The kitsune is rather intimidated by the sudden approach, but Aibek's friendly attitude and the mention of Mihara's name appear to do a lot to reassure her. She nods at Aibek's question.
"You are... Councilor Aibek?"
Meanwhile, a second voice makes itself heard, this one far more familliar to the party.
"Hello!"
Mihara deftly leaps off the newly-anchored ship, and runs to join the group. "Oh! How I've missed all of you! I see you've already met my most esteemed guest." Mihara chuckles. "You couldn't wait to take in the sights up close? I can't say I blame you."
The witchwolf was unable to hide their surprise that Mihara's kin knew of them, and nodded in reply. Aibek smiled and bowed slightly as Mihara joined the group, "Welcome back, Mihara. I hope your trip has gone well... I think Azerna's place is going to be quite busy tonight..." Aibek comments, glancing over the ship Mihara nd their most esteemed guest arrived on before turning their attention back to the two kitsunes.
"Well, busy is better than boring." Azri observed. Not that she knew much about that, given she could remain motionless for weeks at a time with just her thoughts to keep her company if she really had to. She reached out one hand and ruffled the hair of the younger kitsune, though, smiling down at her.
"A glad reunion, Mihara." Pausing, and considering, the Iornborn turned to the younger lady and gave a florid bow, "My regards, lady. I am the Redemption of the Azure Flame."
The sounds of running footsteps made the Ironborn's head turn. "Councilors! Councilors!" Xandrius ran down the pier, panting. "Have you all heard the news? About the village?"
The younger kitsune turns to face Redemption, somewhat confused as to what he just said.
Mihara translates the salutation to her younger sister, who returns the bow.
"Right, I ought to do the introductions. Everyone, I am happy to introduce my little sister, Saraki. She has long dreamt of adventure, and I thought her skills could be of great use to Khalharum."
Then, in turn, she introduces the others to her sister, though it's clear that she had ample time to discuss her new companions back at the Moon's Whisper.
"The village?" Mihara turns in surprise, as Xandrius approaches. "It's grown, that much is certain, but is something the matter?"
"You'd best get back to the ship and help the others for now. I'll catch up as soon as this is dealt with."
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The odd prophet bowed waved briefly to Saraki. "Hello, Saraki. Um, yes. I mean, no. I mean, yes, but not this village. The other village. The one in the desert."
His eyes glazing, he announced in a deep, throaty voice, "Harken unto these words, that the man who seeks the flames of creation sits near. He wishes to bring forth that which is in the domain of Gods, and will settle not for anything less than perfection. Tremble, though, before what that perfection might mean for those who are less than so."
His eyes snapping back into focus, he continued, "Some of the people have been going out, looking over where there used to be oasis', old springs, deep wells. Places where farms could be made without magic. Not that's there anything wrong with magic, of course, but some people think the water it makes tastes funny. Personally, I like water I don't have to boil or sieve, but that's another matter. Anyway, one of them went to where there was an oasis, about 20 miles from here, and poof! There was a village."
Scratching his chin, the Oracle added, "Thing is, we looked out that way six months or so ago - there was talk of a raider or slaver camp and we wanted to see if we could smash them - but Elie's people camped at that oasis, and there was no village." He waggled his eyebrows.
"Fascinating," Redemption murmured, "But what was that voice in the middle?"
"Voice?" Xandrious replied, looking confused.
Aibek listened, eyes growing wider at the deep voice for a moment. The witchwolf was unsure they would ever get used to that. They tried to swallow back their fears and rushing thoughts.
"Xandrius, you did the current future foretelling again, in a quite deep voice, in the middle of telling us about that village. I wonder, if...in your experience Xandruis, if that means that the what you said is likely connected to the new village". Aibek said, glancing to the others while fishing out a folded piece of paper and a piece of charcoal from their pocket. The witchwolf opened the piece of paper which appeared to have once been a neat list now covered in other notes and drawings and scratching outs and other marks. A few shadows danced back off of Aibek's hands which underneath were covered in charcoal dust and bruises, the right palm having dark coloured lines running up to and around the last three fingers.
Either way, looking into it will need to be moved higher up...I had heard people had seen lights." Aibek comments as they look the list over for a minute before using a nearby post to help them write something down.
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Ayreth claps her fist to her chest in salute. "Hail Saraki, and welcome." She gives a similar salute to Mihara before embracing her enthusiastically. "Was all well at home? I remember that you had concerns."
"Aibek is correct, there have been lights seen in the distance recently. With this reunion, perhaps it is time that they are investigated thoroughly."
[/spoiler]
"Well, there are the lights in the city," Xandrius pointed to the supposedly abandoned islands beyond the Central one, where lights indeed flickered in the shadows of the buildings, "But no, these are different. You can't see it from the walls."
Aibek nodded as they wrote a few more things down, "I've been keeping my night walks within the walls for the last month or so and with everything else going on I've had little time to investigate outside of this area properly... " the shadow archon commented as they turned their attention from the paper to the group.
"I am intending to head to the Thirsty Dryad after here, that may be a better place to discuss things to investigate and do together. If it isn't too much bother, Xandrius, I would appreciate if you could come and help me mark these on my sketch map..."
"Well, the light is fading now," Xandrious pointed out thoughtfully, "And travel is not entirely recommended at night - it does get ever so cold."
"Much as this bears investigation, unless something is of immediate peril, I would quite like to take the night to get settled in and get my affairs in order. It has been a very long trip for me."
"...Oh, right. Some people worry about that." Azri said after a few moments. "Well, you can all get settled in if you'd like. I'll go scout things from a safe distance." she was quite confident in her ability to stay hidden, and didn't plan to get close to any potential sources of trouble. A quick in-and-out would be fine.
Aibek listens and nods, considering for a moment before speaking. "I've marked a few of the light sightings I've been told about on my sketch map, if you want I can show them to you. I might head out for a walk near the walls after Azerna closes up for the night, I...usually go out then - I find the chill and clear night sky quite nice, and I told Azerna I'd be around to help this evening... Aibek shrugged slightly awkwardly as they glanced back down to their paper.
"If heading out together to investigate is the plan, meeting tomorrow around...mid day? Would that work for everyone for getting settled and sleeping and such? I don't think I have any meetings planned or anything intended that can't easily be delayed..." Aibek said as they looked over their list in thought.
"That sounds like a good plan!" Selena nods, picking up her luggages "Soon as I get my stuff from the boat, then head for Azerna myself."
Retiring to the Inn proves simple enough, and plenty of willing hands recruited to find luggage and bring it to the right place. While the Councillors were, of course, welcome to remain at the Thirsty Dryad - Azerna considered the return of her inn a rather permanent gift, after all - they were informed that if they so wished apartments in the Towers proper had been located and refurbished. Or other housing options could be discussed, for those who preferred to live away from work as it were.
Still, the Inn is somewhat festive, and the city and its people seem pleased to finally have all six councilors back in residence.
After folding and shoving the list in their pocket, Aibek was happy to help the others move their luggage and things from the ships. They were noticeably happier when it was all done and spent the evening helping and talking at the Thirsty Dryad Inn - after some time spent cleaning up in the washroom. The shadow archon seemed to be fully enjoying the festive mood of the evening as much as they could.
Aibek chuckled warmly as the lodgings were brought up again as they helped pass out drinks, "I think you already know my feelings on that haven't changed. I was shown some of the finished work a few days ago, the apartments are lovely...but..." Aibek shrugged. It was hard to find the words to explain why they held so little appeal so far to the witchwolf. At least, not without too much dodging around personal history and awkward rumours that Aibek would rather not do.
"Besides, I just got that chest, it would be a shame after how long it took Azerna to convince me to get it...and far too much to move over there. Not sure it will want to come down the stairs again really..." they joked with a grin. Aibek had been convinced by the dryad that it was more than fine and would be more sensible than the multiple-times-a-day repacking of everything in their backpack that was a well-worn habit of the witchwolf. Moving the large thing from town to the inn and up those stairs had likely been quite a sight.
Aibek's attention turned towards the others, "I would recommend checking the apartments out, they are quite nice. There has been a lot of work on restoring the housing and Towers lately. I'm hoping the last of the housing around here can be fixed up soon." Aibek said before sipping on their orange aromatic tea that Azerna had handed the shadow archon.
"But that's for another day, how have you been?"
Azri, for one, was definitely planning to live in a proper tower - although her true long-term residence was going to be the school she planned on. For the moment, though, she simply settled in to listen to the others. Her own time had been rather boring, after all - a little bit of crafting and a whole lot of paperwork.
Mihara, for one, is eager to see her new appartments. Accompanied by a few of her fellow kitsune helping carry her baggage, she promises to meet the others at Azerna's.
Of particular note amongst the items being carried, a large rectangular object, covered by a soft and light fabric, from which the occasional peeping can be heard.
Aibek, having helped carry some of Mihara's affairs, is privy to the reveal: It is an ornate cage of great dimensions, hosting a rainbow of songbirds, a dozen in numbers, all of whom spring to great excitement and a choir of chirps as the fabric is taken off.
Telling herself there'd be time to take care of her (admittedly quite impressive) appartments, Mihara made her way to Azerna's, this time accompanied by Saraki, who looks perhaps a little intimidated by the company, but also truly fascinated.
The younger Kitsune, bolstered by her experience in tea ceremony and hosting functions, finds Azerna as the other discuss, and, best she can through some scraps of Common acquired during the trip back, offers her help with the assembled crowd.
---
Meanwhile, Mihara has been gladly sharing tales of her trip. Notably, her little false identity game on the trip home, and the many adventures of her ship upon her return.
"...it's been quite the trip, that's for certain. Thankfully, it seems that everything is fine at home. Surprisingly, they are managing just fine without me," Mihara chuckles.
"I'm so grateful that a crew of my peers volunteered to join this little expedition. It's like a little piece of home has followed me here, my little sister most of all. Perhaps, in time, we can establish a trading route. That would be quite the help to our little city, wouldn't you say?"
"But enough about me, how have things been in town? What of the investigation back in Katapesh? Were you able to find out what happened?"
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"Yes and no? It's complicated. While investigating, I had one of my visions." Ayreth describes the vision. "Some underling of Asmodeus tried to take Zhen's body. The bastard wasn't able to do it, and I think Grampa Zhen left on his own. But in what condition, I don't know."
Aibek smiled warmly at the sight of all the birds, "Looks like checks on the repairs to that aviary should probably be done soon..." the witchwolf chuckled. After checking everything had been brought, they accompanied Mihara and Saraki back to the inn.
---
Aibek enjoyed hearing Mihara's stories, leaning forward in the seat while they sipped their dark orange tea.
"I'm still convinced that underling is an amateur...or at least they looked badly trained and equipped." Aibek commented to Ayreth with a smile. "I haven't any further ideas about the last part but the Nexus can only really see these two islands." Aibek continued while motioning where they were and the south-west island. "and I've only been able to check and map the fountains on these islands so far, they all seem to be working with no issues to any of the flows that I could find but..." Aibek shrugged. Magic had never been natural to the shadow archon and even with recent study and changes from the newer shadows, they didn't feel strong enough at it to make a definite judgement.
Looking back to Mihara with a smile, "Glad to hear things are well and that you could bring some of your home with you. It does sound like quite a trip, and some interesting plans. For now, here in town..." Aibek paused for a minute as they considered the question. "Things have generally been well. The Nexus is helping with repairs to the Towers, some of which you saw, some work has been done to help improve and expand houses, some new people have arrived - some of them with Nigrum. The merchants seem to have gotten busier. You and your kin may want to talk to them, they will likely know most about local trade and routes. Aibek said, their thoughts obviously getting away from them as their eyes looked around and landed again on Ayreth pointedly. "And...I may have told Quera I would try to get you and the others into her shop once everyone was back. I've bought a few books and such from her. It's...amazingly chilled at midday and filled with all sorts, though one particular that I want to show you if you haven't been in there already." Aibek said with a slight raised eyebrow and warm smile before looking away to Selena and then to Redemption.
"Also, I wanted to ask, is there any news on Kira? The... young person cursed with invisibility?" Aibek asked.
"Kira was well, last I saw." Redemption paused, his metallic face giving the impression of a frown despite its limited movement. "A poor choice of phrase. She was well when we last talked. In fact, she wished to come here. She felt it would be more interesting than waiting to see if a healer could restore her to sight. I suspect we have not seen the last of her." The Ironborn paused again. "Or possibly have, depending."
Aibek nodded at Redemption's reply, chuckling at the construct's remarks about the wording. The witchwolf had had many moments like that. "Glad to hear she is well." Aibek began as they thought on it, "Khalharum can certainly be 'interesting', I see no reason why she could not come if she wished." Aibek said with a smile as they picked up their cup again. Finding it empty after a few more sips, the witchwolf glanced around to find Azerna...
"Drink much more of that," Azerna mumured as she moved over, "And you won't be going back out tonight. That isn't exactly the most stimulating tea I own." They Dryad nodded to the others. "Welcome back to the city. I hope you found what you were looking for."
"Stimulating, perhaps not, but it is certainly excellent. Remind me that I brought a crate of tea from home, if you don't mind. I'm certain it might be of interest to some of your customers, Azerna."
"What I was looking for has been assisting you for the past two hours, so I would say I have," Mihara smiles. "Has Saraki been useful?"
"You'd be surprised by how many people prefer tea to alcohol - although your friend Grimrod did put a noticeable dent in my brandy supply while he was here - so I'd certainly buy whatever you can spare." Azerna chuckled. "And yes, Saraki is a natural. She's certainly naturally charming."
"Oh yeah, we'll need distilleries at some point..." Azri said thoughtfully, writing down a note for herself. A city needed many things for the happiness of its citizens, and rather than allowing a large black market for alcohol to grow, it was better to have some reasonable local options whose quality could be assured... and whose servers could be monitored to ensure things were kept reasonably under control.
Aibek chuckled with a warm smile at Azerna's comments. Looking up at the dryad while they listened to the talking, considering things for a few moments, "Yeah, you did say this one should help me sleep, or at least feel better from what I can get, I should probably get some broth or water or something else. I do want to check those lights from the walls tonight..." the witchwolf said as they looked over their cup and the traces of orange tea clinging to the sides before looking to the others, "I don't know much about tea, Azerna has given me some great recommendations. I know less about alcohol and distilleries...I imagine getting advice on it wouldn't be too hard...if it's needed." Aibek said with a shrug, their comments on alcohol coming across as wary and an unimpressed resignation before returning their attention to Azerna with a slowly growing smile. "Would you like any further help this evening, Azerna?"
"We'll need something to distill before we need that," Azerna pointed out in amusement. "But no, I think I can manage on my own this evening if you guys are busy looking into those lights. A lot of folks are concerned about whatever is out there."
Having reconnected with a small portion of the city, made sure various companions had a bed for the night and that all luggage has been safely stored, you set off into the deepening darkness of the night.
It becomes obvious why the scouts from the city are struggling, however - whenever you approach a location that you can see has been lit, the lights vanish when you get to about 200 ft or so. An investigation of the area reveals...nothing. No lights. No fires. No lamps. No obvious traces of anything that has walked this way nor signs of anything else.
You stand in a small square, where the lights should have been, but all you can see is...nothing.
After chatting and double checking with Azerna, Aibek had filled their mug with some warm broth to take with them on their walk. Slowing every now and then to add a note to their parchment, Aibek carefully moved to the walls area where they'd heard reports of the lights to observe first, changing into a more wolven form and adjusting their clothes and goggles to make the task easier, before moving closer.
Clipping the mug to their backpack once it was emptied, Aibek looked around. Wary of strange lights at the best of times, strange disappearing lights with no discernible source made Aibek on edge.
Curiously, Azri - who had no particular problems seeing in the dark - moved back to where she'd been before the lights had vanished to see if distance was the main factor here. Going back and forth over the 'line' a few times might help as a starting test... and she did want to get to the bottom of this.
Aibek and Azri notice...something. Someone was here - a single someone - some days ago. A small mark sits in the centre of the square, drawn in blood, now dried and faded by the sun.
As you leave the area to see what happens, lights flare once more...about half a mile away.
"I'll go and check that light out. Perhaps if I can approach unseens, we'll know a little more."
Unless someone opposes, Mihara will take fox shape and approach the lights as silently as she can, floating through the air.
"Huh." Azri said as she bent down to examine the symbol. "So we have lights and a rune of summoning..." That was certainly an interesting combination, and despite her intellect, she hadn't quite figured it out. After a few moments, she rubbed at the symbol to try and blot it out a little more.
Aibek nodded, agreeing with Mihara's plan as they watched her go for a moment before returning their attention to looking over the strange symbol. "Summoning?" Aibek replied to Azri's comment curiously. Aibek had seen one of their boundmates summon creatures of shadow, but the shadow archon knew little about it and less about anything about summoning that involved blood.
"So, summoning something with blood and moving disappearing lights with no clear source..." Aibek pondered, pulling out their parchment and charcoal again to write something down, drawing a mini sketch of the mark and its relation to the city and watching around carefully as Azri touched the mark.
The lights flickered away again before Mihara was able to reach them.
Aibek wasn't sure what kind of creature it was, only that it was native to this plane - that is was called from somewhere nearby rather than drawn across dimensions. As for how it moved unseen...
Mihara rejoins the group, dejected. "... I seem to have grown a bit rusty in my travels. Perhaps some training shall be in order once this is dealt with."
She shoots Nigrum a playful smirk. "My sparring challenge still stands.
After a few minutes the lights flicker back on - once again, four lights - about 300 feet from where you saw them last, near the water.
...oddly a small laugh came from an abandoned building in the opposite direction.
"Or whatever is going on just got lucky or has ways to detect small movement in the air or something..." Aibek said as they looked from where the lights reappeared to where they heard the lights and back again a few times, slowly, trying to piece out the puzzle.
"Moving disappearing lights with no source we've found yet, laughing from the other way in an old building, and summoning something from this Plane with blood and symbol..." Aibek sighed in frustration mostly to themself as they listed the ongoing issues, trying to come up with ideas that made sense with what was going on. "Which do we think will get us closer to understanding what is going on first?" Aibek asked the others as the witchwolf as they tried to come up with what to do next.
Nigrum taps Tsui at Mihara's challenge.
"Now is different from back then. My warriors could use a good demonstration."
Looking towards the light.
"Maybe this interloper has the ability to be invisible. Not the first we have run into. If they have that ability perhaps some sort of detection ability as well. Likely magic if they can summon I would think. Use magic against magic or simply chase them until they have exhausted themselves. I once chased a bounty for nearly a month across the desert, turned out my endurance and supplies won out. At the very least we would interrupt their work. Alerdene can cover a great deal of distance."
He looks over to Azri, considering both magic and the ability to chase a target relentlessly.
"Then again, I may not be best suited for that sort of task among us at the moment."
Azri smiled slightly. "I have been told I can be... relentless." she said. She didn't need to sleep, she didn't need to eat, her gaze was frightfully keen, and she was pretty good at hiding to boot. She'd probably have been a pretty good hunter if she'd wanted to be... although she honestly preferred books and nice rooms.
The ruined building the laughter comes from appears to have once been a large house, or perhaps a private business of some kind. Time has no treated the building well, with the roof having long since collapsed and taken most of the first floor with it. Given the laughter came from above, it would seem that at least some access to the third floor is still available, but from out here all you can see if the darkness of the entrance.