I echo the sentiments of the others, dear. There's a reason for all this, though you yourself may not even be aware. Else, as Ahto said, you would not be here - you would be either dead in an alley or still back in that tavern. Kierana begins to idly inspect her burned hands, then arises gingerly from her seat and begins to walk out of the room. Let me go check on my companion - I'll be back momentarily.
As she leaves the cozy kitchen, she leans subtly toward Korihor with a whisper.
The front door opens, and the half elf woman's voice can be heard from outside, a low buzz underneath her words as the giant wasp greets her. Fare you well, sweetling?
Korihor looks quietly at the group. "I'm not important. To anyone!"
Zeph doesn't want to be suspicious of Korihor, but he can't help but wonder if she knows more than she says as he looks her over.
Something about whatever Kierana just whispered to her definitely made her uncomfortable. I'll have to ask Kierana about it later. Outloud he says, "Korihor, I know this must all be terrifying and confusing for you, but if you know anything more than you've told us you can trust us with it. We aren't about to abandon you now after all we've been through to help you."
"I honestly have no idea why they tried to take me." Korihor sighs, shaking her head.
"Well, technically speaking, it has to do with her magic. She, you know, she's not the real important part in this equation. There's something special about your magic, and someone is trying to rip it out of you. That's all I know." He moves closer to the party, his spiked tail swishing slightly as he walks. "I heard something about a tattoo, I believe? I don't see one, though."
Pyrrha rolls her eyes and turns from the tiefling, "Right, ignore me then you half-fiend."
"Where am I sleeping tonight, because I'll have no part in this." Pyrrha doesn't really wait for an answer as she begins out the door, swinging it open and storming out without closing it behind her.
"My...my magic? But, why?" Korihor says, taking a step back.
"She's a pleasant one, isn't she? I suppose I'll speak to her later." Twist frowns, then looks back to Korihor. "As for your magic? You tell me. My guess is you're either the student or the descendant of someone powerful enough to get them what they want. So tell me, where is it you learned this magic of yours?"
"Also, to answer your.... impatient friend's question, I have little personal stake in this. I merely aim to keep myself on the winning side of this little tug of war, and for the moment it seems it would be smart to put money on you lot."
Kierana watches as Pyrrha storms out of the house. Well, if she wishes freedom from this enterprise, far be it from me to constrain her to stay... she murmurs to herself. She looks back at the circle of people around the kitchen, hoping to hear some detail that will help to explain the occurrences of the day.
"I wasn't taught any magic. I did my maths and letters in West Crown. That's all I was taught."
She smiles weakly at Zeph. "I don't know why you think you're required to stick around. You barely know me," she says, looking around at the others. "I should just leave before anyone else gets...gets hurt." She looks out the door to where the two other women have gone.
A few moments after Pyrrha leaves, Ahto gives a resigned sigh and looks to Brand. "I'll handle it," he says, and steps quietly out after her.
Catching up to her a short distance from the house, he moves along side and her and asks, "so...what's the plan, then?"
Zeph snorts at Korihor's suggestion, appearing incredibly amused "Abandoning you would be as good as killing you, and I am not about to do that. No one deserves to be hunted. No one deserves to be afraid and alone. I am going to do my best to make sure you are safe." He then turns back to Twist "We seem to be talking in circles, Korihor knows nothing about why she is being hunted and demanding answers from her is not helping anyone. What we need to do is find out who is hunting her, and why."
Pyrrha stops walking to wherever she was headed, probably nowhere, and turns slightly to Ahto, facing a shoulder toward Ahto. Pyrrha says thoughtfully with bent finger to her chin "There's several sides to this as I see it. There's Twist, the scoundrel, supposedly he's here for his own interest, there's his employer with a stake in the church political or religious sphere I'd wager, then the lot that doesn't like those claiming to be of the Last Prophet or us I'd wager after the fiasco you got us into today."
"Trusting Twist looks like the convenient answer, which is what I don't like about this. He comes admittedly saying he has business for us, but when asked directly he states its not something his employer wants. He has his own interest at mind and I'd wager he thinks we are his ticket to bigger and better things. I doubt he plans to share much of his future gains at the cost of our efforts."
"We need to get on top of this immediately. Start by figuring out all the players, what they are trying to do, and why. And I think we need to do this either through forcing answers from Twist, gods' have mercy on us, who I wouldn't be surprised, if he was the one that lured us into this disaster knowingly." The mere thought narrows Pyrrha's eyes with a twitch.
Then she pauses a moment. "Or... or we track down those thugs and start with them. They'll be desperate to right their mistakes if they aren't dead already so they'll be looking more quickly and carelessly for that Last Prophet faithful human back there."
"But that's just my initial thoughts. What's your angle or thoughts?"
"Twist admitted that he's in it for himself. He says he's hitched his wagon to us, because we look like the best chance to payoff. So, at least we know we can count on Twist to turn on us if things go abysmal." Ahto shrugs casually at his own dire pronouncement.
"The girl's the real puzzle. Is she truly unaware of her role in all this? If she's playing us, she's selling the innocent act hard. We just need to keep our eyes open, and watch for when the knives come out."
He puts a reassuring hand on Pyrrha's shoulder.
"In the meantime, I'm all for roughing up some gun-toting thugs!"
Korihor stifles a weak chuckle, taking a nervous breath.
"So no one taught you, huh? Guess that means it's in your blood. You know your relatives? Anyone else talented? That power had to come from somewhere, and now we just need to figure out where. Or who, rather." Twist rubs his chin, thinking. "Can we see that tattoo or yours? I know you've got it, no reason to try and hide it."
"She is trying hard to play innocent, that's a fact, but I doubt she knows what's happening. That's a double edged sword too, she is so convinced that she doesn't have anything to do with this she wont be able to identify the people that snitched on her and her powers so she could be kidnapped for whatever purposes to begin with."
We can be sure those idiots will come looking for her again, and as soon as the heat dies down from their attempt, they'll be asking around about us. We might have a night to ourselves at best without interference, but if they have any divination magic at their disposal, they could plan to attack us tonight. So Ahto, you may just get the chance to rough these thugs sooner than you think.
"I'm just going to get the lay of the area here with some time and room to think. I want to know the best approach they'll use and it might help if we aren't all crowded inside a small house when they come knocking. I'll probably sleep outside tonight, given the bugs aren't too bad here.
Finishing her time with her companion, Kierana looks between Pyrrha and Ahto, locked in conversation just out of earshot, and the kitchen inside, where she can just see Korihor's shoulder around the corner of the wall. She heaves a heavy sigh.
The most answers lie inside, and answers are something I sorely desire at the moment, she murmurs to Acharn. Stay here, sweet - and watch the other two. I'll look to you for warning if aught goes amiss. With a final pat between the wings, Kierana bids her companion farewell and re-enters the house, striding into the kitchen and retaking her seat. She takes in Korihor's nervous laugh and Twist's pointed stares and questions, and merely leans back in her seat, waiting to hear the reply.
Ahto shrugs. "Sleep out here with the bugs, if you want. I'll avail myself of the comfort of the indoors. I'm not about to turn down a free night's food and lodging. Just...be careful. Even blundering idiots are dangerous if they outnumber you."
He gives her a sidelong, one-armed hug, holding on to her just long enough to make her squirm away from the prolonged contact. He chuckles, gives her a wink, then heads back inside.
Korihor looks nervously between Twist, Kierana, Zephyrion and Brand, and then glances out the door. "It's...it's not my blood," she says, slowly undoing her ponytail of small dreadlocks - messed up from the ordeal earlier - and redoing it. She touches her closed fist to her forehead ritualistically. "At least - well, at least I don't know for certain. I always heard my Grummum..." she takes off her belt, and a dirty wool overcoat as she talks quietly. "...my dad's mum, her name was Genna - Genevieve, I think - was the love-child of some House of Thrune Devil." She chuckles. "He used to call her 'the Old Gylou'."
She smiles wistfully, looking at the ground in memory, her grey eyes glassy, as she turns her back to the group. "I used to love to visit her home in Westcrown. My Da would take me to the Northern wall of the Canaroden, which she adored, to see the Twelve...she was long dead by then...died in 4686. She was eighty."
Korihor pauses for a long moment. Then she slowly lifts her tunic above her head, and drops it to the ground, leaving her naked from the waist up. She stands tall and proud, her shoulders thrust back, her head down. Her bronze skin pebbles in the cool air.
What appears to be a tattoo of an upside-down tree runs down her neck from in her hairline, spreading across her shoulder blades, and down her spine. It's actually not one tattoo, but hundreds of tiny magical sigils, forming the image of a tree. A few of the sigils appear to still be scabbed over.
"I'm sick. I think this is goin' ta kill me."
As Korihor bares her torso, Kierana sits up and begins to examine the tattoo. It's...quite stunning. Truly, I've never seen its like. It looks as if some parts are newly done - I presume the artist is in Absalom, then? I've consorted with several tattooists in the city, but never any who could do such intricate work, or contour it to the body's shape so skillfully. And the sigils are intriguing - chosen as some sort of focus for arcane magic, I assume.
Wait...what do you mean, you're sick? If you're worried about catching a chill, please, re-dress. You've done plenty to sate our guest's curiosity already, and I'm sure he agrees that your taking ill would do no one any good. Kierana rises, and her hand moves toward Korihor's shoulder in a reflexive gesture of concern. She stops short, though, as if uncertain that Korihor would receive the gesture well, especially in her current vulnerable state.
"I talked to Little Miss Sunsh-eyyyyyye," Ahto stammers awkwardly as he walks in on Korihor, half naked, with Kierana standing intimately close to her. "Uhh, not to tell you how to do your job, But shouldn't you take her upstairs? I mean, here in front Zeph's ma?!?"
Korihor smiles at Ahto. "It's not a tattoo. No artist has ever touched this part of my body."
Kierana flashes a smile at Ahto's joke, which quickly turns to a look of confusion. Not a tattoo? Then what is it?
Korihor shrugs. "I wish I knew."
Ahto moves around the room, as if appraising the design on Korihor's back from other angles.
"These designs are complex, they are too regular to be a mere collection of scars or even a birthmark." His tone plays at education and worldliness he knows he does not possess.
He continues to move until he stands facing Korihor. He gives a crooked, tight-lipped grin as his gaze drops from her face to her bare bosom and after a brief but perceptible pause, returns to her eyes.
"They're quite beautiful, actually."
Korihor holds his gaze with her eyes. "No. They're perfect."
"One thing's for certain, you certainly know how to wield their power to your advantage!" Ahto chuckles and gives her a flirtatious wink. He then turns away, breaking the tension.
He resumes a more business-like demeanor.
"So, our Illustrated Lady here either holds a specific power, or else is key to that power's location and release. So, until we know what that it is, it wouldn't be too smart to let her wander off on her own."
He moves around the room again, this time looking at his other companions for confirmation. He turns his head back in Korihor's direction.
"You may not know us well or fully trust us yet, but I'd like to point out that we haven't tried to kill or kidnap you, and all of us have taken wounds on your behalf. So, Pyrrha's sunny disposition aside, we're your best bet. Don'tcha think?"
"I don't want to hurt anyone."
Zeph keeps his face controlled when Korihor bares herself to them. Ahto was already doing enough toward making the girl uncomfortable. But he does make sure to inspect the markings covering her body.
"Just stick with us for now, what have you got to lose? Even if you left us I would still being trying to find out what was going on here, but if you stay we can work together."
And remember, all are free to choose their own way. I stay because I wish to stay, and because I will not let you stand alone in your plight. Besides - this Disciple's misguided morality is so bad for my business, darling. She flashes a brilliant smile, seeking to defuse the tension. Now sit, and we'll discuss plans. Ahto, has that girl of yours - Pyrrha, yes? - elected to stay, or has she chosen a different path?
"She's not going anywhere, but it's likely she won't sleep here tonight. I think she needs some time to cool off. Pyrrha's nature is an acquired taste, and not for the thin-skinned, but she's loyal to those who are loyal to her."
As Kierana speaks, Korihor's eyes widen. She gasps, and turns, quickly striding out the front door.
She makes it about halfway across the yard before she sinks to her knees and screams, collapsing into the dirt sobbing.
Ahto rolls his eyes and sighs as she runs from the room.
"Her too?! By the time we get all these hysterics under control, another gang of mercenary musketeers will be blasting this place to pieces."
He looks around at the others; his expression clearly annoyed.
"Anyone else want to handle this one, or am I talking her off the ledge, too?"
I'll speak with her; after all, I'm the one who's apparently said something upsetting. Join me if you wish - I leave it up to you. Kierana rises gingerly from her chair and follows Korihor's path out the front door, stopping where the girl sobs in the pathway.
My intent was not to upset you, merely to express my support. What is it that distresses you so about a hand extended in friendship?
Ahto relaxes as Kierana goes out to speak with Korihor.
He pulls out a chair, sits, and rests his elbows on the kitchen table.
"Sure you've hitched your wagon to the right team?" he asks Twist, arching an eyebrow.
Korihor heaves the content of her stomach onto the ground. She looks up at Kierana, her eyes red. "All those people, hurt. Those two Priests, they're dead. Because of me. I was the target. They were collateral damage...because of something I don't want!" She sobs quietly. "They have families...families they'll never see again."
Please, grieve, mourn the lost. Such feelings are good and right - but do not let it cloud your reason. Instead, let it spur you on, drive you to action, guide you in shaping the future more to your liking. Nothing we can do can change what has been - but what we do now can create a future that makes what has gone before worth it.
I know not your past, but it seems to me that our paths entwine now for a time, and this may be a course to great discovery in your own story, as well as in this mystery of the Last Disciple. She stands and offers a hand to help Korihor to her feet. Come, let's return, speak with the others, discover our next steps. You have the power to create your own ending to your story. No matter how terrible the first pages have been.
"Ich. My teeth always feel fuzzy after I vomit."
Korihor walks back inside and picks up her tunic, pulling it over her head. Her eyes are red. "I'm sorry," she says, to no one in particular.
Kierana rejoins the others. As Korihor pulls her tunic back on, Kierana suddenly remembers something she needs to take care of.
Zephryion? she asks. I don't wish to impose, but...we departed the Court in haste, and I had no time to stop for my belongings. She looks down at what used to be her dress, caked with blood and eaten away by acid in several places. It had only just passed as decent before, and now...
Does your mother have some garments I could borrow, perhaps? She blushes, as if asking for help is more embarrassing to her than her current state of exposure. I require nothing elaborate, and they'll be returned once I can retrieve another of my gowns. It's just that I'm afraid this one isn't at its most...functional at the moment.
Zeph smiles at Korihor when she returns "No apologies necessary, you have been through much."
He startles from Kierana's words, "Oh! I'm sorry Kierana, I should have thought of that. Just a moment." He walks into the hall and calls for his mother. Strange that she hasn't found the first aid kit yet.
As Zeph leaves to find his mother, she calls back from her bedroom. "You haven't used the kit recently, have you son? I can't seem to find it..." As he mentions Kierana's need for a dress, she rummages through her closet and finds an older gown, something she clearly hasn't worn in a while. "I think this might fit her better, don't you?" After a moment, she looks to Zeph again, a harder look in her eye.
"Son, that man who came here? Do you trust him? What's been going on, are you alright?"
Zeph sighs and rubs the bridge of his nose wearily. "Do I trust him? No. But he doesn't seem to be our enemy right now. The anxious girl out there? She is in trouble and we helped her out, but it seems things might be much bigger than that. And it all seems to lead back to this 'Last Disciple' fellow."
Ahto sits at the table and surveys the faces of everyone in the room.
"So, it looks like the dice are rolling. If we make it through the night without having our throats slashed, I'd say we didn't come up with the snake's eyes."
"If we make it through? What else could happen?"
We made no pains to conceal our retreat from the Ascendant Court; with the right informants, your pursuers could find us even here. It's more difficult than if we were in our usual haunts, but not impossible - especially considering Ahto was nursing a gunshot wound and I was covered head to toe in burns with a giant wasp playing nursemaid. Even for Absalom, we weren't exactly a subtle lot. Kierana sighs.
Still, a clean getaway is much in my prayers tonight. We need the chance to rest and plan, and I don't wish Zephyrion's mother to be drawn in any further than she needs to be. Truly, my prayers are for the dice to come up sevens, as it were. More information and a path forward are things we sorely need. You're certain you have no idea who could wish your capture, Korihor? Twist, you're certain your employer has nothing to do with earlier events?
"I doubt anyone wants me." Korihor says, her head down.
Kierana can't help but smirk. The events of tonight determine that to be a lie, don't they, Ahto? I'd say that, tonight, you're the most desired person in this house - and that's a role you've won over a priestess of the Pleasure Salon, no less. She winks coyly at Korihor.
Zeph's mother puts her hand on her son's shoulder, looking into his eyes. "Don't get wrapped up in things too big for you, son. That's what your father and I did, years ago. But I don't need to tell you any more stories; you've heard our tales from Mendev before. Don't be like your father and I. Just don't get in over your head." She sighs for a moment, rubbing her leg at the spot of an old wound. "Let's get your friend this dress, and some bandages."
-----
"Am I positive? No. But... it wouldn't make any sense. That's a longer game than I know how to play. It'd be a bad move, is my point." He looks to the door as Zeph and his mother re-enter the room, carrying a new dress and first aid kit. "I could do some digging, but then we all could. Hunting down either that dwarf or one of his goons is probably our best option."
I agree. But for now, rest is what we chiefly need, I think. Kierana sees Zeph and his mother enter and rises. Thank you for your graciousness in having us, ma'am; I appreciate it greatly. Now, Ahto, let's have a look at that wound. She opens the first aid kit on the table and helps Ahto remove his shirt, carefully removing pellets from his injured shoulder and dabbing an herbal salve onto the burns from the alchemical webbing.
Once Ahto's wounds are tended to, Kierana's hands move to her own shoulders. Ms. Starset, could I impose on you once more for a bit of help? With a flick, the straps of her ruined gown slide off and the tatters puddle on the floor around her feet, exposing her to the room. I fear I'll have a hard time tending to the burns properly on my own - Suddenly she stops, noticing the looks from the others, and smirks slyly, kicking the gown away from her. As if that was leaving much to the imagination anyway.