The Reclamation of Zahvroma (Inactive)

Game Master Signore di Fortuna

"Oh. I'd like the potpie with some lemonade please." Fae says politely.

She thinks for a moment, "I think I'd like the potpie as well." Looking at Rhy she gives her love a smile, "How about you sweetheart? What looks good to you?"

"It's not like I have a choice. I wish I did. I have no clue how to run a county, but if I don't go, they'll send.......recovery."

"Most people don't know how to either," Marla points out. "It would probably be for the best that there isn't an incident here. You know how your father is."

"I think lamb stew and lemonade." Rhadaya replies after a moment of consideration.

The woman jots down all the orders and comes back with the drinks first. The man at the counter brings your food, piping hot. He also sets a bowl of scraps in front of each of the puppies.

One of Mirrin's fingers traces along her golden tattoos. "Aroden believes I can be of some help to you. Personally, I am still quite tired of this life...of living. I have nothing here nor do I really want to have anything. My ties to Zahvroma were severed by Straub."

She brings her eyes to meet 's. "What you want is to know about the Necromancers, right? If I tell you all you want to know, would it bother you if I just got on a ship and never came back? You don't need to tell Arista what you suspect will happen either."

Mirrin sighs, regarding Celia and Ylrhea with a brief glance. "That should be enough to satisfy Aroden and you."

About to reply, Sādhanā halts as Requiem touches her mind, unraveling Mirrin's connection to his former bearer, her sister Coorah Orana. " You said your ties here were severed by Straub, you meant your sister Coorah didn't you? I met her, or at least what Straub had made of her. It may help to know that in the end what was left of her soul was freed of the shell that bastard trapped her in, and he was brought to justice for his crimes as well." the magus says softly.

"Her sword, Requiem is with me, lends me memories of who you are and what you meant to her." she sits down at the table across form Mirrin, looking at the other woman as she speaks. "Yes the knowledge of the the necromancers would be invaluable, but you have more value that what you know. To the very end your sister believed in Aroden, as do I, and I think that Aroden believes in you. You didn't survive all this simply to fade off into a silent lonely death. I can see that you're tired, you've lost more than should be asked of anyone, but if you'd like a chance to help us put a stop to that darkness that has claimed so much from all of us, I'd really appreciate your help."

Gwen starts to eat as soon as the plate is set down in front of her.

"Quite true. I'm scared Mom, this is a lot to take in at once."

"Tell me what your heart truly wants, Elsa," Marla says. "What do you want out of life?"

"I don't want to go back, but I can't stay here either. Snowhawke Reclaimers are not to be trifled with."

"Neither are the heroes of this place," Marla says. "But there is a third option...needless to say, it isn't the most attractive option."

"So anything else we need to do here before we head back home?" Sienna asks before she starts to eat.

Elsa's expression brightened and darkened at the same time, "And what would that option be?"

She shakes her head before starting to enjoy the food. Visiting family could wait for another time when they aren't so rushed.

Having already taken a bite after making sure Celine's food was in small enough bite size pieces she swallows, "I just need to stop by and see Baron Trepphorn again for just a couple minutes and pick something up. When we're done eating I'll go see him and get what I need to get and I'll meet you all back by the fountain in the square. Does that sound alright?" She asks before taking another bite.

"Sure."

"A cousin of yours is a proctor at the College of Mages on the Magi Islands and it would be almost no problem to get you admitted. Your father and I have squirreled enough money away to provide you with tuition for the first year," Marla answers. "The Magi Islands have unquestioned autonomy and these Snowhawke Reclaimers will find themselves in a uncomfortable position if they were to try and take one of their students."

She looks at Elsa with a wan smile. "But you would not be able to leave for at least ten years. It would be a different sort of life and one where you could claim mastery of your powers. Perhaps you may even find love and settle down. In that time, you'll be come a sorceress able to hold her own."

Marla then sighs. "Snowhawke can sort out its own affairs or fade away like many kingdoms do. You are only responsible for yourself and your well-being."

Mirrin closes her eyes and sighs. "I already know about Coorah and Straub. Arista told me, but I had gleaned as much from the mask. I am a thief and a murderer. I have not forgiven the Anizari and I don't know if I ever will. My disdain for magic remains and I don't want to be swept up in some intricate plot. My heart yearns for something, my death may still snuff out that yearning."

She looks at the Bladebearer. "To quest and never succeed wears a soul thin. What life you believe I can lead is not one I can see. What value Aroden believes I possess is tarnished by the blood on my hands. I'll tell you all you need to know about the Necromancers, but, after that, I disappear. That is the only deal I'll make."

"Actually, I have a deal for you," Ylrhea says after listening to Mirrin. "Take my place. Sadhana and I want children and that time is coming soon...If you're a good thief, we need your skills. I can retire from the adventuring life and you'll have a purpose."

Ylrhea traces the scars on her face. "I bear enough evidence of my adventuring career. I really don't want to add more. Who knows? You might have a fatal encounter out there if you're so desperate to die. If you don't die, you might figure out what it is you want. It's better than sitting in a tavern mulling over a wasted life."

She smiles at the Anizari. "The things we fight are getting tougher and I'm not getting stronger. So...what do you say?"

Mirrin seems taken aback by Ylrhea's offer. "You trust me with the life of your beloved and your friends?"

"Sure, why not?" Ylrhea responds. "You seem more self-destructive, if anything. Maybe if you break away from what you usually do, you'll find a path out of this cycle you're in. So, last chance, what do you say?"

Mirrin thinks for a moment. "Very well. I'll take your place, Ylrhea."

"That.....could work. But what happens when that first year is up? I can only imagine a cousin's influence going so far in keeping me there."

Marla puts a hand on Elsa's shoulder. "You'll have to get a job. I'm sure that your cousin will be able to assist you with that."

Tears started to form in her eyes as she embraced her mother, "*sniff* Thank you Mom."

Marla hugs Elsa back. "You better say good-bye to your father, brothers and sister. I suppose I better see if there's a ship that is heading out that way."

She takes the basket of laundry inside and sets it down on the floor. "Celenon, I need to go to the docks. Please put up the laundry."

Celenon walks into the living room. "Why do you need to go to the docks?"

His eyes fall on Elsa. "What's going on?"

"I'll let her tell you," Marla says. "I need to see if there's a ship that'll head to the Magi Islands."

"Magi..." Celenon starts as Marla walks away. "Elsa, what's going on?"

Oh boy.

Elsa handed the letter to her Father and explained what it meant. As well as her course of action she and her Mother had just discussed.

Tesia enjoys the meal and smiles at the puppies enjoying the scraps while she has one arm about her love as they eat dinner with their friends.

Arista just takes the moment to enjoy a good meal with her family and friends.

Celenon frowns. "Well, I'm glad your mother figured out something for you."

Celine manages to use her spoon well enough that she gets most of the stew in her. She drinks her milk and soon starts looking sleepy.

"You better hurry and see the baron," Alethiro says to Arista. "Celine's about ready to go home."

Nodding she finishes up her dinner and puts a few gold on the table for their share of the meal. Standing up she gives Celine a kiss on the head, "I'll be back in few minutes honey. Be good and listen to daddy. I think you better take the puppy for a walk before we go alirght?" She looks at Alethiro, "Could you see if you can help her walk the puppy love? I'll try to make it quick." Picking up their bag she leans down and gives him a kiss before heading out of the Tavern and back to the Baron's house.

Getting to his door she knocks.

Finishing up her meal as well she says, "If she's sleepy and you just need to hold her or something, I can walk the puppy for you."

Cyna thanks the man for the meal and digs into her plate shortly after Gwen does. She keeps an eye on the new puppy as she eats so he doesn't run off or cause problems for the diner.

Fae chuckles at her sister and nieces lack of table manners and waits for everyone to be served before offering a quiet prayer and finally joining in the meal herself.

Sādhanā is utterly dumbstruck by Ylrhea's offer to Mirrin, looking at her fiance in stunned silence as she processes things. The idea of being in the field without Ylrhea was actually more than a little daunting, but the thought of having a child with her.....

A broad smile replaces the look of shock as Mirrin agrees. Hopefully she would find a reason for living as part of their fight. "Well, as I said I'm happy to have your help."

Her eyes meet Ylrhea's with a sparkle in them, leaving no doubt that they'd be discussing a lot later on.

Ylrhea shrugs. "I just don't think I want to wait a year."

"I'll see about getting myself some equipment," Mirrin says.

"Thank you, Tesia," Alethiro says. "It'd probably be better if I held her until Arista gets back."

Sienna finishes her meal and yawns. "I hope I'm awake enough for this wedding tomorrow."

Gwen yawns as well. "You better be."

Looking at the sleepy looking Celine she gives him a smile as she takes the puppy's leash from around the leg of the chair it was tied to, "Sure, no problem. Would you like to just rest here with her for a little bit until I get back with Honey? Otherwise we can all head over to the fountain once everyone is done eating." She suggests.

Celine lets out a satisfied burp before wiping her face and hands with her napkin and crawls into her daddy's lap.

Gia opens the door. "The Baron is waiting for you."

She leads Arista to the sitting room, where Baron Trepphorn sits with a letter in his hands. "Here you are, Arista. Gia, give us a moment."

The servant leaves and the baron sighs. "Your Barclay seems to put stock in people I wouldn't necessarily trust. The packet he sent is a lot of information concerning the Necromancers and their activities. To make a long story short, he wants to go to war against them. While I wouldn't make that my first choice, the information I've looked over is pretty damning. Chalandra is trying to form alliances with the remaining Necromancers and trying to utilize her wealth to equip an army. Those with their own ambitions are close to being able to attack us as well."

He looks Arista in the eyes. "Before I hand you this letter, is there any reason I should doubt Barclay?"

"She's got warm enough clothes," Alethiro says. "We can wait by the fountain, so we're ready to go when Arista gets back."

Without any hesitation she shakes her head, "None at all Baron Trepphorn. He believed in Godrick the way I believed in him....the way we all believed in him. I believe in their vision, and I trust his judgment. He has a good head on his shoulders and wants what's best for everyone." She pauses for a moment, "I think....he's a good judge of character as well and if he says these people can be trusted, then they can. I know about the Lords of Covington and their designs on my homeland and I will not give it over to a bunch of greedy politicians without a fight. Zahvroma and her people are NOT for sale." She says a little more dramatically than she meant to, "Sorry...it just makes me a little upset when I think about what it is they're trying to do."

"I can understand the sentiment," Lawrence says, handing Arista the letter. "Tell Barclay that he has my support. We will go to war."

End Chapter 4.

DAaammmmnnnnnn

She gives him a nod while reigning in her emotions, "Thank you Baron, we appreciate your support. Not just in the reinforcement sense either, but the fact that you support our ideals as well. It means more to us than you could know....or maybe you do. I won't pretend to know another's mind. I just wanted to let you know how much it means to me to have your support as well. So...I better get going. I still have to stop by the artisan district to pick up a gift before we head home. The girls are getting married tomorrow and there's lots to do still." She says as she pulls herself up out of her seat.