Noticing Willow's discomfort, Ionnia hastens to ask the others, "So what were you talking about while we were busy 'keeping the peace?'"
The Tian woman nods at Willow. "The celebrations, yes. It is good to relax a moment from the crusade. But not too relaxed, and not for more than a moment." Her grey eyes harden to steel as she stares ahead at nothing for a moment. "You can never bend before the demon hordes outside. They constantly probe for weaknesses, both without, and within." She blinks and takes a deep breath, then another sip of her tea. "The celebration is good - it shores us up for another year of fighting." She looks again at Willow. "I hope you can capture more than just pretty pennants and well shined and painted heraldry shield - I hope you can capture our strength of purpose, here on the edge of the Worldwound."
At Hiro's explanation, the woman stares at him thoughtfully. "A mission to save the world. Sounds important. And you are from very far away. Hmmm."
As the incident in the nearby street disperses and Cernan, Ionnia and Kipka make their way back to the table, the waitress reappears with a tray of food. She offloads the two loaves of bread, the cream rolls and Cernan's plate of food. "That will be a total of 6 silver. Free refills on the tea," the waitress says as she puts the food on the now full table.
As Ionnia and Cernan introduce themselves and Willow names the Tian woman "lady of the tea", she bursts out laughing in an unrestrained fit of hilarity that Hiro finds a bit jarring, considering the strict restrictions on politeness and restrained behavior normal in Tian society. "Lady of the Tea, indeed," she gasps, then straightens her face into a semblance of seriousness, though her eyes and a certain twitch at the corner of her mouth makes it obvious she is still amused. She stands and bows, her hands folded correctly.
"You may call me Dere," she says. "Pleased to meet you." She looks directly at Hiro. "I have met you for the first time," she continues, and then sits down again. "I simply noticed some very interesting....people. And I had to introduce myself, and learn more." She beamed. "Learning is a good thing to do on Armasse. I know that Aroden is gone, but The Inheritor still reveres what he stood for, and when she co-opted the holy day, though the focus is now more martial, the original intent of learning is still good to do on this day." She looks around the table. "A champion for both Shelyn and Caiden Cailean. I wonder, do any of you others follow The Inheritor? Iomedae is generally considered the patron of Kenabres. Most of the powers in the city are associated with her heirarchy." Her eyes come to rest on Hiro again, and she mutters something to herself under her breath.
She looks at the others around the table for a moment, sipping her tea. Then she seems to arrive at a decision. She puts down her cup and again reaches down, rummaging in the inappropriately long kimono sleeves she's wearing, coming out with long cylinder of bamboo. You can hear something inside clicking against the sides of the container as she places it on the table and looks around at everyone. "Do you mind if I cast a fortune? I find myself intrigued."
That will be a total of 6 silver. Free refills on the tea.
Hiro reaches into his coin purse and pulls out what he hopes to be the equivalent of 7 silver, bows to her and states: "Please accept this meager tip, I hope it is enough for your services." Bows again and sits back down at the table where he addresses the rest of the table "Allow me to buy food. Is least I can do for you helping me."
"I am honored to met you Dere," Hiro replies to her then adding in Tian "I have met you for the first time." Hiro then sits back down at the table. "I have also just met these good people. They have agreed to help me get started in right direction for my mission by getting me to speak with Crusade leaders."
A champion for both Shelyn and Caiden Cailean. I wonder, do any of you others follow The Inheritor?
"I am devout follower of Shizuru," Hiro replies, then hastily adds "probably not as well known here."
Do you mind if I cast a fortune? I find myself intrigued.
Hiro immediately stands up and bows hastily, almost falling over himself, and respectfully to Dere. "We would be most honored!" he blurts out with obvious excitement and anticipation. "Yes, please!" Hiro is so obviously enamored at the prospect of the fortune reading that it takes him a minute to realize that he is still standing and the rest of the bar is looking at him like he is the town lunatic. He quickly sits back down and adds in a quieter voice, "by all means, please proceed Honored One."
As the lady looks at her with kind words it seems as if her azure eyes delve into Willows soul. Drawing out an abashed feeling, the artist knows now she'll have to try her hardest for the festival - to capture the grandeur, the heroism of those who might not be long for this world. To retain some of their memory and essence, a shiver slides down her spine at the import of the task.
The laughter brings a smile to her face, until it dawns that it's directed at her words. Suddenly the realisation hits her that the lady isn't just a ceremonial tea master to deliver their drinks, but actually someone of greater import in the town. Willow flushes wildly, eyes darting away - old memories surface of the villagers that used to stare at the tall orphan living in the old manor.
Trying to compose herself she adds; "Learning is a life-times accomplishment. A duty and honour given to us by the Gods, whilst I'd be glad to find out my fortune."
Ionnia looks up from the tea-cup she's started sipping from, an excited look in her eyes. "A fortune reading? I'd be very interested to hear what you can tell milady." She then takes a bite of the loaf of bread, letting out a delighted (but somewhat muffled) sound at the taste of it.
Cernan arches a thin eyebrow at the lady's bow. With none of his usual verbosity he rises to return the bow.
Cernan's bow is lower than the woman's, but not nearly as low as court hierarchy would require him to do. His response is not meant to be insulting, but rather an acknowledgement of the woman's position, while serving sly notice that he doesn't really pay attention to such things.
"Champion? Well, I don't usually refer to myself as such, but thank you." He replies, clearly enjoying the title.
"Fortune Reading?" He asks, looking with interest from Hiro, to Willow and the others. Hiro's interest is unmistakable. And somewhat contagious.
"Very well, if you insist. I accept your offer." Cernan says cheerfully. It is clear that he is skeptical, although with the woman's references to Iommedia he suspects that she may be priestess of some sort. With another heaping forkful of food he settles back to watch the Fortune reading with interest.
Willow leans over to Ionnia and whispers softly; "Do you know whom she is? I hope I haven't offended with the tea comment."
"Fortune reading? I've not had one of them before, have you?" The autumnal haired artist wonders what medium will be used, tea-leaves, cards, phrenology or other divination devices - she fidgets slightly nervous.
Willow leans over to Ionnia and whispers softly; "Do you know whom she is? I hope I haven't offended with the tea comment."
Ionnia leans in and whispers back, "She's not someone I've ever met, and I'd not worry - she doesn't seem offended."
"Fortune reading? I've not had one of them before, have you?"
Ionnia blushes very faintly (almost imperceptible unless someone is very close). "Not a real one, although when I was training at the order's convent in Nerosyan, us girls would sometimes drip molten lead in water and use the shapes as omens for the new-year; and at summer solstice we'd try to find out about our true love by sleeping with seven different flowers picked that night under our pillows. Those are just silly games, of course..." Feeling her blush grow a bit more obvious, she hurriedly buries her face in the teacup she's holding.
"Ah, wonderful," Dere says, looking pleased. She reaches into her kimono sleeve again and pulls out a little cone and a small twig. She places the cone on the table and utters a quick command word, lighting her tinder-twig afire, and using it to light the cone. A subtle yet rich aroma wafts up with the smoke rising from the cone - it smells like it must be a very sophisticated incense blend.
She removes the cover from the bamboo container she holds, and places her hand over the opening as she lifts if from the table. Her every move is graceful, heavily proscribed, and yet unhesitating; as if she's done this a million times, refining each act until they are each a work of art, blending one into the other. She intones some words in a sing-song voice with strange tones, rising and falling in a manner unnatural for conversational speech. Hiro recognizes the same sort of intonations he's heard during official recitations of holy texts or ancient court poetry back home.
She stops afer a few seconds of chanting and focuses on each of the others around the table in turn, then simply asks "Shall I bring these to the attention of the leaders of Kenabres, as this samurai asks?" as she shakes the bamboo container. Afer a few shakes, a single stick flies out of the container between her fingers, onto the table. She lifts it between between two fingers. One end is red and the other black, and she twirls it so quickly it almost appears to be two cones of black and red laquered wood rather than a divination stick.
"Well. Weal and Woe." She smiles ruefully. "The answers are never simple, are they?" She looks around the table again, then places the stick back in the container, puts the cap back on and drops it back into the deep pocket of her kimono sleeve. "Things are busy with the opening ceremony at noon, but if you'll stay in front of the cathedral in the Clydwell Plaza after the ceremony is finished, I should be able to gain you a short audience with Hulrun, Alodae or Sunnestier. But no wasting their time, now! You have to know what you want to say! I can't be looking foolish in front of such important people." Her final admonission is administered with a smile, taking most of the bite out of it.
Dere drains her porcelain cup of the last of its tea, and looks around the table expectantly.
Ionnia watches in fascination as Dere does her thing. "That is most graceful of you, good lady. We'll be sure to be there. Um... do you have any idea about what kind of woe it is that you saw? Being prepared never hurts, after all."
Willow watches in awe at the fluid movements and grace of the seer, secretly wishing she could have such natural grace - even if it's not combined with the mystic arts.
Catching Dere's eye for just a moment, her own widen at the majestic performance and the enigmatic diviner.
'I'm an expert at looking foolish it seems...' She sits up straighter in her seat; 'But not today and not in front of the Crusader leaders.' she vows silently.
Dere looks at Ionnia. "I'm afraid I don't know the nature of the weal or the woe, Lady von Sturnidae. More powerful magics would reveal more, of course, but we make do with what the gods have provided." She smiles. "It's getting on toward noon. If you hope to be anywhere near the front of the plaza for the opening ceremonies, you should probably think about making your way toward Saint Clydwell's Cathedral."
"Oh, of course. And thank you again for the fortune-telling Lady Dere." Ionnia finishes her tea and stands up, grabbing her gear as well as, after a moment's thought, one of the remaining cream buns. Looking at her companions, she adds, "I think that's our cue to stop being layabouts for a while. The Cathedral calls."
"Yes, certainly." Willow replies getting to her feet swiftly, she places a hand on the table unsteadily. Suddenly feeling dizzy at the enormity of it all, little realising that her days' work has been spoilt. Though she does glance at Ionnia sadly, knowing her friend will miss the opening ceremony as they await the Important people.
Hiro watches the ceremony with great reverence and awe.
Listening carefully to Dere's intoned words and gestures Hiro's regard for this woman is confirmed as soon as he realizes the spell she has cast.
Things are busy with the opening ceremony at noon, but if you'll stay in front of the cathedral in the Clydwell Plaza after the ceremony is finished, I should be able to gain you a short audience with Hulrun, Alodae or Sunnestier. But no wasting their time, now! You have to know what you want to say! I can't be looking foolish in front of such important people.
"Hulrun, Alodae or Sunnestier. These are leaders of Crusade then?" Hiro asks no one in particular. "The ancestors have spoken through Dere and I must be off at once then if I am have any hope of locating group of heroes before it too late. Please, my friends, could you show me way to Plaza?" Hiro asks expectantly. Directed to Dere, Hiro adds in Tian, "Thank you Honored One. I promise not to make you look foolish. The fate of the world is at stake and I must not fail."
"Crusade Leaders...?" Willow looks to Ionnia, feeling like a country bumpkin and not knowing the leaders of the crusade. 'Well it is my first time in the big city. And my village is only a minor part of the empire.' she justifies to herself.
Getting up and grasping her knapsack, she looks to Kipka to lead the way as the local. "We should talk about you drawing technique later, it's very vivid."
Dere looks at Hiro as she hold her still empty cup over the ground next to her, and some evidently dormant prestidigitation rinses off the porcelain. "They are not the leaders of the crusade. I would say Crusader Queen Galfrey is the leader of the crusade. Her rule has been difficult, but her leadership over the last century of strife has been unwavering. Hulrun leads city of Kenabres, and Alodae and Sunnestier are the greatest prelates of the Inheritor within the city. The queen is in Nerosyan most of the time, and the major cities such as Kenabres have a certain amount of autonomy. I'm afraid getting the queen here to meet you, important as you believe your mission to be, would be presumptuous of me, Nakamura-san. But present your case well, and they may be able to get you an audience with Queen Galfrey."
Her cup clean, Dere stands up while tucking it into her sleeve. She sketches another bob, her hands clasped in front of her. "I will look for you near the front of the plaza after the ceremony is complete, then. It has been...interesting...to meet you." She smiles again, and turns to leave.
Right this way, Hero(s)!! My- uh, OUR patrons await!
Willow cannot help but smile at the enthusiasm of the gnome, even if she does wince at the rapid consumption of the tea. Leaving a handful of coins on the table for their repast, the artist hustles after the local Kipka.
Still amazed by the grandiose city, she's even more astounded at Clydwell plaza and the setting for the opening ceremony. Turning to Ionnia; "Just like we planned, attending the ceremony - even if we don't have the best spot." she gushes enthusiastically.
"It's good enough for me, Ionnia replies. Frowning a bit, she adds, "I just hope the Iomedaeans won't think Hiro's story means he's a witch or something. According to Kaseyennia, the Kenabrans have been much too quick to see demonic influences, and much too keen to burn those influences out without asking questions first." She shakes herself, as if wishing to physically rid herself of the notion. "But I'm sure those tales are exaggerated. Surely the queen wouldn't let a lord remain in power if they were true."
"Audience with the leaders?" Cernan even looks surprised at the possibility.
But just for a moment.
"Of course my dear lady! Cernan would not dream of making you look foolish!" The Assimar declares. (Apparently oblivious to the thoughts the others may have about that statement.)
"A meeting with the heads of the city. Exactly what Cernan needs. I cannot thank you enough! Already this is turning out to be the best Armasse day ever!" Cernan says brightly, getting up to follow the others.
"Come along Hero! Let us get you your audience. Then we can go on to our separate destinies!"
"It's good enough for me, Ionnia replies. Frowning a bit, she adds, "I just hope the Iomedaeans won't think Hiro's story means he's a witch or something. According to Kaseyennia, the Kenabrans have been much too quick to see demonic influences, and much too keen to burn those influences out without asking questions first." She shakes herself, as if wishing to physically rid herself of the notion. "But I'm sure those tales are exaggerated. Surely the queen wouldn't let a lord remain in power if they were true."
Cernan Tut-tuts.
"Cernan is certain there is nothing to fear. I'm sure that there are a few who get, overenthusiastic, about their duties. But surely those who watch over a city such as this do not jump to conclusions like commoners at shadows." Cernan says brightly.
Cocking an eyebrow at Cernan; "Why is it I feel that you'd fear nothing, just take a quick dram and come back with a witty retort." Willow adds jovially trying to settle the nerves she feels deep within the pit of her stomach. Putting them down to the approaching opening ceremony rather than a feeling of dread.
"Should be exciting, I've heard there's dancers from the coast." she says enthusiastically.
The city streets are more crowded as the group makes their way toward the center of the city, from the outer rings of the Gate District and New Kenabres toward the old, original town. With the sun almost overhead and noon draws near, the higher elevation of the old city doesn’t yet cast its afternoon shadow over the new.
The narrow switchback road that rises up to the Ring District inside the original city walls, the old solid walls from before the Worldwound existed, is kept clear of merchants and hawkers by roving patrols of Eagle Knights that have volunteered to keep the traffic moving during the festivities.
At the top of the switchback the spires of the Cathedral of St. Clydwell can be seen rising over the eastern wall of the inner ring of walls around Old Kenabres, and the group follows the other festival attendees and martial competition participants around the south side of the city to the nearest gate.
Clydwell Plaza is in the center of Old Kenabres, in front of the grand entrance to the Cathedral, and all along the edges are areas roped off for jousting, archery or other martial competitions. A crowd is already in the plaza a quarter hour before the opening ceremony, but it might be possible to make one’s way toward the stage right in front of the cathedral, if one were enterprising enough.
I just hope the Iomedaeans won't think Hiro's story means he's a witch or something.
"Why would someone think Hiro a witch? Hiro not lying. A Samurai is sworn to uphold truth!" Hiro replies as everyone gathers their belongings and heads back out into the street following the little gnome.
As they travel the city streets Hiro has a chance to really take in his surroundings for the first time. The city is amazing and full of life and cheer. Nothing like the battle-weary fortress cities from back home with people feeding off scraps of garbage, or worse, just to survive. When they reach the top of the switchback and the spires of the Cathedral can be seen Hiro stops for a moment to take it all in and a tear quickly forms that he brushes away immediately. "I must not fail," he thinks out loud to no one in particular.
"Where we go to now?" Hiro asks Kipka. "I cannot miss opportunity to tell my story and find heroes and stop my future from happening."
Cocking an eyebrow at Cernan; "Why is it I feel that you'd fear nothing, just take a quick dram and come back with a witty retort." Willow adds jovially trying to settle the nerves she feels deep within the pit of her stomach. Putting them down to the approaching opening ceremony rather than a feeling of dread.
"Should be exciting, I've heard there's dancers from the coast." she says enthusiastically.
Managing not too look TOO smug, Cernan nods happily.
"Cernan has yet to meet an opponent truly worthy of fear. Besides, Caydean frowns upon cowardice. Although a healthy respect of another's battle prowess and consideration of one's own well-being is highly encouraged." Cernan replies matter of factly.
"And a quick swig merely helps to settle one's nerves!" he adds with a gleaming grin.
I just hope the Iomedaeans won't think Hiro's story means he's a witch or something."Why would someone think Hiro a witch? Hiro not lying. A Samurai is sworn to uphold truth!" Hiro replies as everyone gathers their belongings and heads back out into the street following the little gnome.
As they travel the city streets Hiro has a chance to really take in his surroundings for the first time. The city is amazing and full of life and cheer. Nothing like the battle-weary fortress cities from back home with people feeding off scraps of garbage, or worse, just to survive. When they reach the top of the switchback and the spires of the Cathedral can be seen Hiro stops for a moment to take it all in and a tear quickly forms that he brushes away immediately. "I must not fail," he thinks out loud to no one in particular.
"Where we go to now?" Hiro asks Kipka. "I cannot miss opportunity to tell my story and find heroes and stop my future from happening."
We go up the gut and throw the occasional elbow! ONE SIDE, FRIENDS, ONE SIDE! SHARP OBJECTS COMING THROUGH! Ten percent off healing potions if accidentally gashed!
Looking on in awe & amazement at the way the gnome pushes, cajoles and manoeuvres her way through the crowd, Willow trails in her wake. Trying to keep to herself, pushing her elbows in but having a tight hold of the wicker basket. It's clear that the artist is unused to such crowds, her wide eyes at the magnificent vista make that abundantly clear, she keeps close to Cernan and the others.
"Busy isn't it." she exclaims in a small voice almost tripping over a bystanders leg as the squeeze to the front; "Are you sure we should be pushing in like this, these people might have been queuing awhile." she asks Ionnia, uncomfortable amongst the masses however knowing that they should try and get close to the dignitaries.
"It's not very ni—. Whoa!" Ionnia barely manages to dodge a gnomic pendant and has to do a quick side-step to avoid ramming her shield into an innocent bystander. "Sorry!"
"It's not the nicest aspect of city-life, Willow, but as long as you don't overdo it," she begins, giving a stern look to a young man in a baker apprentice's hat who's barelling his way through the crowd like a stone golem with a purpose, "people expect it and won't think twice about it. Seeing as this isn't so much a queue as a throng."
Noticing the baker apprentice has found his path blocked by the backs of two sturdy blacksmiths, she adds with some relish, "And if you do overdo it, eventually you'll run into someone with better balance or pushing ability."
Cernan swaggers after the gnome, his skin, hair and teeth gleaming in the surprising amount of sunlight on the joyous occasion. Any accidental elbow or collision in the crowd he follows with a heartfelt slap on the back and wink or a grin. But he weaves through the crowd with a sense of purpose, and between the gnomes bustling shouts, Ionnia's large shield, and his own gleaming appearance, the crowd parts for the small group with reluctant deference.
"Nice place. You know, when not repelling demon hordes,..." He says cheerfully to the now-stranded baker's apprentice as he passes.
Ionnia stops as she reaches the stage in front of the Cathedral, not sure if the Iomedaeans would appreciate a follower of a different goddess stepping onto it before the ceremony's over and done with.
The bells on the tall steeple of St. Clydwell's Cathedral begin to ring the noon hour as the group pushes their way through the crowd toward the stage. On the other side of the stage, on the ground in front, the white haired and white garbed Tian woman stands out in the crowd of burnished steel and brightly colored heraldry. Dere catches Kipka's eyes and grins at the progress the little gnome and her banners have made through the throngs, then her attention goes back up front.
The bells finish their tolling, and everyone sees the aged inquisitor Lord Hulrun himself on the steps of the grand cathedral. His armor is resplendent in the noon light, and he can be heard clearing his throat with his magically enhanced voice when a bright light begins to shine from behind the crowd, to the west. It looks as if an angry new sun is rising from the wrong side of the world as the light flashes reddish orange full into Lord Hulrun's suddenly shocked face. His shadow falls huge and distorted across the cathedral's facade.
Everyone turns, stunned, to look behind them. A nearby crusader in elaborately enameled armor mutters a holy oath and draws his weapon as he reaches behind his back for his shield. In the west, almost against the Western Sellen River's bank, the fortress known as the Kite - the fortress built to hold and protect Kenabres' cracked wardstone - is gone. In its place, a distant plume of red fire, lighting and smoke erupts into the heavens.
Still feeling a bit uncomfortable at pushing forward, she gasps as the bell begins to toll. Anticipation at the start of the ceremony almost blinds her to Dere's presence upon the stage, then catches her breath as the Inquisitor moves forward.
The crimson flash stark against her skin, forces her to turn astonished - 'The protection .... shattered....? The Guardians....?' Moving one hand protectively around the wicker basket that contains Erina the hedgehog. 'Does that mean.....?' her thoughts a jumble.
"Hercle!" she exclaims in celestial, before she starts to gather her wits.
she tries to shout above the furore; she screams hoping people can identify themselves and ensuring the panicking scattering is not too horrific.
'I pray, no-one gets trampled....'
Ionnia lets out a stunned and distraught, "Goddess," as she sees the broken fortress. Drawing her sword and shield she motions for Willow and Kipka to get in behind her.
In a shaky voice she calls out over din of the crowd, "Ce- Cernan, at my side! Hiro, watch our rear! I- I think we should try to make our way to the tea-lady on the other side of the stage."
Lady Shelyn, please aid us and let this be the right course of action, she adds silently in her head, not wishing the others or any crowd-members looking to her to see how horrified and confused she is by this turn of events, instead trying to appear calm and confident.
Tea-viner, got it!
*gigglesnort* tea-divination.... How silly.....
Cernan's Smile never falters as he endures the faint, last -minute jostling of the crowd as the expectant hush falls over them. It's only fair after the last few minutes of jostling they delivered after all. He holds up his hand to shield his eyes from the glare of the sun when the aged holy warrior steps onto the stage. (Sunlight on metallic skin is BRIGHT in one's eyes, as well as the eyes of others.)
Cernan gets a puzzled look on his face as he notices the reflection from his upraised hand is a dirty red, not bright white. Then the retort from behind hits his ears like a hammerblow. He turns like everyone else in the crowd, gaping like a fish out of water. Or a tourist.
"Caydean's Cup,..." He mutters, as unable, or unwilling, to accept what his eyes see as everyone else.
The Voice of Willow, (calling out amazingly sound strategy) and the firm if stuttering commands of Ionnia cause him to blink, snapping him out of it. The rasp of his longsword clearing its scabbard rings out slow and sharp over the crowds collective preparation to scream.
"You heard the Lady! F-O-O-O-R-M R-A-A-A-N-K-S!" The cleric bellows in his best Holy Day Sermon Delivery voice.
"We are the Fighters of Freedom! We are the Warriors of Virtue! You have prepared for this! They shall come, and we shall meet them! Protect the Folk! Defend your friends and neighbors! Stand Fast! Hold Firm your Faith! For Iommedia! For Shelyn! For Desna! For Cernan! FOR GLORY!"
Cernan hold aloft his worn but exquisitely crafted holy symbol, then takes a swig from it.
Upon holding his cup aloft, again, there is a flash of light that is more felt than seen, and all those nearby feel calmer, emboldened by the Cleric's Blessing of Caydean.
Hiro follows the intrepid gnome through the crowd amazed at the bravado and effectiveness of the tactic she employs, while apologizing to those pour souls along the way not fast or smart enough to get out of the way her prickly belongings. Hiro spots Dere at the front of the stage and then his attention is drawn to an aged figure on the steps of the cathedral. "This must be one of the leaders that Dere is going to introduce me to," he thinks to himself. Hiro feels a surge of impatience at the need for this ceremony when so much is at stake and then feels the light from behind and sees the look of horror upon the aged mans face and knows, deep down, that it is too late.
Hiro turns with the rest of the crowd to see the ruin of what was once the fortress Kite. "No! No! No! No! No! No! No! No!" Hiro exclaims in Tian. "I am too late! I still need to find the heroes!"
Hiro then hears Willow, Ionnia and Cernan barking out orders and his military training takes over, squashing the fear and dread that was rising from the pit of his stomach, and draws his sword and steps into place behind Ionnia and Caden and in front of Willow and Kipka. "I agree with Ionnia!" Hiro yells over the throng. "We should get to Dere! This is only beginning!" Hiro warns. "The worst is yet to come!"
Over the war cries and commands being shouted out by Kenabres's multitudes of defenders and the screams of its less battle hardened citizenry, a strange shriek suddenly fills the air, causing many to clench their hands over their ears in pain. The high pitched cry, octaves higher than any mortal throat should be able to generate, begins to deepen. Over the heads of brave crusaders and grim commanders brandishing weapons, shields and battle cries, the odd sight of Dere growing taller than a building rises into sight. Her mouth is distended, and the strange shriek, falling in tenor to a bellow as she grows in stature, is coming from her. Her increasing size bowls those nearest her over, pushing Ionnia, Cernan, Hiro, Kipka and Willow further away from her. Her form begins to shift, her skin growing metallic, strange spurs bursting forth from her back and her elegant kimono melding into her new form. In a stunning snap, the spurs whip open into huge silver and white wings, as the woman reveals herself to be Kenabres's greatest guardian, the ancient silver dragon Terendelev. With a final ear shattering roar of , Terendelev's outstretched wings catch the air as her powerful legs launch her off the ground.
Even as she takes off, a strange form appears in the air over the plaza - the misshapen form of something that is almost manlike, but three times larger than any man could be. His skin is dripping fire and sparking with lightning flashes; he holds a flaming sword in one hand, and the other blurs into motion, snapping an enormous whip so loudly that many in the crowd stagger back a step or fall to the ground. Even the children in the crowd know who this must be: Khorramzadeh, the Storm King of the Worldwound, somehow come into the very center of Kenabres!
The ground shakes violently, and the combination of the aerial actions of the two titanic creatures above the plaza whip the air into a chaotic wind that blows hair and banners wildly about. Dark specks in the western sky, silhouetted by the angry orange red glow coming from what remains of the Kite, are growing larger and more numerous, as if vast flocks of birds were making their way toward the plaza. Panicking citizens begin to trample each other in their flight toward whatever safety they think they might find. Many begin to flee toward the safety of the stout walls of the Cathedral of St. Clydwell.
Lord Hulrun recovers himself quickly and bellows "TO ARMS! Defend the civilians!" as he draws his longsword. A flickering aura flashes into being around him, and he intones a spell with his portentious voice, growing in stature himself.
Two other men in highly decorated Iomedan vestments confer for a moment, then motion the others on the stage in behind Lord Hulrun as they begin to cast spells.
A stout half-orc woman with an Iomedan shield steps forth from the ranks of commanders at the back of the stage, shouting orders and trying to encourage order instead of panic from the crowd while a slight human woman with dark hair kneels at the corner in front of the half-orc and knocks an arrow in her shortbow as she scans the sky. The woman's arm and aim look steady, though she's bitten her bottom lip hard enough to draw blood.
An elven man with hair so pale it could be white, platinum blond or grey screams what can only be a curse at the creature above them in elven, and he raises his arms in an arcane gesture, obviously readying himself for something. His face is distended in a hate-filled snarl as he stares up at the Storm King.
[spoiler="Knowledge(arcana) DC 30"]The elf is trying to counterspell summon monster, even though it shouldn't be possible, as summon spells take a full round to cast.
The shaking ground is beginning to crack in throughout the plaza. In some places along the foundation of the cathedral the cracks are growing nearly large enough for a child to fall in, and it appears that things are beginning to crawl out of the larger rents in the ground.
Adrenaline rushing through her at what's been unleashed she starts to shake. 'A dragon! Terendelev! And the Storm King!' she cannot believe her eyes. Her staring gaze is torn back to the stage as they start to issue orders. Ground shaking beneath their feet, throws her off balance - she steadies herself with a hand against Cernans' person.
She glances to the small form of an older gentleman, knocked over upon the pavers of the square. His bronzed wrinkled skin stark against the slowly pooling blood. "I told them not to run...." she says to herself, though her thoughts are wrenched away at a scream from above.
She takes one step forward, with the others nearly going to one knee under the uncertain footing. The sundered cracks jab hard against the sides of her shoes, scoring the leather roughly.
Thickly her voice cracks as she starts an intonation, to make Ionnia larger against the threat. 'That could make her movement easier....'
WHOA - I think the site hiccuped. I didn't see our DM post regarding the disappearance of the kite and willows subsequent post-i thought it was just crowded. Not changing anything Kipka said mind, just a bit gobsmacked - reevaluating...
Staring, his wide eyes never leaving the sight of the Silver dragon and the Storm King clashing above them, Cernan takes a sip from his holy symbol. Then a much larger gulp.
He then holds his holy symbol aloft once more, and begins intoning his own chant. It sounds oddly similar to Willow's spell, but has the intonation of being a plea for assistance, as opposed to being a command to reshape arcane energy.
Cernan begins to grow at about the same time Ionnia does, and accidentally bumps her as they enlarge to nearly twice the size of normal humanoids.
"Oops. Excuse Me my Dear." Cernan grins at Ionnia with a broad wink. His eyebrows waggle slightly as he appreciates the paladin's figure from a new perspective.
Tossing the also-larger-than-life Lord Hulrune a jaunty salute with his mug, Cernan stretches out, getting used to his new size.
"AH, that's more like it! NOW we can get this party started!" He says, his voice now able to be heard above the din of destruction going on above and around them. He motions for those commoners around him (and hopefully befitting from his Blessing and not in a total panic) to get behind him and Ionnia, towards the temple. "Into the temple you lot. This is not going be a safe place to be standing very shortly."
[b]"Come foulspawn! Cernan brings you Greetings from Caydean! Come and let me give it to you properly!" He bellows towards the approaching cloud, brandishing his sword.