Making your way towards Defender's Heart once more, you take in more sights of destruction, and virtually no other people in the streets. After about 15 minutes a stout, square, stone structure gains prominence in your view. Anevia sighs with relief, "The Heart. Finally...maybe we can find out more about what's going on and get some true rest."
Coming up to the building it looks like it was untouched. The sturdiness of the structure is a testament to its builder.
Coming up to the gate, you see two guards, knights of the Eagle Watch. They halt you, asking who you are, what you are doing, and how you survived. You see crossbows point out of the windows down at you.
When Anevia comes up to the front, the guards exclaim, "Anevia! We're sorry! Please just one moment!" One of them runs to the doors and yells, "Anevia's survived and here! Go get the captain!"
After a few minutes, the front doors open and a rather beautiful looking half-orc woman in armor comes out. Anevia gives a gasp and sags onto Mirel. Tears are streaming down her face, "Irabeth...thank you Redeemer."
The half-orc gestures to the guards and the gates are opened. She rushes forward, all decorum forgotten, and scoops Anevia into her arms. Tears interrupting the greetings and kisses, the half-orc keeps repeating "You're alive...you're alive! You leg! I'm sorry!"
After a few seconds of this she remembers where she is and places Anevia down, gently. She motions for an aide behind her to help Anevia walk.
She turns to you and says, "Thank you. All of you. I am Irabeth Tirabade, captain of the Eagle's Watch, and pretty much all that is left around here. Thank you for bringing my love back to me. How can I ever repay you? Please, please, come in. Rest, wash, and we will eat."
She motions for you to follow her inside.
Lirrathan just stares at the greeting and heartfelt affection, eyes wide. A dumb smile fairly evident on his face, grows as his eyes widen when the woman asks how she can repay them. It's all he can do to barely keep his composure as he looks back and forth between the two women his smile dominating his face.
The wizard smiles at the reunion as understanding find him. He is gladdened he can bring some joy in this time of trouble. Thank you Captain Tirabade. Know that you are not all that is left around here. We have some small bits of news about other survivors and bring an offer of aid from some allies that are particularly well suited to the fight but have been forgotten here on the surface. I'll say more after a wash up and refresh ourselves. Its been some time since we could rest with any assurance of safety.
A smile would be seen on the young dwarf's face, if any of his face were visible under his beard. "No praise for me, it was these talented individuals who saved Anevia. Though I assure you I would've aided them given the chance."
Mirel holds Anevia as she cries, and doesn't resist when the half-orc grabs her.
Smiling pleasantly at Irabeth, Mirel follows her into the Heart. "Our journey was fraught with peril, but Anevia here made it much easier to bear. So did our witty friend Lirrathan over there.[" she says, gesturing to the elf.
Stepping forward Sir Bastion introduced himself, "Captian Tirabade, I am Sir Bastion of the Order of the Land, the Blinded Promise of the Redeemer and Scion of the Storm Roc tribe. I had only just arrived when the attack came to Kenabres and have not been given assignment to a unit yet. I would ask your permission to stay with this group, as I beleive The Inheritor has guided me to them and I sense that we have tasks yet to fullfil."
"As far as repaying us for bringing a loved one back to you after these tragic events..." he turns a gesture to each of the party, "... just look at the smiles that the reunion has brought to thier faces. Could one ever ask for anything more after seeing this reunion?"
Stepping closer to the Captain. "I will not go into details out in the open as we are, but I will say that there are pockets of surviors throught the city.", Sir Bastion says in a hushed voice to the Captain as they walk away from the gate.
Irabeth's eyes sparkle as Anevia glares at Lirrathan. She looks from Lirrathan to Mirel and says, "Indeed, it takes a strong woman to bear the weight of my love." She gestures you to follow her at Bastion's words. As you walk along to a side door she speaks again, "I am happy to hear more reports of survivors. All told, there are about two hundred of us here at the Heart. I know of at least two thousand out in Kenabres. All told, we are facing the reality that only a tenth of Kenabres' citizens survived and are still here."
She stops at a row of three doors. "But I am not heartless, please, wash and rest. I will have dinner with you all this evening to discuss things. Including your...assignment...Sir Bastion. For now, " she walks to Anevia and lifts her in her arms again, "I have more important matters to attend to. I know I will be taking Anevia to a cleric, but you are all free to do the same. Many here are contributing their works for free. The merchants that are here of course still look for a small profit. There's even an armorer or weaponsmith in one of the side courtyards."
Sir Bastion will head off in the direction of anything that could be an field hospital or infirmary to offer what aid he can. He will use his Life Link abilities on anyone that are going through surgeries or amputations. Creating fresh water to wash away the body from the surgeon's tables. His Sanctify Corpse on any fallen that could not be buried by the end of the day. Gather individuals before Channelling Positive Energy. Anything in his power to help.
Also he will speak with the survivors about anything they may have seen or know about creatures they saw or encountered, possible locations of caches of supplies or strongholds. Basically anything that can help with our efforts to restore the city.
For any children in the area, Sir Bastion will have Jokum be with them to help lift thier spirits, and keep them out from underfoot.
About 30 minutes before dinner, he will attempt to locate an arcanist to ask for his person and armor to be cleaned with a prestidigitation spell.
Arc will see to the blind mage, taking him around to see if anyone can help him. This place is safe at least, but I know it is not your home. We will get you what aid we can here, and then I will offer to take you wherever you want to go.
If it is not too far, the wizard will talk to the leaders about a trip back to where he lived before to try to rescue his portable alchemy lab. Is there any chance it could still be there? I would so like to have it. I am sure that others here could make good use of it as well.
Irabeth shakes her head, "It's unlikely that your house is still standing, let alone that your portable alchemy lab is still there. But take heart...there is an alchemist here on the other side of the building by the name of Jeen Nafret. He's been giving his services completely free to the Crusaders...he would likely have one you can have. He doesn't get around much anymore."
Arc's leading is met with thanks from Aravashnial. After searching for a very short time you find a priest of Saranrae. He stops before you even speak and lifts his hands to Aravashnial's eyes. "Oh great Dawnflower, your mercy and beauty restore this man's eyes that he may see to strike at your enemies once more."
A slight gasp from Aravashnial as he blinks a few times as his now whole again eyes adjust to the light. There are scars around his eye sockets making it seem as if his eyes clawed their way back into his skull.
Aravashnial, Your eyes have returned. Can you see me? Arcessentes asks in wonder at the healing magic. You are once again a wizard who can fight against our enemies.
The wizard smiles at the reunion as understanding find him. He is gladdened he can bring some joy in this time of trouble. Thank you Captain Tirabade. Know that you are not all that is left around here. We have some small bits of news about other survivors and bring an offer of aid from some allies that are particularly well suited to the fight but have been forgotten here on the surface. I'll say more after a wash up and refresh ourselves. Its been some time since we could rest with any assurance of safety.
Irabeth cocks her head at the odd mention about people forgotten on the surface. "You must tell me more about these allies...later this evening."
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Aravashnial sheds a tear and nods to Arcessentes. "I thank you, Arcessentes. It couldn't have been easy with me. I am going to go see if anyone has heard from the head of Blackwing here. I shall...aha...see you at dinner tonight."
"Irabeth, we encountered some mongrelmen below the surface. We aided them in defeating some cultists and returning hom some of their loved ones. Perhaps they would be a valuable ally in the upcoming battles?"
Nemris asks around, looking to earn the food and praise he has already been given. Any type of physical labor would be a great fit for him.
Irabeth cocks her head at the odd mention about people forgotten on the surface. "You must tell me more about these allies...later this evening."
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Aravashnial sheds a tear and nods to Arcessentes. "I thank you, Arcessentes. It couldn't have been easy with me. I am going to go see if anyone has heard from the head of Blackwing here. I shall...aha...see you at dinner tonight."
Agreed. And do not forget about our plan to trade spells. Tonight might be an opportune time to do this.
I think I am going to go bathe..."[b]Mirel says. "Care to join me?"[/b] she offers Anevia.
Anevia blushes and looks at Irabeth who laughs heartily. "Were it not for pressing matters...and my OWN need to be alone with Anevia...a bath with a Calistrian would not be amiss!" Anevia blushes even harder.
************
As you make your way to the room indicated earlier you keep hearing people talk about the approaching Mendevian army. Many sound hopeful, and in fact reassure each other that they only need defend this place until the army arrives.
Entering the doors, the smell of food, hot and delicious, enters your nostrils. You see Anevia and Irabeth standing and talking to another member of the survivng Crusaders. You hear Irabeth's gentle yet firm voice, "Let me know the moment there's more information." The other person, a man, salutes crisply and exits the other side of the room.
Irabeth turns around and smiles widely at you. Anevia walks to a chair beside Irabeth...without a limp. Irabeth gestures widely, "Don't stand on ceremony here. Sit. Eat. Let me thank you for bringing Anevia back to me. I'm sure you have a lot of questions, as Anevia's brought me up to speed on your journey. I have my own, but I will let you ask away first."
With that, she starts to sit and fill her plate.
Mirel laughs. "Another time then!" she agrees before heading off to bathe.
At dinner, Mirel takes note of the crusader that Irabeth as speaking to. "Who was that you were speaking with? Is something amiss?"
After getting a modest plate of food and drink, Sir Bastion sits and waits to hear the response to Mirel's questions before asking his own.
Captian Tirabade, whom of the city leading officals are still alive, dead, or missing? Who is in charge now that the initial attack is over? And what steps are being taken to find any of the missing persons?
He pauses for Captian Tirabade to respond before continuing to asked additional questions... giving time for the Captian to respond to the various inquiries.
So how did the demons get past the wardstones? I would assume that there were traitors that help the demons with the attack, have any of them been captured and interogated yet?
Do we know that the impact of the attack has done to the wardstones at other cities along the line? What are the plans to strike back at the demons now?
We have found some surviours in the wreckage of the city, and have even found a cache of supplies. Should we send teams to escort the surviours and supplies here?
We have captured one cavelir that fell from the grace of The Inhieritor, but he seeks the path of redemption. I ask that he be judged fairly and be allowed to continue his travel of self-reflection and aid the efforts at the Defenders Heart.
One young girl we found, Jolin, described a conversation she overheard between to demons. She said she heard the imps chittering back and forth and then another voice joined that sounded of squirming maggots. This voice said "Defender's Heart is last. We'll bring the city down around them there. For now, we head back to the Tower of Estrod before we take our leave."
Do we know where this Tower of Estrod is? Should we investigate it or do you have other assignments for us?
Irabeth chuckles and says to Mirel, "That was a soldier who is leading a very small team out for...reconnaissance. We've heard some more rumors of cultist activities and want to find out about it before it becomes more of a problem for the survivors."
She seems to genuinely enjoy the meal and your company. You notice Anevia doesn't look to be in pain anymore as her and Irabeth exchange a laugh or two and some of each others' food. At Bastion's questions Irabeth looks up and answers, "We don't know all who survived yet. Most of the high ranking officials are dead or missing. That's part of why I'm in charge. The leader of the Riftwardens, Quednys Orlun, is here and we are actually waiting for him to get here. We're sending out roving groups of crusaders...usually two at a time because we can't really spare that much. The Heart is defensible for now, but we are going to run out of space and supplies soon. Although we have at least good news on the supply front. A wealthy citizen who survived and has decided to donate his personal stock for the greater good. He'll be able to feed thousands with his goods and abilities to procure. I believe you know him...Horgus Gwerm." Anevia only grimaces slightly at the mention of his name.
Irabeth holds up her hand at Thom's barrage of questions, "Please...hah...allow me to breathe! We don't know exactly how the demons pulled this off yet. It must have been planned for years. With the number of cultists we've found and heard about, they've been infiltrating everywhere for a long time. Many that we capture bite their tongues off so they cannot talk, so capture is almost as cruel as killing them outright. The other cities...I fear for them. We've heard that Queen Belfrey is bringing the army up north to us, hopefully she can secure those cities if need be, but at best she is a week out from us. We can't strike back at the demons in a large way until then. I'll have some maps brought to your room so you may mark where and what you found." She sighs loudly at this next part, "Yes, Chaleb Sazomel is who you found. He has confessed his sins to me personally, without duress. I was his training sergeant you see, and as soon as he heard my name he asked for me. The Inheritor will ultimately decide his fate, but she may have to wait to take his life, we need his skills. This news of a voice sounding like maggots...that is not good. There are texts of creatures called a worm-that-walks. If that is what this was...this is no idle threat. We need information. The Tower of Estrod, it was a library and research laboratory for decades. The founder died under mysterious circumstances a couple of years ago...hmm. Assignments? Yes, now that you mention it, and if you agree to it, first search out the Tower. Perhaps we'll find some more information there."
"I am glad to hear that Chaleb has spoken with you and continues on his path." Sir Bastion says, as relief washes over him at the good news.
"While Is there anyone at the Defender's Heart that may know about these Worm-That-Walks that we could talk to? Any additional information can only bolster our strength to defeat them if we should encounter one or more of them." He continues, as he looks at this companions for any signs that the demon's name registers to them.
"As far as investigating the Tower of Estrod, while I would not presume to speak for the others, I would go and investgate the Tower of Estrod. I hope my friends will also accept this assignment and join with me."
At mention of the leader of the Riftwardens, Quednys Orlun Arc perks up and listens more intently. When given a chance he tells the woman I would gently appreciate an introduction to Quednys when he arrives. [ooc]This assumes he was not one of the ones we rescued.[/b]
At the mention of Horgus Gwerm Arc adds. Yes an interesting individual. He was not an easy person to put up with - quite demanding. But in the end I believe he was quite grateful that we saved him and got him back home. I pray that he continues to act so magnanimous. What would this woman think, or do, if she knew Horgus Gwerm recommend, no, demanded we leave her love behind.
When the tower is mentioned the wizard again perks up and he nods saying. A library you say. Yes, I think I too would like to go have a look at this Tower of Estrod.
As Irabeth opens her mouth to answer Thom and Arcessentes the doors open again and an older man walks in holding a curiously wrapped and bar-shaped object. "You have your introduction then. Quednys Orlun. And who might you be?"
Irabeth scowls slightly, "You're late Orlun."
He answers with a smile, "For good reason Captain." He looks back at Arcessentes and the rest of the group. "I'm glad you brought Aravashnial back. Between the two of us we are all that is left of the Riftwardens."
The elf stands and greets Quednys formally. I am the wizard Arcessentes; a conjurer by training. I was one of the group that returned Aravashnial. I cared for the man while he was blind and helped him to regain his sight. My team also rescued a group of your wardens and no small number of books from a deranged Chaleb Sazomel. I am very much interested in the Riftwardens. You see, both of my parents, lost to me when I was still quite young, were members. I have heard they died in the line of duty and would know what kind of organization is worth their lives.
Nemris sits and listens quietly, taking note of what has happened and what everyone is planning.
Lirrathan also just eats and eyes the other two, rolling his eyes a few times at Arc and Bastion as they just keep talking. His interest is piqued when the Captain mentions 'recon' missions, but before he can offer she mentions them investigating the tower he just nods. He finishes chewing enough to mumble around a mouthful of food, "I'm in. Someone's gotta be willing to do the hard tasks of putting down some of these damned demons instead of trying to take everybody and their brother, lover, cousin's sister's uncle prisoner." He turns to the group offering, "See, even she said it's almost worse for them to be captured than killed outright."
With a nod toward the two they rescued he offers, "You know, it's nice you guys getting healed and all, but now that means I have to learn your real names. I was was just getting to really like Blinky and Hobbles."
dot
Quednys eyes you for a moment. "Hmmm...Both parents Elven? There weren't many of the pure stock in our ranks and even less married to each other. I would be more than happy to sit with you when time permits and we can explore your parents history in the Riftwarden's history. I will need to prepare a spell to bring back all the words to my memory but it can be done."
Irabeth laughs at Lirrathan's gruff manner. "You were right Anevia, he's not to be ignored."
Mirel, having been quiet this whole time puts down a spoon in her bowl with a loud ringing noise. "Prisoners are better than corpses. The Savored Sting does not share your preferences in actions Lirrathan. And I am not suited for this type of reconnaissance. I am better suited to more...personal...missions."
Irabeth nods. "Anevia told me somewhat the same. I believe I have something more suited to your talents. You'll be going to Drezen alone...to try and work your way into traitors' ranks. We'll talk more after dinner."
Mirel sits stunned for a moment, then nods. "Drezen...that city was lost to us. You'll send me...alone? Yes...that...would work."
Irabeth turns serious. "Yes. Alone. In deep enemy territory. And with that...I know this leaves you all down a person. I can't afford to send a team with you. What I can do is send one more to help...one who doesn't fit with...the other paladins. An Iomedan...wayward knight. Paritosh Jumbal is his name. I can't keep him here either, even in the midst of catastrophe the so-called pure-hearted paladins feel demoralized by him." She motions for an aide to come close, whispers in his ear, and he leaves the room.
A few minutes later a man comes in with the aide...
The wizard eyes the newcomer, somewhat wary. He imagines someone like Chaleb Sazomel is about to join them. But he waits and observes.
The rhythmic jingle of rusty spurs herald the arrival of a swarthy man dressed in leather and chain mail, who despite high heels on his leather boots is still short of six feet. A threadbare tabard displays Iomedae's sword, and the mottled feather in the well worn wide brimmed hat seem oddly suited to the man, but incongruous to the well kept longsword at his side. He rubs his mustache and triple goatee with his left hand, while sweeping his hat off with the right revealing thick locks of black hair. He brings the hat to his waist, and with a slight bow says, thank you Captain. We all serve her according to our particular talents. How can Paritosh be of service to you and these excellent persons?"
Sir Bastion eyes the newcomer as he approaches, looking to gain his measure.
"Jokum, go welcome the new man." Sir Bastion says as he stands with an out stretched hand, "Welcome brother, I am Sir Bastion of the Order of the Land, the Blinded Promise of the Redeemer and Scion of the Storm Roc tribe. Please sit and tell us of yourself if would. Then you can ask questions of us if you need."
"Ah a fellow newcomer, perhaps now I won't feel so out of place in all this!" Nemris chuckles.
Rapidly switching his hat to his left hand as he moves forward towards Sir Bastion. He takes the proffered hand and gives a firm shake, "pleasure to meet you Sir Bastion. I am just a man, apparently flawed or broken, but one who wishes to take the fight to the demons. I hail from Qadira and have had some successes and some failures battling the enemy. I am somewhat short of stature, tall of purpose, wide of heart, and narrow of vision." He waits a moment, hoping he has satisfied his questioner. Determining the pregnant pause is his to fill, he continues, "I am skilled with sword and bow, on horse or afoot. Have any of these skills any use to such as yourself good sir?"
Good sir dwarf, I may be a newcomer to you, but I am hardly a newcomer to the fight. And let me assure you that She welcomes all in this worthy endeavor. Is this not so Captain?" Paritosh looks to Irabeth for confirmation.
"I think those skills would greatly assist us."Sir Bastion says with a smile. "I bring the healing strength of The Redeemer, the resolve to rid the demons from my ancestor's lands, and send them back to the Abyss from hence they come. She guides my arm and heart, and reveals the path before me."
"Very good Sir Bastion. I know not his name, but I like the look of your dwarf friend. May gap you can introduce us please? As well as to your other compatriots. Perhaps afterwards we can discuss the specifics of your needs, and how best to obtain success?"
Lirrathan slumps his shouldrs and rolls his eyes with an audible 'ugh' when Bastion and the new guy jibber-jabber back and forth at one another. "You got to be kidding me? We already got Bastion and Arc gabbing like school girls with everyone we meet, and now this guy?" He turns to Nemris, "Well dwarf, it looks like you are are the only ones of less words than actions. You any good at sneaking and scouting?"
He turns to the new guy, looking him over with scrutiny, before asking "So, what's your stance on taking prisoners. For or against?" He holds his hands up to stop him before he answers, "I'm not looking for explanations or rationales, just a for or against."
He is a willowy young elf, lanky with a sinewy muscled frame. He has blond hair that is cut just above his shoulders, and bright green eyes that seem to flash with an inner light when something gets his attention. He dresses in outdoor wear, mostly in browns and greens, but they are not dirty or unkempt. At his waist he keeps two blades strapped to his belt, but these are not his only weapons, as he also has a bow and quiver across his back.
"Good sir elf, I cannot say that I am particularly in favor of, or opposed to, the taking of prisoners. I've not had the opportunity to take many, and can't imagine why I'd take a demon prisoner, but I suppose it could happen. Still, neither for nor against, I can go either way." Looking to the elf, "and your name sir?"
Lirrathan lifts his eyebrows in humor at being called 'sir', more than once at that, he chuckles as he answers "Pssh, Sir, yeah don't waste time with formality for my sake. My name's Lirrathan. I think I can work with your answer, but it's a hell of a lot more long-winded than I wanted. As long as you're any good with that blade on your hip, then you and I may just get along. Heck, Bastion here hasn't bothered me over much, holding his own in fight the way he does. I just don't really like dead weight."
He looks at Anevia, "No offense, you couldn't help it. I mean the people at full capacity that aren't worth a damn in a fight. It may not be with a blade, but even Arc has been pretty useful on more than one occasion, so even weak and bookish types can find some way to help. I got no use for people at full capacity, bogging me down, *cough*Gwerm*cough*"
"I shall endeavor to pull my weight. And as for this," he pats the hilt of his sword with his hat, "yes! I can use it just fine.
I am Acressentes, wizard and conjurer Mr. Jumbal. Our host seems to believe that the paladins in camp have taken a dislike to you. Why ever would that be? What might you have done to slight them? Arc looks appraisingly at the man.
While Arc looks appraisingly at the man after his question, Lirrathan almost looks entertained and looks approvingly at the man having possibly rankled some of the paladins.
i think that it is likely not so much what I did, rather it bothers them at what I was. I was one of them. Because I am no longer, they view me with suspicion. And the irony, is that being who they are, they still must tolerate me as I am,.
Sir Bastion stand just over 6 feet, with a lean frame. With dark brown hair and dark red skin tone, he is of obvious Kellid descent. Dressed in scale mail with heavy furs over his shoulders, he holds a heavy wooden shield on his left arm. At his side are his two favored weapons, his cold iron longsword made of an antiquated style reminiscent of Sarkoris make, and a pit bull named Jokum at his side. The only decorations you see on him is a silver holy symbol of Iomedae hanging from his neck and a set of silver spurs on his boots.
When you get close enough you see that both his eyes are partially clouded over. After watching and travelling with him, you will learn he can probably see no farther than 30 feet.
Finding the humor in Lirrathan's words, Sir Bastion snickers before saying, "'Sir' Lirrathan, thank you for the compliment. I will continue my endeavors to meet with your expectations. Your tolerance for others seems to grow by the hour as I travel with you, and I can hardly wait to meet with yourself at the end of a week." As he leans over and gives the ranger a friendly slap on the shoulder.
"As far as demon prisoners go, I plan on sending all them back to the Abysal Maw that they crawled out of."