"Hmm, this creature is very adept at the mental arts. It is evading my probes with a strong resilience. I'm afraid I can tell little from it, except that it is highly intelligent and calculating, unburdened by conscience or passion. Our furry friend is right to have been alarmed. If it has learned of our plans, it is likely that its master is already aware of them."
the snake shakes its head a bit; perhaps it is groggy
spot roll if you want to look closely at the snake.
Drow elf Llivenoc only:
spoken is a very clear; powerful, yet soft and suductive voice "you have not played your lament of sorrow in so long; thus I interecede and find this lout and this drunken diety of morals interposed to my faithful; take up your instrument my prince and play; thus is my vengance yours. They have acted upon one of mine; thus I may act unbidden; this foul creature shall feel my contempt.
<gm> you may try to resist or block this or listen and assist, or aid; or the like.
all:
all off the wine and grapes inside the drow's instrument is ejected forcefully by some mysterious force as well as the tiny fey; now fat and swollen from eating grapes and drinking wine.
The tiny fey looks like a small 4" man with golden wings; but currently very fat; he wears what looks like a very well tailored greenish suit; died a bit purple and wet; complete with top hat; he is screaming in pain; seems to be suffering; holding is ears and writhing on the ground.
The instrument appears unblemished by the ordeal.
General post:
Apollo's sky chariot is nearing the end of its trip across the sky and soon to park in the far mountains; <ie; the sun will set soon; dusk is approaching>
clouds of rain are builing up from the ocean to the south east and are heading inland; looks like a widespread front.
the wind picks up from an average 5 to about 12 mph; and the temp drops a bout 5 degrees to bring a little cool from the long days heat; mean temp now is about 85.
Those here at the encampment other than yourself begin to prepare; by putting out pans of oil and torches as the bazaar and trade will continue through the eve into some of the night; the smell of cooking in the various groups start to weave many pleasant scents in the air.
Current issues on the table:
the snake and any resolution therin
the offense of petition; awaiting response to affirm or deny.
the suffering fey, and what that whole bit is about.
the continued greetings and gathering of party members for general discussion and preparation for the morning blessing and setting out on the adventure.
Val
Amidst the greetings and brewing arguement between heroes; the dark elf stops and picks up his instrument; hold it in a loving fashion and begins to play a slow lament; his voice blends with the instrument and though you may not speak drow or know the words; characteristic of elven music; it touches the soul of any who know loss and hardship; with the playing of notes and addition of voice; though no magic is present; the melody seems to alleviate the condition of the fey; who is given a moments respite from his pain, dread, and anguish.
for the dark elf
you have a intuitive feeling that if the fey does not dance in honor of the dark lady; the pain of his transgression will continue...
Val
Astinos raises his face to greet the sun.
"O Great Lord Apollo who sees all. See our hearts and know our resolve, see our actions and know our goals, see our quest and smile upon our mission."
He looks intently at the snake.
detect evil
the snake does emminate a aura of evil; it looks very strange an not at all like that of any humanoid aura of evil you have ever seen before; you are not sure what it means; but the snake is definately evil in such a way that it glorifies the destruction of life.
the snake turns to leave; heading back into the bushes in the direction of the oracle.
the Fey looks about intently; then begins to dance a fancy jig; completely out of cadeance with the music of the drow; but strangley in rythym every now and again.
Val
** spoiler omitted **
"If, as the gods told, our enemies - these "three brothers" - are almost at this place, then would it not be wise to remove ourselves before their arrival? Perhaps the Priestess could be convinced to convey her Blessing before the coming of dawn?"
You notice that when Mercury appears to bargain for the party with Apollo; all those you see other than the party; bow; kneel; and such.
you hear chuckles and near laugher of Apollo at the fey's demands; guess he likes the little people.
Astinos raises his face to greet the sun.
"O Great Lord Apollo who sees all. See our hearts and know our resolve, see our actions and know our goals, see our quest and smile upon our mission."
He looks intently at the snake.
We should wait til the dawn. The Devourers gain power by our fear. We leave now it will show a lack of faith in those Gods that give us protection. In turn it weakens them to our enemies.
So I will stay. I have faith the Sun will rise tomarrow. I have faith they can not catch the God who spoke on our behalf. So take rest and listen for awhile and find Solace as I play.
"I must say that I disagree. That serpent was truly evil, the kind of evil that glorifies destruction and suffering. If it serves another then be assured that they know our plans and are already taking action.
Evil does not wait for the light to shine upon it's actions, but works under cover of darkness."
Astinos looks to each party member in turn as he speaks.
"While we rest our enemies toil, while we wait they act, while we argue they plan, and while we play they kill. It is not weakness to act now but prudence. Besides, if we are to encounter our enemies again, I would rather it be in the open field where they can be made to pay for their transgressions, rather than hide upon holy ground."
"But this is a decision for the group. What say you all?"
"I do not think it would be wise to remain here while the god-killers close in. I do not wish to second guess your faith or judgment, Llvenoc, but even if we are protected within this grotto, we can do little good if we are hemmed in and put under seige before we even begin. We may survive indefinitely under Apollo's protection, but if it comes to that, then this may soon be the only bastion of the sun left. If they do know of our plans, they will be seeking to prevent our departure - what simpler way to insure our failure? So I think it best that we depart while we are still able to do so."
The feline -faced Kemnebi first stares at the appearance of the newest stranger. He rubs his eyes. When Mercury begins petitioning Apollo for a stay of sentence, he rubs his ears. When Apollo answers, the youth can be heard to mutter to himself. Something about 'Wishing to be an Atheist'.
He stands there, blinking, when Mercury races off and plays tag with the 'three'. But snaps out of his reverie when the Dark Elf speaks out loud to Apollo. He also looks up to the sun and adds his voice.
"Excuse me, 'Bright Lord of the Skies', I meant no disrespect. But was acting to defend myself and these others from what I saw was a threat. I did not even realize that I was on sacred ground and did not break your law intentionally. I agree with your condition. And ask that you illuminate my path as we set forth."
The young man turns back to Namaste as the snake begins to groggily clear it's head.
"You say this creature is no mere serpent, indeed may be more than a familiar, and is evil in thought and intentions. But because we are here on Apollo's sacred ground we have to let it go?!?" He looks around the group frantically. "That doesn't make any sense to me! IF you KNOW it's evil, and intends harm to others, we have to stop it! We can't just let it go!"
Frustrated, he snarls and once again raises his staff as the snake turns to slither away, but after a glance up at the burning orb of Apollo's chariot, lowers it again. He curses in a strange, growling tongue and kicks at the dirt as the snake vanishes into the greenery.
"I can't be-LIEVE we're just gonna let it,...! ARGH!" He cries aloud.
"OK." He asks after taking a few moments to calm himself down. "SO the bad guys probably not only know that we're here, they most likely know what we are about to do. And who we are. Meanwhile, we don't even know who 'THEY' are! Except that at least one of their servants is most likely a dedicated servant of Set. Which means that that snake and I have a future date." He growls slightly on his last statement. As if daring someone to disagree with him.
"I do not think it would be wise to remain here while the god-killers close in. I do not wish to second guess your faith or judgment, Llvenoc, but even if we are protected within this grotto, we can do little good if we are hemmed in and put under siege before we even begin. We may survive indefinitely under Apollo's protection, but if it comes to that, then this may soon be the only bastion of the sun left. If they do know of our plans, they will be seeking to prevent our departure - what simpler way to insure our failure? So I think it best that we depart while we are still able to do so."
Kemnebi nods sympathetically.
"I understand how you feel my lady. But unless I'm mistaken, that was the 'god-killers' we just saw playing tag with the Lord Mercury. And I now would be loath to depart without a chance to see the famous Oracle for myself. I now believe that I may know what I wish to ask of her,..." HE glances once more at where the snake vanished into the undergrowth."I believe that we should make certain of our plans and details before we leave. And at the very least, the Oracle is a source of knowledge. And knowledge is power. Possibly the only advantage we might have over our adversaries at this point."
Kemnebi you just gave me a thought. Namaste, Astinos, was it not said that the Sun God knew this enemy was in his temple? That all things are known to his Oracle and to him on his Holy ground. Would you please consider the fact that He in his Divine wisdom wanted this snake to see us. Consider this now and have faith. If you still have doubt then speak with the Oracle and seek her council in this endeavor.
"Hmm, very well. I will defer to what the majority of the group chooses. I understand faith, but faith in gods is not the way of my people. We greatly respect the gods, but we do not follow them. But I respect that you do, as does Astinos. Faith yields wisdom, yet your faith and his lead you to be of different minds on this matter. So I will abstain my vote unless it is needed to break a stalemate."
"I serve a Goddess of War, btu also of Wisdom. And it is indeed wise to seek counsel before battle. Perhaps Kemnebi has the right of it in seeking as much information as possible to be forewarned."
He pauses and looks at Llevenoc.
"Very well, I will wait to confer with the Oracle. But I wonder in whom's best interest is it for us to delay, and whom would wish to see fair Demeter suffer......down below?"
Caledon says in his dusty dry voice; "hmm, interesting, oh these brothers are not threat to us directly; they kill human dieties; by the reports i have seen; human ones; who or why is undetermined; but it seems they became active about 14 months ago when some titanic event happened off the coast that way <he points> the titanic roar of a godlike dragons deathknell could be hear for many many leagues; it shook the earth and the skies darkened; then 5 comets of doom fell from the sky; landed on that island; the sea turned dark and boiled; then a single dark star came from the heavons; it blotted out the land and hung over the island; the sea and it had such focus we trembled; yet our most powerful mages said it was still yet eons away; we knew not what this force was; but the five burning comets that took form on the island; they departed; the dark power receeded; and one of those brother came to our lands; and we followed; he did us no direct harm; yet he walked with purpose to another who looked just like him that was in the sea; a titan who was trolling with a net; those two brothers met; and went north toward the Valley of the Ancients; soon after we began hearing stories of dieties being killed; and the madness of the emperors joy at their death; I know not what to make of this; but certainly change; change is here; our world is on the brink of savior or destruction.
You may wonder why I say this if only three gods are killing other gods; those not strong enough to resist them; those not on the power level of Almighty Zues; or Eternal Ra or Odin the Wise; well; I heard it in a whisper of trueth from yon bard who said it in his sleep; thus he sang:
"from afar comes Mi-kail the Destroyer
from afar comes the Fist of the Heavons
to judge and to determine if our hearts are strong
to watch and decide the fate of our multiverse
for now is the conjunction that the sleepers awaken
for now is the age of war and strife, shall our dream end or continue.
with the opening of the eye of the dread unamed;
with the first lash of those dread tentacles
shall Mi-Kail cut from existance our intemperate sphere
shall Mi-Kail set us adrift from all in the heart of relentless evil."
Forgive me my allies; it does not translate perfectly; it seems even the Greek language has not words for some themes spake by the barbarian wordsmith.
Caledon shudders; his eyes widen white on white; "what spake I and why; it was not my intent to relate that event; what magic dwells in this place; beware; beware"
he looks about as concerned as a "mostly dead guy <like from the princess bride" can be.
"If, as the gods told, our enemies - these "three brothers" - are almost at this place, then would it not be wise to remove ourselves before their arrival? Perhaps the Priestess could be convinced to convey her Blessing before the coming of dawn?"
A fairly young female priestess of Apollo walks up to the group; as typical of her people she is wearing very sheer clothes and not many of them; she has a Toga to wrap about her when it gets cool; <consider that it is typically 90 degrees or hotter and their mode of dress fits it - this is nothing to the Egyptians as both their males and females go topless in the summer; but more northern cultures might goggle>
"If it please you, the oracle summons this party thus; as those new have questions; you are next in the Q. I will lead you directly if your intent is yet to see the oracle."
The bard is a bit lost and befuddled; he seems to have his head cocked as if listening to something far far away. Perhaps to the East, he reaches out his hand and gently grabs Namaste's left forearm "abide a moment with me girl, I hear you name on the wind in a distant place; the voice is full of pain; emotion; loss; much injury; perhaps you should clear your mind and you may hear it; it calls you."
Namaste will you be alright? Let me know if you need anything that is within my power.
Shall we go gentlemen? I may have a different viewpoint of the world as you. But I am not your enemy. No matter our differences let us walk as one.
"If it please you, the oracle summons this party thus; as those new have questions; you are next in the Q. I will lead you directly if your intent is yet to see the oracle."
Kemnebi looks at the young lady appreciatively and bows slightly, then turns back to the others. "I suppose that getting a deity's attention does sometimes turn out to be useful?" He says with an embarrassed grin. His grin shows a lot of fairly sharp teeth.
When Llivenoc offers his hand, he realizes that it is primarily intended for the proud warrior of Athena, but reacts with typical youthful enthusiasm. He always was quick to act once he had made up his mind, for good or ill. He reaches out and grabs the dark elf's forearm.
"I'm with you. With those who seem to be lining up against us, we need no new enemies. Let us stand together and see if we can knock a few of them down!"
Kemnebi (finally) notices the Elf's protective attitude towards Namaste, and seems to deflate just a little. BUt he nods to Namaste with a small understanding smile, and turns back to the waiting priestess.
"I believe we are ready fair lady. I'm sorry, I didn't catch your name?" He says with a smile, his eyes wide in a look that he had discovered humans thought was 'cute'.
;)
Zuberi accepts the terms offered by Mercury and Apollo
Zuberi is also in agreement to seek out counsel before proceeding further.
Shall we go gentlemen? I may have a different viewpoint of the world as you. But I am not your enemy. No matter our differences let us walk as one.
Zuberi looks at Llvenoc for a moment then as he clasps his offered hand he says
"those are words well spoken Llvenoc, words which i can respect. we are in agreement then. If your words match the strenght of light which dwells in your heart then walk and fight by your side you will find me."
"let us begin anew as the sun does at dawn."
Zuberi then reintroduces himself with a kinder and warmer manner and awaits the same from Llvenoc
"Indeed," Astinos says with a warm smile, clasping Llvenoc's forearm, elbow to wrist. "you are not my enemy. Let us go forth as allies, and as friends."
Looking to Namaste he says,"We will await you in the temple Lady."
His grin becomes even warmer, protective and disarming, yet bold, as he looks towards the young priestess. "Lead on my dear, we serve in different capacities but the Gods' work is great indeed. There is much to be done, and no time to waste.....a pity that."
I am Llvenoc. First Son of my House. Enemy to the Devourer in all its forms. I believe we are ready.
Namaste will linger back with the bard, opening her mind to receive someone who might be calling for her.
To Llvenoc, she says, "Thank you, my friend. We will be fine."
Once the priestess hears that you are ready; she becomes rather oblivious to the group and walks at her own pace neither fast nor slow toward a path where waits four heavily armed waiting guards; she steps aside and guestures that you continue up the path.
The path is steep and rocky and winds around the hill to the top where you see part of a glade and some stone columns holding up a stone roof.
Assuming everyone continues up the path; as you enter the glade; it is as i described before; peaceful; sunny, and the grass is strong and healthy, the air clean and warm; a beautiful middle aged priestess with a linen cloth over her eyes in on the dias before the temple; the dias is raised on 12 plates of circular stone that also act as stairs; a female elven warrior sits below her; the elven warrior is breathlessly beautiful; but her eyes are hard and without pity or remorse; upon seeing the party; she springs into action.
she draws two flaming swords and does a leaping tumble toward the party screaming something in elven as she somehow flings two daggers:
speakers of elven only
Abomination of Indecision; Die Mage Get of Lorm!
the party is quite stunned by this action; surprized at this assault, but the priestess is not; she mearly turns her palm up and the elf stops in mid air and floats back to her spot; with her other hand, the priestes makes a pinching guesture and the two ice blue daggers stop about a foot from the soilder of Bast and drops to the ground.
the priestess's face is placid and untroubled. The elven woman struggles in vain crying out in pain against the force that holds her; her muscles ripple and sweat pours from her; for some reason she really wants that catperson dead; enough to invoke the wrath of the Sun God in his own temple.
the preistess smiles; I greet thee; I am the Oracle.
rest a moment please while my servant composes herself that she may serve you holy refreshment. <the elven warrioress is still struggling with all her might; welts and blood flow from her yet she does not abate.>
there is a semi circle of stone benches; one for each of you; those of you who saw the oracle earlier; realize this is a different woman; this woman speaks with a strange accent, much in some ways like Namaste's.
Perhaps, I shall serve you myself.
The Oracle stands up and slowly gathers the refreshements and gracefully yet very slowly; walks toward the party; her aura is strong; and seems to gain strength as the day wanes and day waxes; the sun now is fully set yet the temple stays bright as day; the moon cannot be seen yet.
She serves each of you a golden goblet of wine; bids you not yet to drink; she too has a goblet of wine; she holds her hand out and prays in no language know to any of you; each of the goblet froth with power.
Drink and be suffused with blessing; she guestures to the food you now see on trays near each of you; sup and be refreshed; eat and drink with me; talk; but save your questions until after our meal; then I will once again tend your needs as Oracle.
<the elf struggles until she passes out from exhaustion; panting and bleeding>
the Oracle returns to her seat and eats and drinks; she will engage any in converation who offers.
To Namaste:
through mind link or telepathy; your not certain
Namaste; hear me oh Namaste; it is I Verdan.
Namaste; I seek thee; respond O sister of the Quest; it is I Verdan
Namaste; open the flower of you mind; the cost is great; yet I have news of grave import.
the repeats; it sound very softly; also, mangled and warped somehow; even a bit dirty feeling; oily perhaps. It gets clearer and stronger as night approaches; one the sun is all the way down; you can hear the message clearly and the static is perhaps clear enough to attempt contact back if you wish.
Verdan was one of your companions who went North to seek clues on how your people could return to their homeland; you fear from other news that he was captured or slain by the Mongol Horsemen.
Verdan to Namaste only:
Namaste; I can only get a wisp of you; we need to strengthen this bond to speak; I have much you urgently need to know;...<fades and comes back> you must hurry; I cannot maintain this link for long for I am a prisoner; ....<fades and comes back>....yet my jailers are helping my plea for a price; there is only one thing that can strengthen our bond that I might relate urgent news of our quest and some of the world <you can feel his anguish through the link>
that we continue; blood; must have blood of a sentient not you; pour it over a knife and stab it into your palm; think of me; this will let us converse as my jailors will accept this plea and use their formitable mind powers to boost our link.
do this my friend; hurry; for I suffer during you lapse....
Kemnebi jumps, startled at the sudden assault. he is so surprised he doesn't even flinch as the daggers fly towards him. HE can only blink as the priestess reveals herself and stops the daggers inches from his face.
"Ummm,... thank you?" HE adds belatedly, still in shock even though you can see his eyes glitter as he attempts to recognize and categorize the effects he sees being put into play. For a time he observes the struggle between the Oracle and the bodyguard with a combination of interest and revulsion. Finally he whispers to himself.
"Then again, maybe having attention isn't all it's cracked up to be!"
HE accepts the glass with interest. And sits when indicated. HE drinks when told it is time, and partakes of the food. He is obviously bursting with questions, but for now at least, the cat has his own tongue. And he seems content to wait for others to start the conversation.
Astinos moves from where he was about to interpose himself beteen the Elf and Kemnebi, and accepts the drink. Finding his seat he drinks at the appointed time and observes the woman's struggles as he partakes of the meal.
"It would seen that this one would be a better servant to Ares than Apollo. Llvenoc, did you understand her words?"
As the Warrior woman loses consciousness he looks to the Priestess. "You seem rather used to these outbursts my Lady, though I see the Sun Lord has equipped you ti handle them."
you have no doubt that it is the person from you homeland and your friend; you can tell this person is in great pain and is very fearful but has the tenor of true belief that this will work though you know not why and do not have the luxury of time to ask.
as for his request; make a wisdom roll pls
_________________
The Oracle turns to Astinos and guestures gently at the elf.
Acorn serves no diety; she serves none but myself as was her contract. Fault her not as I bear her no ill will; her perception is better than most and the realization of the analog of certain parallels of reality came as a surprize to her and the thought of the destruction that could result was an anathema to her on a deeply personal level.
As for Ares; though as the Spirit of War and Conflict he is apparently aeonian; his avatars and body have been destroyed by the three brothers of choas; having no true priests; he is vanquished until one gives their service over to him completely; thus is the way with each of those dieties killed by the three; there is a certain vibrancy to this culling and thus is true Chaos; it will be interesting to see which dieties return and which new forms dieties will take; for ever is humanity in search of lofty ideals and new masters of their passions.
As the the Sun God empowering me with protections; well at times that may be true; but currently his chariot rests in that far dwelling and he is at leisure with his father and thus does not see us at this time; though surely if some event took place he would look this way. Nay; it was not Apollo who interceded for me; know yea; I am a true Oracle; a True Prophetess unlike any you are likely to ever meet again; all prophecies are open to my eyes regardless of source; thus I am here in this place at this appointed time with Purpose.
Now it is dark and still I see clearly; the Priestess you met earlier offered you a blessing if you leave at Newlight; I can offer you a greater blessing if you leave soon; in the heart of darkness; but tomorrow morning will suffice if that is your choice. how eager are you to enter the realm of the dead underworld.
The Oracle seems to stare through you; through space and time; her eyes are covered by cloth; but you get the feeling that if you could see them; you would see the turning of the multiverse.
she refocuses on the party:
Interesting, she says, I have been instructed to tell you a story of an event concerning Ares, it seems he is very close to being reawakened; only the choice of vessel must be chosen; a random act of chance; chaos incarnate; he and one of his sisters have benefitted from a act of mortals that has rewoven the Threads of Fate. It seems; two strong champions have set their will in Motion; The Beast Champion of Darkness; now called Kormatha - Mother of Darkness - once a true mortal like yourselves; coupled with one other Champion seeking power and change in writhing joy and agony; lo; they coupled in an ancient dwelling upon what was once the greatest temple of SET; Lord of Snakes and did so upon his active and greatest altar and He was there in spirit and blessed them; but lo; each of them and their newly made progeny; but Fate intervened; thus I tell you as Prophetess; that in that darkness Kormath had the Sword of Doom; the true hand of a viking diety; and also present was the True Blood of Ares; and thus unknownst to him; he Coupled with a Preistess of Hecate who bore on her the True Crown of Power of Hecates Chosen. Two Children of Zues with an Egyptian diety; involved in a act by a group much like yours; curious, very curious. The slain Eygptian and more probable; Greek dieties can use this vessel as an avatar and reawaken on this world.
Thus; an Event did take place. Neither parent cared for the prodgeny; they both turned away to serve other causes, but many are the spirits and powers therin that seek restoration; and I tell you true; the child of that union is here close by; in the Necropolis that you woud enter; It has not yet chosen a path; not yet chosen to champion any cause; it knows it not; but it awaits your coming.
My friends; if I may be so bold; you have an enormous oppurtunity for humanity; with your actions you can cause a shift of balance; your actions will be noted by this diefic child; you actions weighed against the action of those that oppose you; it is very likely that catalyst will spark a rebirth of spirit to body.
The Prophetess continues:
she looks to the side; a certain sadness envelopes her; her shoulders stoop and head bows,
you may wonder how I know this, after all it took place on the Southern Continent, but I tell you; at that time, I like you was new to my power; had visions i did not understand; but thus I tell you my burden and hope you will take pity on me and help restore my families honor.
You see, I was there; there while my very own sister did couple with Kormath; back then he was not a she; and my sister was not as she is today; I tell you true that they were in love; true love; certainly even today they are still together; after all this time; all these events; Mighty Aphrodite did bless them; as I beseached her to; to bless there love; truely the moment of true passion enveloped them after a fierce battle against evil; they sought each other arms in love and solice; the gratitude of living suffused them; they are neither of them very scholarly; they knew not that they were in a temple; the altar was a convient place to couple their love and sate their lust; the rest of us; the Priest of Seker; the Guardians of Ukko's Champion; the Great Priest of the Dark -Balfic Graa, squire of Ukko's Champion - who does invoke a great spirit of lust himself wherever he goes; a left over gift of love from his once goddess Shagrass - the Orc diety of lust and motherhood.
Perhaps it was the Champion of Chaos - Cera, wielder of the Sword of Chaos who cheered them on; perhaps it was the Archmage; now Champion of Light - Fystor who shook his head in disgust and walked away; it matters not.
I ask you from my heart and soul; make me not the Aunt of a monster; of a icon of diefic power that destroys the race of humanity. Show my nephew true love; honor; freindship; and all things of creation that sentient races seek that are worthwhile.
Do this; and I will grant thee all in my power; do this and i can show you the path to any hearts desire; do this; and you will have my eternal friendship; and the aid all all my allies.
you all notice that the elven warrior; Acorn, is awake and aware; watching. Tears are in her eyes; she says in a melodic voice "attend, I swear her words as truth; for I, Acorn, First of Clan Silverbranch, Leader of the Sacred Watch to attest it as true; for I was there."
Acorn moves to lay an arm around the Oracle and whispers something to her.
(in a very small whispered voice)
what say you?
-Kemnebi notices the paladin's intent to interpose himself before the warrior elf, and nods gratefully to him.
-As they sit and share drink and food The young H'raal seems to take an inordinate pleasure from the simple fare, as if he's finding it a delight for his nose as well as for his tongue. He swiftly seems to recover his composure. and tentatively asks the priestess,
"Excuse me, If you ask me to hold no grudge for her actions, then How can I refuse? If she thought I was a threat, then she was merely guarding you. But I am curious. When she attacked, she cursed me in Elvish. I speak the tongue, yet I understood not her meaning. I do not consider myself indecisive, and who, or maybe WHAT, is a Lorm?"
Kemnebi listens as the beautiful woman spins her sad tale. He seems at once both entranced and disturbed by it.
I ask you from my heart and soul; make me not the Aunt of a monster; of a icon of diefic power that destroys the race of humanity. Show my nephew true love; honor; freindship; and all things of creation that sentient races seek that are worthwhile.
Do this; and I will grant thee all in my power; do this and i can show you the path to any hearts desire; do this; and you will have my eternal friendship; and the aid all all my allies.
As she finishes with her heart-felt plea, Kemnebi chews his bottom lip, deep in thought.
It is difficult to tell if he is perplexed by this conundrum, or enjoying the mental challenge it poses. At length he looks back to the priestesses covered eyes."No one should be without parents. That is only crime here that I have heard in your tale. And no one should be born into despair, or hate, or anything that leads to darkness. Especially not a god. IF it is destiny that the god of war be reborn, he should be a god of honor, of strength and of courage. A god of war who is noble everyone can respect."
Kemnebi chews his lip again, then blurts quickly. "I will do as you ask, if it is possible. A worker of magic knows better than most that all choices have consequences. This avatar-to-be must be allowed to know the result of his choices. So he can choose wisely. However, I doubt that it will be easy. In the ancient tales it never is, anyway."
"How will we know this child when we meet him? What is he called?"
The Oracle shakes her head as if to clear her thoughts; Acorn steps gingerly away about a pace.
Well, Lorm; what is a Lorm; that is a conundrum to be sure; well; he was once a simple monk of the Dragonheart Clan; he was seduced by the Emperor Sebastion and lured into a path of magic; many things have happened to Lorm to change his form; career; mind; one of such was when the Champion of Chaos Cera, through the raw power of chaos she weilds; pulled him, herself, and others into a twisted maze to be Torments by the Lord of Madness; a diety of Chaos of great power; all who entered were changed; as is the nature of Chaos; also; the Emperor named Lorm his ambassitor to Tarantis; the Port city which is practically speaking; the Capital of the Four horsemen; he took his wife there; a glorious viking maiden; and abandoned her to that palace of evil knowing full well it would change or kill her. Lorm helped awaken those brothers who are killing all the human dieties; so you ask a difficult question; what is a Lorm; Lorm; he who awoke from their slumber the madness and destruction which is the Old Ones; he who was found at times to be holding many of the discarded magic items that keeps them in slumber; so what is a Lorm; he is one who tried to do good; one who has failed at love; one who has made momentus decisions that affects millions; I say; he was a man; now he is bears the form of a cat person; I know not how to best answer your question.
as for the child; well, he can take any appearance as most undecided ca n
Kemnebi; your life path shows that you are very likely to recieve unto attention and predjudice is mistaken for Lorm; though in my eyes you look; only casaully like him; no cat race is known to most peoples; and Lorm has been to every continent; nearly every people; and has left a trail behind him; some good; some not so good.
Those who hunt him are strong; for Lorm is strong; a wizard of great power and a master of martial arts; he has been around a long while and has strong allies; I suggest you learn to yell in many languages that you are not Lorm nor of his people. That would be a good start at avoiding....missunderstandings.
Val
For those who speak Elfin.
No; he is much much worse. At least they dont pretend to be servants of life.
Val
** spoiler omitted **
For those who speak Elfin.
** spoiler omitted **
Yes Astinos I speak Elfin though somewhat broken. She thought Kemnebi was the enemy. We must be weary. This Lorm must be a grave enemy indeed.
We must be wary. This Lorm must be a grave enemy indeed.
Kemnebi nods in agreement, obviously somewhat taken aback at the answer to his question.
"This,... Lorm, sounds like a good example of what not to do." He shakes his head a bit to clear it.
"Thank you priestess, I will heed your words. FOrtunately I already speak a few languages. And I can keep myself disguised if need be. I would rather show the people where we travel that like all other humanoids, cat-folk are not all evil. But as much as it galls me, it would seem that logic dictates that it will be easier to hide my appearance than to try to change the opinions of all the people that this 'Lorm' has offended."
"We shall have to be careful, if the enemy is aware of this 'Lorm', he could try to use my appearance against us. If we're not careful we could wind up fighting the very people that we're trying to help!"
You misinterpret my freind; Lorm was once a decent and kindly; good, law abiding monk; he is not evil per se; but has as some do; done more things of consequence in his life than many; some of his choices have been evil; certainly most dont know why he does what he does; but he is the servant of his master; Emperor Sebastion.
hmm; all things have consequence; even speaking the name of the Emperor; she sighs; I tried to avoid this path; consequences; sigh.
In Elfin.