditional army. Consisting of much more skilled soldiers, this army aims carefully and strikes swiftly; it was them that you fought off today, not the Black Dragonflight. For the Reds seek power, to command all, and there are no artifacts more powerful the Abominations of Marianasu.
My friends, to countermand the efforts of the Red Dragonflight, the Black Dragonflight, and others who would seek these items for ill use, I wish to ask the five of you, and your companions, to find these items, and either destroy them, or bring them here for neutralization as per the Ritual we performed earlier. I can give you a rough location for four of the items, and for the rest you have the considerable expertise of Professor Luckbender to assist you, and Belsarious, who seems to be a sort of arcane magnet for these items. I believe that you as a group will move far more quickly than any other force, and will better be able to defend yourselves from the countless threats that seek to control these things. You are the best balance of power and speed I could hope for, and I thank the Inheritor she saw fit to have you all here at once.
Your rewards, should you succeed, will be tremendous, for you will have struck an enormous blow against the enemies, and all free people would see you immortalized for doing so. If you choose to do this, we will help arm you as well as we can tonight; we can provide most weapons, and potions of healing, then tomorrow Na-Calanon will take the first Air Cavalry Wing and escort you south, en route to your first destination.
What say you, my friends, will you accept this mission?"
The captain stands, awaiting your replies, even though he already knows two of them.
Damian stands and addresses both the Captain and the others. His armor, sword, and shield gleam as if he spent every moment after the battle polishing them. "We need no reward, for good must oppose evil without hesitation, reward, or reservation. I will stand and fight. The Red Dragonflight threatens the entire world if they obtain Marianasu's horrible creations. I shudder to think of our failure's consequences, so I pledge this now: we will not fail." Damian unsheathes his sword for emphasis. "By the grace of Iomedae and the gods of justice, we will end this threat and destroy the Red Dragonflight in the process!"
Dolo stands on his chair so he can be seen by all gathered. "I'm with the boy as well Captain. I can't sit idly and let these Abominations fall into the wrong hands. They are cursed and evil and require a courageous and vigilant hand to unearth and dispose of them. As you already know, you have my support. I will venture forth on this mission."
Belsarious stands and speaks to the gathering....
"If indeed a magnet I am or compass or something else, I can only follow the voice of my patron who guided my to the teapot, away from those who coveted its' powers, and finally here where it could be removed from this plane....I will do this!"
DM
Looking for anyone similar to my vision and will move in that direction after I speak....
With the page in tow!
Captain Korius Merit nods with evident satisfaction as Sir Damian, Professor Luckbender, and Belsarious all pledge to undertake this quest. He turns then to Sylsalitae and Ansrithar, Min and Lindórievórea. "And what of our dragons and their riders? What say you, great ones?"
"Do you not feel the cold bitterness and bite in the wind, it haunts me already, something is dreadfully wrong! To arms! To arms!
"Be at the ready to defend yourselves!"
Seeing the flash of light causes Min to go numb for a moment, What in the nine hells was that..., he recovers quickly though and continues to look south trying to dredge up what noteworthy sight lay roughly in that direction.
Even though the strange flash had faded away he kept his eyes on the south, watching for something else to reveal itself. When nothing else happened, he turned to Aaron and tried to sound reassuring "I don't know what that was and sadly we must end our flight early my young friend, because there are some who must know of this quickly. We are very glad though that you enjoyed yourself and hopefully we will get another chance to take you into the skies.
Lin regarded Min with one of her great eyes and knew in an instant what she had to do. She gracefully bean to descend back to where they started and once they were there Min and Aaron dismounted. Lin radiate's a warm and friendly aura towards Aaron as Min turned to the page with a smile on his face. He tried to appear totally at ease, even though his mind was reeling at what he had witnessed. "You have the makings of a rider yet my young friend, show diligence in your duties and do your best to excel in your training. I believe that you could be a great dragonrider, but you have to be prepared for everything that this entails. Sadly though we must part ways as I must report what we saw to the commander, thank you for your company this day Aaron,"
Min and Lin watch the young page go merrily on his way, knowing that yet again they had lifted someone's spirits by giving them so simple a gift. their bond though burned with the combined feelings of happiness and apprehension for what that foul light in the south was. Once Aaron was gone Lin felt the bond grow cold, she knew what Min was thinking without even having to ask.
They were leaving and quickly.
As Min's face took on , Lin bumped under his armor with her great head and forced him to turn and face her. He reluctantly turned to face her, his face looked like it had been carved out of stone for what little emotion it showed. But the bond seemed to smolder with the feeling of his need to push forward to discover what awaited them in the south.
She tried to keep herself warm and cheerful in a vain attempt to lighten his mood. "You know we could still enjoy the feast, there is still several hours of light left before we need to leave..."
The stony look on Min's face cut her short before he said "What if it is a weapon? The light must have covered Miles Lin, it looked as if the sun had risen in the south, why should we care of who we meet at this feast..."
Lin brought her face in close, it was as close to eye to eye as she could hope to be with Min, as she continued to try and sway him by flooding the bond with her positive emotions. "Because Min you need rest from these burdens you have placed on yourself. I will not watch you break under the weight of the mountain you think that you must bear. We bear this together and you yourself know that if you fall, So Do I. So let us at least enjoy this night while we can, before rushing off into unknown dangers."
Min Will
Lin Will
As the bond between them surged with their warring wills. Min slowly began to look conflicted his once stony look was washing away under the weight of Lin's positive emotions. As the weight of her feelings started pushed aside his own worries, the need to investigate the light in the south started to fade. Min sagged for a moment and leaned heavily against Lin's powerful neck as she rumbled with laughter.
Min "That was Cheating..."
Lin"Don't underestimated the power of positive thought, besides how else am I to make you see reason without sitting on you first.
Min and Lin shared a hearty laugh as they slowly made their way to the feasting hall.
Min arrived at the feast in full battle dress, he carried his bastard sword strapped so that it angled across his back and made it easier to sit and move. His dress was in all sorts of silvery tones as he continued to try and match his dragon companion seamlessly. Lin appeared in her full glory as well, without the saddle or her normal gear her scales glittered in the evening sun like small polished silver mirrors. They both radiated a friendly and warm aura as they greeted some of the other guests.
After Captain Merit gave his speech, the pair listened intently. Once he finished speaking Min nodded respectfully to all those present before looking to Captain Merit.
Min "I swear to lend aid in this quest as best as I can, I will fight to the last breath if that is the cost for victory."
With that Min makes his slow way over to Captain Merit, it was not his place to speak about what had transpired in the south before so many. Not before he consulted with those who may have information as to what it was.
Lin frowned as she watched Min move casually towards Captain Merit, she knew that after such a powerful speech her 'positive insight' wouldn't hold back Min's will to investige. She rose gracefully and stood full as she regarded Captain Merit warmly "Of course we will do our best to assist you on this quest, such items disrupt the natural balance and that cannot be allowed to continue. The balance must be restored and the evil of the dragonflights must be thrown back.
The sudden shout of warning caused Min to stop and turn back towards Lin. He began moving swiftly to her side, drawing out his Bastard Sword as he came close to her.
Lin, already standing fully, brings her wings up in an attempt to block an opponents line of sight to her more vulnerable area's. She looks around for whatever they were trying to defend themselves against.
Damian is quite surprised by Belsarious's outburst, too surprised to move for a moment. With the hesitation of a moment or two, he looks to his sword in hand and snaps to attention. Pulling his shield out, he runs to follow Belsarious, his armor making an awful racket.
Syl had arrived to the feast on time - after her return and a bath - and her attire was more than appropriate for the occasion. She had, however, left her sash on the statue of the Dawnflower herself. Unlike some of them, who came in full battle-garb, she had arrived in a white gown that gave great clues of her northern heritage. It had a bit of fur around the hems, and was inlaid with intricate design, for she had no clue to the real purpose of the feast - only that it sounded formal. Ansrithar still slept in the courtyard, tending to nurse his wounds further (54/60) upon waking.
Unfortunately for her, on arrival, she frowned lightly, but sat herself down amongst her companions-in-arms, and was very, very polite and particular in what and how she ate, as if showing a noble upbringing. As the captain speaks, she keeps her eyes closed, and opens them to look at him after this speech. She clears her throat, and speaks.
"What you speak of is action before inaction. This can be a good thing, in the right situation, Captain, but you must understand how patience in the world works. Should we then, cut off a man's hands as punishment because he said he would steal for his family? Shall we hang him, for he said whilst drunk he would kill any man who went for his wife? What you speak of is utter destruction of artifacts, for the sole purpose of removing them from this world. It may benefit everyone in turn, but it may ultimately cost us greatly in different areas of our lives. If we were to, say go chasing off to the far east, this city or its neighbors may fall in the process, thousands of lives snuffed out because we were out searching for these evil items.
"Now do not mark me wrong before I finish my point. I whole-heartedly agree that evil should be removed from this world, but not before it is given mercy - for we would wish the chance ourselves, were it given to us. I'm willing to go, but I wish to leave for the right reasons, not because you wish to strike a preemptive blow. I seek no rewards that you or any other mortal on this plane can offer me, so I must feel that I have done the right thing. Do you understand me now? There must be no other option."
"As always, I agree with my companion. Sylsalitae is my answer, for better or worse. If anything is to be said of her question, we wish to know that this is the only path available - I don't need to waste time flying down the countryside when I can be furthering a better cause."
She smiles faintly after, but visibly frowns at her dragon - and listens to the others as they have replied, and notes the rush to the other end of the courtyard. Though armorless, she will stand softly, and sigh, moving to her dragon's side.
"We need to get me back into my armor if we're to depart anytime soon. Come, we will leave unless we are to be addressed."
In Elvish, Dolo replies to Sly. "Well met, Lady Sylsalitae Dwinghymnaear. I hear you and understand you."
Reverting to common for the rest of the party, Dolo continues. "I wish to share with you a story. In Lesotho's history, there was a great healer named Murgen. He was noted in history for his approach to his work. In years past, the science of healing was little more than superstitious rituals and abstract buffoonery. He had one particular case involving a notable Lord. The Lord's court tried many things from leeching to foul-smelling poultices to thrashings with holly branches. Nothing seemed to work. Murgen was asked to help as nothing seemed to work. He conducted a physical of the Lord and quickly discovered that the true nature of the illness was a reaction to a particular dish the Lord was quite fond of. This entire time, the healers where attempting to treat mere symptoms of the ailment, and not the cause of the condition."
"We could stay here in this city or go out and throw our might against the army itself but they are but symptoms of this growing illness on our world. We know that the Red Dragonflight and other enemies are seeking the Abominations of Marianasu as we speak. Should they find them, then no amount of fighting or assistance will matter, for the world will fall to darkness. The world will surely die or wish it were dead if evil forces wield the power of the artifacts."
"I for one wish to address the cause and not the symptoms. I know that were I to fight or defend alone, I can do less than if I worked to this greater cause. I hope that you can see the wisdom and the necessity in that action."
Drawing himself to his fullest height, Dolo passionately pleads with the elves. "Surely you must realize this mission will happen, with or without you. I would prefer it be with those assembled here but someone will be assigned. Someone will leave the defense of this city and other cities to others. It is trust in ourselves and trust in our comrades and trust in all goodly beings and trust in our deities that complels us to act. I ask you this - if not us, then who?"
Syl smiles and nods her head in respect to Dolo, and replies in kind, her voice bold yet subtle, almost like a summer breeze as she speaks in her native tongue.
"Amacc saan, tymeoalalaem. Illa E aey, el ilcc amilala."
Well met, professor. As I you, in all ways.
"You misconstrue my meaning, professor, when you say to strike at the cause - you repeat the Captain's words in meaning, but in different manners. I understand that sitting here, sipping tea whilst they continue to search is not productive. I do not suggest this action either. What I do suggest is to ensure our path is true, and that we are all of the same conviction to see the task through. I want nothing more than this world to see better days.
"The world around us accounts for all things we do, through the gods or the powers of the forests and ourselves, and keeps it in balance - should we destroy these artefacts, invariably another evil will rise in its place. Do you trade one tyrant for another, Professor? If we are to truly remove such a thing, then, as much as I dislike admitting to this, we may have to sacrifice something in turn. In that I ask, are you prepared to deal with the consequences?"
Here she pauses, and walks back over to the group, and smiles, taking one last drink before placing it down. She adjusts her hair, and clears her throat.
"If you are, we have no further things to discuss at this time. I will ride with on that note, and ensure that our faith in this, and each other, stays strong - for our road will be full of hardships. We will talk further when the time is right."
Here she will wait, to see if anyone else wishes a response - for she does love a good conversation...
"Do you not feel the cold bitterness and bite in the wind, it haunts me already, something is dreadfully wrong! To arms! To arms!
"Be at the ready to defend yourselves!"
Now that Belsarious has mentioned something, you do indeed notice that there is a sudden chill wind coming from the south, which is odd as the wind had been westerly not just an hour or so earlier.
After Belsarious' outburst draws everyone's attention south, you all see a column of white and ice-blue light rocket into the sky, brutally piercing the clouds and exploding outwards, lighting them from above. Wherever this event is occurring, it is a fair ways to the south. None of you can see any enemies approaching, though this terrible sight is bad enough.
The column of light remains visible for a moment, then suddenly ceases.
The tugging in your mind has increased, and suddenly you realize why. The same shadow as was in your mind when the teapot was bound to you is again present, though this time it is thankfully not taking up residence in your spirit. You realize that another of the Abominations is to the south, and that blast of energy had something to do with it.
@Dolo:
Syl recalls Belsarious' outburst in time, and notes the direction and the manner in which he speaks. She listens carefully, and then takes in the surroundings to perceive this threat.
His armor clanging, he tries to catch up to Balsarious, no idea what is going on.
Captain Merit, who listened closely as Dolo, Sylsalitae, and Ansrithar spoke, had opened his mouth to speak when the blast of light appeared in the distant southern sky. After it disappears he says nothing for a long moment, then hesitantly inquires "Wh...what was that?! Professor? Belsarious?"
"Another piece is to the south we must get to it rapidly, the light and the cold mark its location, even at this distance it pains me, I know not where it is other than South. Did anyone else see the lights?"
"I can not be sure with the visions, did you see it?"
"DO you feel the chill?"
Dolo looks to the commotion with wide eyed wonder.
Knowledge, arcana
Perception
Dolo looks to the commotion with wide eyed wonder.
Knowledge, arcana 1d20 + 8
Perception 1d20+ 5
How the Ice King felt about this is not recorded.
The same scrap described a beam of icy arcane power just like the one you just saw, right down to the after effects of the lit-up clouds, that would issue forth from the artifact when it was used.
Turning to any of the other flyers present Min shouts over the wind"That same hell blasted light, this is only a rough guess I believe it is coming from somewhere near Hallas in the south. We will talk more in the air!" He doesn't wait for anyone to respond to what he said, because he hasn't stopped moving since the wind started. He mounts Lin, without the aid of his saddle, riding bareback just as she lunches herself gracefully into the air heading swiftly back to the dragon quarters and the rest of their gear.
Min straps on the saddle and gets his other gear in place as swiftly as he can, while trying not to injure Lin in the process! But the second emanation of that evil light has him moving in a flurry of motion. Lin stands by silently as he settles each part of their gear on, she had hoped for an easy evening and but her attempts had only caused Min to be even more on edge. But she too knew that the light could only indicate something foul occurring in the south, but her intuition was at war with her instincts and she was at a loss as to how they were going to stop something that massive...
As the last piece of gear fell into place, and the last belt was tightened to a comfortable fit for Lin, Min lowered his goggles over his eyes and got mounted once more. As the pair moved out into the open they talked casually in draconic.
He adjusted his gear, making sure his lance and bow were both readily accessible, his earlier feelings of almost reckless determination started to fade. A feeling of fear crept in and made their bond writhe with the uncertainty he felt. "Un'li ewhueunty Chunra... Un niybai undrmy echch chunknidr eraty ray, poundri poondr Un gorayzi Un ziunchch poi tyunmyebabayunradrity."
Lin looked back at him for a moment, regarding him with one of her great eyes. She could, see and feel, he was shaken by what he had saw. "Wiehu raydr lian huuntyihu, zii ziunchch ziiedrniihu drniunmy mydryhuli ziundrni iemyi." With that she looked away preparing herself to take flight now that they were in the open.
He felt Lin's powerful muscles tense up, he leaned forward and took hold of his riding straps making sure he wasn't thrown from the saddle in her initial leap. "Anyon gorayzi emy ziichch emy Un drniedr drniunmy ziunchch raydr poi era iemyan wchunknidr."
She rumbled in silently laughter as she responded. "E chundrdrchi dronhupoonchirasti liegoimy e wchunknidr liyhui iqustundrunrak, poimyuntyimy ziniira niemy eraan yw yonhu etyfiiradronhuimy poiira 'iemyan'."
With that the pair launched into the air, they slowly gained altitude. When they finally leveled out Min took hold of his lance, preparing for a possible attack. They wheeled south toward Hallas, Lin paced herself knowing that the distance was far and the wind would cause it to be a much hrader flight. Min leaned forward in the saddle allowing the cold wind to mostly whip over him as he focused on their bond.
Min "I'm afraid Lin... I hoped its all light and no bite, but I know I will be disappointed."
Lin "Fear not my rider, we will weather this storm with ease."
Min "You know as well as I that this will not be an easy flight."
Lin "A little turbulence makes a flight more exciting, besides when has any of our adventures been 'easy'."
Confused, the squiers assist Lin and Min as they are instructed. If they think it odd, they say nothing. They know the city is surrounded by Black Dragonflight warriors, and that the battleplain is difficult, maybe even impossible to traverse alone. But Min is a dragonrider, so surely he knows something they don't.
Meanwhile, in the courtyard, Captain Merit collects himself, unsure where exactly it was Lin was heading. "Sir Damian, Belsarious, please; rejoin us. If that is another of the Abominations, then you will soon be on your way to it. Let us finish dinner, then you may take the night to rest. You should leave at dawn. We will escort you west, over the lake, where the Black Dragonflight are weakest and where we will have cover of the rising sun. From there you can turn south and head towards Hallas."
He then turns to Sylsalitae. "Cilwa Sylsalitae, aey irelem yla ameanir aeym amelawes." he says, in surprisingly fluent elvish.
"Whether or not another evil would arise to replace the Abominations of Marianasu we seek to destroy, I could not say. I am human, and do not share your blessing of long years. As such, I seek to improve the world before me as best I can, and trust The Inheritor to guide my hand and heart as I look to ensure my actions benefit the future as much as the present, if not more. You ask of consequences, and you are right to do so. What consequences are to be borne, we will gladly do if it means a swifter end to conflict and death, and twelve cursed magic items removed from the grasp from those who would seek to conquer, to extinguish The Light."
He turns back to the rest of you. "Enjoy the meal, my friends, and enjoy a night of rest in our quarters. You leave at sunrise. Please inform your pages if you have any requests, and they will satisfy them to the best of their abilities. Weapons, potions. What we can spare, we will."
As the captain starts to raise a toast, Lin and Min shoot by overhead, rocketing southward. Korius' eyes go wide with surprise. "Wh...no! Min!" He looks helplessly at the rest of you. "They cannot cross the battle plain alone! They'll be slaughtered!"
The immediate response to Min's overzealous hop-and-takeoff is placing her palm to her face, and shaking her head. She looks to her page after, and nods to him.
"Gather my things, my dear. I'll have to dress out here, since time is of the essence. In the meantime..."
She turned back to the Captain, and nods with her smile back on her face. She approaches him, and gracefully places her hand to his shoulder.
"I understand all too well how hasty you can be, and that is why I spoke out of turn. I need a favor from you in turn, though what it is shall be a secret for now. I will leave shortly, and would ask you only for some provisions - I have to chase down a silver dragon, but that's no problem for my Ansrithar."
Here she walks back over to her companion, but does wait for an answer from the Captain before she begins to rig his saddle and all his other gear.
No one flies alone into combat. From induction as a squire onward, this simple maxim is taught and reinforced, lived and breathed. A soldier must support his comrades. Even without a plan or much of an idea of what is going on, Damian must fly to Min's aid.
He stands and lets out a loud whistle, practiced over the years as a beckoning call to Keythan. This is one of the several reasons that he insists that Keythan is never tied down like most other mounts. The whistle echoes off the courtyard walls, replaced just a moment later by the beating of griffon wings.
Damian climbs atop the back of his loyal steed, ready for combat again despite the lack of rest. His sword and shield safely stowed, he beckons to the others. "You heard the Captain, come on!" Keythan's powerful wings pull them aloft into the air. Damian draws the lance from its holder, ready for combat.
Just like that, the cavalier and his griffon mount follow the dragonrider, streaking across the sky.
Lin: Perception
M
L
Lin thought she heard something a distant voice, concern echoed in its words but she could not hear it well enough to understand. It was swift and then gone but it caused her to pause in her flight, she eased her wing beats and slowly began to circle around, she felt the bond surge with Min's sudden alarm at her drastic change in course she headed back lazily over the city. Min sat up and surveyed around them, with one hand gripping his lance, looking for a threat.
Lin surveyed around them now that the reckless emotions had passed, her eyes were keener then Min's, there were no easy ways to go. It had been a foolish gambit thinking they could just waltz there way south unopposed, she took on a strong and caring tone as she spoke. "I think it is best we turn back my rider, as much as I share your zeal. This appears to not be as normal as we are used to."
Min relaxed his hold and sat back looking, "Were we not scouts for a reason? What if it is a weapon, what of Hallas?"
Lin kept near the many walls of Izmir keeping her altitude high. They were not used to these enclosure's, nor being in the midst of a siege either. This was not suitable ground for scouts.
She sighs as she considers his words, "If it is a weapon it is too distant to harm us and Hallas won't be any better off if we fall. The facts are, we are in a city under siege, we are wounded from battle and the way is unclear. Also we apparently fly alone..." She frowned as she looked around.
Min's feelings smoldered through the bond but he remained silent as they skirted the edges of the city in search of a suitable route. Lin could only guess at his thoughts as the bond boiled, she sighed again knowing he wouldn't argue with her sound logic. Although his determination caused him to lose face in front of others, she would always rally to defend him, not because of the bond but because deep down Min was the best person she would ever know.
Dolo sits quietly muttering to himself in a strange language as is his way of reasoning enigmas. You get used to it if you around him long enough.
He starts at the Captain's words and realizes some of the party has left!
Dolo quickly summons forth a spell and speaks to Min in elvish, "Min, please stop and return. We cannot leave now without escort!" Strangely his words tumble forth and are caught in an arcane web and transported a great distance to his compaanions.
Dolo relays the same message to anyone else who has left as well.
After relaying the messages, Dolo looks to the Captain. "It is one of the Abominations. We must leave first thing in the morning to capture it. I will explain further when the others return."
"The morning, Oh so long from now....Potions sure a pittance against the powers of this thing."
"Now I must try to eat and to sleep."
"The morning, Oh so long from now....Potions sure a pittance against the powers of this thing."
"Now I must try to eat and to sleep."
Overnight, the few clerics here in the citadel can provide you with a wand, but only one that makes use of a 2nd-level Cleric spell or lower. Anything in particular you had in mind?
@Sir Damian: You are easily able to catch up with Min and Lin as they have pulled up short, and are looping around in an easy half-circle, effectively reversing course.
@Sylsalitae: Captain Merit inclines his head towards you. "But of course, My Lady. Any request it is within our power to grant, we shall." You can see that Lin/Min have already stopped, whether from the Professor's message or Sir Damian's entreaties, you don't know, but it appears you won't need to take off at the moment, unless you still wish to.
The captain then addresses you all one final time; "Rest now. We leave at dawn. Any final requests for supplies of any sort will be fulfilled to the best of our abilities, given Izmir's current situation. The first Air Cavalry, led by Prefect Na-Calanon will be your escort, but you should anticipate a fight. The Black Dragonflight will not easily let you out of the city. Be prepared for battle."
With both Sir Damian at their side, wheeling much easier in the air on the back of his powerful mount, and Dolo's words echoing in his ears. The pair have little choice but to land and await until morning. Min sets his lance in its holder as they begin to descend to the courtyard below.
After they land in the courtyard Min dismounts and later addresses Captain Merit personally, looking extremely humble and somewhat foolish in all his gear. "My apologies Captain Merit for causing a stir, sometimes I am too bold and headstrong for my own good. We are used to being on our own and doing what we can where we can. Forgive me."
"Aye if you are able to make a wand o spells I think restoration would benefit us in facing obstacles, unless Dolo has another idea. Dolo is a scholar so I will defer to his judgement."
"What say you Dolo?"
After they land in the courtyard Min dismounts and later addresses Captain Merit personally, looking extremely humble and somewhat foolish in all his gear. "My apologies Captain Merit for causing a stir, sometimes I am too bold and headstrong for my own good. We are used to being on our own and doing what we can where we can. Forgive me."
"Min, there is nothing to forgive." Captain Merit claps his hand on your shoulder. "Given the way things are these days and the mission you are about to embark on, you can hardly be blamed for being ready to jump and go at a moment's notice. Besides! As you say, you are used to being on your own. Now, you have a team; and a mighty one it is! You will get used to it. You have an excellent captain in Sir Damian. Look to him for guidance if you feel out-of-sorts working with a group -- his training and acumen both are impeccable."
Relieved Min bows his head respectfully to Captain Merit as he responds "We are most fortunate to have a paladin such as Sir Damian among us, with the ferocity he showed in fighting the dragons earlier this day it will be a pleasure to learn from him and follow him into battle once more. I have one final question though, if you will humor me, how does one earn the honor of the bond and thus become a dragonrider in the citadel?" He waits patiently for the response or moves politely aside if someone with more pressing business requires the good Captain's attention.
As Min asks his questions and gets supplies, Lin is enjoying the food she nearly missed out on! Even with some of their gear still on she is accustomed to the weight and keeps watch on her rider. She maintains a warm and friendly demeanor as she enjoys herself and talks to anyone curious enough to approach her.
Syl smiles, and looks to Min as he returns, and nods her head in greeting - showing he had the wisdom to at least return, but lacked the motivation to follow through with his actions - though brings her hand to her lips.
"I'm glad you decided to rejoin us. Next time, try to motivate the rest of the group to your inflamed passions before moving out like that. You might get yourself killed, and we really don't want that, do we?"
Here she moves to address the captain again, and clears her throat.
"I would like to ask for a blessing of you and your city on our leaving. That is what I want to provision specifically - the rest, I will leave up to you! Think of it as surprising us with a present!"
She winks, playfully, and leaves them to their devices. It's here she tends further to Ansrithar, and heals him of his remaining injuries.
@Min: Korius smiles at you. "The progression from Page of The Citadel to Dragonrider is long, and very difficult, and only a fraction of the boys will make it. The pages who constantly excel -- in service, piety, strength, wisdom, intelligence, loyalty, courage, all these things -- will progress from Page, to Squier, to Second, to Paladin, and then, if they further distinguish themselves, they will be allowed to take the tests to see if they meet with Na-Calanon's approval to join the Air Cavalry. He is the wisest of us all, and his decisions are final. There have been times when poor soldiers made superb dragonriders, and when young squiers of rare talent ascended directly to those ranks, but for most it is a hard, long road to that privelege. What brings this question to mind, sir? You are already a dragonrider, and one we would be proud to have in our cavalry were it not for your more immediate concerns."
@Syl: The captain seems to note your playful smile, and returns it with a wry grin. His azure eyes shine. "But of course, Lady, the blessings of the Men, the City, and the Inheritor herself shall be placed upon you at your departure tomorrow."
Damian heads back to his simple quarters after dinner, sending word for Brook to meet him. He will prepare for the departure with prayer and meditation on the quest.
When Brook arrives, Damian asks him, "Did you talk to your parents?"
@Sir Damian: When Brook arrives, he has a small scroll in his hand, tied with a crimson ribbon. "My parents! Yes...they...gave blessings upon my journey, Sir. Andbuthereisawritfromcaptainmeritsayingicangowithyou! I...can go with you still, right? You were serious, right?"
"Perhaps a wand of curing would meet our needs better!"
Min nods his head respectfully in greeting to Syl, he barely heard her words as he dismounted and quickly made his way over to Captain Merit. Lin regarded Syl with a level stare as she began to speak. Her voice though was devoid of emotion and her response was blunt.
"Min may show respect to Tauthan's, but I won't stand for their gilded words in my presence. Besides encouragement doesn't help your kind, the pedestal you eternals have placed yourselves on has always made me wonder who is the worst evil among which we face. You insult others in your vain attempts to aggrandize your own self importance. But you will Understand this, it was not his choice we returned, it was mine, and if you da..."
Just as her emotions started to carry her away Min turns to look back, a concerned look on his pale features. She breaks off as Min turns back to look at her, on his face as her emotions were carried through to him. He hesitated a moment before Captain Merit clapped him on the shoulder distracting him. Lin sighed heavily and turning away from Syl, pointedly ignoring her, as she turning back towards the feast. Lin tried to maintain a warm and friendly aura for those who approached her.
"I only asked because it seems many are interested in us and about our bond, especially the younger pages. Naturally we do not mind the questions they ask, its just that our bonding was different in its creation. Thank you for the insight in how the bond is formed here in your great city." He pauses as he tries to summon up the courage to speak more, but now that he understood some of their traditions and ranking he held his tongue. "Of the young pages I have spoke to I have seen potential in them but I merely encourage them to do as you have said. Hopefully their commitment bears fruit for them in the future. If you have any need of my services Captain you know where to find me." Hesitantly he tries to mimic the salute of the Soldiers of Izmir before moving back to Lin's side.