When you place the sword in the pack, Ameiko’s eyes narrow and she grits her teeth as she strains against the ropes. ”Reunite us. NOW!”
True to her word, Jeevika returns about thirty minutes later and places the Orange Prism back in its usual orbit around Ryli's head.
"We need to separate Ameiko from the blade. Once its influence over her has waned, her mind may be restored," explains Jeevika, repeating almost exactly what her Divination said. "I think her earlier reaction verifies what I was told. In other words, us resting kills two birds with one stone."
"All right. Does someone want to put the sword in a pocket dimension? Wouldn't that increase the distance between them?"
"It already is in a sort of pocket dimension," Jeevika says, gesturing to her haversack. "I believe the only better options would be a Mage's Mansion, a Faerie Ring Retreat, or a proper demiplane."
Eugeni stiffens suddenly. He appears to be listening to something. "I just received a sending; from Xamarath. He said, 'Want to talk under truce. Meet in Heptaric Locus. Bring Ameiko. For your sake don't try anything aggressive. Meet an hour after dawn.'"
Elthariel looks quizzically to Eugeni. "Who is this 'Xamarath'? Do you know them?"
Lorthan, in his elven form, shrugs and adds "Doesn't matter. It's obviously a trap."
"He was a former companion, from our early days in Sandpoint. He was a wizard, a traveler from another world. We believe it was he who originally kidnapped Ameiko."
Lorthan looks to Elthariel and raises a hand towards Eugeni. "See? A trap."
Eugeni floats about thirty feet away from Ameiko, motioning the others to follow him.
After a moment, Jeevika gets up and starts walking to stretch her legs.
She just happens to end up right next to Eugeni and then nods her head in agreement to the others to follow the arcanist.
Jeevika briefly turns her head to Ameiko and notices that Zoli's friend is no longer angrily ranting at the Rangers. In fact, her gaze alternates between blank and panicked. Jeevika gives a "One moment please." gesture to Eugeni and tentatively approaches Ameiko.
"...Ameiko?" she asks soothingly.
Ameiko looks at Jeevika with a look of terror and confusion, and begins trying to squirm away. "Uuuaaaahh! AAAAHHH!!!" she screams incoherently.
In an effort to calm Ameiko, Jeevika tries the first thing that comes to mind: she starts singing lullabies. Sabrina had always slept like a rock, but Setsuna? Jeevika's middle daughter had often suffered from nightmares. The one thing that had always calmed her was lullabies. With Shion joining the family recently, Jeevika has been practicing...
Ameiko calms a bit and begins staring at Jeevika with a strange, childlike glee on her face, but there is no sign of any significant mental activity going on within her eyes...
Has Chellan's hold over her finally broken?
Jeevika briefly worries about the scrying sensor, but...
I can't just leave Ameiko like this...
The Holy Vindicator continues to soothingly sing. Once Ameiko has calmed, she tentatively takes the poor woman's hand. If that action doesn't cause further panic, Jeevika continues singing for a few moments and then tries casting Heal.
Worth a try. Heal does cure some mental conditions...
Ameiko's wounds and bruises vanish, but she still looks about with a dimwitted expression...
Jeevika quickly starts singing again to keep Ameiko calm.
...I'll need something stronger then... Or maybe more specific? What could...
A thought hits Jeevika like an anvil to the head.
'Separate her from the blade. Once its influence over her has waned, her mind may be restored. Restoration!'
Jeevika reaches into her Handy Haversack and produces the Scroll of Greater Restoration the Skulks gave her.
In addition to fully restoring mental damage, this spell supposedly removes all forms of insanity, confusion, and similar mental ailments. If this doesn't work, then I'll need a Miracle...
Once Ameiko is calm, Jeevika tries Greater Restoration.
Ameiko blinks a few times, and light seems to return to her eyes!
"Where...where am I? Who are you!?!? Where's Xam!?!?" she asks as her panic grows, struggling against the ropes once more.
Suddenly, three humanoid figures clad in crimson robes appear in a flash, floating high in the chamber. The one on the right holds an opulent staff, and the one on the left floats casually and calmly, his arms crossed in front of him.
They all three fold their hoods back at the same time, revealing the fact that they are all shaved bald, their scalps covered in elaborate black tattoos. The two on the ends of the line are twins, and the third, in the middle, looks at Ameiko with concern on his face.
Xamarath.
"I'm here, Amei. I'm here. It'll be alright," he says, concern heavy in his voice.
The man to Xamarath's right looks to the group on the far side of the room with a wicked smile, but makes no move. The man to Xamarath's left says calmly, "Before we proceed, I would ask you all to remove any items bearing the Sihedron from your possession," he says as the three of them all remove rings of their own and placing them within pouches on their belts. Xamarath sheepishly looks to the man on his left, hopeful but afraid.
"You treasonous curs!" Lorthan yells from across the room! "This is how you repay my hospitality!?"
He then looks about confused, not sure why he said that.
The man beside Xamarath who had done the talking simply makes a "see what I mean" gesture towards Lorthan.
"Ameiko, I'm Setsuna's mother Jeevika," Jeevika explains just before the new individuals appear.
Wondering how in Nirvana Ameiko and Xamarath would know Lorthan and noticing the silver dragon's same confusion, Jeevika pauses briefly to study the intentions of the crimson trio...
Xamarath: Concerned for Ameiko, as well as afraid of the men to either side of him.
Man on the Right: While he seems itching for an excuse to fight, he seems content for conversation for now.
Ameiko: Relieved to see Xamarath, but also afraid of the men he is with.
Lorthan: Truly and utterly confused.
Eugeni takes off his sihedron ring and drops it on the floor by his feet.
"...Earlier, Zoli also said something very out of character. Me? I can understand her insulting me, but... Setsuna? No. She would never insult Setsuna..." realizes Jeevika. After studying the newcomers, the Holy Vindicator nods slowly and puts her Sihedron Ring in her Handy Haversack. Naturally, she picks a different pocket than where Chellan is being stored.
"Elthariel, everyone, please do as they ask. I believe that these men are sincere... Grandmother, don't forget the ring on Olympus' talon."
Elthariel and Lorthan look to one another before removing the rings from their hands.
"Good. Perhaps you aren't the incompetent but lucky fools that Karzoug claims you to be," the man on the left says as he and his twin slowly float down to the ground. "I am Erasmus, and this is my brother Zanderous. I believe some of you have already met my son..." he says as he looks to Xamarath between the two.
Xamarath, for his part, floats over and lands near Ameiko, kneeling down beside her and asking quietly "Are you alright? Is it really you again?"
She nods, but continues looking around, fearful, as Xamarath begins trying to untie her.
"And you must be the Varisian Rangers Karzoug has been expecting," Erasmus continues. "If his intelligence is true, then you must be Jeevika, Zoli, Eugeni, and the newest form of Ryli, correct? And your servants Lorthan and Elthariel?" he asks, nodding to each of you in turn.
Would incompetent fools have defeated Mokmurian, the entire Runeforge, the Hidden Beast, Gamigin, Ghlorofaex, and Khalib? Jeevika internally snarks.
Externally, however, she is far more polished. The Holy Vindicator also wearily allows Xam to untie Ameiko. While she is well aware that there may be something she's missing about their relationship, as far as Jeevika can tell, the two appear to genuinely care for each other...
"To be clear, Lorthan and Elthariel aren't our servants; they're our friends. However, you would otherwise be correct, Erasmus," Jeevika says carefully but politely. "I believe there's some... confusion about your position; I've read many things about Xam, and none of them were particularly flattering. Would you kindly start by explaining your side of the story?"
Jeevika abruptly pauses.
"There might still be a ring on Ameiko; we didn't want the kill field to hurt her. One second..."
Once the ring is off and secure in Jeevika's haversack, she politely gestures for the conversation to continue.
Erasmus clicks his tongue and wags his finger. "I've given you our names, and our relationship to Xamarath here. Knowledge is power, and currently we hold all the cards in that regard. I see no need to relinquish things unnecessarily. However, I will assure you of one thing," he says as he gestures to his brother, "we have no allegiance to this 'Runelord' Karzoug. He has attempted to convince us to join his efforts repeatedly, thinking he can play us for underlings. He is sorely mistaken. However, we were intrigued by the similarities to the ways of his people to our own, and as such, we placated him enough to tolerate our presence while we performed our research."
"You talk to much, Ras," Zanderous says as he continues to eye you all warily and eagerly.
"Perhaps, Zander, perhaps. At any rate, our business here is essentially concluded," Erasmus says as he casually folds his arms in front of him once more.
"That... works for me," admits Jeevika. She is serious; that information plus what Eugeni said earlier basically does give her enough of an idea about who these men are. "So why did you want to meet with us?"
Erasmus points to Ameiko. "Her. A deal is a deal. We would return her to that buffoon before we and our son return to our home," he says flatly.
Ameiko's eyes widen with fear as she clings to the sleeve of Xamarath's robes.
Xamarath turns to Erasmus and pleads, "Father...please..." but is immediately silenced by a stern look from both elder mages.
At this turn of events, Jeevika has to take a few seconds to center herself.
Why did I waste my Moment of Prescience on that stupid sword? I'm... going to have to rely on my... natural charm.
She tries to think of all the best orators she knows. For some reason, the Holy Vindicator's mind defaults to one in particular. She remembers Attica's writings and transcripts about what powerful, fiery speeches he could give that were full of the most logical logic. However, Jeevika also remembers...
Setsuna.
Jeevika looks to the other Rangers. Ryli: her grandmother is wise but not very gifted in the means to persuade people. Eugeni: Jeevika cannot help but notice how... apathetic he has become lately; to be honest, she could see him allowing Ameiko to be taken. Zoli: while fairly charming in many ways, Jeevika does not think that the swashbuckler could convince these powerful wizards to back down. Lorthan: he looks so lost and confused. Elthariel: Jeevika can see her friend trying to put on a brave face, but she can also see the cracks in her mask.
Setsuna...
If Setsuna had been in her mother's place right now, she could broker a peace; Setsuna could talk these two down. In fact, her little Sunset could probably could have convinced these men to fight Karzoug!
...In the end, I didn't talk Atty down. He slipped at the last possible moment, and she realized that He was lying to her. I only talked Shalelu down because I stacked the deck in my favor. Several spells were covering for my flaws... And I've got nothing right now.
The Holy Vindicator looks at Xamarath and Ameiko. She notices how scared they are. Erasmus and Zanderous must be... powerful. Very powerful. Many ideas run through her mind. However...
Jeevika Kailani isn't just some ultra pragmatic autonomaton; she just can't leave someone like Ameiko to just... continue suffering. She just can't throw someone under the wagon for the greater good.
A distant memory speaks to her. The greatest good is when no one suffers needlessly, Sapphire.
Jeevika looks to Ryli for a second.
And then Elthariel.
Her sister elf gives her a hopeful nod and a tentative smile.
...I have to try.
"Erasmus, Zanderous, what would it take for you to just leave us and Ameiko alone and go home in peace?" Jeevika begins carefully. "You said it yourself; you owe Karzoug nothing. Your business on Golarion has concluded. Why prolong the facade? You also revealed your true allegiance, so even if you return Ameiko to him, I don't see the Claimer just... letting you walk away. He is about to return any day now, and as you are likely aware, he is a very powerful man with incredible resources. I am well aware that you two are very powerful too, but..."
Jeevika briefly glances at Xam and Ameiko before looking back to the crimson arcanists.
...I really hope Erasmus cares for his son, Jeevika thinks. She can see the slightest hints that he does. Moreover, the two twins clearly care for each other.
"Karzoug could instead go for the people you hold dear. Even if he is still in stasis, the other Rangers and I have seen him manifest in other planes in some capacity. At the level of magic a Runelord throws around, Karzoug only needs to get lucky once. Taking Ameiko back to him might get one of you three hurt... or worse."
Jeevika sighs.
"So I ask again: what would it take for you to just leave us and Ameiko alone and go home in peace? Erasmus, Zanderous, please. You already got what you wanted from Karzoug. Now look at Xamarath. This whole affair is clearly taking a toll on him. He doesn't want this to continue. Xam clearly cares for Ameiko, and she clearly cares for him. Zanderous, he's your nephew. Erasmus, he's your son. His thoughts, his feelings should mean something to you."
Trying to figure out what to say next, Jeevika suddenly hears Elthariel speak up.
"Sirs, if I may, I... have something to add that I think you should hear. Lorthan and I nearly met our end in Karzoug's wing of the Runeforge. We have the Rangers to thank for rescuing us. However, we lost some dear friends there. From what I've gathered, Karzoug's people did some terrible, terrible things to them. Lady Jeevika isn't trying to threaten you or anything of that sort; she is truly concerned that Karzoug will do something horrible to you, your brother, or Xamarath. Why take that risk? Again, we understand that you are very powerful, but back then, so were we. And so are Lady Jeevika and her friends.
"However, during this journey, we have all nearly met our end numerous times. In fact, some of us are... likely lost forever. Again, Karzoug is also a very powerful man with incredible resources. I agree that you two have a good hand of cards, but the Claimer might very well have an ace up his sleeve that you don't know about, and he doesn't sound particularly pleased with recent revelations. His underlings were very petty individuals; I bet they learned from the master."
Somewhat stunned by Elthariel's... amazing speech, Jeevika just slowly nods along in agreement.
In fact, I am curious why Karzoug even wants Ameiko back. If Zoli and Eugeni had gone all out, she would've died in seconds. Not much of a Champion.
She wonders if that fact has ever crossed the minds of these two likely brainy brothers.
"Well put, Elthariel," says the Holy Vindicator. "Erasmus, Zanderous, again I ask: what would it take for you to just leave us and Ameiko alone and go home in peace? At this point, it doesn't sound like Karzoug has much of anything to offer you but a dagger to the back. Meanwhile, we're willing to negotiate a deal that leaves us all victors."
Zoli steps forward. "I'll only add that Ameiko is a friend of mine, and Xamarath was as well, for a time.
"I'd be happy to part ways peacefully--even to discuss if there's something of value we could offer you--but Xam knows I won't be able to stand by and do nothing if you try to take Ameiko. Could you defeat us? Perhaps so, but why? What will serving the Buffoon do for you?"
Lion listens along from Zoli's shoulder, blinking adorably at the alien wizards.
As the elves and halfling make their plea, Zanderous gives his brother a knowing smile. Erasmus, meanwhile, maintains his posture, but his own expression changes to that of a carriage salesman who is about to close a deal.
”So, what sort of deal do you suggest?” he asks in return.
"Our terms are fairly straightforward; we just ask that you cease working with Karzoug in any capacity, leave us and Ameiko alone, and go home in peace. That is very similar to what you already intend to do."
Jeevika contemplates what the group could offer two powerful wizards...
"As for what we give you, how about Khalib's spellbook collection? Eugeni reviewed it, and it is quite extensive. While similar, I imagine that the magic of our worlds isn't entirely one-to-one, so you'd have some additional material to further study. Moreover, I think any associates you have could certainly get some good use out of them. In general, the books strike me as a great capstone to your time on Golarion."
Throw brothers fall silent for a moment, giving one another meaningful looks. After a few short but agonizingly tense moments, Erasmus looks to Jeevika and says ”It is a start. We shall also take the Runeswords. Xamarath. Gather your things,” with a smile
Xamarath looks to Ameiko, then back to his father. As he stands, he looks at him and says ”No.”
The twins turn their heads slowly towards Xamarath, seemingly not expecting his opposition. Zanderous says ”What did you say, boy?”
Xamarath steps over to the rail of the balcony and repeats ”No. I will not be going back with you, Uncle. Father. I am going to remain here.”
Erasmus clenches his teeth and furrows his brow, and Zanderous gets a look of excitement as his fingers drum eagerly along his staff.
From Jeevika’s back, a voice says ”Do NOT barter me like some petty item! I serve the Runelord of Wrath! I will NOT leave this plane of existence!”
"I am sorry to interrupt, but the Runeswords will not be leaving Golarion. They are too dangerous to allow out of our keeping. Perhaps we could make alternative arrangements? You two do not strike me as warriors. I am right to assume that your use for the blades lies more in the realm of academia than warfare?"
::...So you are alive:: Jeevika thinks at... uh... Angry Sword. ::I was wondering if you ever planned to talk to me::
Not entirely sure what to think, the Holy Vindicator glances toward her friends. In particular, she notices that Ryli looks... tired and that Eugeni clearly does not want to hand over the Runeswords. That being said, it would also appear that a potential battle would involve one less opponent now...
"Erasmus, Zanderous, I... don't think taking the artifacts with you would be in your best interests. I'm not making a threat; I'm stating a concern. As this one just made clear, they won't go willingly, and you are almost certainly aware that they can attempt to control their handlers. They might possess dangerous risks unknown to you. You know much about the Claimer, but what do you know about his peers? While Karzoug may be a buffoon, Alaznist has proven to be far more cunning. As Eugeni said, perhaps we could make alternative arrangements? And again, you will get the spellbooks regardless. A copy of nearly every spell on Golarion..."
Erasmus turns his head back to your group at Eugeni’s and Jeevika’s interruption. He looks to Xamarath and holds a finger up sternly to him, telling him to wait.
”Given our alien nature to your Plane, I can understand your ignorance into our specialty. Our Order are academics of the arcane and tradesmen. And we are very competent at both. In so doing, we have researched extensively how to properly handle troublesome items possessing their own sentience. And in our time here, I can promise you that the study of these weapons have been one particular topic of interest. You see this as a threat, giving these blades to us? More so than leaving them here, on the plane of their masters they so fervently wish to serve? In our world, they will be powerless to return to you, and would be kept in a proper vault for our best enchanters and artificers to study and perhaps divine new means of enchanting items in our own world, for sale to adventurers like yourselves. Often times far cheaper than what they could be purchased elsewhere. Here? They would have to be zealously guarded and warded, and hope that they never fell into the wrong hands. For if they did, they would immediately begin trying to bend their wielder to the will of their Runelord master. You’ve already released one, yes? The one belonging to that very blade, if I’m not mistaken? How long do you think you can keep it docile? And should you fall to Karzoug, you will hand deliver his champion’s weapon back to him.”
At Jeevika’s remark, he grows a bit stern, his tone taking that of a parent talking to a child. ”Yes, we have done our research during our stay here in Shalast. We even know how to destroy those blades. Do you?”
”All in all, I feel we are bing rather helpful to your cause. Remove two threats to your world, as well as inform you of the risks those rings carry, and leave in peace, perhaps to do further business in the future...”
Xamarath goes pale at his father’s last statement.
"Will you submit to a zone of truth to verify the veracity of your assertion?"
”Is this how you treat everyone you negotiate with? I am insulted. However, as a show of good faith, we will agree to just one of the blades, then. The one posing the gravest threat to you, the one belonging to Karzoug. But, on principle, I will not allow our credibility to be insulted by subjugating ourselves to an enchantment of any kind. We haven’t demanded the same of you...in fact...given the circumstances, I felt things were going quite amicably...”
”Indeed. They could have gone far worse...” Zanderous adds with a mischievous glint in his eye.
Xamarath looks to you all, almost pleading with his eyes for you to take the deal...
Not wanting to act on the group's behalf without some support, for the moment, Jeevika opts to just contemplate the deal.
Ryli had watched and listened intently during this whole exchange, as the powerful mages bantered and bargained back and forth. The entire situation was balanced on a razor's edge, and violence could erupt at any moment.
The extraplanar wizards were haughty and confident, but they seemed more interested in bargaining. In all her years of existence, she'd seen enough to believe that these wizards were being honest in their offer.
"Eugeni, I believe them," she finally says softly. Speaking a little louder, she adds, "Am I right that bargaining with blatant falsehoods and bad faith is beneath you? You wouldn't stoop to that base level."
She eyes the sword in Zoli's hand with naked hostility. "We've been deceived before, so I hope our caution is understandable."
Erasmus bows his head appreciatively to Ryli. ”Indeed it is, madam. If we deceive those we do business with, then eventually there would be no one left with which to trade. And as I said, perhaps this can be a beginning to further business dealings. Imagine it, an extra-planar Red Wizard Enclave...” he says waving his hands through the air as if the concept of a Red Wizard Enclave should invoke a sense of wonder in you all.
Meanwhile, Xamarath is leaning nervously on the railing of the balcony above...
Eugeni freezes. His cross-legged form rotates in space, to face Ryli. He half closes his eyes as he looks at his companion. Trust. The most difficult of virtues. I pray you are correct, friend.
"If you say so. I will follow your lead, Earthmother." He inclines his head in a slight bow to the druid.
Jeevika contemplates the newest terms. She glances over at Xamarath. The pleaful look in his eyes makes her want to accept the deal immediately, but... the Ambassador really wants some verification from her friends.
The twins could easily be lying to her; however, Jeevika finds herself quite alright with complicating Chellan's return to Karzoug. Truth be told, she had been willing to offer the scimitar in the first place.
Her wise grandmother's verification and Eugeni's approval are enough for Jeevika to accept the deal. Taking every precaution to show that she intends to follow through in good faith, she carefully starts descending the stairs.
"Deal," says the Holy Vindicator. She repeats the terms, "In exchange for Chellan and Khalib's spellbooks, you cease working with Karzoug in any capacity, leave us and Ameiko alone, and go home in peace."
From there, Jeevika willingly hands over the requested goods.
”Excellent!” Erasmus says with a broad smile.
Chellan begins cursing you all emphatically as it tries to force its will upon the mage standing opposite Jeevika, but Erasmus simply smiles at it and stows it away into a bag of holding. He then takes the collection of spell books and places them in a separate bag. He then turns to Xamarath.
”Come, Xamarath. We return to Faerun immediately,” he demands.
”Father, no! I won’t. I am staying here,” he says steadfastly, Ameiko taking his arm beside him.
”Listen here, boy! You think yourself a man now? Not by the standards of Thay, you’re not!” Zanderous fumes as he begins walking towards Xamarath.
”I don’t care what you think! I’m done being no more than a servant to you two, I don’t care if we are blood or not! I’m not going back,” he says as he steps over to Zanderous and glares him straight in the eye. ”You’ll have to kill me!”
”That can be arranged,” Zanderous says through clenched teeth.
”Enough of this prattle!” Erasmus interjects. After some tense silence, he adds ”Let the boy stay,” to which Zanderous’ Head snaps around to look incredulously at his brother. Erasmus continues ”We will need someone on this plane to maintain and oversee the Enclave, after all...”
Zanderous smirks and returns to Erasmus’ side. He then weaves an incantation of interdimensional travel, and vanishing without another word. The cavernous ruin you find yourselves in falls eerily silent for a moment, before Ameiko turns and clings to Xamarath in an embrace.
"Well, that was unexpected. You can thank us later. Welcome to the Varisian Rangers," Eugeni says to the two lovers. "We have much work to do. Let us finish our rest, and then return to the task at hand."