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As morning turns to afternoon, a light snow begins to fall. Mixed with ash from Volcano, the salt-and-pepper flakes gently swirl in the gusts of wind that cut through your clothing. Though the snow accumulates on the ground next to you as you travel, the road itself never seems to gather any, as if it is absorbed or vaporized.
Like a sylph-made wind-up doll, the inquisitor takes mechanical steps, one after another, never slowing, never quickening. His back is straight, and his gaze lies straight ahead. The only part of him that appears to move are the red-on-black robes that swish and billow at his feet. He calls for a very brief rest for food at thirteenth candle before trudging onward. Throughout the day, you see several tired-looking ifrit farmers headed home to their steads after a day in the city. They nod politely if spoken to, but respectfully steer clear of the inquisitor.
Finally, after one last bend, Hearth comes into view. In the dimming yellow light, the immense statue of the Cauldron Lady--right outside the city--seems just on the verge of coming to life. Her hooded visage looms over the town, searching for heretics to throw into her boiling pot. River spills out to the south, almost seeming to flee from the glowering figure.
The foot traffic is heavier here, with multiple lesser roads meeting up with the great temple road, all headed toward Hearth. Breath from dozens of elens steams into the black sky. The cold-blooded pogona lizards that pull the various wagons do not contribute to these living clouds, creating the illusion that they do not breathe at all.
Like a million miniature Volcanoes, Hearth twinkles in the distance with torches, lanterns, and large out-door ovens. The City of Ovens is never completely dark - the ever-hungry army demands a constant supply of bread and other foods.
In the middle of it all, rising proudly above stone walls, metal gates, and wooden houses, stands the Great Temple. Carved from holy obsidian, the stepped pyramid reflects the light of Volcano from all ten tiers, culminating in the Embern Apartments, over five hundred feet up.
Letting her green lips pull into a small smile and nodding to Brinn before walking to the back of the line. She keeps that position the whole trip.
From her vintage point she can watch all of them. Unless approached she keep back and simply watches the others. Constantly letting her bright green eyes drift from one elen to another and at various intervals everyone can feel her staring at them, or in the case of the rude inquisitor it is a glare. A boring slow stream that one.
Constantly shifting back and forth on being thrill or unnerved that there is no one whole looks like her now. It is remarkably alienating and strangely liberating at the same time.
Then the city comes into view and what a view it is. Looking like a dozens of volcanoes crammed together. Her feet stop and her green lips part slightly So this is what happens when elen stay put. It is horrifyingly beautiful. Eyebrows drawing together and her lips close to form a frown. Nature seems to have been burned out.
Inam falls in a few paces behind the inquisitor, giving him his earned space at the head of the group. She looks to and froe as they travel, but seems more inclined to whisper to the bird perched on her shoulder than watch the path ahead.
Hard laborers. Bless you all in the name of Volcano. Without you this defense against The Dark would not be possible.
She bows her head to a few of the workers they pass, showing respect.
As Hearth comes into view, Inam stops and scans the horizon, taking it all in. Her eyes falling on the Great Temple. The sylph drops to her knees suddenly.
"It's...It's even more magnificent than I'd imagined!" she exclaims. After a moment passes, she jumps back to her feet and rapidly heads towards the town. Just shy of a jog she looks back to the others, "Aren't you coming??" and continues towards the city.
Brinn's spirits rise with each step closer to the city, and he tries to keep his thoughts from racing by entertaining the others with amusing stories and songs from his homeland. Brinn even tries to engage the inquisitor with a riddle or two, without success, and after a few stern looks he gives up and turns his attention to the changing land around him. As they pass others on the road, Brinn exchanges names and pleasantries when they are offered, and shrugs with a laugh when they are not. Nothing, it seems, can dampen his good mood.
But as the great city grows closer before them, with the Great Temple looming above all, he feels an unfamiliar, and uncomfortable feeling coiling in his gut. Perhaps it is apprehension, or perhaps a little taste of fear. In either case ...There is little doubt now I am a long way from home...
Ibinu takes his time walking with the group. Never letting them get to far ahead or behind. Keeping off to the side of the group, he makes an effort to be polite yet move uninterrupted.
I wonder if there really is that much difference between the "sir" inquisitor and myself. We both wear a mask that keeps others from seeing what we truly believe and are. He however seems to turn his everything to religion while I turn it inward towards control. Religion and control... paradox or paradigm? well that's something to discuss and debate later.
As the city comes in to view, Ibinu slows his walking slightly shifting his gaze from one expanse to another as he purveys the whole girth of the city of Ovens.
I wonder how hard it will be to find the captain I have been informed on. A city this size could well house a full regiment or four and all with their own captain.
Turning to Kallik, Guess we will see what this brings as a change. I am not really familiar nor comfortable in a city this large. I don't suppose it will be much different just on a much bigger scale, than the cities my troupe visited. then with a wink Brinn, Brinn, Brinn. What would we do without you to lighten the mood of our group. Hopefully we dont have to hang with "sir" inquisitor long or even you will be hard pressed to stay so lively.
Not taking her eyes off the glowing city in the distance but beginning to walk again when the chicken minion speaks up. She visibly jumps when a voice near here breaks her thoughts. Not bothering to look at Ibinu or hide the mixture of awe and horror in her voice I have never seen anything like it.
So Khong nods with stiff-necked approval at Inam. "Yes. Volcano's gift of cities and civilization is indeed magnificent. It is proper to give thanks."
You fall in step behind a slow-moving cart overflowing with raw wheat. Driver and pogona both seem to be falling asleep as they approach the open gates.
Twenty soldiers, ten on each side, guard the cavernous entrance to the city. Huge blocks of mortared stone form an arch that surrounds the two gates: one made of thick lumber, the other made of a thin, silvery metal. The guards stand smartly at attention, spears and halberds glittering sharply in the waning peaklight. The symbol on their breastplates is a roaring fireplace surrounded by a fist.
As one of the guards notices you approaching, he steps forward and bends on one knee to the inquisitor. "Mercy! What do you need?"
So Khong waves a perfunctory benediction in his direction, and says nothing as he walks on. The guard looks at the four of you with suspicion, glancing at your hands and feet. Apparently satisfied, his look becomes openly curious. He returns to his post, whispering to his companions and glancing in your direction.
Brinn tries to take in everything during the final approach to the great city. The massive construction, the press of many elen, the hum of activity, the numerous guards who are guarding something ...the giant stone walls?... are all sources of wonder and inspiration.
The knot of fear has dissipated as he catalogs every detail that catches his eye or sensitive undine ear. As he notices the guards' reaction to their passing, he cocks his head slightly, in hopes of hearing a word or two. ...one never knows when a little gossip or rumor will come in handy to oneself, especially if it regards oneself!...
Leaving the whispering guards behind, you all pass through the gates and under the walls of the city. The walls are thick enough that it seems more like a tunnel than a simple entrance. Your footsteps echo over and over on the cobblestones. The sounds of the city grow louder as you approach the exit: laughter, shouting, and the murmuring of a hundred conversations.
Entering the city proper, your senses are assaulted by the sprawling marketplace of Hearth. Garish tents, stalls, and carts of every eye-catching color imaginable vie for you attention. The smells of buttered corn, baking bread, spiced wine, and roast turkey waft to your nose, depending on which way the wind is blowing.
Many of the stalls are closed for the night. The market appears to be only half-full, but the crowds are still thick around certain remaining food vendors. There is a noticeable lack of elens other than ifrits among the customers, though you spot a few sylph vendors. Avoiding these crowds, So Khong guides you along the main road toward the Temple.
Away from the gates, the press of elens lessens somewhat. More stalls are closed for the night here. Some are simply empty patches of ground, while other are boarded up with loud snores or soft singing coming from within. A few children run past either side of your group.
Suddenly, So Khong shouts a single word in Benthic: "下跪!" The shrill, ugly incantation hangs in the air for a moment longer than seems natural. Several feet ahead of the inquisitor, a young ifrit boy drops to his knees. The other children are nowhere to be seen. The boy seems to be restrained in some way that cannot be seen.
Calmly, slowly, So Khong bends down and pries a single gold coin from the boy's hand. "Do not speak." He stands up. "Interesting. I am undecided if foolishness or disrespect is the greater error here, and which deserves the greater punishment."
He cocks his head, and looks at the four of you. "I would know more about each of you. What do you recommend I do with this?" He gestures to the trembling boy, who is no longer struggling, but still kneeling.
Glaring at the elen who stare but continuing to follow So Khong. The glare quickly turn to wonder as her head twist to let her take in in as much as possible. Flinching at the shrill sound So Khong.
Crossing her arms an meeting So Khong's gaze, That would depend on the answer he would give me so you would need to let him speak if you are actually wanting my opinion.
The boy looks at the ground and stammers, "O-on a dare."
Sighing and letting her arms fall back to her sides, I assume that you now know that you should never do foolish things like this for any reason much less one as silly as a dare.
This place is massive... Time for sight seeing later. I wish he'd pick up the pace! The temple is so close!
The sylph is getting visibly more and more excited as they traverse the vast streets. She fails to forget her manners though and ensures she doesn't make eye contact with any of the ifrits.
There are a lot of them here. I suppose that's to be expected
She listens to the exchange with the young child and ponders the possibilities. Turning to his guide.
"Etrah, conas ba chóir dúinn dul ar aghaidh anseo? nach bhfuil an leanbh neamhchiontach?"
"BAWK, buckaw" Responds the feathered companion.
"I think I understand...Bí ann olc inár measc?"
"Sir, the child is young. He has time to learn from this encounter. I suggest he make reparations to his victim, apologize for his indiscretion, and return the coin. He is but a young, naïve elen. He has the chance to grow into a productive citizen yet."
I would also set him with a task to help the city, say clean up duty for a day, or something similar in "cost" or "price". Sometimes the best lessons are those that are reinforced to reinforce the memory of the lesson as well. I am sure you have the means of seeing such a penance carried out.
There is a hint of challenge in her voice when she looks back at So Khong, It seems we are in a majority agreement on our offered opinion.
Giving silent thanks that his Grandfather only ever used a willow switch when his grandson found trouble as a youngling, Brinn speaks his concurrence with the others. "Yes your most Merciful. This lad was only doing what all youngsters do. Pushing against their elders to see what is acceptable or not. And elders do what they always do, ensuring the lesson of acceptability has been delivered. And I think this brash young fellow has learned his lesson. Now addressing the boy directly, he gives a slight smile, "Haven't you now?"
He arches an eyebrow. "Lenient, as expected, yet the acknowledgement of some form of consequence is pleasing to see. Very well." He turns to the boy.
"Run ahead of us to the temple, and ask for the Padre Superiore. Explain the situation, and he will find a suitable task for you to attend to on the morrow. It should go without saying that I will make inquiries to the Padre concerning you."
He pauses for a moment, reflecting. "Keep the coin as a reminder. Wisdom is more valuable than money, boy. Now go."
After nearly three miles of walking the smooth temple-road through the marketplace, the true scale of the Great Temple becomes clear. The spice houses to the north, the barracks to the far north, even the watch towers throughout the city all suddenly seem to be made of children's blocks in the shadow of the Temple. When you are close enough to see a pair of priests walking halfway up the main stairway, the sensation of height becomes vertiginous for a moment.
So Khong leads you away from that dizzying height, however. Rather than taking the main staircase, he brings you to a small entrance on the ground floor. The smooth obsidian is cut into sharp, perfect angles. The hallway is narrow, only slightly wider than an average elen, and it is short enough to force some of you to stoop. After traversing several sharp turns and confusing intersections, the inquisitor stops at a T-intersection. "Cittadino Gregori. I will have words with you and your wife, then you will be free to return to your home. I predict my conversation with these four may last longer."
Gregori pipes up from the very back of the group, silent since entering Hearth. "Of course, your Mercy." He nods to the four of you. ""Thanks for all yer help. Maybe I'll see you around town, huh?"
The inquisitor points to the left. "Make yourselves comfortable. I will not be long." Without awaiting a response, he leads Gregori and Abelie down the right path.
He arches an eyebrow. "Lenient, as expected, yet the acknowledgement of some form of consequence is pleasing to see......"
"Lenient? Perhaps. He's is an innocent boy without a glimmer of evil. If we were to take a hand for every minor transgression, our elen brothers and sisters would find it hard to function... The punishment must meet the crime."
She raises an eyebrow at So Khongs stating their conversation will take longer. With a whisper to the others, "Didn't we cover the whole mess with the caravan earlier? How much longer would it take to reiterate what we've already stated?"
well, at least we're here. Look at this stone!
As the inquisitor and Greg wander off, Inam begins feeling the smooth walls. "Some great weapons could be made from this stone...Not as sturdy as my prefered craft, adamantine armor of course but...still quite decent." mumbles the sylph. Catching Kallik out of the corner of her eye, she adds "Oh! Uh, obviously I would only use inanimate rocks..."
Nodding her agreement at Inam's words concerning punishment and then quietly falling back to the rear of the procession.
Resisting the urge to snap at So Khong again I would make him stay longer. The strange sylph with the chicken starts up again. Kallik keeps quiet until So Khong is gone, Yes we already did and I imagine we will again. Mostly likely an unnecessary amount of time before he understands.
Raising an eyebrow at Inam. That is not well traveled. Ibinu did not go on so. Or perhaps she thinks I am easily angered. Much like how we all breathe inanimate air, drink nonliving water, and make our fires out of wood or coal. The inanimate rocks are assumed. Her green lips have upturned into a smirk as she talks and there is a glint of mirth in her green eyes.
Ibinu waits until the Inquisitor begins to lead the others off. I do recall you saying that you would talk with them WITH us. Is a elen of the church's memory or word so cheap he cannot keep it? Without waiting for confirmation, Ibinu takes a few steps in the direction of Gregory.
"There appears to be more occurring here than a perfunctory observation would indicate. Would the four of you accompany me to the Great Temple in Hearth? The matter concerning the lost item is urgent, and I believe there are more answers to be uncovered."
"I am only interested in first-hand accounts"
Ignoring Ibinu entirely, the inquisitor murmurs in High Ifrit, "Occludo." A steel door swings closed with a final-sounding clang, barring access to the right path.
The hallway to the left ends abruptly in a small room that barely fits the four of you. The cramped space is made all the more oppressive by the unornamented black obsidian that surrounds you on all sides. There are six wooden stools and a low, unfinished granite table. On the table is an earthenware pitcher of water and a single brown cup.
Setting her pack down at her feet and leaning against the wall, Are all elen of this temple that dumb?
Upon Kallik's response to her clarification she replies, "My apologies. My knowledge of your kind is limited. I am the first of my family to voluntarily interact with an oread. All I'very been taught is you are of rock, you eat rocks and you are easily offended. Please be patient as I glean the proper etiquette."
After the rocky creature gets conformable she tries to defend her brother in faith."That seems a bit harsh. He bear's a lot of responsibility, being the strong arm of Volcano is bound to wear on you. Let's give him the chance. There may be more to this than we know."
Upon Kallik's response to her clarification she replies, "My apologies. My knowledge of your kind is limited. I am the first of my family to voluntarily interact with an oread. All I'very been taught is you are of rock, you eat rocks and you are easily offended. Please be patient as I glean the proper etiquette."
After the rocky creature gets conformable she tries to defend her brother in faith."That seems a bit harsh. He bear's a lot of responsibility, being the strong arm of Volcano is bound to wear on you. Let's give him the chance. There may be more to this than we know."
Ensuring that she has the sylphs gaze before speaking I am not being harsh and I understand that religious leaders have a heavy burden. But he wants first hand account and he let the whole caravan leave. That was foolish. Elen talk and that vision will be all over the land in a few days. Where I was raised that seems foolish. Elen who lead must be able to lead. That elen is rude, demanding and distractable.
The oread fall silent for a moment, My apologizes, I neglected the respond to your knowledge on oreads. The green veins along her pale skin shift at the broad smile, Yes we eat rocks but that is out of necessity. I ate the same food you did with the caravan. And I have heard of no rock that bleeds. We may resemble stone but we bleed just like the rest of you.
Nodding mostly to herself as the smile falls off, The oreads I know were temperamental though so I guess that is true.
Brinn idly plays his Mer-flute to pass the time and try to keep his mind off the fact that the room they are in is uncomfortably similar to a prison cell. But he takes a little comfort in the inquisitor's words, since it would there is much more going on than the obvious.
Throwing his thoughts into to stew of speculation,"Well it seems to me that Master So has little of the fool about him. I suspect he retained us and not others of the caravan, since we are at this point, unencumbered by family, or business, or other responsibility other than traveling to this great city to seek an unspecified fortune."
He plays a quick scale on his flute before continuing, "And as for elen and their kinds, I would suggest that we are defined by our deeds, not the parents who bore us, who may or may not have had anything at all to do with the people we become. Now, while we wait, I throw a little riddle to you all...a piece of silver to the one who can guess the answer first!...
I can be smooth as silk when you touch me
Yet hard as rock when you hit me
I can be crystal clear
Or dark as pitch
I can be still and silent
Or I can rumble and roar.
What am I ?
Inam contemplates the words of her companions. "That seems a fair way to put it Brinn." Turning back to Kallik she asks "So how well do you eat rocks? Say you were locked in a dungeon constructed such as this place...could you eat your way out?"
"ooo a riddle?! Hmmm..." ponders Inam as she stares at the waterfolk elen. "Um....OH! Is it water?"
Brinn winks at Inam as he flips her a silver coin."Aha, very clever! So you see! We all have it within us to be many things...fierce or gentle, happy or sad, thoughtful or foolhardy. They are ours to bring out as the situation requires".
Ibinu pauses for amoment, upon hearing Inam's answer he grins [/b] There is nother less and more obvious answer as well although it does pertain to or include water. An avalanche of snow also is smooth to the touch,hard as rock -- just try getting hit or caught in it. The ice layers covering the snow are often clear as most crystal and It sits quiet til disturbed from its rest. Then you'd better be running from the roar.
Then with a slightly sardonic and mischievous smile [b]You can keep the proffered silver if you can answer my riddle.
All elan want me but none ever have enough
I strengthen bonds
or turn them to rust
and dust.
I am considered useless when obtained in minutia
But I conquer all.
What am I?
As his companions add their observations, Brinn begins nodding in agreement, emboldened by a new feeling of unity."These are all logical points your Mercifullness. Since we put ourselves in danger in order to aid your man here, and for the defense of the former contents of that box, which I might add was more dangerous than those thieves since they are now dust and bone, I think we are deserving of some explanation ourselves."
The inquisitor seems to consider your words. "It appears there are many questions to be answered. Do you agree to wait until the caravan leaves? Such discussion is not appropriate for the ears of selfish merchants and vulgar soldiers."
Heartened by the fact that the inquisitor has shown he can be reasonable, Brinn nods in acceptance."Your Merciful, I for one will agree that waiting for answers is a sensible course. And will I assume you can vouch for our safe passage for the remainder of the journey. As we have seen, these roads can be treacherous, even this close to Hearth."
Raising an eyebrow at Inam, "I have never tried obsidian but I would have to break the wall. Something I imagine would be very difficult to do. I also can only eat so much of anything in a single sitting. It is a flat surface so I could not bite it any easier than you could. Though I prefer river stones when I eat rocks."
Brinn ponders Ibinu's riddle for a moment, tapping the side of his nose as he thinks."So now master glassblower, there are several answers that could fit, but only one I think fits best, and that is....Time!. Something I often wish would pass more quickly. and this is one of those times. Now what is taking that old stick-in-the-mud so long?"
After listening to the others regarding some fine points of stone cuisine, Brinn relates a short story. "You know, when I was a youngling in my village, there was a fellow, an undine and none too bright, who had the habit of eating those river stones you speak of. And he would not simply swallow them, but actually tried to chew them up into smaller bits. As you can imagine, Kallik, he did not have your constitution, or the tooth and jaw to do this day after day. Eventually, he ground all of his teeth down to nubs, and now can only eat fish soup for the rest of his days. Though I saw him once sneaking small pebbles into the pot. But no one seemed to notice....it was fish soup, after all."
"Oooo is it really time? I mean that makes sense...I was going to guess...well I hadn't thought of anything yet." her face displaying a slight frown.
Listening to Brinn's story, her expression turns inquisitive. "What do rocks taste like? Are they good?"
The inquisitor steps into the room, though none of you heard the steel door down the hallway reopen. There is no sign of Gregori and Abelie. With his hands clasped behind his back, he intones, "Of course, the trivial answer to any question pertaining to a metaphysical force with great-sounding abilities is "Volcano". Volcano certainly conquers all. Some might even claim that small pieces of Him, such as shards of obsidian, are worthless. And yet, as with so many foolish statements, that assumption is easily proven wrong." He looks about the small room, as if to indicate the entirety of the Great Temple.
Without preamble, he asks questions in rapid succession, turning to each of you as he does so. "What made you awaken that night? You did not take watches. What made you doubt the guard's word? You do not know our ways. How were you able to fight off the guards? None of you appear to be a trained soldier."
"And finally...did any of you touch the guards' skeletons?"
Yep you got it. Time it is and with how slo this inqui is taking to get back here looks like we still have plenty. Ibinu chuckles just seconds before SOO speaks from behind.
Turning rapidly, Ibinu's eyes narrow slightly and his hand almost casually slides towards his weapon. With concentrated effort he stops it before it can grasp its desire.
Those that sleep to long whether awake or not, often don't see much of the world or life. I have seen to many that sleep while awake and the nightmares that occur in their wake are often the worst to fight.
I trusted my friends and they felt that something was out of sync with the guards. There is nothing further to explain from my perspective.
Maintaining her relaxed stance against the wall, The answer to everything is only one thing? Shaking her head before continuing, I am a light sleeper and I heard a noise. Once I awoke I saw Brinn was already waking Inam. He mentioned that someone was in trouble so I followed them.
Shrugging, As to why I did not trust the guards, it is because they were acting suspiciously.
Grinning and gesturing to the guisarme leaning against the wall next to her. I put the metal part in the belly of one of the guards and the others surrendered. It was actually remarkably easy.
Nodding, Inam responds "As they said there was something...not right. Brinn here woke me and when we investigated we heard sounds of a struggle. The guards claimed it was a rat...but for a rat to make such a sound it would have to be of abnormal stature. They were less than truthful. Not a trait I would expect from followers of Volcano. On further inspection we discovered Gregg and the other to be in danger. After a little coercion the villainous guards surrendered."
She pauses to take a breath and collect her memories before continuing, "I do not recall any of us touching the corpses. My apologies, I should have seen to a proper burial but as you yourself have pointed out I am not classically trained. I will see I don't make this error again."
Inam gives a slight bow and goes down on one knee as a sign of respect. I hope someday to be able to command Volcanos will as well as he...I must continue my studies. I must never forget Volcano chose ME...but for what?
...hopefully old So is getting the answer he seeks, but why was is necessary to come to this...cell...to provide it to him?
Brinn paces as he relates his experience. "Well now, I also have always been a light sleeper, perhaps I inherited the trait from my Grandfather. 'Up and at it!' he always used to say as he woke me before the sunrise. But it is as the others say, we heard a ruckus, a cry of distress, and went to see. I do not think we wished to wake the whole caravan if it was simply a stubbed toe. Then...events...unfolded. Rather quickly I think, but not quite so easy."
He smiles at Kallik as he absentmindedly rubs his chest where the arrow pierced it.
"And while we do not appear to the eye as fancy as those soldiers parading before the gate, from what I have seen, I would say we are as competent in our own way as any of them."
After a short pause,
"And I did not think to bury those bones either Inam, so please so not punish yourself over that!"
Inquisitor So Khong nods to himself, considering and judging your answers.
"Before we continue, it must be understood that the nature of the item is one of utmost secrecy. Any knowledge that finds its way to worshipers of the Dark could be disastrous. Do you swear not to repeat this discussion to outsiders?"
"What remaining questions do you have? I will answer all reasonable questions within the narrative I am about to share."
...arg! Old So must have been born in a slow flowing stream! He sure takes his time about things...
Brinn answers quickly, impatient to reach the conclusion of this 'discussion'. Holding a hand against his chest, he promises,"I do so swear, your Merciful! I was known as 'Thủ Môn Của Bí Mật' in my village!" Brinn does not add that this nickname was not always applied with fondness.
...Worshipers of the Dark? That sounds ominous...
Raising an eyebrow, "I have no issue keeping whatever you are about to explain quiet."
As we had to trust you when we entered the city and this "parenthetical" cell, you must now take the chance to trust our judgement. I would not see these lands destroyed for there are many I still care about. As for religion, I give about as much care as a
They can take care of themselves. So if you want my silence on what you have to tell, I give my word that if I feel it is needed AFTER your story, you'll have it. But trust first as we had to. Ibinu calmly says with only a brief pause and spit over his shoulder when he slips into pidgin.
So Khong paces the room for a moment, coming uncomfortably close to some of you in the close quarters. After he completes his circuit of the room, he nods to himself. "It must suffice."
Resuming his position at the entrance of the room, he reaches out a hand and touches the smooth wall. He sighs deeply.
"None of you have been to the fronts." He states it as a fact, though it must be only an educated guess. "We are losing." Each word is pronounced deliberately and separately.
His speech cadence quickens, not allowing any interruptions. "Several years ago, a darkspawn appeared, unlike any seen before. Though it was not particularly difficult to kill, the elens it attacked became...infected. Corrupted. They became darkspawn themselves, indistinguishable from the enemy." His eyes are far away, looking upon past horrors. "And they, in turn, infected others."
"The death toll from the one infector that emerged that day was over two hundred elens. More infectors came, slowly but inexorably, from the Dark. It changed the war of attrition we are forced to wage - the stalemate became a slaughter."
His eyes close, and he murmurs something; a prayer. "But Volcano rewards the faithful. A miracle was found. White obsidian, a vanishingly rare substance, was found to grant immunity to the infectors. A team of warriors was created for the express purpose of killing the infectors. For the last five years, they have fought. And won."
The inquisitor opens his eyes again, and you all clearly see the rage that hides beneath his stoic mask. His fists shake at his side. "But they were protected from the infectors' corruption only. They were assassinated by worshipers of the Dark; elens who betrayed everything to appease their mad god."
He pauses for a moment, to let this sink in. "For the last two months, the Temple has been searching for more white obsidian. Finally, it was found - east of Hearth." So Khong shakes his head. "That strongbox contained it."
So who then is the opposition and how strong has it been? Ibinu cuts in right to the heart of the matter. Now your absolute paranoia makes some sense atleast. Atleast its not your natural state of personality....I hope! Ibinu continues with the last coming out in a hardly audible comment.
Pushing herself off of the wall and letting her hands fall back to her sides. That was not a very big box. How many elen would that have actually helped?
Brinn's eyes widen at the Inquisitor's account. "I have heard stories from a few tired travelers passing through my village, stories telling of these Devotees of Darkness. And while at the time I thought exaggeration was being used to collect a free drink or two, I no longer think that, since your Merciful, I doubt anyone would point to you as a teller of tall tales."
Brinn stares at the obsidian floor, looking for imperfections while slowly rubbing his chin. "And Kallik, I would not be surprised such a small thing could contain such a power. Recall how it affected all those folk in the caravan, not to mention the unfortunate, and obviously ignorant, thieves."
Musing over the information shared, Inam offers "So we are dealing with not only a war against these dreaded beings, but a plague as well... How can one fight that which wins in death? If just by coming in contact with it, you still lose?"
Upon hearing Brinn's observation of the desecrated bodies, "Where did it go anyway? Obviously those poor, misguided souls didn't take it anywhere... None of us
rug an chloch...err have it..." Inam's thoughts trail off as she considers how one could steal the stone. "Is it possible something we couldn't see was there?"