" I'm talking about your focusing on my 'Romantic life', shouldn't you be worried about your own. Find you a bloodthirsty Man.. or Woman to warm up with. Leaving a boy to raise himself seems like irresponsibility.. like you don't want to deal with it. "
There was a beat or two of silence. Yvell had clearly taken Muga off guard. The recovery was silent, but noticeable as a recovery. "If I didn't know you were already taken, I'd have taken the first option as you flirting."
"Regardless, I never promised Mitsu anything. There was no contract, formal or informal, I helped him cause I had nothing better to do. I like things that way. 'Romance', least the kind you're thinking of, requires commitment. That's not a resource I have in bountiful supply."
Yvell's grin grew, it was not a nice smile. " Such things were not out of the ordinary for those in my place of study. I'm more surprised your mind went to such a conclusion. I wasnt sure I was your type. "
Yvell raised a brow, " I'm not so sure on Mitsu or your self-assured lack of 'commitment' you seem to be pretty committed to quite a few things. I guess you just don't wish to share those commitments with others. Well unless it ends with steel inside them. "
"I meant it more as a jab at you as bloodthirsty, but I can see why that wouldn't stick on you." Muga shrugged. "Except in Phylla's case."
"Commitment to my own ideals, and commitment to the ideals of another are different things."
" Bloodthirsty is something you could describe me as.. yes. It also seems you are not that much different from me. Its just the commitment is smaller in scale on your side somewhat. More insular. Personal. I won't question your methods, I will simply pick up were you might be lacking. That is what 'comrades' do. "
Val raises an eyebrow listening to the conversation a large smirk on her face as she stiffels a laugh.
After the duel, you head to the Palace of Brigh to meet with Joram Kyte.
In a corner of the open space of the church, you find one of Dinvaya's Brigh Constructs standing guard.
Joram Kyte exits a room holding a rod in his hand. "Ah, I had a feeling you would show up today. It is not much but I thank you for rescuing my friend."
He hands a rod to Valtyra.
"Thank you very much! I'm glad we were able to help." Val says accepting the rod.
"Well, it's good to have more believers in Brigh. Dinvaya will surely improve the worship of the Whisper in Bronze." Joram Kyte offers a wide smile. "Perhaps you all have also seen how wonderful constructs and machines can be, and would consider having Brigh as your favored deity? She asks for very little beyond improving oneself."
"Already accounted for, apologies."
"Thank you for the offer but I have dedicated my life to Serenrae. She has chosen me and i cant turn away." Val says politely stowing the rod.
Yvell folds his arms as well, " As you are aware, Ragathiel has ever given up on me yet and so I intend to stay that way. Self Improvement is the call of any who wish to become stronger for their beliefs. I thank you for the gift and am glad you have the company of a longgone friend. "
Yvell makes eye contact with Valtyra for the briefest of moments
Phylla wiggles her tendrils. "Self improvement is interesting, but Brigh is one of those robots isn't she? I am clearly not a robot, so I decline, Joram Kyte."
She turns to Yvell and Valtyra and sends, "I am a celestial being, so following one of these other celestials is the proper choice."
"Then, do you also believe in a higher power, Muga-servant? I do not recall you calling for a God's help when you charge into battle."
Joram Kyte sighs, then returns his wide, patriarchal smile. He excuses himself for his studies.
"Oh, certainly I believe in higher powers. I just don't bother them for help when I don't need it."
Yvell's heart warms at Phylla's declaration. " You have made a choice most befitting your Excellence, Phylla. I am glad. "
He then looks to Muga.
" I believe that is the case for mot worshipers, I myself champion my Lord. However he rewards my efforts, he is not one to answer every beck and call that is not worthy of such. Muga I penned you as a Gorumite.. or some outer being of slaughter. "
"Fraid I haven't actually heard of that one's details. Though I can respect deities, if I worship one, it's quite accidental."
" Gorum is the diety of War, Fighting in its purest form. He is often depicted as a humanoid clad in armor and spikes and was known to slay Demon and Angel alike. Where there is conflict or war, Gorum is there. I would imagine him like your land's Shizuru.. without all the non-fighting portions. "
"Eh, not bad. I may look into it on my own time."
" A simple thought. I am not a evangelist of any faith. I am a Sentinel if anything. Not comes the question, what will you do now Muga? You have completed your mission and acquired a helpful sum. You have even gotten a fight out of it. Enough to live your life however you please. "
"... I've kinda been with you this whole time, so, I know about the remaining threat. Our mission isn't even close to over, we're just taking some downtime between leads."
Yvell gave an appreciative nod, " I ask for your sake s well as ours. it is not out of the question for those seeking excitement or a task to feel satisfied with one portion or another of service. That is the case with Bran when we looked for his Father. I was simply assuring your commitment. It was in no way a belittlement or assumption. It is standard in military affair. "
Yvell stuck his hand out, " Glad to have your services once again. "
Muga glanced at the hand. ".... Mmm... Nope. As much as I have assimilated into this culture, still not doing that one. I will kill gods with you, but I will not do the 'handshake'." Muga turned his back to Yvell and started walking away... again.
Yvell chuckled, " I suppose we could have crossed swords instead... I never liked the act anyway. "
The half-elf motioned to Valtyra, " So .... what is it we wish to do about.. y'know? I must warn you I don't believe I am one to be.. romantic. I still apologize about.. worrying you. "
A month passes as you recover from the last adventure.
One day, as you search through Kulgara's gear, you find a notebook with her handwriting. She mentions Hellion, and another god, a creature that came before the Lord of Rust, named Casandalee. This creature's last whereabouts were around Iadenveigh, a town to the west(?) that, while not Kellid in nature, follows their antipathy towards technology.
------------------------------------------------------------------
Khonnir Baine, councilman of Torch, invites you to three to the Town Hall. When you arrive, there are three other people that you haven't seen before, a half orc wearing a brown cloak, a human with disheveled hair, and a human woman with a longbow.
Khonnir is talking with Joram Kyte and Dolga Freddert, but waves at you when you enter.
It was a long, grueling but successful month in between. During that time, many things had changed and many other experiences were had. In the brief beginning week in Torch Yvell began to understand the intricacies of the Fallen Orcess' weapon adding its knowledge to those he would use to defeat his enemies.
Working with the many talented technophiles and artisans of Torch he was able to Blend historic and established weaponry with the technology of this new weapon. Something fierce was born. It took some getting used to.
Along that same line of reasoning, ultimately he would need to reequip himself and Phylla.
After everything was said and done he traveled back to Scrapwall to make their 'gang' a more permanent fixture. Rallying scrappers, assigning officers and generally keeping the gang strong but good. His tactics and mindset changed slightly and became more attuned to others empowering both himself and his allies further, the guidance of Ragathiel seeing him through the shaky times during. Reading about this Casandalee was interesting and it spurred many questions from Phylla whose questions were a constant onslaught. Her training was going well and Yvell began to hold differing conversations with the alien plant. Some on a more personal level, this was more practice for Valtyra.. for she was hurdle Yvell found much harder to jump.
When they were contacted by Baine It had to be important.
===========================
When he arrived, the Half-elf Paladin was adorned in articulate armor a clear combination of the tech and heraldry of his lord. His blade red and thicker with serrated teeth. He looks upon the newcommers and, for the first time, smiles. " Its glad to see yo all again. Is this... a meeting of like minded individuals? Is there something Important you must tell us? "
Muga, in the mean time, spent a lot of time in Scrapwall, fighting, armwrestling, drinking, and taking jobs that involved any or preferably multiple of the above three. He was the complete antithesis of Yvell's above attempts to reform Scrapwall.
~~
In ever-continuing contrast to the shining techno-paladin, Muga's gear was a foreign display of steel forced to serve for long years without any care paid to appearance. Light metal armor and multiple blades upon his hip.
Muga gave a long drawn out exhale, before raising his eyes to display the smile that was reaching all the way up to them. "No, Yvell, we all just came here because Baine wanted to gaze upon your beautiful countenance." As usual, Muga delivered his joke with a completely straight tone of voice, rather than dripping with sarcasm. And he continued, with a knowing nod. "And who could blame him?" He finished with an exaggeratedly effeminate turn of the head, with hand motion as if hiding behind a fan to conceal a blush, with a stage whisper to the new crowd. A movement that did not mesh at all with his bloodstained raiment, scar-battered muscled body, or mask. "I'm simply glad we were invited to join in as well!"
He then turned more seriously to the new group. It was, perhaps unfortunately, not a very high bar that he had to be more serious than.
"I'm Muga. I murder things. Included, but not limited to, people, dramatic moods, monsters, senses of dignity, gods, good first impressions, and things. My other primary vocation is foiling Yvell. I presume we're about to be given a directive or lead that will lead us to plenty of the former." Muga gave an overly polite bow to the others, before glancing at Baine for his final statement.
"Grammanar," says the half-orc in a deep voice. "Gun-runner, vault-breaker. Used to move tech and skymetals with the councilor here until the League sent my operation up shit creek."
Yvell twitches ever so slightly but somehow holds his visage for the delivering of a nod, before it becomes.. serious yet not stern. " You've met the bundle of joy that is Muga, I suppose I should introduce myself. I am Yvell Dullahan Endymion, Paladin of Ragathiel. I have lead the two groups of Torch in saving Councilman Baine and Torch as well as invading Scrapwall. I also deal with Muga's apparent conflicting wants. Along with Valtyra here. " The voice was commanding all its own.
" We also have another member but they await.. outside. "
He observes the half-orc, " You were a Tech merchant or smuggler before all this? "
"Not really a merchant," Grammanar replies, screwing up his face a bit, "But I worked with a Clockfather of Brigh, bringing guns and adamantine weapons to the Lastwall Crusaders."
" Clockfather? I don't think I've heard that term used. Brigh helping the Crusaders makes sense considering her good leanings. Were yo a fellow Worshiper or was it for the pay? " Yvell's eyes focused on Grammanar
"Greetings, I am Perdix, of Oparra. I have been visiting this locale in search of furthering my researches, but have fun afoul of some local faction that appears to dislike the pursuit of knowledge. What a bunch of luddites. The Councilman said that perhaps we might have common cause against the people who have been interfering with me. "
Yvell seems to twist his face somewhat at the 'furthering my researches' portion. " Well Met, Perdix. However, I must ask.. what research do you speak of? I assume you are mentioning the Technic League being a Thorn in your side? "
"Yes, in fact they have been rather difficult about my investigations. I've already written the definitive works on some of the Thassilon and Azlanti monuments, and artifacts, and felt that the Numerian sky artifacts would make for a worthy successor tome. The League appears to frown on such things. Though frown is definitely an understatement. They have killed or scared off all my former colleagues on this expedition. "
Yvell's face became stern and thoughtful, adjusting himself in his armor. " The Technic League is indeed a variable plague that needs to be rid of on this world. They even sent agents hidden to interfere with Torch's happenings. They would stop at noting to ensure only they gain knowledge. You will be glad to know.. dying is a very hard thing to do under my command. I have seen none of my allies killed. "
"A Clockfather is any member of Brigh's clergy more interested in understanding than preaching. I'm no mystic or rogue, just a concerned fellow who spent more than enough time fighting the uncivilized hordes of Belkzen. But right now I'm looking for a different sort of revenge."
And then Grammanar shudders at the wizard's comments. "Perdix—that's the understatement of the century. The Technic League ain't luddites or 'some local faction.' They're a band of deadly-powerful genius wizards who run an entire nation. If you set out to write an actual book on 'sky artifacts', it's a wonder you're still alive; the League wouldn't just kill you for writing it, they'd send assassins after everyone who bought or sold a copy."
Shrugging, he follows this with a half-hearted "Welcome to Numeria. Start learning about the locals quickly, or you'll be dead real soon."
" Funny you mentioned Assassins, the one posed as a merchant tried to kill me after we saved Torch. I recommended he be burned alive in the the torch for this. So you can be safe in knowing I am nor any of us, are likely 'friends' with the Technic League. " Yvell motioned to Grammanar, " What sort of Revenge do you seek? My lord is one of a few that understands and accommodates such a thing within an area. "
Grammanar points at the scars on his face. "This is laser fire, from a League ambush. There's more where you can't see. I'm just looking to return the injury, and Councilor Baine recommended doing some good for the region while I'm at it."
Yvell looks over the wounds, seeing the history that clearly went along with it as well as the look in the man's eyes told him it was genuine. Yvell however.. was hesitant. " I suppose as long s Revenge isnt the only ting that drives your choice.. I can see it going well for you. Though I question why you did not get it.. healed in some manner? I would guess as a lesson, or the Clockfather dying in the ambush? "
"...because when you're injured underground, a hundred miles from the nearest safe town, there's not a whole lot of healers around to patch you up before the scar sets in," Grammanar replies, shaking his head as though this is a pointless question.
"Wait, so you're not ok with revenge being the only thing that motivates someone, but you were fine with me just enjoying battle? Isn't there a wasp lady for revenge just like there's iron dude for battle?"
" You misinterpret my words, I am not saying I have a problem with the act of Revenge, I have an issue with that blinding you to all other things. There is a difference. I simply wished to affirm that. The woman you speak of is similar in that way. Calistria is fine with revenge, but the revenge is specific to slights and petty issues. I had to know much of her due to my heritage. "
Yvell Sighs, " That is why I asked, I assumed as much. The situation either called for lack of resources or safety. In this case you must have been alone or as I said the Clockfather died. "
"I think I'm done talking about this," Grammanar replies, waiting for the Councilor to explain why he's brought everyone here.
At this point Val walks in. A smile on her face and a few new baubles on her person. This explains why she was gone for a week. While a nice town Torch doesnt quite have the kind of items she needed. As she heads to the front she throws Yvell a wink and give Muga a playful hug from behind then sits down.
Juxt was all too pleased to hear of everyone else's displeasure and mistrust of the Technic League, she had truely found herself in the company of like minded allies. Excepting the orc. He dealt in technology, he would have to be monitored closely.
Extending her hand to Yvell, "It is good to know that the group I have been following has ties to Lord Ragathiel, I hold the General of Vengeance in high regard. I can see his presence in your swordplay."
Looking to each member of the group, "I saw your display in the arena at Scrapwall, I was impressed, but unfortunately wasn't able to meet up with you all to introduce myself."
"I am Juxt, Inquisitor of Arqueros, and I too have been disturbed by the actions of the Technic League and wish to see them brought to justice."
Yvell grasps Juxt's hand firmly and shook as if expecting a friendly test of strength with the grip before releasing with a smile and a bow. " Arqueros, I am honored to meet one of his order. That man took care of my Lord when all others had deemed him unnecessary and a lost cause. I am.. curious as to your observance of our group. I hope I did not disappoint, Juxt. "
" So far it seems that is a bonding condition as of yet.. most of the persons here do not think highly of the Technic League. Though I must ask, Juxt, what is it you did before this meeting that made you wish to.... follow us. "
When Valtyra made eye contact, Yvell's face reddened slightly.
"When our mutual friend Baine here went missing, I thought it best to go searching for him. But if I am honest, I failed my lord. I waited far too long to act, and by the time I had steeled myself to go to his aid, you all had already rescued him and left, not to mention restored the fires of Torch."
"As an Inquisitor of Arqueros it is my duty to protect not only the peoples of Torch, but all those of Numeria. If the Technic League is exerting its influence to bring harm to its citizens, then it is my charge to see them stopped."
"Your goals seemed to me to at least be in the same vein as my own, as so I sought you out, with little success unfortunately, as my luck seemed to take a turn for the worse during my pursuit."
Yvell takes the woman's words into consideration as he shakes his head to rid himself of the previous flustered condition. " A Worthy cause indeed. I can only regret not meeting you sooner then. I must ask as well.. as it seems obvious everyone else has a specialty. What pry tell is yours? "
Juxt reaches over her shoulder to grab her bow, shaking it back and forth along her shoulder.
"I'm a fair shot with my bow, as well as possessing the powers of the divine, and a spot of tactical acumen."
" An Archer.. that can be fairly useful, and a keen mind will be.. a welcome addition. A sort of, support from afar.. if I can connect your Lord's teachings to your preferred method of combat? Whatever they have planned.. likely means we will be leaving soon. "