|
When Cladissa mention the clerics, Sabrina sighs and blankly stares at the ground.
"I guess I'm tired of the world's supposed 'good guys' always failing," Sabrina explains with a heavy sigh. "I mean, why are there no good equivalents of Thrune's Cheliax or the Worldwound?"
Like Cladissa, she definitely seems like she wants to say more but holds her tongue.
Both of them.
"Still, I supposed it is... wrong of me to be so heartless toward those poor guys," Sabrina admits quietly, "...Dad raised me better."
Yig's Champion lets her friend finish her piece and watches her depart for the manor.
Once Cladissa is out of sight, Sabrina quickly and thoroughly destroys any and all evidence of what most likely caused her Second Mutation.
...That was close, Sabrina Left thinks quietly as she cleans up her temporary base of locations in the garden.
As she places her blankets in a hamper to be washed, Sabrina Right nods in agreement.
~~~~~~~Sabby's Bizarre Adventure~~~~~~~
Sabrina eventually learns that she is not in danger of exploding.
~~~~~~~Sabby's Bizarre Adventure~~~~~~~
Some time later, an excited Medium Air Elemental Sabrina tracks down Cladissa.
"Classy! Can I borrow one thousand gold pieces? Gianluca spent all of his bling on new swag already, I can't find Hrim, and I'd rather not sell my soul to Argor," she says as she flies literal circles around Cladissa.
She holds up a piece of paper and waves it around excitedly.
"My friend Windy is in town, and she wants to meet me for lunch, so I need some bling for some Sleeves of my own. (And probably a few other things, but that's beside the point.) I mean, I could use yours, but I really should get my own."
Sabrina pauses to read the letter again and smiles.
"Oh! It says here I can bring other Pathfinders if I so wish! That makes sense; Windy really likes to socialize with everyone in the Society. Wanna come with me? I think you'd like her. She's such a sweetheart!"
The next day, Cladissa had returned to her side project, and was sitting in one of the courtyards with several law books and pages of parchment stacked around her. She was flipping through pages with one hand, taking notes with the other, and her tail was holding a steaming mug of coffee when Sabrina found her.
Cladissa looks up from her work and blinks several times at the air elemenal's request. "A thousand? Well, I haven't gone shopping yet, so I suppose I could lend it to you."
She doesn't think long before accepting the invitation. "Sure, I'll come with you. It's about time for a break anyway. With Imri out, and Jannicke still away, I need to socialize a bit. Give me a moment."
She gathers up her papers, passing a rolled-up sheaf to her tail to carry while her arms haul the books up to her room.
After a few minutes Cladissa returns in a light and airy sundress and wide-brimmed hat. Before stepping outside, she uses her illusion to erase the demonic features. "No sense in alarming your friend. Wendy will no doubt have enough to get used to with your two heads," she smiles to the whirlwind.
The next morning, before dawn, Argor readies himself for the day and flies out into the sky high above Verde Heights. He hovers there for quite some time, watching the sun rise.
It is amazing, how wrongly I have perceived things until now. Compared to my earlier understanding of the workings of the world...my views were so primitive. There is so much more to learn and understand than what I had realized.
|
|
"I actually plan to go as I am; two noggins aside, it only recently occurred to me that this city is built for people of around my former stature or smaller. Thankfully, my transformations last for hours, and Windy is used my Elemental forms; I used them a bunch when I worked under her."
The shopping actually takes little time; the duo swing by a shop, money is exchanged, and Sabrina tosses everything into her backpack, which she obviously placed on the ground before her transformation.
("I preordered everything with a spell," the whirlwind explains nonchalantly. "I'll give you your Sleeves when we get back. By the by, thanks for letting me use them.")
As they travel, Sabrina tells Cladissa about her time serving under her friend Windy.
"Before Gianluca and I went spelunking in those ruins, I sailed the High Seas with Captain Windy. Because I could fly for hours on end, she stuck me in the Crow's nest as her scout. Bentley spent most of that time shrunk or as a statue, but he was also considerably smaller back then. He only recently hit a massive growth spurt, and since it gives him perfect sustenance, I think that Ring I gave him made him considerably bigger than he would've naturally been.
"Anyway, serving under Windy was one of my best experiences with the Society. She ran a tight ship, and most of the crew adored her. We were Piratebusters, though I think we did some other things. I gotta say: she's done more in one year than I have in a decade. Before I met her, I just kinda drifted between whatever positions our superiors gave me, but she encouraged me to expand my ambitions, so I applied for the Freaks."[1]
Sabrina continues to talk and ramble about her experiences under Captain Windy; by the time she and Cladissa arrive at their destination, the Naga Aspirant has really built up a nice and flattering picture of one of the society's rising stars. They get lead to a table with a nice view of the city.
"Oh Captain, my Captain Windy! It's been so long!" Sabrina chirps as she enthusiastically glomps her old associate. When the embrace breaks, she points toward Cladissa and says, "Windy, this is my friend Classy. Classy, this is Windy."
Cladissa follows the mercurial druid as she flits about in air elemental form though the marketplaces and spends her (and a fair amount of Cladissa's) hard-earned gold. She still marveled at how well Sabrina took to her mutations, although she had to wonder if being able to take on an almost infinite number of other forms was the key to coping. Regardless, she took note of the fact that the former half-elf chose to stay in her elemental form rather than the new multi-headed snakelike creature she's become.
Despite the fact that her illusion made them invisible, Cladissa used her wings to take flight after Sabrina once the shopping was done. The duo soared for a time from the Merchant's Quarter to a section of the city just on the borders of the Ivy District. Cladissa half-listened to Sabrina's rambling about her friend, as she had to concentrate on simply keeping up with the much faster air elemental. They finally landed in a pleasant strip of bistros and cafes that pumped wonderful scents into the air. Sabrina steered them into a quaint little rooftop bistro that overlooks the rest of the Ivy District.
As they step out onto the balcony, Sabrina flits between the tables and immediately swirls around a radiantly beautiful woman in a stylish blouse and skirt. The woman laughs musically as she is reunited with her old friend, but the familiar laugh chills Cladissa to the core.
Oh.
Oh no.
Not Wendy. "Windy."
Auronee Farwynd.
"Oh Captain, my Captain Windy! It's been so long!" Sabrina chirps as she enthusiastically glomps her old associate. When the embrace breaks, she points toward Cladissa and says, "Windy, this is my friend Classy. Classy, this is Windy."
"AURONEE?!?" Cladissa can't help but blurt out.
The Pathfinder gives an effervescent smile and extends a hand in greeting to the stunned woman. "Indeed I am. Have we met?"
Cladissa's mind races, but in fits and starts. New form. Illusion. Unrecognized. Classy. Windy. Kill Sabrina.
Somehow, Cladissa musters the fortitude to speak. "You're famous," she squeaks out, taking her stepsister's outstretched hand with her own clammy one.
Auronee's musical laughter fills the bistro. "Please. No need to be awe-struck. I'm quite normal. I've simply been fortunate. So, Classy, is it? Is that another one of Sabrina's crazy nicknames?"
Cladissa nods mutely as she tries to fathom this turn of events. She truly doesn't recognize me, the realization crosses her thoughts. Suddenly she sees the whirlwind floating just behind Auronee and a renewed surge of panic strikes. ::SAY NOTHING!!!:: she shoots to her telepathically. "Yes," she finally manages. "Ca-- Cassiendra. Cassiendra du Roche. Pleased to meet you, Ms. Farwynd." She curtsies lightly.
|
|
::...As you wish, Cladissa:: Yig's Champion mentally replies neutrally.
Sensing that she needs to lighten the mood, Sabrina takes on Statue Bentley from her backpack and puts him on the table near the empty fourth seat. The stone dinosaur sports a small top hat, bowtie, and monocle.
"I'd have Big Ben join us in person, but he'd probably collapse the roof," Sabrina says with a small chuckle as she takes a chair. "So, Auronee, what've you done with yourself during all those months I was spelunking? At the rate your career was progressing last I saw, it looked like a new Venture Captain was gonna be joining the ranks soon enough."
Auronee returns the greeting neutrally, her easy smile staying in place but with just the slightest bit of suspicion crossing her eyes. "The pleasure is mine, Ms. du Roche."
She returns to her seat and laughs brightly at the statue of Bentley taking up his spot at the table. "Rumors. Rumors, I'm sure," Auronee demurs though from her tone it sounds as though her becoming a Venture Captain was a foregone conclusion. "I suppose recovering a vial of the Sun Orchid Elixir will do that. Or rescuing the middle daughter of Prince Zinlo of Aspenthar in that same caper." She leans in conspiratorially as Cladissa takes her own seat reluctantly. "I wonder sometimes what the prince treasured more. Doesn't that sicken you?"
Cladissa shrugs mutely and nods in agreement, barely able to keep up with the conversation in her own distress.
Auronee takes a glance at Cladissa to see if she has more to comment, and getting nothing turns back to the elemental. "And what's happening with you? Why not change yourself back and have a seat? I doubt you'll be able to taste the tapas as a whirlwind."
|
|
Sabrina also nods in agreement at Auronee's question.
"After all that spelunking, we finally found something concrete details on Naga magic. They apparently managed to mix Arcane, Divine, and Druidic magic. I think I'm the 'foremost expert' in the Society on the subject; I just figured how to cast Displacement. I'm currently working on Divine Power and See Invisibility. If we can ever figure out how to reverse engineer the process to not require Nagaji ancestry, then I think the Society will greatly benefit. Some of our druids would love not having to sell their right kidney for the benefits of armor or a shield while Wild Shaped."
Her eyes drift quickly to Cladissa before she continues.
"As for not returning to my normal form, well, I normally would, but this place isn't exactly built for someone of my new... stature. You remember that transfer I wanted? It finally got approved! It took a ludicrous amount of applications, but someone finally caved signed off on it. In fact, I just finished my first mission with them."
Auronee nods with full attention to Sabrina's recounting of her arcane/divine discoveries, and voicing her approval in her triumphs. Then her brow furrows in concern. Her eyes flick briefly to Cladissa, then back to the whirlwind across the table from her.
"So you really went through with it?" Auronee asks, her face mixed. She leans back in her chair. "That was a huge gamble. You're a reckless one, I know, but you were aware that one of those who took the serum died within a day of taking it, right?"
Auronee turns her head slightly to Cladissa. "Classy? Are you a part of Sabrina's team?"
Cladissa swallows, but nods.
"And what do you do?"
"I carry Bentley," she says simply.
Auronee smiles brightly at "Classy." "How nice. It's so wonderful to be useful."
She turns back to Sabrina, much more animated. "You may not know this, but my dear stepsister has taken that same mysterious formula as well! Have you met her? She's such a delight. I truly miss her; here we are, the only family in this great city yet she avoids me like I carried some sort of plague. Maybe you could send her a message for me the next time you see her? That I miss her cute fuzzy face and she needn't be a stranger?"
The final days leading up to the wedding of Argor and Imrizade Blakros elicit a stir of activity around Verde Heights. Imrizade had taken the final few weeks prior to the ceremony to stay at her families estate in the Petals, making sure all the decorations at their venue were to her standards, as well as oversee any and all other necessary arrangements.
Argor was busy as well, spending much time reviewing prior ventures he had undertaken and fine-tuning his calculations and agreements to better suit his newly found intellect, many times growing frustrated at how foolish his prior work had been.
Invitations had been hand delivered to anyone and everyone of note: heads of state, members of the councils, business contacts, friends, and on Imrizade's side, many, many family members.
Hrimnagel
Gianluca
Sabrina
Mettera
Nyugelle
Auronee
Lady Anilah
Lady Miranda Dacilane
Nuar Spiritskin, the Minotaur Prince of Absalom
Eleanir Blakros
Michelia Blakros and her husband (whose name I've forgotten, but Argor would not have)
Hamaria Blakros
William Lightstaff (Argor's Apprentice, who generally does most of his work and receives his private training from Argor at the Sanctum)
Arryn Giles (Business partner at the Sanctum)
Various high ranking members of the Arcanamirium
IF it is within reason, some of the Spell Lords
The Venture Captains we've worked with thus far
It was now just two days until the ceremony would take place, and Argor found himself sitting in an armchair within the den of Verde Heights, sipping a glass of wine and staring into the fireplace, while Rutai was going over the RSVP's that had returned. The imp was taking note as to who had agreed to attend, as well as who had declined the invitation.
"Rutai," Argor said as he sat his glass of wine down, "continue reviewing the list. I'm going out for some air."
"Yup, sure thing," the imp replied as he adjusted his spectacles, not even looking up from the invitation in his hand.
__________
Argor soared through the evening sky as the sun slowly made its decent into the sea to the west, taking lazy laps through the city and making casual observations of those milling about below. He had watched as Arryn locked up the Sanctuary for the evening, noted a young couple sharing a passionate kiss in an alleyway of the Coins, and smirked as a merchant was having a hard time coaxing a camel onto a ship.
It was on a second pass over the Sanctum that something of serious interest caught his eye. At the back entrance to the shop, obscured to those on the ground by the walled courtyard and hedgerows, was a man working magic on the lock. As Argor scowled and descended, he called the muscle-bound hound archon into service at the door. The archon looked around and drew his blade, his biceps tightening as he clutched the hilt of the sword, and glared into Argor's eyes, "What now, mage?" he said through clenched teeth.
"Spare me your ire. A thief just broke into this establishment. He appeared to be alone, but I am not one to take chances," Argor said quietly. "Mind your tone and lead the way inside, before he stumbles across something beyond his capacity."
The hound archon snorts an affirmative before being compelled to lead the way into the Sanctum. It didn't take long to learn where precisely the culprit had traveled: the Library, based on the faint glow of conjured light coming from within. The archon turned to look at Argor, who nodded his head in the direction of the door.
The archon quickly burst into the room and lowered his blade towards the young man within, startling him to the point that he dropped the tome he had in his hand. "Do not make a sound, child, lest you force my hand," the celestial said. Argor calmly floated into the room, and quickly took stock of the situation.
The young man gasped at Argor's entrance, immediately recognizing the building's owner. Before he could even say a word, Argor reached out with his hand and immediately grasped the young man within a crushing telekinetic grasp.
"I will proceed to ask you questions, and you will answer them truthfully, lest the consequences be truly severe. Are you alone?" Argor said without emotion. The boy nodded in reply.
"What was your purpose here?"
"I...I was...just trying to acquire some spells, m'Lord. I've not been so fortunate, and haven't been able to find a Master to take me on or gain admission to any of the schools. I'm capable, just not...lucky," the boy stammered.
"That is most transparent. Who knows that you are here?" Argor asks.
The boy shakes his head, "Noone. I...I had overheard a man in the Coins mention this store, and thought it would be my best chance at learning a few new abilities."
"It could have been," Argor said, "had you followed appropriate and legal avenues of their acquisition. However, you chose to go about such endeavors illegally, and as such, face the consequences." The grip around the boy tightened and slammed him to the ground, eliciting a pained whelp from the kid before knocking the air from his lungs, leaving him gasping. Turning to the archon, Argor commanded "Return the tome to the bookcase then join me in the Alchemy lab," as he used his magic to drag the kid forcefully along the ground and into the laboratory.
Argor forced the kid into a kneeling position near the center of the room. "Say so much as a word, and you will regret it, understand?" Argor asked, to which the now teary eyed kid nodded meekly. A moment later, the archon joined them. "If he so much as says a word or makes a move not necessary for biological function, end him." The archon's teeth audibly ground at the command.
Argor floated from the room and a moment later returned with some rope and a strip of cloth. "Bind his hands and feet, and gag him. As the archon obeyed the command, Argor walked over and took the boy's spellbook from his side, and casually began flipping through it. [b]"Rudimentary. Sparse. A pathetic collection."
He almost carelessly lays the tome down and says, "The punishment for theft is normally a set amount of time in prison. However, this is no ordinary crime," Argor says, his voice growing more and more angry as he speaks, "this, was an attempted theft, from me, and that is something I will not abide," he says as he glares at the child. "Archon, execute him." The boy let out a muffled cry through his gag, and the archon turned to the mage in protest, "You...you said his punishment would be less severe if he cooperated!"
"I did, and trust me, in comparison I am being quite merciful. Now do as you are commanded!" Argor says to the archon sternly.
The archon, compelled by the magic binding him, slowly drew his sword and stepped toward the helpless child, who was now crying uncontrollably and straining against his restraints. A tear flowed from the archon's eye as he said, "Forgive me," before driving his celestial blade down into the back of the child and through his chest, cleanly piercing his heart.
The celestial cleaned his sword and glared at Argor, "How could you?" he asked.
Argor waved off the inquiry. "Enough of your prattle. Move the tables and equipment to the walls," he says. Once the archon completes his task, Argor dismisses the summoning spell.
He then floats into the air and calls into existence three crocodiles from the plane of Hell. They look around the chamber confused for a moment, and then turn their eyes towards their summoner for a target to attack. Argor simply points to the body of the boy in their midst, and the crocodiles set in on the body, tearing it to shreds and eating everything of the remains, even the bone. Once they conclude their feast and nothing remains but a blood stain, Argor dismisses them as well.
Lastly, he calls into existence four earth elementals, and commands them to return the room to it's original state, instructing them as to where things are to be precisely placed. As they work, he uses his own magic to remove all traces of the blood spatter and remains from the floor and furnishings. Once the room is returned to its pristine state, he allows the elementals to return to their own realm and proceeds to exit the building, making sure that the facility is once again locked down before taking to the skies once more.
__________
It was about an hour after dusk when Argor returned to his seat by the fire at the manor, casually reviewing the results of Rutai's work.
[dice=Sense Motive]1d20+12
The target wants to believe you +5
The lie is believable +0
The lie is unlikely –5
The lie is far-fetched –10
The lie is impossible –20
The target is drunk or impaired +5
You possess convincing proof up to +10
|
|
While one of Windy's comments strikes her as... uncharacteristically harsh, Sabrina finds herself believing her old friend. However, something strikes her as odd.
Auronee is so friendly! Why does poor Classy look like she's about to have a heart attack? By Yig, I wish I could ask her, but she already asked me to not say anything, and nevermind, she has telepathy.
Without looking at her, Sabrina sends a ping to Cladissa.
::Is everything alright, Cladissa?::
Meanwhile, Sabrina chuckles and answers Auronee without missing a beat, "Of course, but the only history of death involving the serum involves Alchemists mixing it with a bunch of funky chemicals and mutagens. Everyone else, especially Argor Constantine, seems to be doing quite well."
"As for your stepsister, I have met her. Along with Gianluca, she's my closest friend on the team. I'll pass your message along, but she might just be busy. Everyone but me seems to be lately, especially Argor with his wedding."
::Seriously, is everything alright, Cladissa?:: Sabrina asks again. ::You look like incredibly stressed::
The next day, Hrim drops by his gnome alchemist to replenish his cold iron weapon blanche. Unusually, the customer before him is also a Svirfneblin. When the deep gnome finishes his transaction and turns, Hrim recognizes him, so he clears his throat and gently stops the gnome from passing him, ”Malloy? It’s Hrimnagel. What brings you to the surface?”
The deep gnome stops and squints as he says, ”Who? Hrimnagel? What are you?”
”Hrimnagel Avaldamon. You’re friends with my brother, Jonalet. The shadows are a long story. Do you have time for a drink?” Unconsciously, the shadows engulf Hrim again, but the alchemist speaks up and explains the Freaks story to the newcomer, because Malloy clearly thought he was imagining things. Once introductions were done and his weapon blanche forgotten, Hrim leads Malloy to his favorite drinking establishment Hole in the Wall. Several hours and Sekamina vodkas later, Hrim was very morose. His newfound friend had left him with heart-breaking news that his grandfather was on his deathbed. While his faith was founded on exile, the chance opportunity of the news could not be coincidental.
Hrim sadly flew to the shrine of Count Ranalc to consult with Madame Batbongle. After a slow and alcohol free conversation, his heart feels better with the opportunity to see his grandfather again. He returns to Argor’s estate and requests the servants to find their master. At supper that night after the appetizer, Hrim clears his throat and asks in his familiar small, thin voice, ”Argor, would you know someone who could teleport me to Dwimovel? I can pay. I’ve just had news that my grandfather is very ill.”
::Seriously, is everything alright, Cladissa?:: Sabrina asks again. ::You look like incredibly stressed::
Cladissa sits quietly with her hands in her lap. ::No. Just-- I'll be fine:: She looks at the windy apparition and forces a polite smile as she picks up her glass of water and brings it to her lips.
Auronee lifts her own glass. "Well, then: to your joining the Freaks! I'm glad you got what you wanted. When we have a chance, I'd like to see what the serum has done for you."
Cladissa reluctantly lifts her own glass and allows it to clink with Auronee's. "It's quite a fascinating change," she ventures. "But forgive her for not revealing it here. It would certainly turn... um... heads." Her words had already started flowing before she realized what she was saying. She finishes with an unconscious groan and a furious blush, and glances at Sabrina with a look of apology.
Auronee's head tilts with a genuinely puzzled expression. Then with a toss of her hair she files the mystery away to be revealed later.
"So, Argor's wedding is being talked about in several circles, both around the Society and outside it. I've had to move some things around so I can attend. I'm quite looking forward to it. I missed out on the last Blakros wedding. I can only assume you two will be attending as well?"
Cladissa's forced smile remains as she nods in the affirmative.
Argor sips at his chalice of wine before replying, "I am certain arrangements can be made. Are you aware of the nature of his condition?"
”No. It was a friend of my brother who told me today. While he did not know the diagnosis, he was not lying.” The shadows reply.
Argor nods. "Have you informed the Society of your travel plans? Regardless," Argor says as he signals a servant, "I will begin making the arrangements. Reginald, arrange for a messenger to deliver a missive to the Arcanamirium."
Once a scribe arrives, Argor dictates as the man transcribes Argor's message:
"Maven Vithrax,
Pardon my intrusion, I will try and not preoccupy too much of your precious time with this distraction. I have a friend who is in need of your expertise with teleportation. He learned just today that he has relation that is very ill, and the intervening distance inhibits his chances of arriving before it proves too late. Teleportation could prove to be his only chance at being with them in their last few days on this mortal coil. His name is Hrimnagel, and while he may prove difficult to perceive, he will let you know of his arrival as well as have proper payment on his person.
Thank you for your time,
Maven Argor."
Argor nods to the scribe and adds, "See that he receives this message tonight, so that he may make proper preparations for the morn," before sending them on their way.
Maven Argor,
A hero of the city of Hrimnagel's stature need not pay me for such a trivial task. Tell him to come when he is ready, and we will send him home.
-Vithrax
|
|
::...If you're sure...::
Cladissa's comment actually gets a laugh out of Sabrina.
"It's actually the same deal with Bentley. My new form is bigger than a stone giant, so this probably isn't a good place for it," she explains as she clicks glasses with her two friends. "I'll show you later, Windy. Promise~"
On the question of Argor's wedding, Sabrina remarks, "Maybe. He and I have only known each other for... just over two weeks? Even I'll admit that it'd be odd if he decides that my lovely presence is required. I know that I can be a bit of an acquired taste."
Auronee scoffs. "Acquired taste? You are a delight, and don't ever stop!" she laughs melodically.
"Yeah, especially since you probably drive Argor crazy," Cladissa mumbles, but a genuine smirk growing on her face.
Auronee looks at her with interest. "Oh? Do tell!"
The disguised witch swallows hard with the attention on her. "I mean, I guess... he would call it all foolishness. He's always so serious. He doesn't hide his disdain for..." She looks at Sabrina, suddenly realizing that she'd been baited into badmouthing a teammate. She immediately regrets opening her mouth. "...whimsy," she finishes, then looks down at her plate.
|
|
When Auronee calls her a delight, Sabrina giggles and (somehow) blushes.
Despite Cladissa's comments, Sabrina is barely phased.
"When Argor and I first met, I think that he was a tad... dismayed that Mettera Black was leaving the team; from what I can gather, they're good friends," the Naga Aspirant explains nonchalantly. "He has been fairly civil toward me, but we haven't clicked as well as your stepsister and I have. Again, it might be my temperament, though I suppose planning a wedding along with all of his other responsibilities might also be eating up much of his time."
Auronee smiles sympathetically and reaches out to squeeze a tendril of air to reassure her. "Give it time; I'm sure he'll come around eventually."
Cladissa couldn't help but look dubious.
Auronee then proceeds to catch Sabrina up on her current life in Absalom, giving her pointers about places in and around the Ivy District to sample that align with her interests. She listens to the druid's stories with rapt attention and bright, tinkling laughter at her unusual perspective on life.
Cladissa, however, stays mostly silent. She pushes her food around on her plate, not having much of an appetite.
When the luncheon was finally over well into the afternoon, Auronee finally excused herself due to her pressing business matters. She gives Sabrina a full embrace, promising to do this more often now that she will be staying in Absalom. Then she turns to Cladissa. "Well, it was nice meeting you. I know it can be tough being the third wheel when two friends are catching up. Maybe next time you can tell me your beauty secrets. You're very, very pretty. I have to wonder if you worked to achieve that, or if it came naturally."
Cladissa's mouth twists and fouls her forced smile. She stiffly shakes Auronee's hand. "And such smooth skin!" she comments.
Cladissa spins on her heel and strides out.
|
|
Before she departs, Sabrina happily hugs Auronee, "It was wonderful to see you again, Windy. I look forward to our next meeting!"
She watches her two friends' admittedly somewhat painful final interactions. Despite Auronee bending backwards to be friendly (for the most part), Yig's Champion finds it weird that Cladissa continues to treat her presumed stepsister like she has the plague. Not even a simple "Goodbye." strikes Sabrina as really... odd.
She waves goodbye to Windy one more time and then trails after her friend.
I'll keep this conversation private; I think she'll appreciate an olive branch.
::Unless she was talking about Nyugelle, I'm fairly certain Auronee was referring to you when she said stepsister:: Sabrina begins slowly. ::...Would you be willing to tell me why you were so uncomfortable around her, Cladissa?::
Cladissa's hooves click rapidly on the cobblestones as she steps quickly away. As soon as she's out of view of the bistro, her image blurs and then the old catlike Cladissa appears. She's rubbing her hands up and down her arms when Sabrina catches up to her and poses her question.
She lowers the brim of her hat over her face and turns away from the whirlwind. "Yes, we're stepsisters," she confirms, speaking out loud.
She keeps her face turned away, not willing to look at Sabrina. Finally, she says, "I probably shouldn't say anything else. She's your friend. Just... I'm not-- I... Please don't invite me the next time you go to see her."
|
|
"I'll honor that request then. I mean, you're my friend too, Classy," Sabrina says without missing a beat. "I know it's been only just over two week, but... you're easily the fastest friend I've ever made. I wasn't buddies with Auronee immediately, and even Gianluca took me a couple of years to really befriend. You... seem like you want to tell me something, but I get the feeling that it's... difficult. That's fine. I won't press you."
The Naga Aspirant actually contemplates pressing further, but...
"Regardless, thank you for coming with me. I appreciate the kindness," the whirlwind says sincerely before breaking into a smile.
”Thank you, Argor. I'll report to the Society tomorrow. They are my plan B in case you cannot help me secure transit."
Nearing the end of supper, Hrim coughs and squeaks, ”Argor, your wedding! I probably won't be able to attend. Well, if you wanted me there..."
"Regardless, thank you for coming with me. I appreciate the kindness," the whirlwind says sincerely before breaking into a smile.
Cladissa wipes her face before turning to look at Sabrina. "You're welcome, though thanks aren't necessary. I'm sorry I ruined your luncheon."
=============
Despite another encounter with her stepsister, Cladissa renews her project with diligent determination. Over the next two days, she writes numerous letters and goes out on a number of appointments. Each time she steps out of Verde Heights, she uses her cat-like visage. It seems she has abandoned her other disguise of simply erasing her demonic features, instead favoring her older mutated look.
The news of Hrim's impending departure strikes her hard. Though she's understanding of his need to leave, she offers him a firm embrace and a promise that they can pick up on her search for a divine patron once he gets back.
Their farewells are interrupted by Ms. Fecht who clears her throat to get her attention. There's a strain in her voice when she tells Cladissa, "You have a visitor, Ma'am. And you may want to do something about the... ahem," the rotund butler points to Cladissa's wings and horns.
The witch nods, straightens, and her cat-like form reappears overlaid on her own. "Thank you," Cladissa says to Griselda, then turns to Hrimnagel. "Safe travels. Be safe, and watch over your grandfather. It's a blessing that he's been able to live to the natural end of his days."
Cladissa meanders toward the grand entrance hall of Verde Heights while Ms. Fecht follows, wringing her hands.
Hrimnagel has family, she marvels. Then her mind flits to Argor's wedding, and who she should invite as her plus one. She couldn't think of anyone. She supposed she could just ask someone at random. Or whoever is at the door, she idly thinks.
She rounds one of the marble columns and sees the figure standing in the middle of the entrance hall and freezes. The woman is wearing a high-necked, rather severe gown that runs all the way to the floor. Her gray hair is up in a classic matronly bun and her hands are clasped together at her waist. She turns to look at Cladissa and a formal smile appears on her face. "Hello, Dear."
There's a long, pregnant pause between the mother and daughter. Cladissa's train of thought had derailed spectacularly upon seeing her mother, and she simply stood shocked.
The Lady Tessida Farwynd, Viscountess of Embrington, Taldor, appraises her daughter. "You've grown wings. But otherwise, you look as I remember you." She takes a few steps forward toward her stunned daughter and holds out her arms for a hug. Cladissa reflexively steps back.
A flash of disappointment crosses her face, but she nods as if understanding. Her hands again clasp in front of her and she stands formally before her.
"What are you doing here?" Cladissa asks bluntly. She had stepped back to keep her mother from interacting with her illusion, but she was also highly suspicious.
The Lady Farwynd takes a deep breath. "I wished to see you. I was unsatisfied with our last meeting, and you had given me much to think about. And I did." The speech had an air of being rehearsed several times.
Cladissa's skepticism grew, and she folds her arms.
"I have come to realize that perhaps I was wrong. I neglected to account for your needs. And I've realized I don't know what those needs are. I'd like to rectify that, by getting to know the..." she looks Cladissa up and down, "the woman you've become."
A strong urge to collapse in bewilderment strikes Cladissa. She sways unsteadily, but then reasserts herself. "No. No, I don't believe it. You've never cared for me, about who I was. It was always about who I could marry. My future husband was always more important to you, so why should I believe you--"
Lady Farwynd cuts off her daughter by holding her hand up. "Excuse me, but why does your voice sound like you're announcing for a burlesque show?"
|
|
The trip back to Argor's estate is largely quiet; true to her word, Sabrina does not push Cladissa any further.
~~~~~~~Sabby's Bizarre Adventure~~~~~~~
The Father of Serpents is indeed a very mysterious deity; despite Sabrina likely being his strongest worshiper in the Inner Sea (and probably even on Golarion), he was perfectly content to let his Champion do what she pleased so long as Sabrina praised him. Hence all the time she could waste between missions. Upon the dawn of the next day, Sabrina Holmes sets out to uncover the latest mystery of her life: why was the normally nice, friendly, polite, and cuddly Classy such a wreck around her awesome stepsister?
In her Whirlwind form, Sabrina starts at ground zero: has Auronee ever had any interactions ever with any of the Freaks? She expects to spend several days investigating. It takes a grueling three minutes of asking the staff before she learns that Auronee has indeed visited in the past; after running into him as she once again raids Argor's pantry (Brain Food is required for any investigation), Mr. Goodpies mentions that he once prepared a large feast for the Freaks and several of the Pathfinder brass. Much to no one's surprise, Auronee was indeed present.
When Sabrina inquires further, the little chef seems hesitant to say much more, which strikes Yig's Champion as weird; what's the harm talking about a silly dinner? However, she decides not to press him on the issue.
Sabrina wonders who else she could ask, and the list quickly runs out of people.
The Society brass are probably too busy to talk to her.
If Mr. Goodpies was too worried to say much more than he did, then the other servants are probably not an option.
With Hrim leaving and her inability to ever locate him, the Naga Aspirant quickly rules him out.
She contemplates asking Auronee herself, but her friend is probably too busy saving another princess or something.
Cladissa wasn't willing to tell her anything the other day; why should she now?
Sabrina almost asks Argor but ultimately decides that she would rather chop off her second head.
Eventually, Yig's Champion gets the full and unabridged story from Nyugelle, who spares no expense or detail. As she listens, Sabrina maintains a form with a good nose to make sure Rutai isn't around to ease drop on them. After leaving the labs, she has very mixed feelings.
"I suppose it's no small secret that Cladissa has some issues with me. We had quite the rivalry when we were children. I don't think she's been able to move on from that; always comparing herself to me and perceiving some insult in whatever I say," Auronee had said.
(Sabrina also learns a bit more about her friend's broken relationship with her mother.)
That explains a lot.
Sabrina decides to let that issue rest for time being; something else takes priority. She learns an excellent reason for why Cladissa loathes Argor. Now she can see why Gianluca saw evil is his soul. For whatever reason, he had gone to industrial lengths to humiliate Cladissa in front of her... friends, peers, family, and superiors. That was just cruel.
What next? He starts murdering orphans?
Oh, sure, Argor had denied such things when Nyug had called him out on his actions, but Hrim had caught him lying, rightfully recognizing the whole thing as a social trap.
When she experiences a feeling of disgust, Sabrina pauses.
...Why do I care?
Sabrina is not blind to her faults; for better or worse, she rarely cares about anything sans her own affairs. That said, at least these days, she also made an effort not to antagonize or trouble anyone. Hence all the politeness Sabrina gave everyone (or at least enough sense not to talk at the worst times).
Yig's Champion learns that her new form is very capable of growling.
...So what do I do about it?
Apparently, before he had gone insane, hired a dirty imp as his most trusted adviser, and started throwing dinners to humiliate his teammates, Argor had tried to build up Cladissa's confidence to... mixed results.
She was ready to have a panic attack yesterday. Is that just Classy in general, or is that a thing with Auronee?
Admittedly, her own social skills are kind of... mediocre. Her sister Setsuna could spin lies like a spider would a web and use her silver tongue to buy a country. However, Sabrina knows feels for certain that she knows enough to socially function. Then again, much of that was likely her mellow temperament.
Cladissa does have a tendency to just... lock up when one of the wrong buttons is pushed, Sabrina notes, recalling how her initial pitch of friendship had blown up in her face. Granted, that incident was justified; being tortured by demons was never fun...
Sabrina finds her heads staring at each other blankly.
"By Bokrug's Beard, no wonder Classy went into coma after the mission; I basically told her that she should've let herself die when those demons got her. If I hadn't Mutated again and Dad hadn't dropped dead, then she probably wouldn't be talking to me. And then I dragged her to lunch with someone who witnessed that awful dinner and...!"
"You have no idea? You surprised an exhausted, bedraggled Cladissa with someone you know takes pains to gets under her skin, and then--when Auronee did in fact get under her skin--you paint a confused expression on your face?" Nyug had said.
Despite his best friend being a living buddle of air, Bentley has to prop up Sabrina before loses her balance.
A lot of thoughts run through her mind. Memories. Sabrina tries not to focus on them.
"You may not know this, but my dear stepsister has taken that same mysterious formula as well! Have you met her? She's such a delight. I truly miss her; here we are, the only family in this great city yet she avoids me like I carried some sort of plague. Maybe you could send her a message for me the next time you see her? That I miss her cute fuzzy face and she needn't be a stranger?"
A lot of thoughts run through her mind. Memories. Sabrina tries not to focus on them.
"...Auronee lied to me... and she... worked with... Argor?"
A lot of thoughts run through her mind. Memories. Sabrina tries not to focus on them.
Somewhere in the shallow grave Sabrina had once called a heart, empathy for someone besides herself finally manages to crawl out and breath.
Sabrina utters a long sigh.
"I should go apologize. It'll probably strike her as empty, but... well, I owe Classy that much."
Bentley grunts in agreement.
Sabrina grins with mildly renewed determination and promptly rockets off to search for her friend.
Reginald had notified Argor of their guest as well, and his face curled to a scowl. What in the Hells is that woman doing here?
He hovers silently towards the front door to properly greet his guest, and manages to overhear the majority of the familial conversation. He waits to determine the nature of her visit, taking each word with a grain of salt. When the woman interrupts her daughter's distressed proclamation of disbelief, showing more concern in the vocal ranges of Cladissa's voice than her emotional state, he grinds his teeth and completes his trip into the foyer.
"Lady Farwynd. To what do I owe the pleasure of your unexpected arrival?" he asks. Rutai flies along behind him, taking a seat on a nearby end table, leaning back against the arm of the neighboring chair.
She turns and sees Argor hovering in the foyer. "Oh. Hey."
The viscountess bows her head politely. "Hello, Mr. Constantine. I presume you heard some of my conversation with my daughter, so I won't repeat myself. Suffice it to say, I'm here to make amends for past mistakes." she looks around her. "This is an opulent estate. You are doing quite well for yourself, I see."
"Indeed, I have," Argor says as he folds his arms in front of him, waiting quietly as the two women continue their spat. He waits to gauge Cladissa's frame of mind or for her to make mental contact before interjecting further.
Cladissa's hand goes up to her throat reflexively. She thought her voice sounded different in her ears, but this was the first time someone confirmed that she no longer sounded like herself. Her cheeks burned as she tried to change her inflections, but it still came across as breathy and seductive. "It was from another bout of the formula. It got into my throat."
Her mother's lips press together tightly in disapproval. "Hmmph. Very well. You were saying?"
Derailed once again, Cladissa tries to get back on track but her momentum was gone. "Well, I mean, am I supposed to believe this? For all I know, you're going to spring another arranged marriage on me. We didn't speak for four years the last time, and you showed up with a list of suitors! Nothing about what I've been doing, just 'Here, pick a man who's going to give you lots of babies. It's all you're good for, after all.'"
There's a long pause as Lady Farwynd looks severely at her daughter. "Are you finished?" she says just as Cladissa was beginning to crack. She nods.
The viscountess sighs. "I expected this. Believe me or don't. I've decided to let you live your own life; you've proven yourself far more capable than I'd ever believed. So I've come to tell you this, and see if you would choose to let me back into your life."
Cladissa looks at her mother long and hard, still skeptical. Finally she sighs herself and waves her in. "Well, I'm not going to decide yet. But you might as well meet the new faces.
"Argor, you know. That's a devil who's always hanging around. He's Argor's, if you couldn't tell. Nyug's a woman now, and Hrim was about to leave. The new members are Gianluca and Sabrina."
Cladissa opts to let Argor escort her mother into the estate. She sends him a message. ::Let's not tell her about the demon thing, please?::
"The name's Rutai, ma'am," Rutai says with a wave, his hand making a motion similar to that of a salute. "and yes, I am Argor's familiar. A pleasure to meet ya."
::Understood. However, I do not think it wise to add further stress to yourself, given your recent ordeals. The moment her presence becomes a burden, just let me know and she will be escorted from the premises.::
Cladissa makes sure her mother is looking away when she shoots Argor a look. ::At no point are you to do that! I will deal with my mother, understood? If you wish her gone, I'll handle it!::
The Lady Farwynd is formal and polite in her greeting to Rutai.
|
|
As expected, Sabrina zips into the room via conveniently open window.
"Cladissa, if you-" she begins, only to notice the present company in the room and stop abruptly. After inspecting everyone in the room for a few seconds, the whirlwind instead says, "I'll come back later; this doesn't look like the best time."
Hrim makes his rounds to the current Freaks to say his goodbyes to Nyug, Cladissa, Gianluca, Sabrina and the estate staff. He especially thanks Argor for the connection to Maven Vithrax.
The next morning, he heads to the Society to speak to the Venture Captain on duty to advise him of his departure. He travels light having not invested in too many material trinkets. After his interview, he plans to say goodbye to Madame Batbongle and the shrine before seeking out Maven Vithrax.
Hrim makes his rounds to the current Freaks to say his goodbyes to Nyug, Cladissa, Gianluca, Sabrina and the estate staff. He especially thanks Argor for the connection to Maven Vithrax.
The next morning, he heads to the Society to speak to the Venture Captain on duty to advise him of his departure. He travels light having not invested in too many material trinkets. After his interview, he plans to say goodbye to Madame Batbongle and the shrine before seeking out Maven Vithrax.
Drandle Dreng takes the meeting with Hrimnagel. "Another of my favorite team called away on urgent business, huh? A damned shame. You've been a very good agent for the Grand Lodge. I understand why you're leaving though. I hope my own grandchildren will show up in a few years when my time comes." The old VC pauses to cough up some phlegm, and push his wiry grey hair back. "How would you feel about spreading the Society to Dwimovel? We don't have a Lodge there, or any presence at all really. I've been authorized by the Decimvirate to offer you the position of Venture Captain if you'd be willing to establish a new Lodge there. Of course you'll be free to deal with your family affairs first. You'd have full responsibility for the Lodge, including recruitment."
Dreng pauses to let that sink in, while he rummages through papers on his desk. "Ah!" he says, extracting a rolled up scroll. "This is a scroll of sending. I don't expect an answer right away, but please think about my offer and send me a response when you're ready. Travel well, Hrimnagel Avaldaemon. It has been an honor."
The final days leading up to the wedding of Argor and Imrizade Blakros elicit a stir of activity around Verde Heights. Imrizade had taken the final few weeks prior to the ceremony to stay at her families estate in the Petals, making sure all the decorations at their venue were to her standards, as well as oversee any and all other necessary arrangements.
Argor was busy as well, spending much time reviewing prior ventures he had undertaken and fine-tuning his calculations and agreements to better suit his newly found intellect, many times growing frustrated at how foolish his prior work had been.
Invitations had been hand delivered to anyone and everyone of note: heads of state, members of the councils, business contacts, friends, and on Imrizade's side, many, many family members.
** spoiler omitted **
It was now just two days until the ceremony would take place, and Argor found himself sitting in an armchair within the den of Verde Heights, sipping a glass of wine and staring into the fireplace, while Rutai was going over the RSVP's that had returned. The imp was taking note as to who...
Four days after their mission in the temple, as Argor is reviewing the wedding preparations, he realizes he hasn't seen Imrizade since the arrival of Sabrina and her departure more than four days ago. He'd been so busy since the end of the mission that it had slipped his mind, but his new intellect recalls the demonic duke's threat with keen dread. Imrizade had indicated she'd be gone for several days, but she also said she'd likely be back to check on the house. As far as Argor had noticed, she hadn't been back yet while he was home.
"Rutai," Argor says sternly, "go and check on how Imrizade is doing with the preparations, and see how she is doing. Do it quietly, I do not want her aware that I am checking in on her, or to worry her about that demon's pathetic threat."
"Gotcha," Rutai nods and flies off, becoming invisible as he nears the window.
As expected, Sabrina zips into the room via conveniently open window.
"Cladissa, if you-" she begins, only to notice the present company in the room and stop abruptly. After inspecting everyone in the room for a few seconds, the whirlwind instead says, "I'll come back later; this doesn't look like the best time."
"Yes, let us allow this reunion to proceed without our interruption," Argor says as he floats out of the room behind Sabrina, watching as Rutai flies from the window on his errand.