Somewhere else in the manor, unexpected footsteps ring out in the quiet halls, drawn to the sounds of chatter from the noblewomans office. This being draws near to the room, walking solely with the servant long gone. The pale-skinned woman. Though newly aquainted, the dull yellow eyes and short stature leave little room for mistake.
Gwynn spreads out her arms in a grand gesture, imagining a theatric entrance taking place. Miss me? She asked with a wry smile.
She walks to the group, greeting them all with a handshake. All still alive for the most part, I see. She said. Good to see you here. How long's it been?
Your alive, good Abel says with a smile, I assume some kind of magic was involved?
Lanliss waves his hand.
Yes, yes. But to dig through what? Brick? Steel? Is it strong enough to dig through those materials? That is what I need to know. Sorry. I never made it clear.
Lanliss thinks, then says:
Do you know anything about a......
Lanliss's jaw drops
Gwynn!
How?
Serephina smiled. "It's good to see you back on your feet."
Am I to take this reaction to mean that the five of you hadn't separated intentionally? Morganna looks down to write in her papers. Lathian seems confused, and Bishop simply faces a potted plant near the door.
Azrael continues to shoulder a large and heavy tarp.
There is still indeed a body in there, just as decrepit as the last time he'd seen it, though worse for wear after travel. What little hair was left is on the tarp for example. The corpse is even still recognizable as Gwynn to a degree.
Gwynn turns to her employer. For lack of a better word, I believe I was bludgeoned to death. She said. The details are a tad fuzzy, though.
I'll assume so, too. Gwynn said to Abel. It was hardly my doing. She turned back to her employer. Where's my friend? She asked. I want him to meet them.
Gwynn looks at the corpse, then looks away, not to keen on seeing herself dead just yet.
On my feet and out of the grave. I'm glad, too.
I'd like to find that out, too. She said to Azrael. How'd the mission go? She asked.
Lanliss sees Bishop staring at a plant.
Now, what is so interesting about that plant, Bishop?
Morganna answers Lanliss' question, thoroughly ignoring the shrill scream that briefly bursts from Lathian's mouth at the sight of a corpse.
Bishop is a servant. And he knows that servants are to be seen and not heard, unless directed otherwise. Bishop quietly nods letting Morganna continue. He stifles a cough.
A root-font is a sacred organic structure, cultured by the church of Kalmistra. It's something only present at their places of worship. None of them mentioned anything about suspicious characters near their grounds, much less drilling equipment. Unless... you may be referring to the old grounds. Anything else of note? Have you cleared the rabble out?
Abel sighs, something in Morganna's tone and way of speaking clearly having struck a note We would not be here if the mission was not complete, Some ran others were defeated either way the building has been cleared out. I will be waiting for our next mission outside, all i am in need of some fresh air. Abel begins walking out the door, turning only briefly Speaking in such a vulgar way disgraces you Milady, Nobility should act as such. Abel with that takes his leave waiting for the other somewhere else.
...Well, he's fired. I suppose I shall ask more thoroughly. Did you in fact clear the basement out? The first floor? If you recall, I only required that you learn why the factory was in use. It sounds as though you attempted to clear them out afterwards. Bishop leans over to Morganna, placing his hand on the desk. Yes Bishop?
In a low tone of voice, Perhaps I could talk to him? We may be able to come to an agreement. Morganna gestures to the door for him, thus he departs.
Machine soldiers? That may be more troubling than this talk of drills. Trespassing is illegal, but making use of mechanical guards tells me a lot. I don't suppose you happened to learn of the make or model? The more we can learn about them, the more we have to act on. Thus-far, we need to investigate why some ruins are important enough to hijack heavy machinery, and where in the flames of hell they get functioning robotics. And will someone remove this body? I don't want to have that chair cleaned. She looks at the dwarf who's eyes haven't left the mummified remains of Gwynn-kinda.
Abel turns, pausing only for a moment to let Bishop catch his breath Do not stop it will only tire you out more, walk with me Abel slows his walk, as he responds I came to this city to bring those who have taken to the dark side back...Lady Morganna, her behavior speaking to a servant in such a manner disgraces the concept of nobility. My intent was to bother her, enough to cause some amount of thinking; to plant a seed of doubt in her behavior. i do not expect change over night, but change will not happen without that seed. Abel pauses his speech for a moment before continuing to explain his actions, My intent was never to abandon the team, i would have helped them regardless, as we are allies... Morganna needs guidance, she should value the opinion of her servant, as they are her eye's and ears; and not treat them as she did. Speaking as she did makes her no different than a common thug
Lanliss quiets down, but when his employer asks about the robot, he pipes up.
Gear Sentry Xa, from what I remember.
Very good. I will see what I can turn up.
Machine soldiers... Gwynn thought, the vague memory of something mechanical and moving running through her mind. A memory from the very moments before her recent death.
What do you think the drill's are being used for, anyways? She stated. My theory is that they're going to pull the figurative rug out from under the Festival.
Well this has all been very productive. You have done well. Morganna rises from her seat, snaps her fingers at Lathian for him to come too. Oh, uh, yes! Thank you for informing me of this activity. I shall see to it that this machinery is stripped down and re-purposed as soon as possible. He takes very careful note to keep away from the body as he makes his way out of the room, nodding to all assembled in turn.
As for each of you, I'd like to work with you all again. Please return tomorrow for a follow-up assignment. Azrael, Lanliss, Seraphina, and Gwynn. Pleased to meet you.
Abel sighs, not following quite yet, You presume much as well. As i was raise to treat other with respect even my enemies..Until such a time that they prove no longer worthy of that respect that is. That said a wanderer such as myself does not desire to serve any but my own faith, this group i have taken to recently i will guide and help them no matter what happens here today. Abel sighs with confusion, looking at the sky's Lord Soriel, what have you gotten me into leading me to a place like this... He returns his gaze to Bishop, Lady Morganna, see's us as Strangers. That fact will not change in the way needed without actions differing from your own. Would she be will to accept an invitation to say a cup of tea? getting to know those she has employed and vice versa?
Serephina nodded her agreement quietly. It had been somewhat more of a brutal affair than she had expected, and they hadn't done as well as she'd hoped. But tomorrow was a fresh day, and would perhaps go better.
I believe that would suffice. Bishop retrieves his handkerchief to block a weak cough.
Now. Are you ready to come with me.
I shall, while we walk however tell me of your sickness. have you seen a doctor about it? Abel follows bishop
Bishop returns to Morganna's office with Abel in tow.
Bishop. Has he come to apologize?
In part yes, however it also comes with an invitation to Tea. I have much to learn still of the ways of the city, it is foreign to me, so with that i apologize for my outburst. However i ask you lower your own shields, if we all are to work together better we should get to know each other;we cannot remain strangers forever. Without trust our effectiveness will not be optimal, this invitation extends to you as well Bishop. Abel bows slightly as he apologizes, returning to his normal stance: hands behind back standing straight.
Lanliss nods thanks and walks out.
Oh Kalmista, today was brutal.
Blowing out a deep breath, Lanliss heads home.
The evening sun is fading from the horizon, the chatter of insects can now be heard in the window.
No, I am quite busy I'm afraid. The servant shakes his head. Morganna on the other hand subtly smiles.
Consider your apology accepted Abel. Tea sounds delightful. She looks away with the next sentences, sounding as if she were thinking out loud. I could invite Kal. The man's been tenacious enough about asking me to lunch.
While looking away, Bishop quickly adds I suppose a break wouldn't hurt. As Morganna's smile yet grows.
Let our date be the day after next. Who else would like to join us?
The intent was for all to join, there is little point in this exercise otherwise. We are all to learn of each other and how we all think and operate, we are all a team after all. Abel comments
Now now, we've dallied long enough. This new little group of ours must be fatigued by now. Return tomorrow at 8 A.M sharp. I trust you all know the way to arrive by now? Bishop please show them out. The relatively short and lean man ushers the party out of the office, down the halls. On the way a number of house servants can be seen lighting candles for the night. Your shadows flicker against the walls in the dim fire lights.
Thank you very much for your efforts today. Do have a good night. And safe travels. He bows to each of you in turn.
Never the most observant person, Serephina curtsied in reply and headed for her lodgings.
Hmm. I hadn't expected you to want to stay here, Azrael. Well, you could use the servants quarters. I think there are a few extra beds there. Morganna responds to the holy knight.
Lanliss and Seraphina head to their homes for the evening, enjoying merry dreams or nightmares, which ever they prefer.
Abel wanderers for a while until he finds himself in front of a respectable-looking establishment entitled "The Golden Tap." Upon entry he finds a sparse, quiet smattering of patrons. Most keep to themselves, while an elven barmaid beckons Abel.
Ahoy sailor! Welcome to the Golden Tap. So whats it gonna be? Room?Food? We have fi-uhh, fricasseed chicken?
A room, and some of the chicken would be nice as well Abel responds with a smile.
Gwynn looked to the soil, remembering the voices in her head. Or they're trying to get something... Someone out. She said.
Her eyes widen at the shadows. More weird things. Should she be surprised, she thought not. She was more weary than anything at this point.
Though... Could he be someone like her?
She nods to the woman, nodding on her way and joining the rest of her companions. I need a stiff drink. She said, deciding to follow Abel to the pub.
Open up a tab for me. Gwynn said. If I don't end up collapsed on the bar, I haven't drunk enough.
Is something wrong young one? Abel comments
Ah, yessir, comin' right up. And for the lady, lemme know how ya like this. The bartender writes down Abels order on a slip and places it on the open window into the kitchen behind her. She then hands Gywnn a drink in a red glass. It's hard to tell if the earthy tone of the liquor is natural or from the lighting blended with the glass. It... smells fine one would suppose.
'Ere you go. Fresh from our titular tap.
Lanliss, as he walks out, remembers he didn't book any lodging yet.
Where should I go...... the temple, maybe? Now where was it.. If I could remember..
If so, Lanliss finds his way to the current temple to Kalmistra. The newly polished stone surfaces all cut from the same slab. There is bedding available to any who worship Our Elemental Lady. A human priest warmly greets Lanliss.
Welcome my son. You've come here late. I was almost on my way off to bed, ho ho. The man's body jiggles seemingly in time with his laugh.