Well then, what is the truth?
Quimkithe,
"Why, what, why, what...? You ask questions, because you do not realize that you are the people with all the answers." Temerlyth stops watering the flower, and walks toward the center of the room, the watering can he was using continues to gently water plants without his hand. As he approaches the sunken center of the room, he is bathed in moonlight from the full moon. The light of that moon stirs Quimkithe's lycanthropic blood. It calls to her, and begs her to go to the surface and hunt under it's powerful glow. In the center of the room, sunken and reachable by four sets of stone stairs, is a circle of stone benches that encircle a beautiful reflecting pool. Temerlyth sits in one of the benches, and beckons you all to sit near him. "Come, honored friends. Sit, and realize that when you have answered three questions, then all will be made perfectly clear. The first of the three questions is: why not you? Second question: why not here? The third question, the question that will lead us all to our truth: what do all of us here have in common with the plants of this garden?" After finishing his cryptic but not entirely unfathomable inquiry, your own thoughts begin to swirl about the answers to Temerlyth's three questions.
Kaze o sits down and looks into the reflecting pool and ponders Temerlyth's questions. You speak in riddles, and the first two I can only assume are trick questions. There is no reason why it shouldn't be us and there is no reason it shouldn't be here, but it is the third that stumps me. We barely have anything in common with each other let alone these plants.
I know nothing about these plants, how am I supposed-to know what we have in common, are you saying we need to be nurtured as a plant does, or what... I wonder what he could mean, Kaze o has good points on the first two but that last one doesn't quite make much sense to me.
Quimkithe sits down next to Temerlyth and admires the Moon's reflection in the pool. We, like these plants blossom under the moon. Like these nocturnal plants we "belong" in night as the nightmares of humans and the like. You say we are like these plants, because we have been forced by the other races into the night. For this reason you have brought us together, such that we can rebel against those chains, but I for one prefer the night. The moon is a beauty that none can compare to; the sun pales in comparison. Besides there are few humans in my home forest, I am content with my life as it is
A half-orc who is intelligent, that is confusing, I am not used to such a thing, this is nice for a change. I suppose that makes sense, what is your plan Temerlyth?
She has a perfectly good point, reminds me of this gal I met a year or so ago. She always said I reminded her of the moon... but those days are gone, and so is she so I have no business to be remembering them. Kaze o frowns at the thought of past memories. Makes enough sense to me.
his calmness and simplicity are almost exactly the same as Darius's were. Ahh what was that the Darius was always saying... Oh yes, trust is a two street, it goes both ways. If I don't trust him why should he trust me? Might as well change that. He has done absolutely nothing to make me NOT trust him. He actually trusted us enough to show us his secret chambers. Well, here goes. Imfazl walks over and sits alongside Temerlyth and almost friendly, begins to talk with him while looking up at the moon. Why not me you ask? I have done nothing but been ungrateful since arriving at your majestic caverns. I accidentally knocked over some bookshelves in your library while trying to snoop up on you. I am slightly shocked you still invited me here seeimg as to how I blundered around your library. Don't get me wrong! I am happy you still chose to meet with me. Your second question, why not here? Here we are still underground, hidden from view of the surface, yet we still revel in its pleasure. Kinda like me, I'm used to being apart of the surface but at the cost of constantly hiding my true self. Why not here? Because here we are truly not free, but have only the appearance of freedom. Your third question, what do we have in common with the plants? Growing up with my mother, who was an alchemist, taught me much about herbs and fauna. Many things are deadly, but more often than not, those deadly things had the ability to cancel each other out. To cure, in other words. I only recognize a few of these plants but that's my best answer. We all may strive during the night time like these plants but what is our purpose? We each have the ability to restore life and protect it, but also to destroy it relentlessly without care.
Imfazl also makes sense. I didn't realize all the others were intelligent, I think that I might hide my intelligence for a bit, but let us see what Temerlyth actually wants from us.
"Again you ask questions, when you all have the answers. What is my plan? Better, what is your plan? What is it you want? If you could put to words your heart's desire, what would it be? Perhaps, as children shunned by the "normal" world, you haven't even taken the time to think of it. Your lives have been always reaction, survival, instinct, hiding. Quimkithe, you say "rebel," but do you see these plants rebelling against my hand that nourishes and feeds them? No, they thrive under my protective care. They are content, as you claim to be, but then, if that is true, must you not ask yourself: why am I here? You all came to me on the promise of untold riches. I wonder, what did those riches look like in your imaginations? Were they glinting as platinum and gold? Lofty as the rule of a nation? Simple, as working the land, and loving a family? So, I will answer my own question, and ask another. What do we have in common with all these plants? We want to live, more than that, to thrive! Every living thing will die, but, as my old master once told me, not every creature really lives. So, the question before us all is the same, what would my life look like if there was nothing standing in my way?" Temerlyth stares into the reflecting pool as he finishes his words. A pool that ripples with the bright, blue-white moonlight, and sparkles with the light of a thousand stars. The serenity, the majesty, and the power he wields, make your thoughts drift... What would my life look like if there was nothing standing in my way...?
Temerlyth reaches a hand out to pat Imfazl on the back. "You have a poet's spirit my friend. I believe you are beginning to see as I do."
I could go back home to my family without the fear of the hatred from them. I wouldn't have to worry about my siblings trying to kill me. This almost seems too good to be true, but it is everything I want. What is first step to achieving this goal of nothing standing in our way, I like where this is going?
Quimkithe stares even more intently into the pool, completely absorbed by the moons radiance. If I could have anything, with nothing in my way, I would have a peaceful life at home, a life where my forest and my tribe was safe from the outside world Quimkithe looks up and into Temerlyth's eyes I want a world where I can spend my days happy and safe within my forest, but I am not sure that is possible. I imagined that the riches you promised me would be enough to protect my tribe, but even now I am doubtful of that.
Imfazl smiles at Temerlyth and barely noticing the others thinks deeply Back in the good old days, when Darius was still alive. Except this time, I would be able to focus more on the fun times instead of constantly trying to blend in and separate myself from the rest of the world. I would have made more friends if my appearance didn't cause such terror. I would also have not wasted all my time searching for my father. I would have easily accepted it because I would of had no urge to find a place where I would fit in... Yes, fitting in would be my perfect fortune of untold riches. But seeing as that is impossible, strength is the only way to force my way into society. The only way I will be accepted is if they have no choice BUT to accept me!
People wouldn't look at my mark as a sign of the cursed but one of the blessed. They wouldn't immediately be fearful of my outward appearance. I wouldn't have to hide behind the guise of a human and I could just be me. I would fear no one.
And Maiina would be alive...
Oh what I would do to be able to go home without the fear of the despise and hatred of my siblings, I need companionship of some sort, yes I have Tamarelle but I need more than that.
After moments that seemed like hours, Temerlyth's gaze lifts from the reflecting pool and he releases a heavy sigh. He turns his gaze upward for a moment and watches as small wisps of cloud trail past the huge white moon. "Imfazl, Kaze O, your silence speaks volumes. I take it your own desires are difficult to put into words. That is as it is with most. Sadira? You ask what is the first step? Always practical are the drow, always planning for the future, but never looking too far beyond the end of their noses. My answer to your question, is the answer to Quimkithe's spoken doubts, and, I am sure, the same answer for Imfazl and Kaze O's unspoken desires. What is the first step? What is the last step? What is it that can give us, or anyone, what they desire most? My people call it na'llom, but I much prefer the draconic word in this instance, suleyk. The answer is . Power can protect Quimkithe's people. Power can remove all obstacles from any path. Yes, power can even bring friends back from the dead. No matter what riches you seek, power is the tool by which they can all be derived. This of course will lead you all to one inevitable conclusion. Where do I get power. That, my friends, is where I can help. You see, I've been studying, collecting, and learning about the power of Golarion. I have some, yes." Temerlyth spreads his hands in a wide gesture to encompass the space around you all. You feel it is fairly obvious he means not only this impressive arboretum, but also his entire underground mansion. "I have some, but there is always more to be had. Unfortunately, with power like mine comes jealousy. Jealousy is what made my own people drive me away. Jealousy is what forced me out of the light of day into the dark of night. Jealousy is what keeps me from being able to go and seek out other powers. This is where you all come in. You already have some power. Power to stand above others, power to kill when necessary, and to heal should it be required. You can be my hands, doing the things that I am no longer able to for fear of reprisal. You can use my knowledge, and I can use your skills, and we can both benefit. We can both gain more power. If we succeed, as I know we shall, someday we may eventually find that power that overcomes all obstacles, and we can make the world as we want it to be. Yes, my honored friends, we can be of benefit to each other, and all that is required is courage and trust." Temerlyth finishes his speech, and dips the toe of his workboot into the reflecting pool sending a ripple across the entire surface, a ripple that bounces from all sides, and comes back to where it started.
I like where this is going so far, lets wait and see what the others say.
Kaze o stands, draws his sword and holds it high. I'm in! This is what I believe I was sent here to do. May my blade cut down those who oppose me and may my shield protect all those who stand with me. They will remember the champion of the Deathless Frost. It's like he knew what I was thinking, but no matter. If he says power is what will bring my friend back, then it is power that I will pursue!! Kaze o looks to his left and right at the others in the room, Who's with me?
Sadira looks over at Kaze o after the sudden outburst, Well count Tamarelle and I in I wouldn't mind joining in with that kitusne, he seems like he could be a good companion.
I'm not entirely sure about this, but... I suppose I am in as well.
"You suppose Quimkithe? I expected more from a creature of such blooded passion. No, there can be no half-measures here, no guesses, no maybes, no perhaps. If you are with me, then stand with me." Temerlyth stands up in unison with his speech, and raises a hand to point at the full moon overhead. "If you find your passions draw you elsewhere, then I bid you a cordial, and respectful farewell. Where power is concerned there is no supposing." His hand relaxes and comes to rest on his leather belt; at that moment the moonlight momentarily glints off of a flawless ruby, which is inset into a platinum ring on his middle finger. "Do you suppose an emperor, or his generals suppose they will rule the empire?"
No, you are right. Quimkithe stands up and draws her bow. I am with you Temerlyth, what must we do.
Finally, the truth! Imfazl bows down to Temerlyth and says Thankyou, it would be an honor serving under your rule!
Alright so we all agreed to join Temerlyth, but what about the others who came here tonight?
Temerlyth smiles, the smile of real joy. He clasps each of your hands as friends. "Well then, as I know you are all men and women of action, I'm guessing you want to get to work as soon as possible. First, as a sign of my sincerity, and to form a bond of trust between us, I'd like for you to go to my armory, the one adjoined to the practice rooms, and pick out any weapons and ammunition you deem necessary. They have all been crafted by master craftsmen and should serve you well, at least until you can find or purchase others. While you do that I have some things to attend to, and, since we've all had such a busy day, I believe a good night's rest is in order. If you would all meet me in the library an hour after the breakfast bell has rung, we can discuss the finer points of an agreement between us, and I can give you the details of the first mission I have for you." Temerlyth waves you toward the library entrance you came in, and goes back about tending to his plants. As you leave the secret arboretum, just as the hidden mechanical door is shutting you hear his voice one last time. "I look forward to speaking with you all again in the morning."
Goodnight Temerlyth that seems appropriate Sadira turns toward the exit I am heading to that armory, see you guys there When Sadira gets to the armory she looks at Scythes.
As Sadira surveys the armory, she realizes there is nothing magical within. All of the weapons, shields, and armor are of excellent quality, but there is nothing magical anywhere.
When Sadira looks at the Scythes she finds one that is silver as well hmmm if Quimkithe ever got out of control this could be useful After picking that up she set down her old scythe right, where she picked up the new one. She saw a small armor area and walked over, and began looking for a breastplate, she found one quickly that was crafted much nicer than her current one and took off her old one and put the new one on, and set the old one down. She then looked for a new hand crossbow, hmmmm where would I be She finds a small table with ranged weapons and picks up a nice looking hand crossbow, it looks better crafted than her current one. So she sets down her current one, grabs a few extra crossbow bolts and heads toward her room to rest for the night.
Quimkithe stands up and leaves the rest of the group behind. Upon entering the armory she starts searching for a longsword. After a couple of minutes of searching she finds a beautifully crafted one. It has a certain sheen about it. Even among the masterfully crafted weapons in the armory it stands apart and on is its blade there is a word written in a language unknown to Quimkithe. This is beautiful, and masterfully made. I wonder if anybody will be able to translate what that word is, well I guess I will find out in the morning. Quimkithe then grabbed a few more arrows you can never have enough and went to her room.
Tamarelle ponders around the armory and in the distance sees, hanging from the wall, glimmering as if it was just polished, a rapier. She lifts it off of its mount, she twirls it around in her hand, watching the moonlight glimmer off of the blade. This is absoluetly magnificent! She feels around the handle, it seems to be engraved in elven.
Kaze o makes his way toward the armory. When he reaches the entrance, he takes a step back. The mere sight of it sends a wave of adrenaline coursing through him, like a child on the morning of his birthday. He makes his way to the weapons rack and admires the beautifully crafted tools of war. He picks up a scizore, dons it, and swings it around a few times, testing its weight and maneuverability. He takes it off and puts it back. Kaze o then picks up a masterfully crafted Nine-ring Broadsword. It feels about the same, but it looks so elegant. It's blade looks much sharper though. I like it! He then draws his blade and places it on the rack in place of the one he took. He then made his way to a selection of exquisite crossbows. He looks at the arrangement of light and heavy crossbows. He picks out the lightest and most elegantly crafted one he can find and places his old one in it's place. He then makes his way a collection of fine shields. He picks each one up and puts each one on. The one that caught his eye however was a light steel shield that he could quickly and easily put on. He finally went over to the set of dummies wearing various sorts of armor. He looked around to make sure no one was watching and made faces at his reflection off a set of full plate. He gave a chuckle to himself and took the wonderfully crafted Full plate off the dummy and strapped it to himself. He ran around the room a few times to test it's weight and comfortability. He then drew his sword and shield and began to practice various combat maneuvers to test an overall feel for the gear he'd picked out. These weapons and armor are amazing! I guess that Temerlyth fellow isn't so bad after all. Kaze o then went to his room, took off his new armor and placed it carefully against the wall, unstrapped his shield and sheath and placed them next to his new armor. He then laid on the bed, curled up into a ball with his tail covering his face and went to sleep.
Imfazl stays in the library and takes time to stand the book shelves back up. He then heads towards the armory. Upon entering he quickly spies a greatsword proudly on display. Imfazl walks over and compares it to his own greatsword Hmm.. Something seems off with this blade. Mines a bit blueish, this one seems to have a hint of..what is it? Yellow? No, not quite. Maybe red? This blade definitely has a story its itching to tell. Imfazl straps it to his back forming an X pattern with the two greatswords. He continues to look around, upon seeing some bows he heads over and shoots a few targets with them. One bow obviously sends the arrows flying faster and straighter than the others.Imfazl smirks to himself and adds the bow to his pack with some arrows. As he leaves Imfazl looks up and sees two perfectly crafted tridents crisscrossed over the entrance. Imfazle reaches up, and adds the two tridents to his pack. Happily whistling, Imfazl goes to his chambers and quickly falls asleep.
With the glint of new steel resting next to you in your posh private quarters, and the denouement after all the day's excitement, the peace of sleep comes easily. You drift blissfully to sleep, with hope on your mind, and glory in your dreams. Never has a night passed so quickly; you wake with vague remembrances of triumphant dreams.
The first sound that greets you is the chiming of the bell that calls all Temerlyth's guests to the common room for the beginning of the food that never ends. The bell's ringing is really nothing more than a reminder of the time, and the food on the buffet serves as a just as capable time piece, because the types of foods arrayed change from breakfast, to lunch, then to dinner, with little notice, and graceful ease. Smells waft into your room, bacon, sausage, eggs, ham, fried cakes, and other pastries. Even with all the wonderful scents carrying into your room, you're not sure which you are looking forward to more, breaking your fast, or meeting Temerlyth to find out what quest he might have for you.
Quimkithe wakes rested and excited. She dashes, in her wolf form, to the buffet and gobbles down a quick breakfast. I have not felt this excited in a while. Hopefully we head out today, I just cannot wait. She then, remembering that she had forgotten her new weapon, rushes back to her room. She morphs into her hybrid form, puts on her armor and weapons and leaves for the library. Upon entering she his hit my sudden idea. Lets have some fun this morning. Quimkithe slides behind one of the book shelves and awaits the arrival of her companions.
Kaze o awakes and stretches. He looks down at the gear that he'd recieved the night before and decided to put it all on before he went to breakfast. He finally got to putting the armor on, but it felt different. It felt heavy. Oh, this armor felt lighter last night! Must've been the adrenaline and all that pent up energy I had. I think I'll keep the armor, but I'll just go grab a lighter set to carry along. Just in case. He heads down to the breakfast table, still wearing his new armor and weapons, and scarfs a quick but delicious breakfast. He then heads to the armory where he find a breastplate that felt much lighter than the ones around it. This will do just fine. Kaze o makes his way for the library to wait for the predetermined hour. Not being aware of his surroundings, he does not see that Quimkithe is already in room.
Sadira slowly wakes up, hmmm let's head down she heads down to get some breakfast, Sadira grabs a glass of wine and heads toward he library. I better make sure it's just Kaze o and I here before I speak with him about last night Sadira distinctly smells the smell of old dog in the room Quimkithe, is that you?
Yes, it is me. Quimkithe steps out from behind the book shelf. darn! Sadira, I was going to surprise all of you. Oh well, I guess I'll just wait with all of you in boredom.
let us all attempt to surprise Imfazl or Tamarelle Sadira walks over behind a bookshelf. Sadira causes the bookshelf to fall with a loud crash.
Tamarelle gazes at the beautafily crafted rapier and clips it to her belt. She then grabs the Hand crossbow and straps it on her back. She then spots some very sharp daggers on the table and fills up the remaining space in her belt. In the corner of the room, hanging on the wall she spots a set of well crafted leaf armor and equips that as well. She then emerges the armory decked from head to toe in fabulous armor and masterwork weapons.
Kaze o jumps as soon as he notices Quimkithe. Hellfrost! You surprised me! Kaze o regains himself then looks around the room again, You know we could give the rest of them some sort of surprise. Quim and Sadira, find somewhere to hide. We'll give the rest of them a pleasant good morning. Kaze o then finds a suitable location and begins to carefully and meticulously disguise himself to look like a statue. He pulls the mask of his new full plate armor down and tucks his tail into the back of the armor. He then takes a heroic pose, his sword resting on his shoulder and his shield resting on its edge on the ground with his hand on top of it.
Imfazl wakes up, dons his gear, and heads to the banquet hall. He quickly trys a bit of everything.Imfazl, rather liking the sausage most, finished off the whole platter. He then went to the library. As soon as he got through the door he mumbled I swear I put those back up! Well hello my fellow teammates! Did you all sleep well?
Sadira gets up off the ground, while still holding her wine so glad I didn't spill my wine well we are still waiting on Tamarelle, Kaze o, and Temerlyth and yes I slept very well
Quimkithe hides her grin as Sadira stands up. I did indeed sleep well, how about you, Imfazl?
Temerlyth walks in from the main hallway and takes a quick look around the room. He then shakes his head in no small amount of disbelief. "I guess I'll have to have one of my servants re-shelve those books, yet again. Whoever did it last time put them back in complete disarray. Ah well, I see our camaraderie is evidently picking up, as it looks like you're already trying to play practical jokes on each other." He takes a look at the supposed statue of a plate-mailed warrior that he neither requisitioned, nor purchased. "I'm going to go ahead and guess that's Kaze O, as I'm fairly certain he's the only one of your group that would care to adventure in full plate mail. You're lucky you found a suit that fits so well. Plate mail usually has to be crafted specifically for a person. I'm glad it will work for you." Temerlyth walks to one of the study tables in the middle of the room lit from above by a low hanging oil-lamp chandelier. "Now, if you are all done with your games, can we get down to business?" He gestures to several cushioned darkwood chairs positioned around the table, and sits, awaiting the rest of you to do the same.
Sadira sits down and waits to see what Temerlyth will say.
Quimkithe joins them.
Kaze o breaks his disguise and quickly untucks his tail from the armor. Tails, helpful some of the time and in your way the rest... He lifts his visor, grabs the rest of his gear then sits down at the table next to Sadira.
Imfazl sits down by Quimkithe