It is a mix of curiosity and shock that stays Yahirma's staff as the miniature dragon zips past. With a glance at Semenya, the shaman dances up to D17, where she begins calling out to the animated Mwangi doll.
It may not know the words, but perhaps the rhythms and motions will sooth its indignation.
Perhaps a bit distant from the Mauxi people...
Small voices come out of the weeds, where it's obvious the dolls are running around and shifting positions.
"You don't play fair! We don't want to play with that big nasty thing! Go away!"
The Mwangi fetish appears to be mesmerized to some extent by Yahirma's dance and oration, and it stays in one place watching her.
Eeeek! Dolls! That's the dolls!
Derek is quite shocked at the appearance of the dolls, worried that his doom might now be at hand.
"Doom doom doooom, I mean...nards...I mean b!#*!*$s....I mean...*Sigh*!"
Calming down a little he adds his voice to the persuasion.
"I am afraid we cannot leave until our business is fulfilled."
Maddok chimes in, "All we want is to lay the remains of Corianna and Ghaelfin to rest. Do you remember them? They were friends of yours once."
Appario still stands ready with Extortion.
***
"Do what you want! Just go away! And take that .. thing .. with you!"
"Everyone get into the other building. Let's finish our business here and go home", Maddok says as he motions for the bull to join him and heads towards the council chambers.
Grrkh, what is this? I refuse to BLEED to death from a pinprick by a doll!
They are just childrens toys, no way, no! I will NOT be scared of them ANY more."
Derek snorts and sings a short note as he atempts to heal himself.
"Follow me little brother. If our friends aren't going to attack us anymore there's no sense in staying out here", Maddok urges the bard.
Appario follows at the back of the party, this sword still ready to strike should one of the dolls come close again.
Not again.
***
The pair of massive doors to the second building are closed and locked.
Seeing the locked doors, Maddok nods to Appario.
He speaks briefly to the aurochs.
Appario will approach the door carefully, not fully wanting to take his attention away from the dolls.
"Watch my back, Maddok. I do not trust these things."
Appario will examine the door for traps.
Perception for traps
Disable Device
Edit: Meh. Trying again:
Disable Device
Appario locates no traps on the door, and on his first attempt is unable to budge the lock. The second attempt is much more fruitful, and the lock opens with a satisfying 'click'.
The chamber beyond is a huge semi-circle, 140 ft wide at the near wall and 85 ft from the doors to the circle's mid-point. Wooden stairs to both sides lead up to a balcony circling the upper level of the chamber. In the chamber's center, ten high-backed chairs ring a stone table, on which the flame of a decorative lantern glows brightly. A gigantic nightscape mural blankets the chamber's domed ceiling, with hundreds of tiny glass shards forming glowing stars, while an outline of the Pathfinder Society's Glyph of the Open Road is superimposed onto the mural's night sky.
"A bit elaborate but impressive still", Maddok comments as he sees the building's interior.
The big man regards the bull once again.
Maddok enters the room and begins to look around.
Appario checks the area where Maddok is walking for traps.
Perception
"Is that the Pathfinder symbol?" Appario asks, seeking confirmation.
Appario doesn't notice any traps or other pitfalls in the chamber, although he might consider it odd that the lantern is still burning since the Lodge hasn't been in use for such a long time.
Maddok unties the petrified form of Ghaelfin and rests the statue on the table. He looks to whoever has the container full of ashes to do the same (Semenya?).
"Yahirma, would you like to say a few words?"
"Yahirma, would you like to say a few words?"
If she doesn't, I will, Appario ponders and awaits Yahirma's reply.
Semenya takes the ashes, and the head of the Pathfinder (my memory for his name - the one who turned into the flying terrifying skull) and sets it on the table. She draws the feather of Shelyn, and says "All beings seek beauty. Many seek love. Two here have found it, and in the name of duty, set it aside."
"May those who forsook love and beauty for duty find more of the former and less of the latter in their next lives."
Appario ponders his own words while Yahirma states hers.
Dearly Deceased, you have been honored according to your wishes, as you yourself have asked. You have been buried amongst the Pathfinder legacy that you hold so dear. To this, we commend your ashes and your stone sculpture so that you can remain for all eternity...
...or until future Pathfinders find whim and whimsy to need of desecrating your memory by needing to defile this grave in search of an etching or a relic or a pointless artifact that they will, in turn, hoard away in the Pathfinder vaults, being of no use to anyone.
So, I say unto you, Statue and Ashes, enjoy your rest until future Pathfinders (or maybe just mere graverobbers and thieves) come and rape and pillage all that you once held dear. For now, enjoy the embrace of the coffins you have chosen, for in time, others will follow your example in the exploration and desecration of tombs once held blest.
You deserve no less, you hypocrites.
Yahirma's words un-garble with the passage of a few seconds as the dolls withdraw. "...oun hon Serpent Basileon granted-omai the second riddle..." Her didactic invocation trails off and she meets the eyes of the Mwangi construct. As they share a moment of staring, she hears Maddok's hortatory command to move into the next building; Yahirma shares a shrug with the doll and cordially offers an invitation.
"In the next building, we gather to send off the spirits of two heroes. Though in life they did not know the Wendo, in death they have had little choice. If you can behave yourself, you may be part of our community and our ritual. With the vampires scattered and turned to dust, let us call upon the Wendo to grant us closure." She nods to the little doll and begins walking towards the far building, entering as Appario thinks aloud and Maddok requests a few words.
Clearly I did not bring enough supplies.
Pulling out two candles, she anchors one in each of the sets of remains; the waxen column of one emerges from a pile of stone fragments at an angle to meet the tallowed structure of a candle angled from the urn, their two wicks twisted together for simultaneous ignition. Quickly rubbing her hands with a pinch of purified salt, she motions for the group to join her around the remains. Should one or more of the dolls approach with respect, Yahirma motions for them to join the ring of people as she addresses the group.
"It is not often that Cheliax sees the southern rites. Know that it is the group that carries the ritual's power as much as the wendifu who leads it. Wendo - the spirits - respond to noise, and at times I will clap or tap to summon their attention. Among the Mauxi, these are times to recite the ritual's mantra, much like the call and return of the ship's crew that sailed me here. For a rite like this, the traditional response of the community would be K'wa mgabwe, !olojli wendobo, or 'Hear our prayer; honor us, Wendo spirits." She shares a look with the group, adding "The Wendo represent a pantheon of sorts, and no matter what you may have heard, they are quite inclusive. If you would prefer to respond with a call to your own deities, it would not offend anyone present. Once I have finished the summons, any who wishes to speak of or address the departing souls may do so." Sheepishly and with a smile she adds, "Some interesting feuds and reparations have come from funerals, and each time it is with words spoken from the heart. Speak freely."
Lighting the candles and clapping once loudly, she begins shuffling and swaying from left to right as part of the circle.
"Two souls were bound in life, and today their souls are returned to each other's embrace. Coriana Heavenscape! Aiger Ghaelfin! In this moment you are bound to worldly objects, but soon, as all souls do, you shall know the freedom of the world beyond. Listen, Wendo! Two seek to join you this day!" With a double rap of her staff on the floor tiles, she continues. "Lo Lulu spins her web across the sky to catch the spirits of the once-living, and her trap glistens with honeyed nectar. The greedy who hunger for mortal things are caught in its snare. The proud who fly with too much arrogance to fold their wings as they soar upwards are caught in its snare. The misguided who grab at the webs in the hope that they might be used to pull themselves higher - they too are snared. With this gathering of those who would take up your cause, this congregation who know of your deeds, soar upon the updraft of our blessings. You, as few others, shall slip past the Lo Lulu's craft to dance among the stars beyond, and your radiance shall illuminate a city otherwise swathed in shadow. For this moment, my body is yours to feel the warmth of life so that you will know no jealousy of the living," she says with a clap. "My ears are yours to hear the words of your people so that you will know your place in their hearts and minds." With one last clap, she shakes her staff towards the twined candles, whose integrated flame flickers and pulls towards the wendifu. It calms and dims, the flame standing shorter by half than it had seconds earlier.
Holding the darkwood staff out, she allows any other to take it and claim speaking rights.
"We listen," she states with an accent more Chelaxian than she has been able to manage before.
Appario stands silent, head bowed, having already thought what he thinks.
Soar until thieves steal what little you left behind...for they follow in your footsteps. You have earned this 'honor'.
The stoic Shoanti takes the offered staff. He hesitates a moment as if unsure what to say.
"Thank you Coriana and Aiger. You may not have planned it, but your advice was vital is helping us enter this place, navigate it safely, and reuniting me with the Moon-of-my-Life."
"Even if your organization holds little favor with my friends, you were people first and Pathfinders second. I pray that the spirits and the... wendo(?) bring you together in the thereafter and find the peace that you were denied in life."
Maddok finishes with the chant that Yahirma suggested, "K'wa mgabwe, !olojli wendobo", but the words are slow and garbled on his unaccustomed tongue.
He offers the staff to whoever (if any) would like to speak next.
"All great ventures comes to an end, and while yours was not finished in life, may you be judged fairly in Pharasmas bone yard and move on to a plane of happiness where you can continue to your adventure, together, for all eternity."
"And know that you leaving business unfinished has allowed a new generation to venture as you did, and prosper as we overcome the challenges left behind.
Your story will be remembered and retold, written into songs, books and plays."
"Well done Yahirma. Even if their spirits cannot make themselves known, I'm certain they are grateful for the way you've helped to honor them."
The big man looks at the golden artifact borne by Derek, "Let's make sure their sacrifices were not in vain."
Looking around to the assembled Gardeners, "We should head home. I believe we have all seen enough of this place."
Maddok will lead the party through the courtyard, off the grounds, and back to the safehouse.
As the group passes through the courtyard, they hear excited laughs and the sound of weapons clashing, and occasionally see one of the dolls zoom along in hot pursuit of another, almost as if they're playing a version of hide-and-seek.
Aside from the need to wait until it becomes dark enough for Vahnwynne to join, and subsequent reminder from a dottari patrol that the nights are unsafe, the remains of the day pass without incident.
***
***
Maddok waits with Vahnwynne while the sun sets, happy to have her back... for now.
***
***
With a few days of work, the remaining items are identified as:
+1 light fortification breastplate (named Dawnhunter)
+1 defending mithral rapier (named Whisperslash)
mummified hand of luck (functions as a stone of luck)
efficient quiver
ring of protection +2
lens of detection
dusty rose prism ioun stone
+1 short sword
+1 chain shirt
scroll of sunburst
scroll of true seeing
vial of truecolor dye (2x) (each vial is worth 50 gp)
wand of inflict moderate wounds (21 charges)
Skin of Klendar the Troll King (functions as +2 hide armor that also grants its wearer 5 temporary hit points which regenerate at a rate of 1 per round (unless the wearer is damaged by acid or fire); the wearer can also speak Giant, and gains a +2 bonus on diplomacy and intimidate checks against non-Troll giants (Trolls are always offended by the wearer); worth 16,315 gp)
javelin of lightning (2x) (not listed; were in the quiver)
+1 repeating heavy crossbow (not listed; the tattooed vampire's crossbow)
Chess Set (non-magical; worth 3,500 gp)
Onyx gems (2x) (worth 350 gp each)
Accepting her staff back as everyone has a chance to speak, Yahirma nods to the candles and raps the staff one last time. With the sharp crack, the twined candles gutter and die. "They are gone," she reports in her normal, if foreign accent.
As the group heads towards the gates, she remarks, "There may be cause to return once more to ensure that no other secrets remain, and the last Pathfinder still remains to be found, I think. Let us seal up the doors so that they attract no more attention, but I may return another day to confirm no other restless spirits reside within."
Derek is going to spend some time capitalizing on his new fame by attempting to appear in other plays of some renown.
If he can get a role, big or small (but probably big) he will not just attempt to be the consummate professional, but also do everything he can to support the play and his fellow actors.
He will promote the play in the streets; he will stay late to give tips and pointers to other actors.
He will be as supportive as he possibly can, and always attribute his success to the Keegan company, trying to make them out as a company that does not just produce actors who are good, but actors who are willing to go the little extra mile for the play, but without becoming divas.
And he will attempt to get a role for Amaya in any play he appears in.
He will also attempt to seal the deal with the Druid and the warrior from the arena, for training of the aspiring gardeners.
And he will also keep an ear to the ground in case a certain "demon director" has a show in the makings.
Finally, any spare time he can find he will spend with a certain drunken nobel lady, slowly trying to help her learn control.
But first of all, it is time to collect Livias gift...
The following two weeks are a blur for Maddok.
During the day the big smith's time is occupied with working the forge and mentoring his new pupil. The lessons serve two-fold as Maddok creates analogies comparing the heat of the forge and the primal strength dormant within the youth's heart. The Shoanti urges Rizzardo to use caution, 'Though the flame can bend even the strongest metal to your will, a forge that burns too bright leaves little but ruin to work with'.
Within Maddok's dreams, Shu-Ak’eh-Di unravels the mystery of binding spirits to the weapons and armor he works with. While at the forge Maddok sees to several personal projects. He applies a mild enhancement to his armor and Vahnwynne's silver stake. By studying the enchantment placed on the amulet Yahirma made for him, he applies a powerful one to his smithing hammer itself.
Finally reunited with his Vahnwynne, he spends the whole of his evenings with her. Some nights they spend walking the streets, talking at length about the things that occurred since she was taken. Other nights they simply stay in, lost within each other's embrace and making love until the sun rises. The Shoanti avoids the subject, but with each day he feels the huntress's need for blood rise. He puts off their trek into the Hagwood as long as possible.
What little time Maddok has to himself he spends reading the magical tome he acquired within Delvehaven.
The private lessons Maddok grants Rizzardo has a profound effect on the youth, who grasps onto the Shoanti's every word of advice. His primal strength is finally unleashed one day, with the piece of metal bent out of shape by the youth's fury functioning as a physical testament to Maddok's caution. In the following days, Maddok is able to teach the youth to harness and control this strength, and the man's skills as a blacksmith are soon aided by his controlled fury.
While at first their nights are filled with the passion of reunited love, the truth of Vahnwynne's condition is never far away. In time it becomes apparent that the ritual has begun losing its power, as her eyes occasionally take on a stronger red glow, while she craves bloody meat fresh from the kill.
As Maddok reads the tome, he feels his force of personality assaulted by memories imparted in him from a distant time and place as his mind and body take on the knowledge hidden within.
Remembering his time as a passenger on a voyage across the Arcadian ocean, Maddok recalls how he, as the sole survivor after the ship was destroyed by a monstrous creature known as a kraken, was able to escape on a makeshift raft. For 118 days he drifted, drinking rainwater and eating fish caught with an improvised spear, eventually landing well south of Sargava. He then trekked through the dangerous jungle for 37 days to finally reach civilization, encountering numerous perils and hardships along the way.
***
Derek has no problem finding a theater and director willing to grant him a sizeable role in an upcoming production. Even the replaced actor harbors no ill feelings, as he relishes the time spent practicing with the famous Derek Keegan. He also finds little resistance to securing a role for Amaya in the play, as the director figures any apprentice of a great actor should herself be on the way to greatness, and being among the first to give a future great actress a chance would show him as a director with an exquisite nose for talent. The play becomes a raging success.
During his time at the theater, Derek hears that Robahl Nonon has made a point of never again producing a murderplay, as he "would never attempt to surpass the absolute perfection of The Six Trials of Larazod". The man has shown up at various other murderplays, berating the directors for setting up such "insufferably second, no, third-rate productions", putting himself at the forefront of a crusade to end the blood-spattered form of entertainment.
His visits to Sascar Tilernos become increasingly more pleasant as the woman escapes her drunken stupor with the aid of her trusted butler and Derek himself. She finally seems to understand the difference between over-indulgence and enjoyment in terms of drink, and expresses a genuine interest in Derek's faith.
Over the course of the following weeks, both the bowmaker and the artist send word that their work is completed. The tiny darkwood bow and the finished painting are both just as Derek had envisioned them.
***
From the books Yahirma has managed to uncover on the subject, she is able to piece together a method to create a new body for the beheaded erinyes. If the erinyes head is submerged within a magically-infused vat, filled with specially prepared liquids, the raw fabric of the erinyes would function as catalyst to the creation of new flesh and muscles, causing a complete body to be formed after a period of several months.
***
Over the course of the next several weeks, the knight Antuin Prous and the tiger warrior Beor Ketrak begin their training of Aroden's Gardeners, focusing on martial skills and insight into nature, respectively. It's quickly apparent that the safehouse is an inadequate arena for this type of training, and once someone remembers the abandoned warehouse (once used by Jalki's group of thugs), the training is relocated there.
The two men invite each member of the party to participate in the training, especially encouraging those possessing skills the pair have little or no experience with.
As time goes by, the band of gardeners become visibly better trained and more confident. Most among them seem to find purpose in their training, making them believe that they could make a difference in the battles that may yet come for Westcrown's sake.
***
Maddok arrived at the safehouse rubbing his eyes as he enters. The memories his enchanted tome had imparted him with leave him disoriented at times, one of those times being just a moment ago.
Shu-Ak’eh-Di roared within his mind. The warrior spirit demanded war and conquest, blood and battle. What good are weapons that aren't sated? What use is armor untested? The bond they shared had grown stronger lately and Maddok could understand the bestial spirit more clearly now than ever before. Even so, the Shoanti pushed the spirit's distractions aside and focused on his surroundings.
As he passes through the common area of the repurposed shrine, the big man nods in greeting to several of the gardeners. He changes direction when he spots Yahirma, the purpose of his visit.
***
"It is happening faster than I had hoped", the Shoanti explains. "What we did to bring Vahnwynne back is losing its strength. We must leave - Tonight if you can. I... I will not lose her again", Maddok declares.
"We will need horses and a wagon to shelter her from the sun while we travel. Can you think of anything else we might need?"
Appario smiles upon getting back into Westcrown proper.
"We are done, Gardeners! We are done!" Appario slaps Derek on the back solidly. "We have defeated the shadowbeasts and rid this city of a great evil."
Appario smiles and points to the heavens.
"THANK YOU ABADAR! THROUGH YOU, WE HAVE BROUGHT ORDER HERE! NOTHING CAN POSSIBLY GO WRONG!"
Appario is elated as they walk back to the safehouse and begin sorting through the treasures they will be releasing back into the world of trade so that they may be bought and sold again and again...thus spreading the influence of Abadar.
It is right to give him change and praise...if the price is right.
* * *
The next morning, Appario will be happy to begin selling the unused and extraneous loot from their recent explorations.
He will travel from merchant stall to merchant stall, selling a bit of armor here and a bit of history there...trying to increase his name and influence all the while.
It is never a bad day for trade.
* * *
Over the next few days, Appario will change his focus from looking at goods to looking at the very merchants themselves: trying to find interesting businesses that need a reliable partner.
Starting with the Gardener-aligned businesses, Appario will gently check if any are in debt to parties other than the Abadaran Church and check on whether Appario himself can buy those debts or if businesses want to exchange partial ownership of businesses in exchange for an influx of cash.
***
During his time spent at the forge, Maddok discovers that the piece of metal he recovered appears to have nearly the same properties as ordinary iron, although its internal structure is different from that of iron. With his newfound insight into the application of magic to metals, he discovers that the metal seems to have an affinity for magical enchantments, making them easier to apply. The metal also turns blue when invested with magic.
***
Appario finds several businesses laboring under significant amounts of debt, businesses that are otherwise in desperate need of an influx of gold to remain in business, and businesses that are simply in need of funds to facilitate expansion and growth.
Early in the first week after the return from Delvehaven, Lady Chammady Drovenge sends word that she is ready to be introduced to the Abadaran head bankers as they discussed. Perhaps Appario could accompany her the following day at noon?
***
About a week after the return from Delvehaven, the Pathfinder Ailyn Ghontasavos makes a visit to the safehouse. Of whoever is present at the time, she requests information about the excursion into the sealed lodge, if any treasures still remain, and if the lodge is now safe enough for a prolonged effort to restore the lodge to its former glory. She also asks if proof of the fates of the Pathfinders mentioned in the letter were uncovered.
As the weeks go by, more and more people in the streets recognize members of the party when they venture outside, shop at the market stalls, dine at inns, or enjoy drinks at taverns. Some simply fawn over the famous men and women, some request autographs, while yet others smile knowingly or wink, flashing the white and green mark of Aroden's Gardeners. That mark shows up with increasing frequency among the crowds, and the faces of many of those who wear it are unknown to the party.
Maddok hesitates. He feels like he could bare his very soul to Vahnwynne but worries about causing her undue pain. Unwilling to avoid the topic anymore, he finds the words.
"The one you called Lord back in Delvehaven, is he the one that afflicted you with this curse?"
One day at the safehouse:
"Say Livia, remember my promise of giving you a present? I got it right here for you."
Derek places a small red cloth on the table, it is clear that something is wrapped inside of it.
"And I got you something as well Appario, it took some doing I'll admit, but I figured out the PERFECT way to buy your forgivness."
Yahirma spends a few days tightening the weave of Maddok's cloak and fortifying its enchantment, though it seems the project comes together as much from her knowledge of spells as it does her physical ministrations. Within a few days, the garment is stronger than before.
Noting Maddok's nervousness in regards to Vahnwynne's state, Yahirma assures him that the purifying agents will keep the vampirism at bay for weeks to come. "Still, I would not object to entering the Hagwood to make first contact with the occult mistress who lives within. I shall accompany you there, but I would appreciate your strength and watchful eye soon after, as I intend to open the last remaining doors of Delvehaven. The absence of Loremaster Liriam's body has me concerned, and the thought that his spirit may be trapped in an unnatural state as were those of the other Pathfinders has haunted my dreams. The Loremaster may know more of the Morrowfall's partner."
-----
During any time not spent exploring or crafting party gear, Yahirma performs any further research before beginning to assemble the parts and pieces necessary to give Khazrae a means of locomotion beyond being carried by a half-orc. She will start brewing the homunculus-like second body. "Progress is being made, Khazrae, and soon you shall have a new body. It may not betray the same perfection as your first form, but it shall serve as a vehicle to execute your will."
"Weeks you say? Even so, this should not be put off any longer. I'll arrange for the steeds and wagon. We leave tonight."
At Yahirma's mention of Delvehaven, "Of course, I'll go with you into Delvehaven once again, after we return and Vahnwynne is... whole once again. That haunted place still has secrets that hold my interest as well."
Vahnwynne turns towards Maddok and looks at him with pained eyes, their red glow flaring up for a moment.
"Yes, he was. I have tried not to think of this, of him."
She drifts off, staying quiet for a while, then visibly steels herself.
"I would not keep secrets from you. You should know. That night, the last night I saw you before this. A part of me feared the vampires might have set a trap for me, but I was determined to see my work through to the end and cast such thoughts aside. Even so, I wouldn't, couldn't, bring you with me if there was any chance of an ambush. My love, I'm sorry."
She grips the Shoanti's broad shoulders with her hands, her eyes locking onto his. After a long moment, she releases him and continues, looking away from him as she speaks.
"My instincts had been true. The clues leading me here had been planted by the vampire lord. It was a deliberate plan to rid himself of the one who had destroyed so many of their kind. In my obsession, I let myself be lured into an ambush led by the lord himself. He was far too strong for me, and easily turned aside my attempts at fighting back. He.. He whispered he would transform me into his thrall, into the very thing I hated with all my being. And he did."
Vahnwynne returns her attention to Maddok.
"I was arrogant. I believed my years of fighting vampires had prepared me enough to fight their maker. Will you forgive me, when I can't even forgive myself?"
Appario is absolutely available to take Lady Chammady Drovenge to meet the esteemed bankers of Abadar.
He will spend the night before polishing up Indemnity and hoing Extortion in preparation for the introduction.
About time I made a few more business deals.
* * *
Appario is still considering exactly what businesses he wishes to invest in. Such matters cannot be rushed.
He will continue to explore and think up on the current markets...as well as the future markets. As things are looking up for the Gardeners, Appario is looking toward nice safe investments.
* * *
In meeting with Ailyn, Appario will give a full detailed report about what happened in the Lodge and the confirming notes of what was taken out and noted in his ledger.
He will describe, using Yahirma's words rather than his own, the ceremony used to put the Pathfinders to rest. He will give strong descriptions of the traps and wards of the place that he knows of, as well as a description of the dolls that probably still run amok in the place.
"Those dolls are completely evil...you know that, right?"
* * *
Appario will smile at Derek's gift.
I just knew he wouldn't forget.
He will unwrap it slowly, savoring the apology.
Livia flies towards Derek, but hesitates before approaching the package.
"Is that truly for me? For little me? You're sure it's not for someone else?"
Upon Derek's confirmation, her tiny hands quickly unwrap the cloth. She marvels at the revelation of the weapons contained within, taking up one, then another, all the while flying around his head with a joyous laugh.
"This is perfect! Look! I'll be a real adventurer now!"
She tests the bow, firing an arrow into a nearby pillow, then strikes a menacing (if she hadn't been so small, that is) pose in the air, with sword in one hand and dagger in the other.
"I challenge you to a duel!"
The Imp continues laughing, betraying the playful nature of her challenge.
***
Khazrae, once again propped up at her makeshift pillow-throne, regards the Mwangi oracle with calm, calculating eyes.
"I thank you for researching this. Most mortals would think this a just fate for someone like me, but you spend time and resources to aid me. You are a most unique individual, Yahirma of the Mwangi. I shall look forward to once again walk this world."
***