"Hence why these medical supplies are important," Godrick says.
"Searching the ruins of Greenwood wouldn't be a bad idea," Gerard adds.
"Then...that's what should be handled first."
Looking at her other companions and then back at their elders Arista asked, "So...I was just wondering about those ley lines that Nicatha and the others were talking about. Do any of you have an idea what they are about or where they lead to?"
"Well we have Chalandra as the most immediate threat," Sādhanā says checking her off on her fingers. "Part of the preparation for her arrival entails gathering medical supplies and gaining information and insight from the Anizari."
"Next would be taking the fight to Venicious. If the Greenwood would be on the way it might be a useful detour and might even throw him off to the fact that we're coming his way. The leyline idea might be useful there as well, maybe even a key to how to deal with him."
"While Reinhardt and Sefirous remain concerns, given the opinions of our experts, they're secondary right now, though we'll still take precautions to protect anyone they may go after," she says glancing at Corda.
Clara feels a bit of steel resolve slip through the ring link.
Cyna pipes up. "Venicious's tower, it's magical and tied to the earth. Most likely the ley lines run to or from it."
Elder Sister nods at Cyna. "That is our best chance at protecting Valwick from further evils. As Gerard has explained to me, the Tower of Order was an ancient defense system created by the Green Circle. The figurines you have found are the means to operate such a system. Unfortunately, the Shards interfere with the ley lines, meaning even if the Tower is activated only those lines freed from the Shard and its influence will be able to provide protection against evil."
Arista nods her head while taking a bite of her food. Once she swallows, "Ah..I see, well that makes sense I guess."
"Greenwood is to the east and an eastern approach to Vencious' domain wouldn't be wise. Vencious hasn't lived this long by being unprepared. The south and the east are the most accessible approaches, so they'll be heavily guarded," Gerard says, turning to face Sādhanā. "As I've told Cyna, the west would be the best way to make your way into the Tower. Not necessarily the safest, but most likely the best."
She thinks for a minute, "So, our goals are to gather supplies to deal with the arrival of Chalandra, destroy the shards, get to and take over the tower from Vencious, and hopefully get the protection system back up. That's pretty much my take on it....does that sound about right?"
"There is also the matter of a cave that needs to be dealt with," Michael mutters. "It depicts the ascension of Nethys to godhood, including the method of his ascension. It was discovered by one of the first Necromancers and we should remove it from enemies' hands. Harakhty is seeing to the details but I will accompany him. Any assistance would be appreciated."
"The other shards can wait," Gerard clarifies. "Activating the Tower first will provide Valwick, Malwen, and the other areas you have freed with protection. Afterward, destroying the shards will provide protection to wherever you may find them."
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"Plus your wedding and the mask. And all of that is just this week."
"Michael, can we borrow your handcart while we search for supplies?" Clara asks, relief running through her as the meeting draws to a close.
Arista sighs and plays with the food on her plate, "Yeah, I know. My family should be arriving sometime today or tomorrow as well, as I said earlier." She pauses for a moment taking in what Cyna said, "Wait, what did you say about the mask? What mask? What do we need to do about a mask? I guess I must have missed that part."
"Yeah, but the mask isn't a big deal with Sādhanā's sword," Sienna adds.
Michael nods and stands. "I should get some sleep. Perhaps we should get together more often when circumstances aren't so dire."
Godrick, Barclay and Elder Sister stand and make their way out of Hadrinn's. Verrin looks to Skaar. "Well, if you've got an hour then I suppose I can give you a match."
Arista glances at Sienna and sighs with relief, "Well, that's good at least. Those things always gave me the creeps anyways." Looking back at Michael Arista nods her thanks, "Thanks for coming even though you were tired and offering your input. Depending on when my family gets here and when the two of you go to the caves I could probably go with you, it just depends on what happens. I don't want to be gone when my family arrives. Go and get some rest...things always look better with some sleep." She looks over to Sadhana and smiles before taking another drink of her ale.
Arista excuses herself from the table for a moment and goes out to catch up with Godrick and the others.
"Sir Godrick, I just wanted to thank you, Barclay and Elder Sister for attending the meeting today. It really helped to give us a better idea of what needs to be done. I was just wondering....I know there are more pressing things right now...but, are you still going to be able to preside over our wedding?"
"Still eating, love?" Elena asks as she walks into the restaurant, a small bundle in her arms.
"Of course, Arista," Godrick says with a smile. "I wasn't planning on leaving before that. I only meant that, after today, Barclay would be in charge of the paladins here. I fully intend on performing your wedding."
Throwing her arms around the older man she gives him a kiss on the cheek.
"Oh thank you! You will be missed around here when you do leave, but I think we can understand. I'm sure Barclay will do a fine job at keeping everything in order around here. Is there any idea of how much longer it will be before your other paladins get back from Malwen?"
"Perhaps tonight, but more than likely in the morning tomorrow," Godrick says, a faint blush on his strong cheeks.
Skaar nods at the Battlemaster. "Let's do it."
Arista nods, with a slight blush on her cheeks she looks at Godrick and the others. "Do you think I'm wrong for wanting to stay here and see to things for my wedding and family's arrival? I mean, I don't want them to feel like I'm skipping out on them, or shirking any of my other responsibilities." She looks down, a worried expression on her face.
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Godrick places a firm hand on Arista's shoulder. "Even though you are an adventurer, you cannot forget to take time away from the battlefield and take care of yourself and your family. I'm sure your friends and family would understand that."
Finishing the last item on his plate, Drago answered, "Not anymore." Turning around, "Oh, and is that the new clothing?"
Feeling a bit emotional, Arista nods at him. "Okay...thank you again. I'll go let the others know. I better get back and actually eat something before Alethiro starts to worry." Giving the man a parting hug, Arista turns and walks back into Hadrinn's and her friends.
Going back in she sits back down next to Alethiro and tries to eat her food. Mostly though she just picks at the chicken and vegetables. Seeing Elena come in she looks over at her, "Hey there Elena, how are you today?"
Sādhanā approaches Micheal as the meeting breaks up. "Hello Micheal, I don't think we've actually had the opportunity to meet. Clara and I would just like to thank you for whatever you did to enhance our rings. The effect is a truly amazing gift." she says blushing slightly as she remembers the more intimate effect.
Michael smiles, despite his tiredness. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you both. As for the enchantment, I thought it would offer you both some peace of mind. At least, it'd be harder to get into fights."
He chuckles softly and nods to the newlyweds.
"Yes, it is," Elena says to Drago. "I am well, Arista, how about yourself?"
Finishing what she can of her meal and her ale, Arista looks at her friends that are still gathered around. "So, I know that I said I wanted to stay here in town and get things ready, but is that okay with everyone else? I just want to make sure that all of you are alright with that."
"Doing better today now that I've had time to sleep and think about things."
"Good, sleep puts things in perspective sometimes," Elena says with a kind smile.
Arista just nods and smiles lovingly over at Alethiro.
"No, I don't have a problem with that. You've got enough on your plate as it is. Now, if you'll excuse me." Moving over to Elena, Drago offered his arm. "Shall we head back to our room?"
Elena nods and takes Drago's arm.
Arista nods at Drago and Elena as they head out, she looks at everyone else that's left in the restaurant to see if anyone else has any input.
The Elf as well didn't seem all that hungry either. For some reason, he just couldn't shake off what he thought he saw earlier. Suddenly, four blue orbs of light appeared before him.
”Hello Brother.” Came a voice from one of Hadrinn’s tables. Sitting there was a beautiful, young, Half-Elf woman in a stunningly blue dress with many small clear gems sparkling upon it. Her long white hair was braided and her snowy skin almost seemed to glisten in the light. ”How have you been?”
On the way back to the room, Drago said, "Clara, Sādhanā, and a few of the others are planning on heading out later to see if there are any medical supplies they can salvage from the ruined towns. I was thinking of going with them."
"Elsa!" Alethiro jumped up from his seat, rushed over to her, and gave her a big hug. "What are you doing here?"
Elena nods. "Perhaps getting away from Valwick for a little while might be a good diversion."
Startled by the turn of events Arista stares in disbelief at the young woman as Alethiro embraces her. A smile spreads on her lips as she see's the two together. Ah, so that's Elsa. I can see what he meant, she's beautiful. I'm so happy she's here....I hope she stays for the wedding.
She motions to one of the servers for another drink. She remains seated with her drink, allowing Alethiro some time with his sister.
After hugging him back, she responded, "Well, after Icathia fell, I fled back to Talathel. After falling apart emotionally for a couple of week, I set out to see if there were any other survivors from Castle Snowhawke. I heard that one of them might have come here." Looking into Alethiro's eyes, she asked, "And what are you doing here?"
"Maybe we ought to go do...something else," Sienna says, rolling her eyes at the reunion. "Maybe Ylrhea will like an outing too."