He looks at Stalker with a strange puzzled look. "Okay." He frowns moving on. "That sounds like a different mystery. I was more asking a question of those closely involved with security and who have had long term dealings with Bearik. I mean. I have never wanted to think of my personal life as a matter of state or a means of political savvy. But I wanted to to speak with you to get some clear council as to whether we wanted to pull closer to Bearik's family or if their was objection."
He looks at Stalker ruminating on why he seems uncomfortable, "Is there something else I would need to know?"
Once done he turns around and sits up in bed and asks, "You you please hand me a glass of water. So... thank you." He keeps his eyes level with yours unashamed about anything and doesn't know what else to say.
"Sorry now onto the subject of Bearik and his family. They are obviously powerful. They have strong ties to our kingdom and the Wardens. I don't think we could stop them from doing what they want, but luckily their interests have fallen in line with the kingdom. None of them seem overly selfish. I would say pulling closer to Bearik and his family would be beneficial to all and would strengthen our loyalties. The acolytes of Bearik have been very useful in setting up, well everything, let alone Bearik. My information systems are nearly independent now and I think that is essential to have more lines of communication and to be able to double verify information from more than one source. Yes, I know this is a lot but I haven't spoken to any of you about this and you should know too."
"What now?" He looks at Stalker."Should I ask her about?"
Quince listens to Elizabeth with interest. "Magic has different paths I suppose. I have been gifted magic by Erastil . . . though not as a cleric but I was marked, called I guess. Though my magic also flows with my emotion as well."
"I can personally make the trip next time we need a shipment of things for the academy. I'll also set out some of my old contacts and see if I can get things started this afternoon." Cleonora said with a nod. "Just send everything you have to me."
Deep down, through all the blood, through all the lives taken, her heart was still there. A piece still pure.
Are you..." He obviously lacks the words or at least won't say.
It takes her a few days but then she hands you a ledger at lunch. Looking a bit worried she offers, "There is a copy of what I know about the Serpents, their cults, and organizations."
One of them is in Restov, Brevoy, an apothecary that you know, dealing with poisons and drugs. She is a cultist too.
There are eight more names and any relevant information on them is listed but really it is not much to go on. It is also understandable, information would be hard to come by unless you lived in a big city with lots of libraries and other sources of info.
"If you are given magic by a god, Erastil, and yet you are not his cleric, then what are you an oracle or something even more..
strange..." She says looking closely at you as if you were something strange and then stopped and laughed.
Quince smiled, "Yes I think that Pathfinder Society would classify me as an Oracle." He shrugs."What's so funny."
Earlier at the Cathedral
Feeling bad for his hard working wife, Kev stops by the Cathedral,
"There you are, I was getting worried about you. Is there something I can do to help you?" Then in a joking manner to cheer her up a little, "Or should we move into the Cathedral so I don't forget what you look like? Although, that will never happen."
When Quince asks about marrying Elizabeth, Kev responds, "Nothing worse than being alone my friend and if you truly love her, then you have my blessing and I wish you eternal love. But don't rush anything unless you know deep down in the center of your heart and soul that you truly love her." He then turns to Katrina with a big smile and wink.
When Katrina grabs Kev's hand, he lets her pull him closer without any resistance while looking into her eyes with a loving smiles.
[b]Later with Elizabeth also
Just like Katrina, he just listens intently as Stalker, Quince, and Elizabeth speak.
"I will contact those I have in the area. It will take some time to get anything of value but I'll let you know as soon as I have something." Cleonora said with a nod.
"Just having fun!" she states enthusiastically to Quince.
Quince smiles and leans close to Elizbeth. "Good luck with your studies. I will see you later I hope."
"How was the rest of your day." He begins with a bit of small talk and smiles when the wine comes. Later he asks, "Are you happy here? I mean I know that you are glad to be free and reunited with family. But are you happy here do you see a future here. Perhaps a future with me."
Elizabeth is not at this meeting.
"Of course, thank you for the well wishing." she states happily as she leaves to work on her arcane studies.
She enjoys being lead. She returns the kiss with emphasis. She will sit down and lightly hmm to herself. "The rest of my day was boring for the most part. A lot of theory and for just a few sparks."
"Yes! I see all of that. Father isn't going anywhere. I enjoy the people. I love our time together!" She exclaims with positive emotions.
Remorse for being put in the sky prison? I don't recollect.
So this begs a question for Quince separate from is going on in the council. Has Liz shown any humility or remorse. I think her being upset about honoring the deal shows she was trying very hard to fix the problem. Is that accurate?Uh yeah, she wants to turn from her old self. She wants to do what she can to do right by the deal. She... yup that is about all she has done.
I can take care of this, or we can do this the easy way... which really is the easy and quick way to get it done.
You believe you were the one to stabilize her.
He again looked at her clearly feeling deeply for her but a look of risk and fear in his eyes. "We have only vaguely spoken of our relationship beyond our enjoyment of it, our attraction for one another and a sense that it may yet lead to more." He looks at her, "Is there anything I should fear here? I have heard that I am not the only one whose company you share." He holds up his hands, "I don't ask this in judgement on you. Perhaps it is little more than gossip of court life. I just want to know if there is a future here? Or if there is anything I should know?"
"No... its just the sooner I get what I need the sooner I... I mean we can act. They are a slippery bunch and all I have to go on is records, journals, and worse. They are a fanatical cult after all. I just hope I won't need to go to the void."
She takes a steadying breath and does her best at remaining serious, "First thank you for telling me about your previous relationship. Before my prison sentence I was very frivolous with my body and enjoyed many carnal acts with many others. Since being here I have restrained myself, for you, for us. I know Erastil and his teachings. Though I live by some of them as others are a bit strict for my tastes. If I have to be a follower of Erastil to be your wife, then it won't work out. Quince, I don't see being in a relationship with you as a prison. Or being your wife. I will be faithful to you as you are to me once we marry. As king you may want to have other lovers, a harem, a mistress or more. When that time comes we will communicate and decide what to do, together. Honestly I have a strong sexual drive and want it maintained, I would preferred to have you but I understand. I want you. Did that answer your questions?"
He smiles. "I wouldn't expect that you be an exclusive follower of Erastil, we live in a world of many gods, even those gods acknowledge each other. It would make little sense to ask the daughter of a god to serve another solely. Many of those gods dedicate themselves to good and worthy ideals. Your promise of fidelity is what I hoped to hear." He smiled and tilted his head to the side. "Lovers, harems, mistress, or more. MORE. Well . . ." He shakes his head playfully. "People think of Erastil or monogamists as puritanical lets put that idea to rest. Desire burns hot that is not lost on me. My convictions aim my desire toward one person."
He sighs, "You say that you have restrained yourself since being here, for me, for us." He looks deeply touched, "From what you have said that is a strong statement of your feeling for me."
She smiles at your words. Obviously not sure what to say next.
"We need a place you're most comfortable." Cleonora said. "You'll be more likely to take to my magic if you're relaxed." She explained.
He nods to you and bids you ado, "Until night then!" Then walks out of your office.
As you likely go over the highlights of the loss of your family one member at a time, the attack, then your vendetta killings he sits holding your hand if you would let him considering it all. He relays what he thinks, "No. You have had a hard life. You are not poison. In fact I would say you are not hellbound, unless you sold your soul. Sure you have done a lot of bad things to bad people but you have intention. Some might even say self sacrifice. If you opened yourself to others, you might have learned to cope better. But that is the past. I have lived seven lives. Some have been worse than others but we learn from them. I mean luckily I have only one childhood. A childhood of a God, by far better than even royalty! Anyways, you might think worse of yourself but trust me you are not poison, maybe damaged goods." You can tell his few jabs are jokes but he means well.
Matter of factly he adds, "Oh, and yes I would bang you."
He cringes as you say the words. But he decides to throw it out anyway, "I have years of advice to offer and plenty of experience. Ask questions when you have them... yes you should date." Then he cuts it off there just staring at you.
-------
Looking at your book:
"There has to be something up with this spell!" he exclaims!
Sulvanii was in his office and is willing to come along. Saren collected his gear quickly even though he was still in bad shape. At that point they pointed out Kevros and Quince might be good choices too. Sulvanii looked at the book and couldn't believe it, assuming you showed him.
"Though a night of pleasure isn't what I seek... If I was going to seek the bed of another... It would have to be more than a physical attraction... Because I need more then that."
------------
"I think there is." Cleonora began. "You see, that spell book belonged to a wizard who followed Desna. I believe, the wizard was working on a new dream spell, and this is the fruit of that labor. The spells we know as normal magic are just those who have already made and proven to work." Cleonora explained as she brought out a small chalkboard and chalk. She wrote the draconic for vanish and held it up. "Magic is a resource like the natural world around us, it flows through everything no matter if we like it or not. Dragons are almost made of pure magic, which is why the magical language is draconic. That speech gives the raw magic form and purpose. Because of this, some wizards have become more ambitious and pulled raw magic into spells of their own making. I believe, that is what this wizard was trying to do! But by using a template of another spell." She paused to let what she was saying to them all sink in before she continued. "Magic which deals with dreams is rare, and most of it need more magic than most can wield. I think that this wizard was wanting to find an easier way for people to enter the dreamlands."
"Now, you all have suggested that we maybe bring Quince or Kev along, however outside if myself I can only take four people, and I've selected you four, with reason. Saren and Krazook have a connection to Jorne few other can say, when we're in his dream we're in his subconscious. If he feels threatened by us it could be very bad, so I wish to ask your help to calm his mind and keep it from attacking us. I don't really expect a fight and if there is one Saren no fighting. While Katrina can help heal the mind if we need it. Then you might ask why I chose Sulvanii to be our fourth... Well it is because, to put it bluntly my friend you're the 'Oh s~@~' button. Because of your ability to go freely to the fire plane, you could get out of the spell and get help if we need it. Your mind just had to be in the right place." Cleonora explained. "But, this is experimental magic, so I won't force anyone to go. This is a volunteer mission."
-----
With your reasoning put out bare for them to see, they see your logic. There are many reasons these four should go, and they agree. Sulvanii uses magic to send a message to Krazok and within the hour he is with you. Then the group heads to Jorne's house.
--------
"Alright.... I hope this works..." Cleonora sighed. "He's been through so much already... I don't want it to be ever harder for him"
-----
The group gets to Jorne's place and he looks surprised! He welcomes each of you into his house. A big hug for Saren and Krazok. A bow before Sulvanii of respect as Sulvanii bows slightly too. He gives Cleo and Katrina a smile and a handshake.
Once you explain the spell and the plan, Jorne goes to sleep. The spell is cast and you have an hour of travel before anything happens.
----------------
"I am sorry to involve others." Cleonora began, "But there are a few things that had to be taken into account." She added as she opened her spell book and showed Jorne the page. "This spell is still an experiment. I've never used it before but it was likely made by the person who owned it before me. If you allow, I will take Katrina, Saren, Krazok, Sulvanii, and myself into your sleeping mind. As we will be entering your subconscious mind I hope that the present of Saren and Krazok will keep your mind at ease. I can then local the problem, and hopefully with the help of Katrina remove it. Sulvanii should be able to leave the spell through his plane shifting abilities to get help if things go wrong. Though really waking you up should end the spell." She closed the book for a moment to go over a few other things.
"I need everyone to keep this in mind, we will be in Jorne's dreams, not our own. We can act upon the dream but we cannot control it. Only Jorne can. His thoughts will shape our world while we are there. To a point his thoughts can even act upon us, and if you lose your grip it could become permanent. Our dreams are powerful. They shape an entire plane of existence after all. So remember, it isn't real! If you give in to thinking so, the damage done to your mind could leave lasting physical damage, or even death. Any questions before we begin?" Cleonora asked.
-----
The group in all agree and listen.
In the Dimension of Dreams, you move through a swirling sea of thoughts, desires, and emotions created by the minds of dreamers everywhere to reach your destination dreamscape. Reaching the destination dreamscape takes 1 hour.
You arrive at a strange landscape. Creatures of draconic heritage can be seen in the distance here and there. You begin to have flashes of a bloody pool, bodies all around you. Then Saren begins to scream... he is gone.
Katrina is holding Cleo's hand and begins to pray.
Krazok growls and begins to move forward but then stops and looks to Cleo.
Sulvanii looks tense and asks, "Do you hear the dripping?"
"No.. I do not." Cleonora answered Sulvanii as she gazed around. "This place... I'm not sure I know where to start." She admitted with how everything looked. "But I can see why Jorne had been plagued with nightmares..."
"Krazok, stay close. With Saren gone you're the only one who might be able to calm the subconscious." Cleonora said, though it pained her to say it. She hoped Saren was safely returned... Else she'd be going into his mind next. "Sulvanii where do you hear the dripping from?" She asked.
Krazok and Sulvanii both look horrified at the fact the cleric is gone too. Neither of them say anything.
Sulvanii breaks the silence, "We are all thinking it. Why? How? But more importantly who's dream? If not Jorne's then who's?"
Then before the answer can be made apparent he walked over the hill and towards the trio. Saren, the raging aspect of wrath, he was large. He was wielding a long cruel blade of black steel and burning red flames. That tattoos glow bright red on his skin. Wisps of creatures appear before him and in a whirlwind of strikes he cleaves them down.
After moving her clothes into a niche with her nose she follows yipping and yapping playfully at you. Then she begins to bolt in wild abandon.
When it became apparent that the dream they where in was Saren's, Cleonora let out a sigh and shook her head. "Of course, Saren and Jorne are bound in a way akin to Elizabeth and myself... which means that Jorne can see Saren's memories and dream..." She stated before she got her book out. "Sulvanii, I'm going to try and speak with him, but be ready to take Krazok and leave. This isn't what we expected and I am unsure how ready we are for it."
With that, Cleonora walked foreword making her Saren. "Saren, Saren." Cleonora called calmly yet firmly. "I need you to calm down, you need to center yourself." She said. 'I doubt logic will work on him, but it is worth a try.'
The large raging Saren began to charge. As you brace for the inevitable he charges to and through you. Just another memory that was fleeting...
Then you hear laughing. A moment later you see him. Saren in the prime of his life, healthy and strong, walking over the hill top. He looks at Cleo with a strange unfamiliar look. With 30 feet between you he stops.
"Can you even speak with me?" Cleonora wondered as she began to close the distance. "You're hurting Jorne." She told him. "He is living through your nightmares. Your pains. It's too much for him." She explained.