"It would appear so." Rinzin replies. "We should make haste to the vault were the mirror is kept."
"What are you doing in my house?" a familiar voice calls out from the doorway, and you see Illidan Ives enter the room with one of his security machinemen. Illidan has a sword in his hand and swords are unfolded from the machineman's arms.
I nod politely when Alendro points out the shrine to Selentris, thinking, Seems their goddess Selentris is deity of kindness and good will.
With the instructions by Alendro I make my way towards to temple of Selentris. As I walk along the river, stopping at times to look at the river and the buildings that lined the river, reflecting on simple structure of his former village.
Seeing the notice board, Lets see what is available. Spotting the 1000 dret reward, Nice amount of dret, sadly I just arrived here in Phendras, know nothing much of the city to be able to help.
Staring at the other notice, Potential income. Need to ask Alendro about them when I return to the camp.
I repeat silently the details of the Flamefalcons to ensure I do remember by the time I need to ask Alendro.
Once satisfied, I continue on my way along the river.
As I walk I soon realize there is a strong possibility I will not find a temple nor shrine to Amunak, Guess I need to construct a tiny shrine to Amunak.
Bevis stands up in the most matter of fact way possible, completely bereft of any possible wrong doing, "I am Detective Bevis Mhrone, I am investigating an incident that has occurred and is linked to one of your late business associates and the circumstances leading to his very recent death. I would like to ask you some questions related to the incident and your cooperation would not only be much appreciated from an official standing, but it will gain you much favor in the current proceedings. Perhaps more favorable even in light of any wrong doing that may have occurred. Are you familiar with the incident I am speaking to?"
"You probably don't remember me, but I am a friend of your uncle. Rix Gebson. You have certainly grown since last I saw you. Your uncle will be happy to learn that you are still alive."
Talya nods, "Aye, Uncle Rix would be glad to know I am still breathing. I must apologize though, I do not remember you. What is your name?"
"That he would. May I ask you what you have been up to all this time?"
Characters: Kara Sitala, Preysh Kavaan
Kara:
You decide to start your day by visiting the Grand Hall of Selentris. It is such a beautiful temple, and a good place to gather one's mind and attain some inner peace, and a little prayer to the Caring Lady, your patron goddess, never hurts.
As soon as you step into the Grand Hall, your eyes are immediatly drawn to a man in a leather longcoat and a dark blue scarf with a longbow on his back and a quiver and a beautifully crafted battleaxe on his sides. There's something wrong about him. His hands appear skeletal and are burning with a strange blue fire. He looks at you and you see that his eyes too are burning with the strange blue fire.
Preysh:
After a long walk, you finally reach the Grand Hall of Selentris in the Verdyntrent district. Soon after you've entered the Grand Hall, a beautiful woman in expensive garbs enter the temple. She looks straight at you.
The carriage stops in front of the Council Basilica, a huge and beautifully put together limestone construction with a massive bronze dome and several bronze statues lining the square in front before the large archway leading into the Basilica's courtyard. You pay the driver his dret and step up out of the carriage, which drives off with a "Hiyarr!"
You find your way to a public affairs clerk's office inside the Basilica. After waiting in the waiting room for half an hour it is finally your turn and you approach the clerk behind the counter. It is an older roundfaced woman with grey streaks in her hair wearing a white and green uniform. She looks at you through a pair of spectacles.
"Yes, and what can I help you with, Samaer?"
"Hah. I knew it. It's getting smarter. Someone who looked exactly like me, put you up to this right? Securitymech, retract your blades." The man says and sheathes his sword.
The mechanical man complies and the light coming from the eye in the middle of its bronze alloyed head turns blue.
Bevis arches a curious brow, "Pardon?"
Looking around the temple entrance hall, I admire the craftsmanship of the decorations that fill the room, onto the walls and ceiling. Seeing I am here and Alendro being a good helpful man. I sure the priests here would also be helpful. Perhaps one could help identify exactly what I have become. Besides being rather dead.
As I turn about searching for a helpful priest, suddenly I see a beautiful woman entering the temple and staring at me. Quickly I raise my hands to my head to check that the blue scarf was still in place and have not shifted to reveal my head other than the slit for my eyes.
Sensing the scarf is still place, Why is she staring at me?
As I bring my hands back down I catch a glimpse of my hands, pausing to look at them briefly, I should get some gloves to cover my bony hands. Maybe I be lucky to get something from a priest here.
Lifting my head up to continue looking for a priest.
Why am I staring at him?
Kara caught herself and averted her gaze, hopefully before anyone noticed her incredibly rude behavior.
Still...
She looked again, her eyes looking for detail. Yes...she was sure of it, there was something...a blue fire about him...
Kara made her way over to the man.
Seeing the well dressed lay moving toward me, Hope she is not going to be trouble for me.
Once she is standing before me, Good day ..., stumbling for a respectful title, Pardon me, I don't seem to know how to address you. Are you a priest of this temple? Alendro, who managers the camp at Copperleaf Square in the Kalentris district, gave me directions to this temple of Selentris.
Kara shakes her head in response.
"I am Kara Sitala, a diplomat by vocation. Forgive me interrupting your worship, its just....I've never seen a wraith before."
She must admit, it was eerie-his skeletal features. However, there was a nervousness to him that made him almost seem human, and she relaxed herself. She offered her hand, her palm facing downward, her fingers hanging freely.
"I believe we have have passed each other once before. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance."
Stepping back slightly at hearing the word wraith, Did she just call me a wraith? Is that what I have become?
Seeing her hand place closer to me in a welcoming manner I look at her eyes, speaking softly, Is that what I have become? The reason I came here to find out, after Alendro was so helpful to me already.
Taking her hand softly while feeling shameful, So bad of me, Kara. You introduced yourself, yet I have failed the courtesy in return. I am Preysh Kavaan, proud leader of the Ak... , with sadness filling my voice, well that does not matter no more.
Was that...surprise on his face? No...I must be imagining it. How could I read a wraith's face to begin with?
"Well met, Sir Kavaan."
Kara moved on, and sat herself somewhat nearby. She would often find herself glancing over to Preysh, but she had no reason to linger on him longer, and it wouldn't do for a diplomat of her standing to badger someone because they were peculiar looking.
I stand still for a moment in thought as I watch Kara move to the side to sit.
Well, even though she is a diplomat, not a priest, she at least answered an important question about myself.
Looking back in her direction, I decide to approach her and take a seat beside her, speaking softly, Pardon me diplomat Kara, I am hoping to can tell me more about this city ..., pausing briefly to remember the name, ... Phendras. To be honest, I awoke here within the city.
I listen silently as she describes the city to me.
She considered the request. She had lived here a good long while, had seen her battles and wandered its buildings. What could she say to him? That it was nice? That it was...alright? That she longed for the freedom of exploring the vast unknown, the adrenaline of danger?
Instead, she went on autopilot of sorts, giving the 'correct' answer any good citizen of the city would give. As a diplomat, her facade was near flawless, and she wondered if the pleasant picture was enough to satisfy this curious wraith.
I see. Interesting city Phendras is.
Looking down at my hands being held together on my lap, speaking softly, So do I really stick out in the crowd? Thought I did well with the scarf Alendro gave me to hide my unusual state. Do you have an old set of gloves or a few dret so I can purchase a pair? To cover my hands., feeling totally shameful about begging for a few dret.
"That he would. May I ask you what you have been up to all this time?"
Talya gives a non-committal shrug, "Traveling. Guarding things that others wanted safe. Nothing particularly exciting."
Kara smiled. Yes, definitely humanizing to see him worry about maintaining a low profile. Was it for the sake of other's not fretting, or perhaps someone was after him. Although, this definitely seemed more of just plain anxiety.
She thought to her old war days, and an idea ran across her mind.
"As a matter of fact, I do believe I have something that will do just the trick."
She writes down her address and tells Preysh to meet her there in an hour's time. She still had some errands to take care of, but she'd have returned before long. There was something she could make use of after all these years. Something she had locked away for a very, very long time.
I take the piece of paper, glancing at it quickly, Lady Kara, I meet you at this address in a hour. I will be there in the hour. Thank you for your kindness to me.
Standing up I give her a gentle bow, then move off to the entrance of the temple. Seeing one dressed similar to Alendro, I ask for directions to the given address, and begin making my way there.
As I walk looking about while in thought, Diplomat Kara is sure a nice person and so helpful. Being a diplomat, she probably know plenty of high ranking people and various kingdoms. May come handy in tracking down the masked killer.
Eventually I arrive at the address, standing before the entrance double checking I was indeed at the correct address.
Kara met him at the door. Her apartment here was supposedly modest for a political figure, but she still thought it was a bit much. In the towering buildings in town, she essentially had a multi-room apartment for her use which included: a kitchen, bedroom, dining room, home office, bathroom, among other amenities.
"Forgive the guards. They're nice boys, but a bit bored in these peaceful times. If they gave you any trouble, they were just trying to do their job."
Kara led Preysh up until they reached her floor and at him in the living room as she went to get the items. She returned with a small chest, definitely of military make, and set it on the table.
"Here, try these on." Kara ordered as she began pulling clothes out of the chest. The first item she threw at him was a long coat of some sort, sturdy leather, designed to be able to fight in freely while protecting from minor hits. It had an attached cowl with a face mask that could be pulled up to hide everything but the eyes.
The gloves were next, a finer material so as to allow dexterous manipulations but still keep the wearer warm and protected.
"I am Illidan Ives." the man says. "I have in my possession a certain item - a black mirror, which allows me to create simulacrums of myself. The simulacrums have been very handy. I've used them to lighten the burden of my work. The simulacrums share my knowledge you see, so they can do complex tasks such as paperwork and business meetings. I've had some trouble with the latest one however. It began with incompliance to my orders, and when I tried to destroy it, it assaulted me and ran off. That was a week ago. A few days ago, I got word that a business associate of mine, Samaer Grimwald, had been killed. I am sure that the simulacrum did it, and is trying to have me set up for murder or killed. Now I've told you everything there is to know, Samaer Mherone. Now it's time for you to tell me your side of things."
"It seems the other Ives is playing a dangerous gambit. I know that you, or your double more precisely barring any ruse, bid me to come here and deal with his identical self. Naturally I accepted, fore I could not decline his offer on any reputable grounds."
"Much of the particulars of recent history that your identical self shared with me mirrors your own story though with a bit more flare for the dramatic."
"Your black mirror is of import in this mystery, but before we join together in resolving the dilemma, I see there may be cause to answer more questions. The next question I have is whether will you be requiring my services in this matter. If you refuse, I'll be on my way and you'll be free to deal with the matter at hand in your own way."
Once inside her apartment I scanned the contents of the room while waiting for her to return, Rather nice furnishings here and spacious for a high ranking official, in Kelnach visiting guests did not get all this. Guess we were much simpler people to all this grandeur.
When she arrived back with the chest and she begins unpacking the items, tossing the items at me, Hmmmm... now throwing items at me. Not very diplomatic, guess in her home she is her normal self.
Looking at leather coat at the design of it, The masked killer could still recognize me by my leather coat I wearing. Definitely better to change to this one. Nice hood it comes with.
Instinctively I look for a private place to change, then remembering I am a wraith and she knew I am one too, I put down my weapons and begin removing my boots, leather coat, and the scarf.
I do notice Kara staring at me as I undress, revealing my dark skeleton frame with bluish white plasma of spirit flowing about, I try to ease her thoughts, May I ask. Why as a diplomat you have such items in your position?
Once the new leather coat is on, I pull the hood over and close the mask over my face. Looking at the scarf on the chair, Alendro showed me kindness and pity on me instead of horror of seeing me. I shall wear the scarf as a reminder. I place the scarf around the neck of the hood, securing with a simple knot in front.
I then take the gloves and place it on my hands, smiling internally at them covering my bony hands. I put back my boots, and pick up the bow to see how well the bow string sits in my gloved hand, without realising I speaking, Much better grip.
After dressing, Lady Kara, you are too kind. Helping a complete stranger like me. I am in debt to you for sure.
Pausing for a moment in thought, Actually, how can I be of service to you? I don't need dret any more to live due to my new form. So no worries about payment for service to you.
Kara sits down, her hands weaved together, resting on her lap.
"There was a time when papers and meetings weren't so prevalent in my life. A time of war. A time of bloodshed. And I shared that time with others...but they're gone now. I'm sure they wouldn't mind if their possessions served another, rather than collecting dust in the back of my closet."
She hears Preysh's offer, and begins to politely refuse, but then stops.
"It occurs to me, that there is something I am interested in. Tell me, what is your skillset? Do you posses arcane magics or a subtle touch?"
Hearing Kara's question I remain silent for a moment while picking up Headsplitter, Well before I came a wraith, don't think one can get used to being called a wraith. Oh well, where was I. Before my demise I was a tribal chief of simple hunters. We lived a simple life, relying on what nature provided us, living with and surviving the wilds. As hunters we excelled at the use of the bow, and of course I learnt to master the art of wielding Headsplitter, which I inherited from my father, as he did from his, and so on., proudly holding the battleaxe before me.
As for the strange art of arcana, I have not delve there., shaking my head.
Being less than a day as a wraith I still to figure out what strange abilities I have gained, besides not needing to eat or drink., giving a shrug.
Kara thought for a moment, then stood up and motioned for Preysh to follow her.
"Pity, I was hoping for some kind of investigator to help me with a matter I'm curious in. But I think I have found a favor for both of us."
Kara led him to the blank room. It could serve as a storage space, extra bedroom, emergency holding cell, or in this case, a small training space.
Kara threw off her diplomats jacket and kicked off her shoes. She undid a few buttons from her collar to allow for extra breathing room and extended her silver staff, her combat weapon of choice.
"I think hard times are ahead for both of us, and a little sparing may benefit both of us in the long run. What say you?"
Curiously I follow Kara into another room,soon to have staff extended forward towards me, I hold Headsplitter firmly before me, You want to spar with me. Headsplitter can do nasty injuries. I would hate to fatally wound you then have to deal with the authorities for killing a diplomat.
I try not to use too much force, giving a practice swing as I await her first attack move.
Kara simply smiles and casts her first spell.
Her skin greys and becomes somewhat stiff as Ironskin takes effect. If Preys allows this, and does not move in to attack, she will also cast Shield of Faith effectively giving herself a +6 to Defense for the rest of this mock battle.
I nod at Kara as I notice she using magic to strengthen her defence, When you ready. We begin.
Once she is done, I spin myself raising Headsplitter into the air to bring down onto her directly in line with her body as to cleave her in half, though avoid using force to break through her protective skin.
"Perhaps you underestimate me..."
As Preysh moves to her, weaopn raised, she casts Hold Person.
My arms and legs suddenly slow in movement, then to a halt, Nice tactic there.
Wonder what she is going to do next.