Rhanshinau bows politely to Kia. "Of course. I would not dream of interfering with your ablutionary needs."
Tutavak is nearly as bewildered by the obsession with bathing as he is with most things in the Courts.
"Err... perhaps it is a better idea to forestall bathing until after we squish the horde of bugs?"
Reason looks around at his companions, assuming they must all know what we speaks of.
"Ritual? What ritual do you need? Does it have to do with the roaches?"
"Oh, no, not at all. I need to trade future fortune to a white raven, so that I can get some treasure." the little dragon says casually. "It will only take a few minutes, then you can squish bugs."
Arianwyn dons a bathrobe.
"There are a remarkable number of goblins eager to provide bathing facilities." he hints.
"'Bugs'? - please do tell me that we are not now undertaking pest control for gold and the experience." he says in a deadpan manner.
"That certainly sounds like a fascinating ritual, but are you sure that it is a wise trade? Perhaps I could look at the ritual, regardless?"
"What ritual is this?"
"Yes, I do." Ixu says. "I need treasure, or other dragons's won't take me seriously. And it's a simple enough exchange." If Ixu's been given a copy of the ritual, she does let Reason and Arianwyn see it.
Rhanshinau coughs politely. "I believe your draconic comrade refers to a Fey Exchange. It is common currency in the Courts, to trade away some small part of future good fortune for a current favour. Narin will know the ritual and would perform it, I am sure. He will very likely offer to let you learn it, your reverence."
He turns to Arianwyn, newly appeared in a lavish bathrobe.
"As the new leader of the Ravens, I wonder if you might be prevailed upon to discuss an issue of mutual interest with the Lords of Light. I am aware that traditionally our paths have little in common, but these are difficult times for us all."
Arianwyn hadn't noticed the stranger amongst them, and seems somewhat put out.
"Well, first, I would need to know who the Lords of Light are."
Kia sighs inwardly. She supposes that Reason is correct and it would make more sense to bathe after the bugfest.
"Perhaps we should proceed to the Tower of Light then? Before we have more distractions. Where are Whiteclaw and Tutavak? They should be informed where we are."
Reason hunts down Narin - which is not difficult as the dwarf seems reluctant to get lost. Eager to ingratiate himself, he swiftly teaches the tiefling the ritual and asks nothing in exchange.
Reason
Rhanshinau guides the group towards an entirely new section of the Courts. For the first time, you enter the Royal Halls and in the process feel once more invisible. Barely anyone deigns to notice you as you pass along corridors and finally enter a stone door leading into an austere but luxurious chamber.
"Tower" seems to be a misnomer at first, but as your eyes accustom to the pale radiance suffusing the room, you become aware that the chamber extends far, far above your heads. At the top, surveying you from afar, is the blindfolded figure of an angel.
Rhanshinau bows deeply. "The Lord Revich. Blind Seer of the Courts."
Looking upwards, he bows again. "My Lord, these newcomers to our midst may be of help in our cause. I beg that you test them."
Revich appears to consider and then descends on radiant wings to floor level, the brightness of his presence nearly blinding the party.
"Have any of you commited deeds of evil in the mortal world?"
Seeing none of the others stepping forward, Tutavak does so.
"I have," the Kargzant warrior declares. "In my adulthood rites, I did not find the strength to be a woman of the People, and failed. Shaming my father so was my deed of evil."
Ixu undertakes the ritual then flies back to the Raven tower to offer the deal to the white raven, and, if she agrees, then Ixu and the Raven fly over to win the dare.
At the Tower Whiteclaw speaks. "Evil is a matter of perspective, it is not an absolute. I do not believe that I have ever committed an act that you could consider evil, and I do know I have never committed one I would consider evil."
Ixu/Whiteclaw
The ravens are highly amused by Ixu's willingness to trade away her future. Head tilted to one side, the White Raven examines the gift and croons approvingly.
"Since you are greedy and white and much like me, I will do this for you," she agrees, flying to sit on Ixu's head.
The trio's subsequent appearance in the Hall of Changelings is much appreciated by the assembled fey and the Lady Saulena duly hands over the string of pearls she promised.
"Charming, quite charming. So simple, so unspoiled and yet so elemental," she purrs, proud of securing an unusual pair to show off to her acquaintance.
All
Revich listens carefully to the revelations, but defers passing comment for now. Tutavak's story does cause just the smallest hint of surprise in the angel.
"No."
"I suppose that I sometimes lose my temper, think less clearly, and become vengeful. Failing to consider my actions carefully could be considered evil. And there have been times where I hoarded knowledge rather than ensuring it was spread."
The angel passes over Kia for the moment, and considers the statements of the party.
"I seem no dissumulation among you and some secrets revealed. You may be tested if you wish. Our brotherhood seeks help, and we prefer it to come from those of our own faction."
Revich pauses and looks at the companions, paying particular attention to Reason and Kia. "You two are of our mind, I think but all may be tested, if they wish."
Revish raises his hands and the radiance in the tower increases so that it momentarily blinds you. When you can see again, you are aware that the angel is surrounded by his faction, Rhanshinau prominent among them. Few in number, but clearly powerful, they wait.
Whiteclaw thinks for a moment, then begins to speak, attempting to show that brutish form aside, she is capable of seeing past the surface of things.
Taking charge of Ixu seems to have increased Whiteclaw's ability to interpret her own and other creatures reactions. Barely stumbling, she is fluent in her convincing efforts to make the Lords of Light take her seriously. Nor is she disappointed. Approving nods (and some surprised looks) the Lords pass judgement and accept her. Ixu seems to glow with reflected pride.
Reason's normally humble demeanour is in abeyance as he cheerfully reveals a full battery of radiant powers for the delectation of the mighty. Approving nods greet his efforts, and then a small, expectant silence.
Arianwyn stifles a yawn.
The blind face of Revich turns an admonitory gaze on the new leader of the Raven faction.
Tutavak steps forward. "I would be a Lord of Light." He first spins his spear through the air, catching light through the windows in a display of sunfire.
Through the spinning spear, a figure appears. A Kargzant girl, on the cusp of womanhood, who bears more than a passing resemblance to Tutavak himself. Vaguely translucent, she smiles when she sees him and moves her mouth as if to speak, but there is no sound.
The warrior smiles in return. "Thank you," he whispers, before continuing with the test.
Stunned into silence by Tutavak's revelation, as well as by the appearance of his earlier self, Kia seems unable to make up her mind. Although the Lords of Light are a faction deeply appealing to her, she feels that Tutavak's need is greater than hers, and wonder how she can help him gain acceptance in this strange land.
Bad at reading people though she is, there is no mistaking the disappointment on the faces of Rhanshinau and the other luminaries as Tutavak starts well before stumbling badly as his attempts at explaining himself become more and more fumbled.
Reason looks around for approval, grinning.
Arianwyn looks momentarily confused, but regains his composure.
"Most impressive." he says with a plastered on grin.
Reason's efforts, like Whiteclaw's before him are greeted with solid approval. The Lords are enchanted to have two such valiant recruits to their cause. Indeed, they seem almost overwhelmed by the interest - the Lords of Light are far from stylish and although much respected, are not generally considered an amusing faction to join.
Witnessing Reason's willingness to help his comrade in arms, Revich calls a halt.
"We see and understand the purity of the intent, even if the execution is not perfect. Child of Tunal, you may not join us fully, but we extend a part of our power upon you if you are willing to take it. In time, you may become one of us entirely, but for now it may not be. You have much to learn but the willingness counts in your favour."
Kia comes to a decision and attempts to impress the Lords with her extensive knowledge of history, arcana and religion and recent gossip picked up from the Hall of Changelings.
Seemingly rather at home among fellow professional doers of Good Things, Kia is also welcomed warmly into the ranks of the Lords of Light.
Revich is clearly delighted at the flurry of new recruits and rises to the top of the tower glowing brightly.
Arianwyn waits as everyone else joins the glowy people. He produces a small nail file and attends to his cuticles.
Arianwyn is completely right. Whiteclaw, Reason and Kia do indeed start to glow as an aura of light appears around each of them.
"This light may never be entirely quenched," explains Revich, "and by it all shall know your allegiance and your faction."
He gestures and three small dragonettes fly into the tower, each landing on the shoulder of one of the new-made Lights. Ixu looks somewhat askance at the arrival of yet another scaly being, but the angel quells her with a glance.
"Among the Courts, a lantern dragonette is a sign of favour and status."
He then offers to teach all three the ritual of True Sight.
Level 12
Divination
Key Skill: Religion or Insight
10 minutes to cast/10 minutes duration
Component cost 400gp
Market price: 1000gp
You gain Darkvision and you can see all invisible creatures and objects within a few squares of you that are within your line of sight up to the limits determined by the check. You are immune to powers and effects with the illusion keyword. You also gain a +5 power bonus to Insight and Perception checks.
Religion or Insight results table.
9 or less - no effect
10-19 - within 3 squares
20-29 - within 5 squares
30-39 - within 10 squares
40+ - within 20 squares.
"Very fetching." Arianwyn comments blandly.
Kia graciously allows herself to be taught the ritual. At the same time she wonders if her precipitous elevation to the Lords of Light might have some disadvantages as well as advantages. It will be difficult trying to look inconspicuous now, she feels.
"So what Good Deeds can we help you with?"
Revich reaches the top of the tower and calls the names of Reason, Kia and Whiteclaw in clarion tones so that none can fail to know of their elevation. Radiance streams from every window as the angel smiles and descends.
"There is a demon lord infesting the basement," he explains blandly. "I may not act against him directly, so finely balanced are the alliances of this Court. But you may do so."
Revich considers. "Akyshigal, Demon Lord of Roaches, Master of Decay and Earl of Dark Corners is counted here as a noble of title. He and his roachlings are even welcome in some respects. This is the Shadow Court - where dark and light meet and neither may hold sway entirely lest the balance be broken. You will know understand it well, I think," - he nods respectfully to Tutavak.
"As the seasons turn, so do the reigns of King and Queen alternate. This is as it should be and our rulers have ever been capricious in deciding when a season shall end. And yet, it seems there is an imbalance. Never before has the King delayed so long. Something is amiss and I believe that Akyshigal seeks to take advantage. Be warned. He is a fearsome opponent and I do not think that at present you can stand against him. Indeed, you cannot hope even to find or speak to him without a welcome within the Royal Halls. But your status here is rising. A very little more will see you within the Royal Halls and then you will be able to challenge him."
The lantern dragonettes curl affectionately around the necks of their new owners. They are warm to the touch and glow faintly, smelling not unpleasantly of a mixture of spice and warm leather.
Arianwyn
When next you return to your rooms, you find the following waiting for you. It is addressed to the Leader of the Raven Faction, the Lords of Light, Ixu, dragonette of note and Tutavak, servant to the Chosen.
Kia eyes the little dragonette with amusement or surprise, she is not sure which. She wonders if she ought to give it a name.
"Well if I am to do any more socialising, I will have a bath first! Does anyone know where my room might be so that I can make myself a little more presentable?"
Arianwyn shows the rest of them the invitation. and waftily points in some direction to Kia's room.
Arianwyn
Brightspur finds a moment to take you aside in the preparations for the party. Still flamboyant, he greets you a deep bow which seems at least semi-respectful, followed by a hearty kiss which definitely is not. Eyes sparkling, he holds you at arms length and surveys his new lord.
"My liege, you must do the Ravens honour at the Swan Festival. Something is missing in this ensemble - what can it be?"
Grinning like a loon, he pulls a ring from his own finger and places it in Arianwyn's hand.
"This will add a certain lustre. I shall see you later. Lishekki's call to penitence requires my presence."
Bowing once more, he nods cheerfully and strides away. Arianwyn notes that Brightspur's gift is a plain iron band, unmarked, but seeming to suck light from the surrounding area in some small way. It may not be particularly attractive, but it is clearly powerful.