[/ooc]Can Rohini give Haka a bit of luck on the knowledge geography roll?[/ooc]
Haka hops off Kanthuun's wondrous watercraft and looks around at the place they've landed. His attention focuses first on the ruined building in the distance, a puzzled look on his face. He shakes his head and looks around a bit more, and then freezes when he sees the blackened trees.
"Uh-oh. Well, the good news is I'm pretty sure I know where we are. The bad news is, the legends about this accursed place say that no one who's gone there - here, I should say - has ever returned. I think we're on the Isle of Black Palms. It's a bad enough place that Katapesh and Nex each wish the other would just claim it. There's supposed to be a Black Djinni - a kind I've never heard of elsewhere - that roams the place. So our Janni friend dropped us off at a relative's place, whether he meant to our not, and didn't do us any favors."
Turning to Kanthuun, he says, "How long will your boat last? If we sail north and a bit west, now, we might make it to Katapesh before the djinni knows we were here."
Due to the fact Kanthuun had more than one swan boat, a short break was all that was needed before the party resumed their journey, using the magical vessel to make their way back to Katapesh. The had decided against the hound archon approach, obviously.
Clear!
Around midnight, a bend of land was in view for a time, though there was hardly a place where it looked easy to land.
By the next morning, the horizon was dotted with the occasional ship. Time wore on to increase their numbers until the familiar dock district of Katapesh came into view, its maze-like docks bustling. The dockside giant remained as large and fantastic as ever.
They were home.
"North is thataway! I think. Yes, that way! Let's go!"
"It's about time. We're due for a break and we need to get these two better."
After mooring the boat in the designated spot for a contact of Hanethes that Talon was aware of (and indeed without any fear of retribution or consequences because the vessel would disappear, anyway), the group made its way through the winding streets of Katapesh. Once again, they came back into town with casualties, but it wasn't so severe, and carrying someone who looks to be just as likely passed-out drunk or high gartered less attention than carrying corpses.
The yamah gathered some attention, but this was Katapesh, and several sectors of the city welcomed almost anything...
The temple was in much the same shape as before, though the morning ensured less camping occurred under the awnings. Instead, there were a few children receiving a music lesson and singing hymns under the awnings when they arrived.
Seeing Tikhade was a simple matter as well, though she hardly looked better than the last time the party met her. In fact, she looked like she would keel over until she realized that Drovya and Hanethes were, in fact, not dead.
She seemed equally surprised that the group was smuggling a pair of azata.
It took her a moment to center before she tackled the problems before her, and she was very much open to input. However, she motioned for the adventurers to once again lay out their compatriots in the ampitheatre. She checked them over, looked at the back of her hands, and the back to Talon and Stark suspiciously.
"It had to be done. They were/are dangerously crazy."
"Helpful to know, Sha." Tikhade responded, shaking her head.
"That does help explain all of their symptoms. Unfortunately, this is a hard melody to cure. I can only help one of your friends today, and even then, only after some time spent in prayer."
Her sharp eyes look around for some form of explanation.
"What did this to them?"
"Hanethes and I were inside a...structure. It may have contained the Father's soul gem--we appeared to be very close. We heard voices, strange voices, and then Hanethes collapsed. As for Drovya, I wasn't there to witness."
Kanthuun looks at his boots and scratches an arm, feeling somewhat ashamed of being so close and having to leave Abaddon.
"I think maybe Drovya heard the same voices. He went crazy and swung at me."
"How odd... at the same time? Perhaps it targeted those of elf blood specifically?" Tikhade asked, unaware of the fact the two were sharing senses at the time.
---
After a short while of prayer that would seem excruciating to the two on the ground whilst they were conscious, the priestess turned around from her prayers and began a short ritual that seemed more of a short prayer for cleansing and Tikhade placing her hands above the rogue's heart.
What continued could be considered a small, contained explosion of white light, shifting some of the sand in the immediate area whilst sparing everyone present of any ill effects.
There are a couple of vendors in the bazaar who hock herbal remedies to this sort of outburst, now that you think about it. While it's possible that not all of them are of any repute at all, you know at least a few of them aren't using snake oil or illegal ingredients.
At least three of them probably sell something that actually helps (though you suspect one of these merchants to be a medusa).
"I don't think so. They were communicating via some spell." Talon says just now remembering the exact circumstances.
Talon will avoid the Medusa and pick up some Meditation Tea from one of the vendors.
The apothecary chosen is polite but malodorous. Being that the man is well stocked, he can purchase up to ten doses at retail price.
Not wanting to drain the inventory of the apothecary, Talon will purchase 6 does of Meditation Tea.
Talon almost makes it back without a hassle when he notices something, or rather, someone from the corner of his eye. This man is as formidable as Skyfall himself in physique, and, more importantly, was a member of the Lion Blades the last time Talon checked.
"A Blade here? A coincidence? No way."
In that case, Talon will pull him into a dark alleyway to confront him.
"What are you doing here, Tharon? I thought I made myself clear when I left. You got a death wish?"
Tharon's foxlike eyes are wide with surprise, but he gets a dumb grin on his face.
"I can't believe it was this easy! Here I am, only in town for two days and you just walk into my lap!"
He doesn't really bother to fight back. Instead, he laughs.
"Skyfall, you didn't get it then, and you don't get it now. The amount of capital invested in training a Lion Blade is hardly something anyone scoffs at, and you signed a contract in blood that said you would come to Stavian's aid when he called. There's a civil war on the horizon that could erupt at any time... The situation is much worse than when you left."
His brown hair falls into his face as he searches his satchel for a missive.
"You've been called back. You were the best in your division, so Commander Torrence said it would be worth it to find you and see if you'd a shred of honor left."
"No you don't get it. I'm done being Stavian's reaper. And I wouldn't take lessons on honor from Torrence. If you had any of it, you would have left too, rather than try to be his lap dog. I'm done with the Blades. They asked too much. Now leave before I make you leave, runt." Talon places a hand on Stark for effect.
Tharon's eyes darken in an instant.
"Look, I didn't know you that well, but I know you're a decent enough sort, Skyfall. Stavian, and Torrence, for that matter, aren't all that forgiving. You're going to be signing your own death warrant. The paranoia fund runs deep, and you're brimming with state secrets..."
His gaze darts to Stark nervously.
"You might be done with the Blades, but they're sure as Nessus not done with you..."
"I knew what I was doing when I left in the first place. As far as their paranoia goes, all the more reason to leave me the hell alone. I have little reason to use what I know, so don't give me one. I get that things won't end well for you for not bringing me back, so here's a little advice. Leave and do something worthwhile. Not this b*&&&~+&."
"As my finding you proves, it's not always that easy."
The lion blade backs away.
"They told me to find you and give you the missive. Not to take you down, though I know for a fact they'd reward me for it. I, however, want to live. I might be between a rock and a hard place, but I know when to run with my tail between my legs to those with more authority."
With that, Tharon attempts to walk away.
"Let's be clear, I found you first and decided to get this over with. If I want to not be found, I won't be found. Now get out of my sight." Talon will let him walk away from that point and get back to the temple.
Okeyday. Back at the temple!--
Rohini is pleased to be back in Katapesh and looks forward to an evening spent in Desna's embrace. She's a little disoriented being back in Katapesh, the party having experienced so much, and has trouble focusing on the re-equipping that may be necessary. To the extent Tikhade will permit, she remains by Drovya and Han's side, and answers any questions Tikhade has about their condition.
Rohini also discusses the Azata with Tikhade at an opportune time. "They are yamah, named Nyota and Illyata. We found them imprisoned in Abaddon, who knows for how long. Their wings were ripped off, and they experienced other physical and psychological tortures almost beyond imagination. They aided us in our quest, and bringing them back here was the only way to free them from that place. Because the yamah are especially bonded with my lady Desna, I'd normally seek a high cleric of my deity for assistance, but I do not believe any are to be found in Katapesh. Nyota and Illyata need restorative healing and/or a way to return to Elysium. Can you help?"
The priestess moved forward to speak to Rohini almost instantly after she checked Hanethes' vitals and confirmed that all was well. She, too, had noticed the outsiders and wondered when that would be a subject breached.
"Of course. There is a spell that would come into great use here, but there is always a small risk, Sister Soni, that things could go wrong. I speak of Dismissal, of course. Failing that, I know a place you could take them, but I do not think you should do so until after Bahjat has been secured. Time... time is ticking away, yes?"
She looked to Illyata and Nyota.
"Are you willing to accept the risk of diversion on your way home?
"I agree, the situation with Bahjat is urgent. The yamah have waited this long, they can probably wait longer. Although the decision is theirs to make, I would rather that they stay here in Katapesh and await our return, than take a risk of them being diverted. They have suffered too much to provide them less than a certain safe return. They will be safe here, and we will be happy to help them further when we come back. In fact, they have promised us a tour of Elysium. And we are determined to come back."
"I agree, Rohini. The yamah should not risk coming back with us; it's not their mission. I suggest we return to the daemon plane soon...although I may want to purchase a few more swan boats. I was saving them for the dramatic escape on the River Styx, you see..."
Illyata bowed her head to the priestess.
"If that is what it takes to go home, then yes, blessed one."
Nyota was not so convinced.
"I don't want to end up down there again... I... I am afraid."
Illyata stared at her sister for a moment and shook her head.
"Our goddess is the goddess of fortune, dear sister... Desna shall take us home."
Her voice contained more doubt than it should. This was reflected on Nyota's face.
They both listened to Kanthuun's assertions and agreed, as they were deadweight, really, in the larger scheme of things.
"It must be done, Priestess." Illyata contended. "I would merely be obliged if you did it at a time when the stars are visible. If we are worthy still, Desna will see us and take us home."
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"I agree. It's not safe for them to go with us." Talon reluctantly says before looking at Nyota. "Just stay here and be safe. I'll be back." He takes her hand in his.
"Please, Illyata and Nyota, I urge you not to try to return by the crude tool of the dismissal magic. Wait for our return and we will ensure your safe return to Elysium, and we will come with you. I know I speak for myself and Talon, at least. We will surely need some time in a place of beauty when we return from Abaddon."
As Tikhade grew in reluctance, so did Rohini and Talon. This deflated Illyata's show of resolve like little else could do.
"Very well... We will wait, then. It is not a frightening place, this temple, and seems guarded enough, blessed ones."
Nyota's shoulders sagged in relief, and she leaned into Talon as if a great weight had been lifted.
"Thank you." she murmured.
Illyata straightened up.
"We can make ourselves of use here, I'm certain. In the meantime, I know Kanthuun must go replenish his supplies, and Drovya yet needs attending to."
"Before I forget, I picked up something that might help Drovya." Talon takes out his purchases and hands one to Tikhade. "Just brew it and have him drink it. Hopefully it'll help him become less insane."
The priestess gave a bow and handed the object off to an acolyte with instructions. Eager to please, the young man ran into a doorway of the main building, small as it is to have been built into walls.
He returned two minutes later with two cups and knelt down to administer it to the unconscious magus.
It didn't look like he was going to be very good at it, but he managed to make only a small mess on Drovya's chin.
Drovya's perpetual grimace lightens, and for a moment, his unconscious face becomes serene.
"That's good, right?" Asked the bright-eyed keleshite youth, looking up at Rohini and Tikhade with the hope of approval.
His (Drovya's) fever broke.
Haka has been watching interestedly as the temple-folk rush about tending to his friends. This sort of place is not his usual haunt, but he's glad that the people here seem to know what they're doing.
When the acolyte looks up to inquire if Drovya's change in expression is a good thing, Haka shrugs. "I don't know a thing about it. I hope you haven't killed him. Maybe he stopped scowling because his muscles have all relaxed as he's dying?"
Realizing what he's said, he turns to Tikhade in alarm, "He's all right, isn't he? Or at least not any worse than when we brought him here?"
"Yes! Well done, my child. His fever seems to have broken and I'm confident that his senses will soon return to him. What a relief it will be to have both Drovya and Han back with us. And this tea! What gifts nature provides."
The young acolyte was at first terrified at Haka's assertions and then elated at Rohini's revelation.
"Oh! Oh! Can I practice that one curing spell?" he asked Tikhade, though permission seems to be needed from Rohini, as well.
"Pei, you should ask Miss Soni, at least."
He gave Rohini puppy eyes.
"Yes, do try. Your embrace of the healing arts is pleasing to see." Rohini will watch with attention and, of course, be prepared to help Drovya in the event of any screw-up, although a failed spell would probably just be ineffective.
Pei, as he was named, pulled out his hands and grasped his holy symbol for a moment, giving the spell everything he could muster and reached out to touch the inert Drovya.
The spell went off, but it immediately became obvious that the acolyte needed more training, as Drovya's hair was on fire.
As the healing energy jolts him into consciousness, Drovya arches his back before his eyes open abruptly. He looks around, shock clear on his face as he tries to get his bearings. Talon? Rohini? Haka? Where are we? What happened? He pauses for a moment, sniffing as his features take on their usual sneering frown. Does anyone else smell burning hair? His eyelids rise as a sudden thought occurs to him, blocking out all else. Oh gods, Ivan! Where is he?
"A good first effort, Pei. Do you mind putting that fire out? It will work best to smother it with cloth."
"Welcome back, Drovya. I have Ivan here in my haversack, and I'm sure he's anxious to be back with you. Do you mind if we just wait one minute -- literally just a minute -- to make sure you're entirely with us again? You were a little hostile back there."
"Pei, bring Drovya a drink of water please."
Pei smothered Drovya's head with the side of his kaftan, looking like he wanted to disappear in all of his youthful incompetence before running off to fetch said glass of water.