1st of Neth, 4717 AR
The sunlight streaming in through the workshop's windows heralds the beginning of a new day in the town of Torch. The town's citizens wake up and begin to go about their day, taking up tools, opening businesses, and trying as best they can to earn their keep for today.
Unfortunately, all is not well in Torch as of late--the news on everyone's lips is that of the town's titular source of income, the great violet jet of flame used in the smithing & smelting of skymetal, has gone out for several days. Several expeditions under the town, where many speculate the source of the great flame is buried, have been mounted with the goal of discovering why Torch's flame has been extinguished. Almost none of them have returned, until recently...
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Val raps on the doors to the bedrooms. "Hey! Up and at 'em, sleepyheads!"
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Tabitha wakes up laying on her bedroll mumbles while getting up. "Ohh.... Teacher five more minutes.... Tabitha wants to sleep in..." She makes her way to the door and opens it. Looking into the room, she squints her eyes, trying to adjust them to the light. "Everything is bright today. Last night was really on the nerves."
Tabitha turns back towards the room. "Dejah, it is time to get up."
"Dejah is awake. Stop yelling, Tabitha." The Changeling stretched on her side of the bed and watched the motes float on a sunbeam, restoring her earlier calm. With the nature of her work, sometimes she slept in when she worked into the wee early hours.
Rising, her dark hair a knotted halo around her small face, Dejah stood and quickly cast Prestidigitation to clean herself and tidy her appearance. Once done, she straightened the blanket, and, after a moment's pause, moved toward the effervescent Tabitha by the bedchamber door.
Casting the spell again, she put right Tabitha's appearance, refreshing her clothes and form.
"Now, we're ready", before moving into the workshop proper to meet with the others.
Cade is sitting on the floor in the common room when the others exit their rooms. It is obvious he spent the night guarding the rooms. "Good morning Tabitha." A few seconds later Dejah enters. "Wow...don't you both look fresh and clean." He gives a chuckle. Girls...pft. If Viorec comes out of that room all fresh..." He actually has his hood pulled off of his head, revealing his full face. Those who choose to look close see sharp, handsome green eyes; a nice, masculine jawline; and barely noticeable dimples.
Dejah noted Cade's defensive position outside the two bedchambers.
"Good morning" she bade him and the others.
It was good that his head was uncovered and she got to really look at him. He had spoken of scarring, the night before, and she was curious to see the effect on his face. His eyes were beautiful, to be sure.
Dejah drew closer to Cade and casting her Prestidigitation spell again, made right his appearance/clothing, too. They needed to look their best if they were to make an appearance at the Town Hall this morning and make their inquiries.
Viorec is up early and is just finishing his prayers when he hears val calling the group to wakefulness. Summoning a bit of water Viorec performs his morning cleaning before joining everyone. good morning all. Viorec seems well rested and almost chipper in his greeting.With the new day I have asked Cayden Cailean to provide me a way to pay back your hospitality Val at least in some small way. I believe I can do that by fixing your window if we can sweep up the largest portion of pieces. Let me see to that before going to the town hall. It should take nearly no time at all once all the glass is together.
Viorec appeared clean/washed when he joined them in the workshop, so Dejah did not cast the cantrip on him. If he required it later, all he had to do was ask.
The handsome cleric had offered to repair the broken window before they ventured out into the streets, again. He had a need to repay his debts.
"While Viorec attends to the window, I can prepare something to break our fast. Maybe some oatmeal with a little honey? Val, do you have these ingredients or I will make a quick trip to the General Store?" Her foodstuffs from last evening were all gone -- eaten for supper and she hoped Val would have something in her kitchen.
"Good morning."
Cade smiles at Dejah's melodic voice. That never gets old.
When she performs her magic on him. "Well that's a neat trick. I know a whole tribe of Barbarians that could use that." He grins then admires her work. "This is the cleanest I have been since I can remember."
"While Viorec attends to the window, I can prepare something to break our fast. Maybe some oatmeal with a little honey? Val, do you have these ingredients or I will make a quick trip to the General Store?"
"I can help if you would like."
"If we are to speak before the folk in the town hall, we should appear at our best. It helps them overlook other things", giving Cade a small wink with her brown eye.
At the man's offer of help, Dejah's fine dark brow quirked, "Not certain who you are offering your help to, but for expeditiousness, you can lend your hand to Viorec's task, as it is the larger of the two. Thank you, Cade."
At the man's offer of help, Dejah's fine dark brow quirked, "Not certain who you are offering your help to, but for expeditiousness, you can lend your hand to Viorec's task, as it is the larger of the two. Thank you, Cade."
"You're welcome." Cade starts helping Viorec.
When Caedmon offers help Viorec nods his head. [b]That would be great thank you. If you could do a once over on the inside to see if any glass that fell. I will happily take a broom and pan to collect what I can outside.[b]
It's a simple enough matter to clean up the broken glass from last night, both inside the workshop and outside. Curiously enough, while the party works, Val disappears into a side room of the workshop. Soon the sound of a hammer on metal can be heard ringing from beyond the room's door.
*BANG* *BANG* *CLANG* *CLANG*
"Don't mind me--just working on something!" Val calls back just before resuming her hammering.
Once the party has finished up at the workshop, it's time to pay Torch's town hall a visit.
As the party moves through the streets, one of the first things they notice is how busily the townsfolk seem to be working today--shopkeepers and customers engage in heated haggling over just about every piece of merchandise on offer, blacksmiths hammer out lengths of iron into blades with a focus unheard of in most people, and even the few street sweepers that cross the party's path go about their duties without even so much as giving them a second glance. A moment's thought is all that's needed to understand why--without the grand violet flame above the town, the source of much of their livelihood, it is all they can do to keep themselves from going mad with uncertainty.
"You hear about those two idiot dwarves a few nights ago? You know, the ones who went up to Black Hill?"
"Yeah, what about them?"
"They drank some of the sludge up there."
"Wait--WHAT? Are you pulling my leg?"
"I wish. The drunk twits dared each other to guzzle some of that crap down. At least the guy who started the dare got what he deserved for it."
"What do you mean?"
"Nearly died after the gunk burned a hole straight through his gut. If it weren't for Father Kyte, he'd have died for certain."
"And the other dwarf?"
"Damnedest thing--he got by just fine. Even saw him carrying a cow into town the other day--no cart, no wagon, no nothing--he was carrying a g~!~++n cow over his shoulder like it was a sack of wheat! I know for CERTAIN he couldn't do that before--I mean, sure, he was beefy already, but not THAT much!"
"Still dealing with those headaches, Mavis?"
"Hush, you. I'm doing quite alright--aaagghhh... my eyes..."
"Are you still drinking that water from Crowfeather Palace?"
"Yes, why?"
"Well, THERE'S your problem. Ever since Khonnir ran off to play archaeologist, it's been giving folks nothing but headaches. If he were still overseeing the place, the water wouldn't be making your eyes hurt. I swear, the Council better fire whoever's replacing Khonnir--"
"You have proof of this, I suppose?"
"Of course I do! I've been drinking rainwater and nothing else. And look at me--I'm just fine and dandy!"
"...and have you spoken to anyone else who's been drinking Crowfeather Palace water?"
"No. Why do you ask?"
"...never mind."
"You're sure the androids in town don't have anything to do with this?"
"Oh, great. Have you been listening to that Technic League b%#++*+# again?"
"Keep your voice down! You DO realize there was a gearsman--a sodding *gearsman*--in town recently?! What the hell do they want here? Probably to snatch up the androids for screwing up the Torch!"
"Oh, for Brigh's sake--look, the androids are harmless. They wouldn't hurt a fly."
"Says you."
"Yeah, says the guy who's actually dating one. Now shut up and get back to work."
As the party passes through the town square, they see an aged dwarven lady clad in fine grey silks standing upon a podium, with an odd device consisting of a black ball on the end of a bent piece of steel before her mouth. She clears her throat, and the sound echoes through a curious-looking set of horns on a wooden pole high above the square.
"Well folks, it looks like things are more desperate than ever." The dwarf says, the loudness of her voice causing all in the square to stop and listen. "I've got some bad news and some worse news. Seein' as how most of ya don't quite believe things can get much worse, let me start with the bad news first."
"The bad news is... simply put, this is the fourth expedition that's gone missing under our town. Councilor Baine has gone missing."
There's a collective gasp of shock and surprise from the crowd. "Yep, it's just as bad as it sounds. Councilor Baine was--excuse me, IS--one of the only folks in town to have come back from venturing under the Black Hill to see what's wrong. He didn't get very far in the first time around, but it was enough to give us a desperately-needed spark of hope."
"Now, for the worse news." The dwarven lady clears her throat. "For those of you who don't already know, Torch has been falling behind on its taxes to the League lately. I blame whatever the hell happened to make our pride & joy go out just when we needed it the most. As of late, the Technic League has sent at least one of its gearsmen to our beloved town."
This gets the crowd chattering. "Now, no one was hurt by it, but I think I speak for all of us when I say that seeing one around here is perhaps the worst thing that could happen to us. They've sent us a message--get our taxes together in the next couple of weeks, or Torch will end up sufferin' for it." The dwarf pauses. "I don't know what the League has planned for our town, but I sure as hell don't want to find out, and I bet neither do any of you."
"This town needs to mount another expedition under the Black Hill, this time with two objectives--find Khonnir Baine, and fix whatever the hell's gone wrong with our torch. Without either of 'em, this town might as well not be on the map anymore."
Some of the crowd starts jeering as they disperse.
"To hell with this town! I should've known it wouldn't last ten years!"
"Maybe Hajoth Hakados will be a better place to live..."
"What are we going to do now?"
The dwarven lady says nothing as the crowd disperses.
Viorec steps up to the elder dwarf that had been speaking. Pardone me miss would councilman Khonnir Baine be the father of Val Baine. She asked us to inquire about his well being. It seems from your speech the things are dire but you still hold out hope for Councilman Baine's safe return.
The dwarf lady steps off of her podium and nods at Viorec. "Yep. Khonnir's little Val's father. Well, at least in the legal sense. And I hope he's alright, but I'm fearing the worst right now. I don't blame her for wanting to know if he's safe."
"Anyway, name's Councilor Dolga Freddert. Who might the rest of y'all be?" She holds a hand out for a handshake.
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Tabitha is in somewhat of shock of hearing the news of Khonnir Baine. "Master Khonnir is missing?! Ohh... Val is going to be upset."
She takes a deep breath before following Viorec when he goes up to the dwarf. "My name is Tabitha Flynn, I was studying under Master Khonnir for at least about a month. He is a very good person. Do you happen to know his last whereabouts?" Tabitha becomes somewhat pleading near the end of what she said.
Viorec accepts the hand in a firm friendly handshake as he gives Councilor Freddert a thousand watt smile. I am Viorec Kale wandering priest of the Accidental God, Cayden Cailean. I would be interested in hearing more of this expedition after everyone introduces themselves. Viorec inclines his head to the Councilwoman before moving so others may introduce themselves.
The conversation between the gossiping women still lingered in her thoughts, even when the Dwarven councilwoman had spoken on the podium, confirming Khonnir Baine's disappearance. The part about the gearsman she already knew, having met it the night before. It was here, in Torch, because of the unpaid taxes? There has to be more to this ..., Dejah mused silently.
The Changeling stepped forward to make her simple introduction.
"I am Dejah Simin and I have experience in archaeology." In lowered voice, Dejah continued, "Councilwoman Freddert, as we walked in, I happened to hear some talk of possible water contamination coming from Crowfeather Palace -- Is there any validity to this claim? It is said the drinking water is now bringing on headaches."
Councilor Freddert gives Dejah a curt nod. "Another one, eh? Well, here's hoping you'll have more success than the last few I've seen."
"Councilwoman Freddert, as we walked in, I happened to hear some talk of possible water contamination coming from Crowfeather Palace -- Is there any validity to this claim? It is said the drinking water is now bringing on headaches."
The councilor scoffs. "What? My ass it is. Khonnir's taken pride in making that place run as smooth as butter since he helped build it. I've been drinking from their water even after the torch went out, and I'm feelin' just fine."
"Though, I can't say I blame folks for thinkin' otherwise. Ever since the torch went out, people have sometimes been sufferin' from the weirdest headaches. Councilor Murgrave's been dealing with three of them in the past few days alone. Got the last one without any of Crowfeather's water being involved."
Councilor Freddert rubs her chin in thought. "How's about we continue this conversation at the town hall, eh?"
"My name is Tabitha Flynn, I was studying under Master Khonnir for at least about a month. He is a very good person. Do you happen to know his last whereabouts?"
"Damnedest thing, really." The councilor shakes her head. "For all I know, he's still under the Black Hill somewhere. Last anyone saw of him, he mounted his second expedition starting from the Weeping Pond."
Cade takes note of the rumors he hears on the trip to the meeting. As Dolga Freddert begins her speech, he falls in behind his companions and listens intently. His more polished friends step up and start to ask questions. He patiently watches the crowd to make sure there is no threat of danger.
Councilor Freddert rubs her chin in thought. "How's about we continue this conversation at the town hall, eh?"
"I agree. Let's take this to a private location."
Viorec nods his head. By all means lead the way.
Dejah was unexpectedly taken aback by the Dwarven Councillor's attitude regarding the prior archaeologists, but bit down on her full lower lip so she would not speak out of turn.
Least Dolga Freddert hadn't been lying about the water supply from Crowfeather Palace. So the extinguished torch was giving the townsfolk headaches? She put the information away until they could speak privately.
At the Dwarf's instruction to continue talking inside the Town Hall, Dejah readily agreed along with her companions and fell into line as they moved toward the building.
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Tabitha follows along with everyone else. She greatly wants to know what happened, and why the Councillor said that Khonnir was missing. Could it had something to do with the Gearsman? Or maybe something else. And something about an Android?
"What are those? Are they like Gearsmen or something?"
She then speaks quietly with the group in a whisper. "Tabitha wonders what is an "Android"? Are they like gearsmen or something?"
The walk to the town hall is mostly free of distractions as the party moves. Councilor Freddert keeps talking during the walk.
"The first expedition that went under Black Hill to see what's wrong was led by a local tough girl--her name was Parda. Got a bunch of rough-and-tumble lads together to tackle the problem. Haven't heard from them ever since they went under." The dwarf explains.
"Second expedition under the town was led by Khonnir himself. This time 'round, everyone came back alive, and he dragged some sorta busted-up robot he found back to the surface." Dolga shrugs. "Didn't ask WHAT he planned to do with it."
"Third expedition was made up of a bunch o' Brigh worshippers. That bunch, unlike most folk who wanted to investigate, actually looked like they were ready for all manner of trouble. Kitted out with bunches o' techno-gadgets and whatnot. Don't know how far they got in, seeing as how they didn't come back. Still, they looked like they were plannin' to stay for a while down there anyhoo."
"And that brings us to Khonnir's second venture, our fourth expedition." The councilor says as she throws open the double doors of Torch's two-story marble town hall. The central meeting room of the hall is mostly empty, save for several chairs arranged in neat rows and a raised platform connected to the floor by a couple of steps. Ringing the platform is a grand maple desk with several chairs behind it--presumably, that's where the councilors sit.
"Khonnir was all psyched up to go down under again, hopin' he could get further in and get to the root of the problem here. Got his old crew back together, even a local scout--Gerrol Sonder. He asked to go along because he needed money to pay for his fiancée's dowry or some such. And that's the long and short of it--none of 'em came back this time."
Dejah did not recall the name 'Parda' or the tough girl herself. But if the Councillor said she was a local then Dejah simply believed her on face value.
But she did know of the local scout, Gerrol Sonder, who went along with Khonnir on this last expedition.
Dejah's gaze lingered on Dolga Freddert before she asked rather straightforwardly, "Councilwoman, what do you think happened to the people in those expeditions? Do you have any theories as to why they have not returned?"
Viorec offers polite nods as he listens to the council woman. Once they reach the town hall Viorec takes a likely seat as he try's to gain a better understanding of the situation. Excuse my ignorance but from the sounds of things this has been a problem that has been going on for awhile then. I am not even certain the significance of this torch your talking about. Is it some kind of relic? Does anyone know how it may be restored?
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He's since made an effort to go straight, becoming a hardworking citizen who frequently served as a guide using the skills he developed under Captain Langer. In his efforts to woo Emelia Otterbie, the well-to-do daughter of Councilor Bazlundi Otterbie, he offered his services to Khonnir Baine for his next expedition under the town.
"Councilwoman, what do you think happened to the people in those expeditions? Do you have any theories as to why they have not returned?"
"Well, I'm all but certain Parda's expedition met a bad end. Probably got themselves killed, throwing themselves headlong into danger like that." Dolga sighs. "I'm hopin' that wasn't the case, but I wouldn't be surprised if it were."
"As to those Brigh worshippers, for all I know they got distracted by some new piece of tech underground and stopped to examine it in greater detail. Either that, or they've run into a rough spot tryin' to find whatever's put out our torch."
"And Khonnir's second team..." The dwarf wipes her brow and blinks. "...that's the one I'm worried about the most. I thought that Khonnir, of all people, would've had the best shot at fixing all this. And now he's gone missing, along with the rest of his crew. I've got no idea why that is."
"Excuse my ignorance but from the sounds of things this has been a problem that has been going on for awhile then. I am not even certain the significance of this torch your talking about. Is it some kind of relic? Does anyone know how it may be restored?"
Councilor Freddert looks at Viorec like he just grew a cabbage for a head. "What, ya don't know why our town's called Torch? It's for the great big gout of purple flames at the top of Black Hill--they burn so bloody hot that it's real easy to work skymetal and adamantine with it!" She starts pacing. "Sometimes, it turns into a great big column of purple fire, shootin' up into the sky for miles. Lights the whole town up when that happens."
"And if someone knew how to restore those flames, we wouldn't be settin' up expeditions to go and find out what the hell's gone wrong."
"With that in mind..." Dolga steeples her fingers together. "...I've got a proposition for y'all."
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Tabitha becomes a bit more worried, since multiple people have went under Torch and vanished. Most likely something down there killed them. Tabitha mumbles in a soft tone. "Tabitha hopes that Master Khonnir only became trapped, and nothing more."
Tabitha shakes her head. Could that be the reason that Gearsman was here? I don't think so, but could it have been sent because of it? Tabitha lets out a deep breath, apparently being held since she heard about the situation of the expeditions under Torch. "Er, Sorry. Just worried about Master Khonnir. Tabi- I hope he is found soon."
"It is unhappy news that Emeilia Otterbie has lost her suitor, then. Gerrol Sonder had turned his life around and was striving to prove his worth when he joined Khonnir's expedition. Perhaps, as Tabitha has presumed, Khonnir and his party are simply trapped below and they may be found yet."
Dejah listened as the Councilwoman explained to Viorec the naming of the town and the flame itself.
At the mention of a proposition, Dejah turned mismtached eyes on Dolga Freddert.
"Tell us about this proposition, Councilwoman Freddert."
Viorec nodded his head in agreement sharing the others interest as he made a friendly gesture with his hands as if inviting her to continue.
Cade watches on intently and awaits the councilwoman's proposal.
Councilor Dolga circles around the great desk surrounding the platform in the centre of the meeting room before digging out a pair of teak coffers out from under it.
"Here's what I'm offerin': if the lot of ya can get to the bottom of whatever the hell's put the torch out, I'm willing to pay ya no fewer than 4,000 gold pieces for it." She opens the first coffer to reveal its contents--hundreds of gold coins sitting in the sun, shining like little stars.
She closes the coffer and continues. "Also, I want you to find Khonnir and bring him home. He's been down there for too long, and the town needs him more than ever. I'm willin' to pay you another 4,000 gold pieces for his safe return." She opens the second coffer. Its contents are mostly the same, save for a scroll sitting at the top of the coins.
"That scroll there? That's for if you find Khonnir and he's, well... dead." The councilor winces. "Bring him back here if that's the case, and Father Kyte will take care of the rest."
"So, what do ya say? You in or out?"
Dejah considered the Dwarven councillor's offer. Eight thousand gold coins was no small amount, split four ways. Yet, there was danger to be sure, and it was fair recompense.
The Changeling's mismatched eyes circled the faces of her companions. Yes, they were relative strangers, yet if they worked together perhaps they could discover the answers to the extinguished torch and the missing expeditions beneath the town. Not to mention the true reason for the arrival of the gearsman. Dejah hoped the wizard, Khonnir, was not dead, especially for his daughter's sake and for the welfare of Torch itself. But it seemed as though magically resurrecting the wizard was an option.
"I am in", Dejah replied in her melodic voice.
"If my companions are also agreeable, we will need to get supplies and gear first. How soon did you want us to start, Councilwoman?"
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Tabitha speaks in a clear enthusiastic voice. "Tabitha will definitely want to join in on this! Someone has to find Master Khonnir, and it might as well be us." Tabitha clearly wants to help find Khonnir as soon as possible, but looks towards everyone else. And agreeing with Dejah, she starts thinking of supplies. "Well, since Master Khonnir has been missing for a few days, we may need to bring enough rations for all of us for a few days, plus some extra for Master Khonnir. And maybe a few scrolls and such. ....." Tabitha listing descends into mumbling while she goes over what might be needed.
Cade whistles at the offer. That was more gold than he had ever seen. "Help a good man and make some coin to boot...count me in."
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"If my companions are also agreeable, we will need to get supplies and gear first. How soon did you want us to start, Councilwoman?"
"As soon as you're able to, young lady." Councilor Dolga closes the coffers and replaces them under the desk. "And to help ya get geared up, I'm prepared to offer these for ya."
She takes four slips of paper out of her pocket and steps out from behind the desk, holding them out for someone to take.
By decree of Councilor Dolga Freddert of Torch, Numeria, the bearer of this writ is to be granted a 20% discount on all purchases of equipment & supplies for an expedition under the town of Torch. This discount is effective as long as the bearer of this writ keeps said writ in his/her possession until such a time as the expedition has achieved success in fulfilling objectives set by the Town Council of Torch.
With a slight twinkle in his eye Viorec voices his agreement. That is very generous offer. A great reward for braving an equally great danger. I accept!
With the acceptance of the deal Viorec turns back to the councilwoman to further his understanding of the situation. Can you point us to anyone who might be able to help fix the torch. Someone who has even a vague understanding of the Torch's workings or is councilman Khonnir the only one who really might know?
"Can you point us to anyone who might be able to help fix the torch? Someone who has even a vague understanding of the Torch's workings or is councilman Khonnir the only one who really might know?"
"For that, y'all are going to want to speak with Father Kyte. He's probably down at the Temple of Brigh, tinkerin' away and waiting for another expedition to get ready." Dolga nods. "Although, really, no one in town knows how the torch's fire burns--it just does, and there ain't no visible source o' fuel for it that I can see on the surface."
Dejah stepped forward and accepted the papers from the Councilwoman. She handed each person one.
Reading the text, the Changeling noted the fair discount and nodded her head. "Thank you, Councilwoman." She pocked the writ immediately so she would not lose it.
Once again Viorec questioned Dolga, this time regarding experts in town who knew the workings of the torch. The Dwarven female responded with a name.
"Then we go and meet with Father Kyte as soon as this meeting is concluded."
Cade takes his paper from Dejah. "Thanks Dejah." He gives her a kind smile.
"Then we go and meet with Father Kyte as soon as this meeting is concluded."
"I am ready when you guys are. The sooner we get started...the sooner we aid Khonnir" Cade was trying to remain positive, though his gut told him the kind man was probably dead.
"We shall do what Dejah suggested, and we shall do our best to find Master Khonnir."
Cade nods at Tabitha. "Yes we shall."
Viorec accepts a writ from Dejah as well. Thank you Dejah. after accepting the writ Viorec turns back to the councilwoman I imagine there isn't much more information you could provide on the current situation that hasn't already been offered. We should get started anyway. If anything of import happens or comes to mind before we descend you will likely be able to reach us through Val. We will need to inform her of what has transpired and what is being done to save her father as well as the rest of the expedition.
With the writs distributed, Councilor Dolga sees the party out of the town hall. "Off ya go, then. Father Kyte's just a couple streets down the way." She points down the street to the northwest. "Just follow that street and keep to the right--you'll know the Temple o' Brigh when ya see it."
"And... would ya kindly give my condolences to Val when ya see her again?"
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The party sets off down the street Dolga mentioned, passing several nervous-looking citizens as they move. Some of them cross to the other side of the street as Caedmon approaches, but none of them seem inclined to cause a scene.
As the party moves down the next street, a wide, domed stone building looms in the distance, with bronze clockwork statues of angels adorning its facade. Upon walking up to the building's front steps, the smell of freshly-applied oil mixes with the scent of burning coal, combining to form a rather pungent odour coming from the clockwork angels. The stone doors of the Temple are open, inviting travelers & petitioners alike to partake of the mechanical wonders within.
The central chapel of the compound is kept fastidiously tidy in some places and an utter mess in others--the altar at the far end of the chapel is plainly adorned with candles, parchments, quills & inkwells, with a large chalkboard standing behind it bearing countless equations written in white chalk. The wooden pews look surprisingly comfortable with their cushions of velvet, and small shelves stick out of the backs of the pews. The chapel appears to be more of a study hall than a place of worship.
Standing before the chalkboard is a redheaded woman with ashen skin, clad in a dirty smock with a grey shirt & brown breeches beneath it. She is currently scribing notes and mathematical proofs upon the board with a singular focus, taking no notice of your arrival.
Cade has a bit of Deja Vu as they enter the temple. He had visited it many times with his father. Though most of the specifics of the memories were gone, the feelings were all still there. He takes a deep breath as he shakes thoughts of the past out of his head.
From a distance, he looks over the lady's shoulder and attempts to see what she is working on.