Nethan nods in response to Xanroa greetings and following Al's comments, "Well met Xanroa, I am speculating that these funnels are using your souls to power something. It could be this plane, other planes he has created, to power some sort of weapon, to keep him alive where ever he may be hiding, to free him from his bonds if he is indeed imprisoned, or all of the above. Like Al stated, "A monster indeed!""
Xanroa approaches Alþórel, invading his personal space a little. Xanroa leans his face in very close taking meticulous not of the features currently sported by Alþórel. "Yes, Yes indeed. It is as you say strong woman, he does have features similar to the first of the plane. Sources say that there is still some differences. Sources, written, spoken, can be tampered with changed. So this could very well be the features that are the same. Elf? Yes? There are legends of our people that tell of these older folk, though I have yet to see one in person until now. Intriguing, very much so." He nods.
"Tar-Baphon attacked your world was it? Our tales don't say he attacked us, as much as encroached on this place trying to take things. He was passive aggressive shall I say. At least as far as tales go. I am fourth generation you see. Not many old timers around to get the facts straight." Xanroa clasps his hand together. "Though this does not mean we can't dig deep to find clues!"
"I have to wonder Nethan, if it were a weapon. Who would it be against and why take so long. Our plane has existed for quite some time. Is his target as long lived as he? Or did the target exist long ago? If it is to bring Tar-Baphon back, why has it brought you here now? What has caused this rift to open? You say you are seeking Tar-Baphon now, was that your original intent here? The biggest question Ustal has had about this rift is ... why? The King of Whispers is great and his machinations greater. Could this be a failing experiment, or is it activating now?" Xanroa poses question after question trying to run with the trail of thought Nethan has opened to him.
Alþórel avoids stepping backwards
"Another little downpayment in our information exchange. The nation conquered by Tar-Baphon was named "Ustalav"
"His greatest enemy was a God. That God is now dead, slain on the eve of his ascendancy to greatest of all the Gods. The God's name..."
Storyteller instincts means Alþórel leaves a pause. He uses it to stare just as hard into the face of the creature Xanroa
"...Aroden"
Nethan nods, "Elves and Eldred may not be fully alike but they are definitely from the same cast or in more scientific terms, the same evolutionary path."
Then nods in agreement, "Yes, let's dig as deep as possible and it does make sense why he wouldn't be outwardly aggressive here. If he was or is, he would or could have a double-front war and very few come out victorious from such a war."
Nethan smiles and replies, "Well, let's do as you said, dig deep to find clues because it has not been revealed in full what the funnels are doing. I am speculating to what you need life energy for."
Nethan looks at Al, "So the legend goes. It would be interesting if we learned that the funnels are being used to make it appear that Aroden is dead. Again, I am generating a theory. The good part is sometimes theories become fact."
"Aroden, Aroden... Xanroa ponders. "Not heard of such a name but it is no doubt important. Maybe his name was different in tongue of old.. maybe I missed it because I wasn't looking" He holds his hands up to his head in frustration.
"Then though, if this god, why is this being activated now. Something is still amiss. Something is missing. What...?" Xanroa sits down at one of the chairs in front of his desk.
"Our name does not come from the King of Whispers... or does it? If the First were in league then, maybe. The history of the houses is mired in doubt and misinformation. After all the ones who wrote the history was the First and Second. This is intriguing news."
The captain travelling with the group pipes up saying. "We were sent into here without knowing others were following. Our masters knew that the portal would open. I am unsure what the objects we are looking for are but maybe it is related?"
Xanroa snaps his fingers. "Ah yes Nethan maybe, maybe Aroden is being sustained if he is not dead. To what end? Resurrection of the King? A weapon? Revenge? If he is such a great enemy in your world what would he be after if he were still alive?"
Nethan shakes his head and ponders for a quick second, then replies, "If Aroden is indeed being sustained in stasis, imprisoned, it is for revenge."
"I gather each successive generation has a shorter lifespan than its ancestors?"
Hmh - so they are too looking for someone - something. Is this perhaps not Tar-Baphon's making this world, rather then a refuge or stoveaway of something he desires ? Elise pondered, but did not give voice to her thoughts. She didn't quite trust this eldred yet. And they still had to find the girl they were looking for - she wasn't sure about how this 'bounty-contractor' would go about that. Perhaps we should try and get some sense of his character ...
"For a more mundane question - whom were looking for us? Or is that protected behind some sort of client confidentiality ..."
"Is it as simple as revenge for his defeat?" Xanroa muses.
"Yes each generation is shorter lived than the last. I am unsure why this is. I theorize it is something to do with the siphons and how we came to be more than anything else."
Xanroa shrugs "Oh it isn't you in particular, it is that one there." Pointing towards the captain "The rulers of this humble city actually. They are trying to stop people going after the same thing as them. What that is I don't know yet but I'm sure I'll find out soon. As you now are associated with this man and his kin, people will assume you are kin too."
"Or is what we have seen that the Siphons now gain less energy per victim, and so some sort of containment is starting to fail."
I want to trust you, Xanroa. You are a truth-seeker. You want to escape this world... but there is something about you. Something that makes me think our goals may not be aligned. There is only one thing to do...
"I need to ask something, Xanroa."
"What do you want?"
Nethan muses back, "It is possible that it is more than just simple revenge. After all, it is pretty hard to destroy a deity. Perhaps, it is more like a game of chess between the two? And now it is either time for Aroden or destiny to make the next move?"
Following Al's question, "I agree with Al's question but I am curious do you have a location of all of the siphons and have you ever seen the energy containment? If energy is not dispersed, it has to be contained or stored."
"It could be being used as it is accumulated. Some arcane devices require a periodic 'charge' to be used."
Nethan nods, "Disperse was my version of being used as it is accumulated but the energy siphoning may not be dispersed but focused as you stated. Then again, who knows, the energy maybe dispersed into many functions?"
"What do I want? I want truth, I want freedom. All of Ustal does. We have always known something is wrong in this world. Something contains us, something smothers us. If we are trapped, does it not reason that we want to escape!?" Xanroa retorts, he is not asking maliciously but you can tell he is passionate.
"We do not have a location for all the siphons, we know where some are. We have been sending out those who can deal with them. The energy containment is something else. We have only extrapolated their direction but considering they are close to working siphons we as Eldred are unable to approach." Xanroa says.
"Well, those are good theories. Should we test them eventually?"
The captain says. "Should we get what we're after in this town first though? I doubt there is any siphons here right?"
Xanroa shakes his head.
"Agreed captain. And Xanroa, how many of you Utsal are there?"
Elise nods. She didn't mind taking a closer look on those siphons - but after they rescued their quarry.
Nethan nods in agreement with the Captain, "Yes Captain, let us ascertain what we are here for first. If there were any siphons here, they are probably in the sewers or surrounded by walls. At least, that is my speculation." Nethan looks back to Xanroa waiting for his answer for Al and if his head shaking means no or if the Captain is wrong in his speculation.
"There are plenty of Ustal, as much as any other house. We are however spread through the forests interacting with the Seelie and Unseelie alike. Also with the towns of the other houses. Though in this town there are only 5 of us. We are operating in the shadows here. So best keep my presence here unknown. Or if you must use a name to identify me, call me Churtle the kobold." He chuckles.
"Perhaps there is a way to be rid of the menace and somehow maintain the realm so the Ustal can be free in here? Unless there is another world you, the Ustal, are from and would like to be guided back to your realm after what binds you here is lifted?"
"Just how long will your spell keep us obscure?"
Xanroa says "The spell will obscure you till you get out so that should not be an issue."
"Don't get me wrong, the Ustal are free here. What we want to be is free of this plane. We have our cities, we have our homes. Those are temporary. Think on this, if you found compelling evidence that your home is nothing more than a small box. Would you not want to leave that box?" Xanroa asks.
The group leaves the bar, the young Eldred sneaks out from the shadows again having not opted to follow you into the bar. He shadows you as you walk to the next triangulation point. As you get closer and closer to the area you hear the sounds of large party or festival. As you approach the north side of the town large banners and Eldred flying over what looks like to be parades can be seen. This wouldn't be too much of an issue but it seems the triangulation point is in the middle of the parades. The group could come back later when it has died down or they could find a way in there without arousing too much suspicion.
Caladran having left the district says to the group. "Well this looks like where I leave you, I shan't be anymore of a bother. Since we have nothing more to discuss... I can be on my way." He attempts to walk away from the group.
Before leaving,
"Xanroa, we will do our best to return you and the other Ustal that want to leave back to your plane or realm so you can live out the rest of years at home."
Nethan looks at Caladran as he begins to leave and looks to the others to see if they are in agreement.
She hadn't really expected the spell to last much longer, but ... it would make things easier if people failed to notice them for a few hours ahead! And the Eldreds motivations seemed *honest* enough.
"Now, just one more question - since we are friends and all! You seem to have a pretty good bead on people and happenings around here - do you have any information or poster about an Eldred called 'Caladran'? We ran into him earlier and he seemed a bit skittish ..."
Elise nodded to herself. Her pronunciation had improved - she didn't maul as much as slightly maim the foreign terms now.
"Caladran? The Nkosi boy?" Xanroa shrugs "Some 4th generation kid trying to run away from the shoes he's meant to fill. He has got himself lined up for some low level political roles by his father, with the eventual hope that his father will step down in place for the boy." Xanroa cleans his ear with his little finger. "He has gotten himself into debt with the wrong sort of people, or the right people depending on how you look at it. He doesn't have the potential do use that to his advantage, he's likely going to end up more in debt. He does a poor job of hiding, he just continues to gamble."
"Caladran? I am a See-er. A prophet. Before you go I'm going to tell you your future. Your Fate."
"You continue to gamble. Gambling makes you happy, but you're not lucky. You borrow, heavily. One day, while running away from the people you've borrowed from, you run the wrong way and you die. Painfully."
"That is your Fate, Caladran of Nkosi. There are those strong enough to defy their Fate. Decide if you are one of them."
Elise gives Amelia a big grin."To the party!"
Nethan shakes his head in agreement,
"Are we done with Caladran before he departs? I also agree, let is check out the party? But we must also be careful. We probably should purchase some local clothing to blend in better with?"
"If only we had more of that spell to disguise us."
"Nate is right - if these carnivals are anything like those at home, we'll just find some funny costumes and blend right in!"
Nethan smiles, "Although I do prefer Nethan, the recent donation given to us by our recent roof top aggressors, should pay for any and all "blending-in" clothing."
"Okay Nate..." Elise responds in a teasing tone. She blinks and continues "Okay, Nethan is right then. Al - is there enough left in your magic guise to make some purchases ?"
"Yes." nods the young elf
"I think this plan is wise. It is important not to simply rely on magic, but to use and strengthen our other skills. I have every confidence in Amelia's ability to choose outfits."
"Amelia? Would you care to accompany me?"
As he speaks he removes the elven looking hat from his head and holds it out to Amelia.
Nethan snickers with Elise' teasing tone to make the attempt that he is not some nerdy and stuffy spell caster. Although he is with a touch of warrior prowess.
"Now - remember the rock? Let the image of what you wish to look like fill your mind, your self. What sort of person would wear this hat? See that person, and then realise that you are looking out through their eyes.
Your eyes."
"Well done Amelia. Have you ever considered a career in the arcane arts?"
Nethan looks at Amelia and Al, "How much do you think you will need?
"Well then! Off you go!" Elise scoots the pair towards the market with a silly grin, clearly looking forward to the spectacle.
Instead of taking Alþórel a gleam of inspiration takes to Caladran's eye. "Wait a see-er? So you can predict results, yea? So you should be good at gambling?!" He seems happy at his realization. "Could you help me with some games then, it'll only be a bit to make back the money!"
The group after some deliberation gets some disguises to blend into the crowd a little more. They all end up dressed in the yellow colours that make up the citizens of the town. The clothing they find is a little festive with hoods with bells on them. The bells only have a soft ringing sound when they move. When all the group is ready they move on towards the triangulation point.
Once the group arrives they see there is a small podium there with some dancers on it, several Eldred with flutes playing some music for them. A small crowd surrounding the area clapping along with the music. This could be a simple in-out affair but how to do it without drawing the attention of everyone there?
Dreyyn quite obviously feels foolish in such attire, and ensures he gets some with a hood or long scarf to obscure most of his head and face.
Elise (rather) gently nudges Dreyyn on the shoulder, causing all the bells on both their outfits to ring softly and Elise to giggle.
"Well these outfits are something aren't they ..."
Clearing her throat and suppressing another quick laugh she nods towards the crowd.
"Anyone up for a dance-off or should we repeat your trick-shot Flynt? We'll need to get the crowd distracted atleast for a while!"
"If you give me a little while to prepare I could do some fireworks: but perhaps a particularly flashy dance-off might be better. You young folk are good with acrobatic leaping and the like, are you not?"
The words are incongruous with the young elf's face.
Elise coughs and blushes.
"*Ahem* ...I can't dance ... The fireworks might be better."
One of the flutists on stage notices the group, they aren't joining in the festivities much. She walks over to the edge of the platform and says, though not too loudly. "Aww, what's got you guys down. Come sing and dance! Frolic with us and be merry for this time, come don't be shy. I'm sure even the most sombre of you can hold a tune!"
"Yeah, they are something."
"Acrobatics and dancing are not one in the same, at least not my style of acrobatics, I guess. Particularly flashy fireworks might be good..." Dreyyn suggests, not wanting to dance.