"Oh you could be correct, I had not thought of that, Loxley. I was thinking on actions that had happened and did not consider actions that had been withheld." Zeldana said with a nod. "It is possible she views me as a rival while I honestly paid no mind."
Should I cast another healing spell on him?... Though there could be more wounded. Neari puts her hand on his shoulder hoping to calm him. Gokinsae at least take a second to catch your breath. You're no good to lord Deverin dead. You can help by telling me where the fight is happening. The heroes are just inside. She motions towards the inn. We'll be able handle it from here. She looks up at the half-orc. You any good in a fight?
"I have a rapier," says Crusk. He draws his rapier and manages to swipe with it a couple of times to show his mastery.
"Yes... the mask certainly needs to be fixed. I can only assume there is an enchantment... or a material required to make it work correctly I do not want to risk making the ..the.. unspeakable strong enough to return. I am sorry friends... i fear my ignorance has put you all at risk... "
He tilted his head and hugged his blood sister. then turned and moved to Zeldana putting a supporting hand on her shoulder.
"perhaps his memories will return with restoration magics? or time or sleep?I am sorry friend i wish i knew a way to help."
Zeldana jumped a bit when Corrin placed a hand on her shoulder. She simply shook her head an said "I will be fine... Fate just had other plans I guess..."
"Our focus should be on this possession and on getting you a proper mask until we can find a way to remove this from you. Your will should be your own, Corrin." Zeldana reassured him.
Yeda feels at a loss for specific things they may try. She idly stretches her body upward and on the balls of her feet as she tries to think.
Who else would know about such things to give us a better hint? I don't presume to know every wizard, mystic, shaman, or occultist in or near town. Or maybe we should start at the cathedral and get some advice? It trails off like a question, because she is very unsure.
ameiko surges to her feet. speak for you?! she steps forward, anger upon her face speak for you? She clamps her jaws shut We will speak about this later, Zeldana her voice drips with restrained anger. She closes her eyes and takes a deep breath. But, the more pressing issue is indeed seeing to help my brother. She walks across the room and wraps her arms around Corrins midsection, holding him tight. If it takes all my-Our!- our family's wealth to see you safe from this corruption, I offer it freely.
the silence in response to crusk's rapier "mastery" is thunderous.
righttt... Gokinsae says with exaggerated niceness. But, my sword, my lady. My sword is not like any other. It's- It's my curse to bear. he grunts and groans, sitting up. Even sitting up, he comes to chest height upon Crusk.fight, lady? there's no more fight, near as i can tell from here.
agreed the woman who beckoned Neari to help joins the trio. the who? the triplets? I overheard Lord Titus talk about an inital patrols and not showing up either the bodies nor the last surviving triplet. How are you feeling, sir? she leans a hand out and presses it against Gokinsae's side. The healing took well. But, i am reluctant to allow more, unless you absolutely need it...
Gokinsae nods, and attempts to stand to his feet If it must be that way, then i must leave, i must find my sword.
The Duchess nods again. In the morning then. But she turns to Loxley I have a more urgent mission to attend to. she walks up to Loxley, and drops to her knees and presses her face to the floor. I beg your forgiveness, my Lady. But time waits for no one, and these interruptions prevent me from knowing your decision. If you accept your inheritance, I can offer more aid that will keep you safe....
She was just going to leave again? after claiming salvation for him and his people and she was going to just leave?
Anger took hold of him for a moment and Ameiko arms wrapped about him could feel the corded strain of this muscles for a moment as he started to pull torwards the dwarven woman... only her grip about him had kept him from flying directly torwards her in a rage.... but just as quick the rage fled him and he felt weak as a kitten. Her grip on his waist was theonly thing that kept him on his feet and not crumpled in a heap on the ground.
His eyes normally bright orbs of dark happiness softened, saddened. he looked and felt forlorn. emotions and memories from just a few years back came rushing to him when all the sadness and fury of coming home to the village returned.
is there still a dinner?" -
He asked innocent sounding enough.
Ameiko’s Quaters
Loxley is glad to see support for Corrin and Zeldana. Neither of them deserved the hardships that had been visited upon them. It even sounded as if the Dutchess could help them.
She only wished it didn’t seem to be pushing a wedge between Ameiko and Zel. She stood to address them both.
“Ladies, please. I know this has been a stressful evening, but we shouldn’t be at each other’s throats. We need to be able to count on the support of both friends and family.”
She was starting to feel a little better about everything that was happening. It truly felt like this night had stretched over nearly a year.
When Dutchess implied continuing in the morning, Loxley was about to agree that was good idea. But, then the dwarf once again prostrated herself on the floor.
Loxley felt tired. Her shoulders sagged under the invisible weight of her visions again. Magic could lie to not just the senses, but the mind as well, but something about what she had seen just… it just didn’t ring false to her. It just didn’t make sense to go through all of it as, what? A prank? A scam? A trick to get her home to the loan sharks she had run from? It almost made more sense for it to be true.
“Please, don’t…”
She started weakly, knowing it was useless to ask. She looked around at her friends. The Dutchess had said she could help them. Would she withdraw that offer if she turned the dwarf away? If she didn’t accept whatever it was the bounty hunter wanted to lay at her feet, would the Dutchess turn her back?
They had all taken risks when they thought she was in danger. Could she do any less than everything she could to repay that kindness?
Loxley gave a small defeated sigh and turned back to the Dutchess.
”You win.”
She took a breath, stood up straighter and squared her shoulders.
”I accept it. I am Loxley Ryne Gerabania, daughter of Lady Whitney Shaylyn Gerabania. Last living descendant of… of King Gaspodar of Cheliax.”
Loxley took a breath and exhaled it.
”Please offer whatever aid you can to my friends.”
Corrin innocently asked after dinner and Loxley suddenly felt ravenous.
What had just transpired was not in any way what he had been suspecting when this night had sort of started out, and Loxley declaring she was a princess or perhaps a queen but of Cheliax.
From what little he knew of that country that just did not seem to be Loxley's style anymore than he being a nobleman was his style, which it most definitely was not.
Neari let out a long sigh. At least the fightings finished. I don't know who these triplets are that you keep mentioning, but I would suggest you inform the heroes of what occurred. Now if no one else requires healing I'll excuse myself. She begins to step away before halting at the half-orc's presence. I apologise for my curtness earlier. I was expecting I'd need to rush off somewhere. My name is Neari. You seemed to be trying to get my attention before, is there something I can help you with?
"I'd like to help, actually," stated Crusk. "I'm Crusk Dervanrek, bard extraordinaire -- actually I'm just a roadie traveling with another bard. However, I've just been kicked out of the house of ill repute and I was thinking of joining your group."
Bandit's mental comment did not go unnoticed and in fact nearly startled Sazzat who had almost forgotten Bandit could now mentally speak.
Yeda stands letting conversation swirl around her. The key statement doesn't even register with her for several moments. Then, a double-take. She looks at Loxley.
Gerabania... King? I take it you intended to fully leave that behind you?
I'm not really- I've just met the heroes myself. Though perhaps they could use my help, or our help. I mean this is what I wanted right. Adventure, see the world beyond Magnimar. I just didn't expect to find it so soon. I could introduce you to them. She motions for you to follow as she heads for the inn.
"That would be a good idea," said Crusk. He follows Neari to the inn, wondering what might happen. If anything, this adventure was better than the one he had in that brothel. Although he was getting good at wooing that girl when he was unceremoniously kicked out. Not only that, but he never had time to get his clothes on when the bouncer kicked him out.
Still, he was just a roadie following another minstrel. They were the ones that passed the news on in other nations. Still, he had a quest to find his father, but perhaps that would have to wait.
oh crap as in, if she's the true heir to Cheliax, then there will be a lot entities thatll take an interest in her. both to see her on the throne, to see her dead, or worse...
The Duchess lifts herself to her feet. She smiles a broad smile, brilliant white teeth flashing upon her face. Her eyes shine with admiration and devotion. So it is true, my Lady. She reaches out and takes Loxley's hands into her own, and pulls Loxley to her feet. The rod? do you have the rod? She pats Loxley down and easily finds the rod she asked about. She places it into loxley's right hand. Hold this. yes, perfect. and...
She takes a step back, bowing with respect. she stands erect and her features grow hard, stern. In a thunderous voice, she states
The Duchess looks at everyone in the room.
Suddenly, a voice cries out loudly from behind a closed door set upon the opposite wall. The laughter of the folks cuts off immediately as they listen...
Hail, Queen Loxley Ryne Gerabania, heir of King Kermin Gaspodar, Last King of Cheliax. Hail, Empress Loxley Ryne Gerbania, ruler of the Cheliaxian empire, Empress of the lands of Molthune, Nirmathas, Isger, Nidal, Ravounel, Varasia, and the Hold of Belkzen, Heir to Emperor Kermin Gaspodar, last emperor of the Chelaxian Empire.
silence fills the room....
Sazzat was about to retort back to Bandit when the Duchess screams out her proclamation.
Even having posed that question to Bandit, he was not so sure if he was all that willing to run and hide, although it was seriously his first thought, self-preservation kind of ran deep in him, and this just looked like it became a lose-lose situation. For even if they succeeded in keeping Loxley alive, they would end up in Cheliax, the playground for all manner of demons and devils and all the things that play with them.
As for all that bowing and scraping, Sazzat instead chose to remain as still as possible. He most certainly did not want to be any more noticed than he might already be. Best to just be as invisible as possible, which was something else he was kind of entertaining as well.
The bloodrager laughs nervously and rubs the back of her neck. Turning to Loxley, she offers
Would you settle for a hand-shake, or a hug or something? I've never been big on kneeling to others... no disrespect to you or your position.
She purposely turns away from the duchess, who she figures is most likely to be offended or bothered by this refusal, however polite.
you walk into the common rooms of the Rusty Dragon inn. A large table is spread out, chairs kicked out at haphazard angles. Several people stand off to the left, down a short flight of stairs, a cloud of smoke wreathing their bodies as they laugh at some unknown joke.
Suddenly, a voice cries out loudly from behind a closed door set upon the opposite wall. The laughter of the folks cuts off immediately as they listen...
Hail, Queen Loxley Ryne Gerabania, heir of King Kermin Gaspodar, Last King of Cheliax. Hail, Empress Loxley Ryne Gerbania, ruler of the Cheliaxian empire, Empress of the lands of Molthune, Nirmathas, Isger, Nidal, Ravounel, Varasia, and the Hold of Belkzen, Heir to Emperor Kermin Gaspodar, last emperor of the Chelaxian Empire.silence fills the room....
Crusk just nods. She was emperor over the Belkzen Holds? He just thought to himself. Gods, what did I just walk into? Kneeling wasn't his thing either. He was almost a slave, but he was too ugly for that. He tries to find a quiet corner to sit down. He doesn't acknowledge this girl for one thing, to be emperor. Maybe he can learn to sing, so he could write a ballad about this time.
Zeldana seemed to shake her head at Ameiko as if to say 'No, I do not believe we will' however she did not say anything.
"I would like to point out that the majority of those places are not under Cheliaxian control any longer and Varisia was never actually conquered." Zeldana said in a matter of fact tone, the type she uses whenever she brings up some form of knowledge she has. "But I think you'll do a good job Loxley." She said with a smile to her friend.
Just a small town. Nothing important could happen here. Right... Sighing, Neari opens the door and shuffles in, a bit uncertain of what to say. I- ah... Certainly wasn't expecting to meet royalty in such a place as this. Though I suppose your family hasn't ruled since I was but a child. So royalty might not be the right word?...
Anyway, the alarm was raised because there was a fight. It's over now. The townsfolk said something about some triplets? I don't know who they mean by that... Oh and this guy is Crusk, I think he wished to offer his help... And I would also like to formally offer my aid to you- With the troubles facing this town, not the whole... Cheliax thing. She awkwardly waves her hand around Loxley's direction.
He frowned and tilted his head again staring rather birdlike at loxley. He ran hia tongue along his teeth for a moment thinking.
"Your majesty?"
He said the question in his tone more for th title than anything else.. .he wasnt sure how one referred to long lost heirs of a foreign empire who would more likely being killed by the current tegime than welcomed with open arms. He certainly was not bowing to her... He wasnt sure the loud proclamation was the best of ideas either. She was part of his party though, so if she needed help he would provide it... once the mask was taken care of. That which slept needed to stay asleep.
He half froze when Neari came back in offering to join them. He could think of way worse things than pretty elven maidens hanging about. He would certainly share a guar....He shook his head glaring at the ground. was that him? The curse? or a mixture of the two? She was certainly pretty.
He looked at the orc blood who moved to sit in the corner. A wise move for a warrior unsure of his surroundings.he couldnt fault that but Corrin was confused by him. He wore leathers whichc wasnt a huge eyebrow raiser most barbarian folk he knew favored hides and leathers over metal armors.... he had a rapier. He was indeed a curiousity. he would have to be kept an eye on...
Food still?
He was hungry and he had gotten all dressed up for a reason . . .
Ameiko’s Quarters
Loxley tries not to push her away as the Duchess fussed about for the rod and shoved it into her hands again. Though she felt the heat in her cheeks and knew she was turning several shades of red.
She started to protest.
”Now listen, you shou-“
She cuts off with a sudden hiss of pain. She curses and grabs her right arm. In an instant the pain covers her whole forearm. Loxley tries to drop the rod, but the tension in her muscles refuse to obey…
And like that it was gone.
Pulling up her sleeve she stares at the wreaths and crown. Quickly she pulls the sleeve back down, panting for a moment before looking back up at the others.
She licks her lips and shakes her head, giving both Yeda and Corrin weak smiles.
”Please, just Loxley is fine. I’m still the same person you knew just a few hours ago.”
She glances at Zeldana.
”I’m still me.”
She manages a wry chuckle.
”Just with a more complicated family tree than I thought myself.”
She looks over at Neari and nods.
”Precisely, I can’t see myself on any kind of throne in the foreseeable future. We should focus on the problems at hand.”
She added, hoping to divert the conversation from her possible (let’s be honest with ourselves, inevitable) future problems.
Yeda smiles.
Yup, that is our Loxley. I'm not sure what all the rest of this nonsense really is. Surely there's some other relative they can put into service? Some cousin? An uncle?
Crusk starts practicing his lute. He starts with a nice, happy tune.
He wasn't sure if the girl was Empress or not. He does have some knowledge about history his master taught him. But of course, maybe he could learn to sing. He could develop his voice, that's for sure.
"Empress," he said. "Do you like the lute?"
THe Duchess glares at everyone in the room. Shall I make them beg for forgiveness for failing to render honors upon you, your Majesty? The tone, the inflection, the desire, every one of you intimately understands how a mouse feels when it catches sight of a cat...knowing that doom is at hand, a tremor of movement setting off the predator. You suddenly recall the stories youve heard about this woman who has taken down dragons, demons, devils, angels, and more. You feel your mouth go dry, and-
No, Duchess. No. Loxley says with a parched throat.
as fast as the feeling had filled you up, it rapidly departs as the dwarf bows deeply to her Empress. As you command, my lady
Someone mentioned food? Ameiko asks suddenly, rubbing her hands on her skirt, her features pale and subdued.
Corrin nods enthusiastically, while everyone else looks around the room, unsure, only to have stomachs growl and rumble, voicing longing for sustenance.
Then let us adjourn to the common room, and eat the meal that everyone here helped to make. Given everything that has happened, I am pretty sure a relaxing meal will be beneficial
Ameiko, limping slightly, walks to the door that is the barrier between household and business, and holds it open.
The Duchess stoops down and grasps the rod. she presses it back into Loxley's hand Keep this rod with you always, my lady. It has protections upon it that will, for now, keep you safe from divination.
the meal was a rather splendid meal. the nobles, those that were present, seemed to understand something drastic, something impressive, something beyond the scope of Sandpoint and it's minor quibbles has progressed, and they were subdued. No longer did they seek advantage with you, over your, by you. instead, they treated you as equals. they asked your names, your family names, family history, where you came from, how you happened to be in town to save the town. THey asked about Tsuto, about Nualia, about sheriff hemlock and the investigation. they served you food, poured you wine and ale, offered you smoke weed. Donations to the Rusty Dragon inn to help fund your rooms, your meal costs. Crusk, the half orc who waltzed in with this woman Neari, stands by the table, strumming a simple tune, The call of the road. A common tune heard throughout the lands, it conjures images of the waiting road, ready to lead you to wherever you wish to go... after this idle song, it changes to a more raunchy song the saucy andoran
you mull that over as you munch food (the heroes made this? it is rather tasty!) and listen to the strings of Crusk's lute.
An empress! even an unthroned empress could hold more earnings potential than you ever could dream!! plus... she does look kind of cute? perhaps that sword lady, this Yeda... she's kind of hot... And that zeldana...
your mind wanders and roams as you stand by the table, gently strumming a simple melody for everyone in the room. A noble offers you some gold to pay for your lodgings here at the Inn, for your food, and clothing... that noble... what was her name? delving or something. the mayor was she? well, now, there is a cutie... perhaps, perhaps... well, you were rudely interrupted at the brothel, and she would be someone new to try out what you learned so far...
you change your tune from simplistic to something with more feeling, catching the mayor's eye...
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
amidst the silent screaming, some time Bethana shows up, standing next to you, holding your hand. She can see something happened, but isnt aware of what. but she stands there, holding your hand, rubbing it, smiling a sweet smile.
you dont know where the Duchess is... she's out of sight, gone somewhere....
Empress, you????
Queen? YOU?????????
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH the silent scream continues...
Crusk played the tune with more feeling. Tonight could be tonight! Maybe if he learned to sing, he could play a love song to woo that mayor! Perhaps she could look past his looks for at least one more day. Of course the Cheliaxian Empress looked attractive.
Crusk wondered if he could get on stage? Still . . .
He cleared his throat and said, "My lady?"
Zeldana did not protest at the meal. She was honestly too tired from everything to have any form of fun however. Though she was polite to all, it was obvious she was drained. She looked only once to where Jorn sat... a simple last look as some form of confirmation that this was not Jorn any longer... Well not her Jorn... When donations for rooms and meals to the Rusty Dragon, Zeldana turns them away and suggests they support one of the others as she would have no use of such. She did not say it, but she would have no further dealing with the Rusty Dragon after this night.
When she got a moment of pause through all the commotion, Zeldana took out her cards and started to go through them. So much still needed to be done for her friends but she could not help the worry that built within her. If she could not count upon her cards would she be of use to them? She looked to her friends as they spoke with the nobles and told their stories, contentment washed over her face and she gave a half smile. So long as they were safe. So long as they were happy. She would be content with her Fate.
Corrin did his best to be amicable, with everyone even the loudmouth he wanted to fight earlier. He frowned at Jorn in the corner giving a soft sigh for his friend Zeldana. That didn't seem fair at all. He spoke with the mayor, as well. He didn't really have much experience with her. She was like teh chieftain of the city though so it was good to meet her finally.
For a moment his eyes caught the red dress out of the corner of his eye and his breath caught in trepidation. Then he blinked. That was Treju! Jarl's sister! He excused himself claiming to be tired from the very long day and made his way for the stairs. Maybe she was looking for him. He had agreed to help Jarl and his family if something came up.... He found himself adjusting the snow leopard fur on himself.
The Rusty Dragon
Loxley moved along with the others. She was quiet and reserved though.
She ate and responded to questions. But it was all automatic.
Her mind was a hundred worlds away. Somewhere where Cheliax did not exist. Somewhere the Duchess never tracked her down. Never upended everything she believed.
But like every time before, cracks form in this dream and the weight of reality crashes in.
At some point Loxley notices a hand on hers. Looking, she smiles at Bethana and squeezes her smaller fingers. And for a brief moment she feels calm.
She faintly notices that the Duchess is missing and feels a twinge of guilty at being thankful she is. The conversation circling the tables draws her back again, and the weight begins pressing in again.
It seems an eternity before Loxley manages to excuse herself and flee to her room.
*****
That evening, part of her yearns for the distraction of company. But another part of her knows it would be wrong. To use someone to avoid her intrusive thoughts would be cruel to them and herself.
But of course another parts of her craved it. She tries to distract herself, but the panting does little to ease her mind.
In the end, she just curls up and hugs her pillow… and cries.
Yeda does not speak during the meal. Nothing that happened today had a satisfying conclusion. This is one of those days that she wonders if her father and brother were right to warn her away from wandering into the larger world. There was much adventure and experience out there, and she'd enjoyed much from it.
But sometimes the dealings of people in these regions away from her clan, her quah, were complicated, and needlessly so.
Yeda retires to her room very early. Somehow, sleep always cleanses storms from the mind and she can't rid herself of it soon enough.
As the others went down to spend time with the nobles, Sazzat retired to the kitchen to partake in whatever food had not yet made it to the table or had been returned from the table uneaten. The food in front of him in the kitchen seems to have been too much for him but he surely hates the idea of it going to waste. In the meanwhile he spies out into the room when he can, noting all the folks chatting and then practices at reading lips to ascertain what they are staying.
Then the thoughts of Maliphvistone and Evriani unbidden prevade his thoughts. Give her love, right it seems it meant give her sex, and kill the witch, like what witch were they talking about and could they even be trusted with that statement. He highly doubted it, either that or the most obvious witch being Zeldana was definitely not the one they were meaning. He grinds his teeth as he looks into his wine glass before downing the rest of its contents as if trying to consume the answers held within the liquid that obviously are not there. Still with enough of that wonderful liquid he could forget what it is he is trying not to remember and yet that he too knew was an extremely dangerous path to persue.
Your head had no sooner hit the pillow then you find yourself... somewhere?
If you had a body, you would say you were standing, yet you know you do not have a body. you have no form, yet your consciousness hangs suspended, looking, witnessing, on something... something mortals should not witness....
Loxley sits upon a throne, tall, golden, eagle claws for feet. a rich vibrant red backrest that stretchs taller than the top of her head supports her. Loxley herself is changed, drastically than the thin, shy woman from earlier this night. Instead, upon the throne, you see a woman, confident and powerful! She wears a thin, royal purple dress with plunging neckline and long leg slits, legs crossed with a food idly twitching. Her features are absolute, stern, unforgiving. Her hair is shampooed and combed, laying over a shoulder with a simple diamond band binding the locks together. Her arms, bare from neck to fingertip, rest comfortably upon the arms of the throne. A brilliant ball of yellow-white light is clasped within her right hand, while her left easily grasps a long staff that, from its gem encrusted top, emits a brilliant blue light. the lights glow with brilliant intensity, and sparkle the gems upon Loxley's crown. Nine points top the crown of gold, thin slivers of polished sheen upon an equally brilliant band upon her brow. Beneath eight of the points, each point of equal length, embedded into the band, a diamond gleens, reflecting the lights controlled by Loxley. Beneath the tallest point, the center point, equally dividing the band in half, centered between her eyes, centered upon her nose. A large emerald, greater in size than a man's fist, boldy proclaims its presnence with green flashes. Thin gossamer strings descend from the nothingness above, connecting it to the woman's body, gently tugging. At random, some appear to be cut, while new strings appear and connect elsewhere...
Zeldana sits near Lolxley, an arms length away, a million miles away. A simple dress, conservative, of brown and white, plain to the gaze. A maturity scars itself onto her otherwise naive features, a tightness at the corners of the eyes, a pursing of the lips. She stares ahead, swallowing. Before her, as if hung suspended in midair, cards float, gently twisting on long axis. The witch's eyes grow distant, and the cards part, as if they were like two curtains being split by inquisitive hands. A large loom appears, silently moving, threads winding and interlacing. Zeldana reaches a hand out, and catches one thread. she gently teases it up, catching it up with practiced elegance. She pulls the string taunt for a moment, and stares intently. She nods once, releases the string, and it returns to the pattern, unaffected.
Corrin and Dewdrop stand off on another side... Dewdrop, a massive elk of epic proportions. taller at the shoulder than the rumored elephants that roam the southlands, and equally wider, his antlers spread out in a spread, 16 x 16. upon his face, a white patch, as if he took damage to the face. where his eye would be, an emptyness, deeper than the deepest ocean. Corrin, a monster hunter, a demon hunter... a father. Leather drapes upon his stout frame, while a serrated spear is held loosely in his hand. A look is etched upon his face, one of concern, anger, fear, and insanity... he pulls his mask down, and transforms. Before, a man stood. Now, something else. Tall, gaunt... undead? Where there was life, there is now death. where there was love, their is only hate. Where there was a soul... nothingness. The coldness of the grave, of Death, stands before you... The mask is lifted again. The man known as Corrin returns. Behind him, you spot, like gossemer in the wind, 12 feminine figures, each one faint to see, yet each one caring. A single strand connects each figure to Corrin, and when the mask slips down over his features again, it glows with white intensity. a connection of some sort...
Yeda stands farther out, forward of the group, her left hand holding a blade, a massive blade! while her right, she lifts high to the sky and shakes violently, in rebellion. A snarl suffuces her features, one of defiance and determination! Her grip on the sword clamps harder, and black tendrils grow out from the sword. the wrap around her forearm like snakes around a pole. Around and around they creep, blackening her pale skin. up the forearm, and beyond the elbow they twine, further and further up. the reach the shoulder and latch onto her, black fangs penetrate into her shoulder muscle, puncturing deep into her flesh. Her grit burns brighter, and she shakes her fist more violently. With each shake, she shivers. with each sign of rebellion, she grows in size. Larger and larger she grows, ever rebellious, ever hungry for more.
A figure garbed in shadow, cloaked in the absence of light, stands apart, a part of yet removed, unsure. Anything that could define a feature is missing, any item of value is hidden, any movement beneath the nothingness is unseen. Everything about this individual is hidden away...
Crusk lays upon a bed, legs and lap covered with a blanket. Behind him, before him, around him, headboards, dozens and dozens of headboards, each one with incountable notches cut into the wood. A gleen, a perverse sheen alights his gaze as he takes in his handiwork, his tally, his score.
As far away as the man clad in nothingness stands, Neari crouches upon one knee, wreathed in a holy, brilliant light! Her eyes glow with the illumination of devotion, with rapture, with dedication. her hands are held open, wide, inviting. A smile beams from her face, an absolute joy to behold...
All of you look down upon yourselves, but not only yourselves. Across from you, apart, beyond, yet a part of, you see other figures. some are hidden, dark, unseen, without form, only discovery will reveal them. Yet others are known. The Duchess, brillant black skin wrapped in a yellow dress, around her stand demons, devils, dragons, and other planar creatures. the look upon her face is that of calculation, one who deals with information as currency. you see a woman, nude, pregnant, smiling a vicious smile as she looks at Zeldana. Yet, her face, it flickers, from one of brilliant beauty to that of a woman from a small village, one who has been hurt, one who has been betrayed. Behind her, attached by a chain from womans hand to collar upon the neck, a man kneels, broken, beaten. He cowers, flinching, as if being struck by unseen blows. He screams silently, agony splashed across his face. He jerks at the chain savagely, but to no avail.
Youre not sure if you have heads, but you look around, and your mind fails to comprehend what it gazes upon...
You awaken with a start in your bed, the rooster call sounding the coming of dawn.
Crusk continues to play to see if he woos the lord mayor.
If he does manage to lay with her.
What was that?! A dream? No, a vision? Neari sighed, continuing to question what she had gotten herself into. Looking outside she finds herself disappointed that she missed the sunrise. It was hard to fall asleep with so much on her mind and continued celebrations of some townsfolk. She grabs a small breakfast from downstairs, just some bread, cheese and a pot of tea. She prepares for the day as always, praying and meditating on Sarenrae's teachings. She felt the divine power swell within her once again although it felt even greater than before. It seems Sarenrae is pleased with my current path.
Neari leaves the inn, heading for the cathedral. Hopefully a night's rest has done Father Zantus some good.
Yeda awakes with a start. The kind of start where her legs jerk, one up and one down, as if she's trying to land or stop some infinite fall. Thoughts race like a pack of rhinos stampeding through her mind.
Is... someone trying to show me something or was that just random nonsense. The future... for Loxley at least? Was I rebelling against her, or...? Are those powerful creatures and beings who the Duchess works for, or do they work for her?
That thought gives her a shudder.
The vicious pregnant woman... is it Lamashtu?
She wonders how much of this she'll even remember later in the day, but perhaps that is wishful as it feels pretty burnt into her mind. How long will these images haunt her?
When she comes downstairs to the common room for breakfast she seems very distracted and not at all her cheery self.
Sazzat remains lying in bed, staring up at the ceiling. For a brief period, he contemplates closing his eyes and attempting to see more but knows it would not be true, just a manipulation of his own current desires. He mentally reaches out...
then waits for a reply before thinking much further on his own.
Rusty Dragon, upstairs
Loxley’s eyes darted around the room.
Her breathing was fast and shallow.
Long moments passed, her breath began to slow and steady.
The images though still haunted her. If the gods had given her a vision of yet to come, she would take heed of it. She could never do whatever it was the Duchess wanted of her.
She could not be responsible for bringing such a fate upon others.
She pulled the sweat soaked sheets aside to rise and wash, before dressing. She stared at her reflection, at her arm. Her other hand reaches over to hesitantly trace the markings.
Eventually, she had to admit to herself she was stalling and sighed to herself. Wrapping bandages around her arm before she finishes dressing.
Checking herself again, Loxley could see the bag sitting by the door in the mirror’s reflection. A repeat of last night’s urge to grab her pack and flee rising up. She quickly pushes it down and takes a deep breath.
Everything she owns in a single knapsack.
Well, almost everything?
She glanced towards the dress she wore last night, neatly draped over the back of the room’s single chair.
******
Hall outside rooms
Loxley leaned her head against the door to the room she was using. Dressed in traveling clothes. Her sword at her hip, she left her bow with her pack.
She gathered the courage to step away from the door and venture downstairs.
To face the others.
He awoke alone and shivering. The dreams last night haunted his thoughts.. .but that wasnt the only thing.The night had started off.... just what he thought he might have wanted.. but she hadnt come to talk or take stock in him. He hadnt met her needs the way he hoped... and while she had met the most pressing need it wasnt the one he wanted. His shoulders slumped and he slid from the bed into cool morning air. Maybe it was for the best. That dream had disturbed him. A lot.
Seeing the injurned but still majestic Dewdrop didnt bother him as much as he thought it would... but the..the monster he woudl become without a proper mask... or was that what he would become if that which was not named was free.... So many questions about the dreams. They held power. great power. He wished he would have paid attention when they discussed dreamwalking in his training.
Mask... then perhaps a searched for old elven books on dreamwalking... He forwned He would have to think on how to help Loxley... and Yeda.. s*~%. Zeldana too... and get the heart. He dressed hurriedly... ha had a big day today it seemed.
After having a discussion about dreams with Bandit, Sazzat got up. Things were getting more confusing each day with no clarification forth coming just more seemingly meaningless stuff. Were the gods messing with him for a some reason or just out of spite. Bandit seemed to have some knowledge in that direction, perhaps he might be able to learn something from his friend.
He eventually got dressed and with Bandit went down to get some breakfast and see what the group was planning on doing next.
Zeldana woke slowly from the dream. She had not expected to dream of the threads of Fate once again... And most certainly not in such a way as it had been. Pulling herself out of bed she dressed while deep in thought. Change was life... But this... All of this... Taking her deck and putting it within its holder, she headed out. She greeted her parents with a small smile, but then headed out without breakfast.
She walked the streets of Sandpoint, not really going anywhere. Just wanting some feeling of normality? No that wasn't it, she didn't even know what she wanted... Except for everything to not of happened. Corrin, Loxley, their worlds were forever changed and Sazzat likely needed to kill her. For a moment Zeldana wondered if she should let him. If it saved them it was a small price right?
Zeldana finally found herself on the shore, looking out the ocean she breathed in the air. She could walk right into the sea, not fight it. Be carried out away from everything. Let fate take control... But others still needed her. So she turned away and headed for the Rusty Dragon. She'd never enter the establishment again, but she could wait outside for the others.
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Rusty Dragon
Loxley jumped a little when she opened the door, only to be besieged by the Duchess.
It was too early to argue with the dwarf. She patted her belt, tucked in behind her sheath the rod hung mostly out of sight.
”I have it.”
She admitted with a small sigh as she hand waved the Duchess’s apology for her absence overnight.
”My clothes are fine. And yes, I do plan on attending breakfast. Preferably with my companions… if they haven’t come to their senses and will still speak to me.”
She muttered the last under her breath as she started for the stairs down to the hall. She didn’t have to look back to be sure the Duchess was following her.
”You think far too highly of me if you assume I have any chance of wrestling the throne to a fallen dynasty from the controlling forces of what is left of the kingdom.”
Not that she had any desire to do so.
Once in the main hall she glanced around, nervous of the reactions of the owner and staff. She would hate to have Ameiko turn her out into the streets for causing so many problems.
Crusk
you awaken in the morning, and extact yourself from the Lord Mayor's arms. the nights activities were mostly satisfying, but a part of you feels you could have done better...
Crusk gets out of bed and puts on his clothes, leaving the Lord Mayor asleep. He puts on clean clothes, and then gets his lute. Simple enough, he thought. Still, he felt he could have done better in his Conquest of the Lord Mayor.
Still there are other girls he could practice on. He'll get better at his technique, that's for sure. He then goes down to join the others for breakfast. Even if one of them is Queen.
Greeting the day in your particular way, each of you bump into each other at the front of the Rusty Dragon Inn.
You all converge upon the common room of the Rusty dragon inn. the room itself is nearly empty, aside from Bethana the halfling maid, and a human woman, no more than a girl really, sitting alone at a table. She nibbles upon bowls of fruit while drinking from a stoneware cup. As you enter, she rises to her feet and curtsies. Good morning, Good sir, ladies. I fear we havent been properly introduced. I am Ayame Kaijitsu, younger sister to Ameiko- she cuts off younger sister to Lady Ameiko Jaijitsu. Please, would you join me at the table here? I only wish to say thank you, personally. I saw last night that some of you she looks at Yeda are uncomfortable with nobles. I must agree with you. I find the lot of them to be rather stuffy she giggles. Please? I will go get fruit and bread and cheese and mead...Please, sit. sit! she urges, curtsying again.
Having finally having gotten out of bed, and made it downstairs for atypically light breakfast, he and Bandit head out intent on checking in on Zeldana and surprisingly meets her along with Neari just outside the Rusty Dragon forestalling his need to locate Zeldana. "How are things going Zeldana? Morning Neari."