Her eyes lighting up as the memory returns, though her grim expression remains unchanged, she nods. "Yea...You're right as always Etrah."
Turning towards Edoardo, her brow furrows. "Well, then it's certainly a good thing those 'civies' made sure he was set free to do as he pleased. Did, did they plan this?!" Spitting at the word civies. Her breath begins to quicken; the sight before her overwhelmingly vulgar. she inquires of the guard "Any knowledge where That BEAST has gone now?"
An arm waves towards the mess of heads, torsos, legs, arms...and blood. 'So much blood!' "To do a thing such as this?! When we elen do THIS to each other...Are we any better than the darkspawn we fight?! THIS CANNOT BE PERMITTED!"
Though her breath comes in short, quick gasps, she presses on "IT'S ONE THING TO SACRIFICE A WILLING CREATURE WHEN THERE'S NO OPTION.....But this....THIS IS BARBARISM! What are we?....what....are...we...."
Sitting down suddenly in the doorway, her head swimming, she looks up to Edoardo, desperation in her eyes. "There...has to...be a.........better.......way" she gasps. Closing her eyes, she focuses on slowing her breathing. Silently praying for a long moment.
Her eyes finally flickering open, the frown deepens. "I know it's not your expertise or fault, friend. But is there any reason you know of one would do this?"
Edoardo, used to your occasional emotional outbursts, waits for your fury to be spent. Quietly, he says, "There is a better way, Lady Inam. You." As you look up at him from your sitting position, he continues, "You are showing us that way. I wish that these younger inquisitors had gotten the chance to see you. To hear you. But this was not meant to be." He traces a triangle over his heart.
He sighs. "This bloodshed is not yours. It is not ours - not the way the Warrior will have us be." He places a hand, lightly, on your shoulder. "But think of what we have done! The high inquisitors have fled this place. Their parting blows have been terrible, yes, but with the, eh, pus drained, a wound can heal, si?"
"As for the reason...this is a powerful place. The priests make the weapons here. The shields. The great magic. I think Inquisitor Ky La's purpose was to profane this place. If anyone would know how to tear the magic here asunder, it would be one such as him."
Ibinu, realizing the alchemist is still here turns to him, "ah yes, thank you so much! I don't think we could have even tried this without your assistance... and it looks to be a success!"
A slight pained look crosses his face, "I'm so sorry, I never even asked your name. I am Ibinu and this is Kallik. We are greatly appreciative of your assistance. Maybe we can talk shop later?"
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He pauses outside the closed sylph ceramic door and starts mixing some chemicals. "I think I outta prepare the last bit of my concoctions for the day.
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As they come up on Inam his mind races as to the possibilities of what she is yelling about. dragon? undead-dragon? undead-dragon-lava-monster? I seriously need to read fewer fantasy novels.
Ibinu takes in the scene, instantly retreating from his sorrow to attempt to analyse the purpose. He sets his pack down outside and moves into the room carefully.
He is trying to figure out if whatever ritual was done was successful, what it did and if there is any way to undo it. He slowly wanders through the carnage trying to do so, his arm pressing tightly over his nose and mouth to lessen the odor.
Ibinu, The sylph looks flabbergasted that you have bothered to address him. "Oh, ah - Culkin, sir." He looks embarrassed. "And, it was a pleasure to work with you. I would like...talking later with you." He emphasizes the word, as if he has not held an actual conversation with another elen in quite some time.
Glancing at Ibinu and narrowing her eyes before shaking her head. Breath. In, out, in, out... Attaching the new weapon to her hip and keeping a hand on it. Silently trailing after Ibinu, trying to ignore the mountain that seem to be laying on her shoulders.
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Entering the room and all the breath floods out of her lungs. Bodies, blood, and a hysterical Inam. The mountain vanishes into the back of her mind as panicked adrenaline races though her veins. Moving as quickly as she can to Inam.
Crouching down and touching the sylph's shoulders, one arm heavily bandaged. But there is no lingering malice in her eyes, only a deep worry "Inam are you hurt?"
Shaking her head, she offers a wry smile to the elen. "No, you're right Edoardo. That does makes sense...but the high inquisitors wouldn't just leave. If I've learned anything from So Khong and Ky La...it's simply they have plans within plans. They will return to reclaim or ruin what remains."
Surprised to see her companions so quickly, she absently waves a hand towards the mess. "Caution yourself...it's bad. Me?" Pausing a moment to consider Kallik's question, she nods slightly. "I suppose I am, but not physically. I will weather this storm. How are you?"
Glancing back at the bodies while mumbling, "Better." I am in a room filled with dead bodies!
Turning back to face Inam, "I have a better rein on myself. How about we step out of this room? Find those who can give them a proper resting place."
Kallik and Inam, Edoardo helps you locate a few runners, who spread the message of the need for priests.
You spend the better part of a candle clinically analyzing the carnage. A few points are clear:
--All of these sacrifices were (for lack of a better word) dedicated to the smiling rune, or whatever it represents
--Every one of these altars has been profaned, perhaps permanently. This has put a major dent in the magical capabilities of the Temple. You have an inkling of an idea how to undo this, but it will require many priests - a problem to worry about tomorrow.
--You also notice a few lesser enchantments hidden on the floor and walls, designed to release destructive energies and summon a handful of magmins at a later date. You manage to erase them with a careful application of alchemical/magical reagents and one of your bombs.
Ibinu makes sure to share his findings as he locates things with Sophia, just in case some of the 'traps' get the better of him and she has to run to get/tell the others.
When done, he exits, shuts the door and finally takes a deep breath. "Wow. That is rough. It should be safe to enter now though. We need to start cleaning up in there, putting those bodies to rest and try to undo some of the damage. Do you know where Inam and Kallik might be?"
Calling out to Ibinu before leaving, "We will be right back."
Kallik and Inam make their way back to the Stanza after sending out the call for priests. After about a quart-candle, several priests, ranging from young to old, stand assembled before you. Their faces are are grim and serious as they gaze upon the scene of death. They assure you they will begin dealing with the bodies immediately.
You leave the priests to their work. Sophia, Edoardo, and Lui, as well as several other guards you have seen around the Temple, follow you deferentially back to your quarters. The click of Lui's foot and the clang of heavy armor are the only sounds the guards make as they scan the hallways with vigilant eyes.
In your room, Egret is sleeping on Kallik's bed. Bian is asleep in a chair next to the bed, a children's storybook sprawled in her lap. There are two guards in the room, and two posted outside. Platters of bread, cheese, sausage, and fruit sit on your table, as well as a variety of salted rocks.
The new guards relieve the current ones. Edoardo steps forward. "Is there, eh, anything else you will be needing? Anything I should be preparing this night, or that you need done for tomorrow?"
Ibinu whispers to Inam, ”should probably have an all temple meeting to figure out leadership and direction tomorrow, don’t you think?”
After the guards let them be, he relays what he found about the damage to the temple’s “power” as well as the traps that were disarmed. He inhales a good sized portion of the food, famished from the day.
Inam's weathered face seems to have aged several years since the morning's activities. Plodding along silently through the halls, her feet somehow manage to fall in rhythym with the clack of the elen's cane. The sylph's pale features seem to have adopted an ashen hew since the scene at the stanza. Spotting the youngling sleeping peacefully, the slightest glimmer of a smile crosses her face.
"Oh, Edoardo, you've done too much for me already." she breathes. "You all must be exhausted. I thank each of you for you concern for our well-being and vigilance."
The paladin's mind drifts back to the scene, her eyes sympathetically falling to Ibinu. 'The poor thing crawled through all that for...us....for me? How could someone...Ky La!'
Her eyes snapping back towards the ifrit, she inquires. "I know it's late, but the city watch should be informed. Is there anyway to get word to them to be on the lookout for Ky La? And...Oh, what was that other ones name....you know? The High Inquisitor we saw at the podium? At the very least they should be warned to be cautious."
Inam quickly adds "I don't expect you to go personally. I mean, perhaps a well rested guard or messenger?"
"Huh? Oh...yeah. That would likely be wise Ibinu." she agrees.
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As they leave the scene of the sacrificial chamber, Etrah notices the state of his charge. 'A lot has changed in recent days...she seems like a bit of nostalgia would serve her well...'
Without so much as a word, the phoenix ignites into a crimson flame. It's feathers burning a bright white for but a moment. Just as quickly as it began, the flames subside leaving a chicken before the group. Offering the elen a soft "Coooooo caw bakaw" it hops back onto her shoulder.
Silently trailing behind the two sylph's, alternating between running her palm along the blade of the strange axe and the bandage on her arm. Inam needs a break but they are all looking to her. As well they should. Far better than most of them..no.
Unable and unwilling to fight the smile that forms seeing Egret sleeping peacfully. Someone should still get to.
Glancing back and listening but keeping her silence until the Edoardo leaves. Moving to shake Bian's shoulder and mumbling, "Go get in a real bed and get some actual sleep."
Turning from Bian to the slyph's, "We should all get some sleep. Leadership can be decided in the morning. Clear heads are what is needed now."
As you keep your unexpected vigil, a soft voice, with a hint of a smile in it, says in Oread, "That was an interesting experience, wasn't it?"
A...laugh? "My you have a tight grip. Call me Krzysztoff. I am...the spirit of what you brought back with you. From that other place."
"I know your name, but what shall I call you?"
"An admirable summation! But lo! The time passes so quickly as we reminisce. Already your friends are awakening. I must now sleep, myself. I swear to you by leaf, trunk, and root - I am here to protect you. That is all I can say for now."
You all have peaceful dreams. You remember no details; simply the lack of terror and confusion suffices.
Edoardo knocks on the door, and enters a moment later. After you are all more or less awake, he says, "The, eh, council you requested will convene in one candle. Food will be brought to you momentarily. The Watches are...how to say...in disarray at the moment, but the word has been spread about the high inquisitors. Anything else it is that you require?" The ifrit's accent is stronger than usual as he rubs sleep out of his eyes.
Egret vaults from the bed into Kallik's arms. "Why are you awake already Sissy? Bad dreams?"
"Anything else I require...simply guidance, I suppose." mumbles Inam, rubbing Etrah's chicken feathers. 'Things were much simpler back home...but I couldn't stay there. Vulc, they were simpler a week ago...but I didn't know what I know now...'
Looking back up to Edoardo, she frowns. "My friend, have you slept? You look simply wiped! You must see to your needs too."
Reattaching the strange weapon to her belt and watching the others come to consciousness. Smiling at the youth that leaps to willingly into her arms, "No, no bad dreams. I am simply ready to begin the day. Is there anything you need before I have to leave."
Giving Egret a moment to think about her answer and turning towards Edoardo, "Thank you."
Egret scrunches her face up in thought. Suddenly, her head jerks up, sending her short black curls flying. She claps three times and bounces. "I know what I need! A story is what I need before you have to leave." She parrots your word choice and tone.
Feeling her stomach hit the ground, "A story? I am not a very, umm, Egret I am horrible with words and tales."
Rubbing her neck and looking a little uncomfortable, "What kind of story?"
Egret thinks. "A story about a little girl, and her big sister, lost in the forest, but they get out okay."
Sleeping hard and snoring a little bit, Ibinu wakes up as the food is brought in. He grabs a piece of fruit and starts peeling it. While Kallik creates a wonderful and engaging story for Egret, Ibinu moves over to Edoardo, "I think we need to stay more informed about events in town. Could you get me a copy of the newspaper every morning? I'd also like a copy of the last week of papers so I can check to see if there is anything we need to be concerned about in the public eye, plus see exactly what was written about Inam."
"Written about me?!" cries out the sylph, nearly choking on some ash bread. "I suppose the civies have likely been spreading all kinds of things." she acknowledges with a frown.
"Edoardo, where are we supposed to meet with these elders? Are you to be among them? Also, have you eaten yet? If not, please help yourself. You seem a bit...uh...worn from the last few days events. I'd hate to be the cause of any suffering, especially that of my friends." she adds with a grim smile.
"AH!" exclaims the woman as the chicken ignites in a fiery blaze.
As the chicken burns away the white feathers and enlarges back into the phoenix moments later, he smiles. "Yes, I imagine that'll take some getting used to."
Flitting towards the food piled on the table, he begins pecking at it. "As always, my ifrit brother, you are a life saver. If I don't get a good meal in the morning, I am miserable the full day!"
Ibinu adds under his breath without specifically trying to hide it, "and then makes us miserable..."
He sticks his tongue out at Etrah and smiles.
Edoardo smiles and waves a hand. "No, no need to worry, Inam. Just not much of a bright-riser, si? Trust me, I will be having some of the caffè that is coming soon. Then all will be right with the land." He grabs an apple, and takes a large bite out of it.
He nods to Ibinu. Talking around the bite of apple, he says, "Si, that can be arranged." He points his chin at a runner that is waiting by the doorway. The young ifrit jogs away, presumably to start collecting papers.
Swallowing, he answers Inam. "With your permission, Lady Inam, the council will be held on the sixth tier - in the former council chambers of the inquisitors." He shrugs. "Everything should be put to a good use, si?" In a quieter, more serious tone, he adds, "And yes, I will be there. I am not leaving your side."
Looking slightly embarrassed, he points toward the door. "Ah! The caffè has arrived!"
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Sighing before answering, "Ok, but it will have to be a short tale since I will have to leave soon and cause I have never done this before."
Offering Egret a mock stern gaze, "You gotta be nice while I learn, ok." Glancing back at Inam and tiling her head watching Etrah change, "That is odd."
Fidgeting her seat while continuing, "They walked for hours, playing games like hiding and seeking and making little crowns of flowers. But in their enjoyment of nature they wandered far from the path without realizing it. It took the sun beginning to set for them to notice. Scooping up her younger sister and carrying her on her back the older sister started to walk. Trying to find the road back. But they sun had set and it was growing cold. Switching how she carried her little sister so that she had her arms wrapped around her and leaning against a tree. Planning to wait out the night. But then a young stone skinned man showed up. He had vines of green that grew along his skin just like the older sister though he was thinner than she was. Laughing he linked hands with the siblings and guided them safely out of the forest and back to the road that would lead them to bed. When the sister looked back to thank the strange oread he was gone like he had never really been there. But a voice whispered."
Leaning in close to Egret's ear and whispering, "Next time we can all play together."
Leaning back from Egret, "That is the best you are gonna get for now so eat."
Scooping up Egret and moving over to the food and loading up plates for the both of them.
The first paper brought back to the room is the one that caused all the trouble: the story Osric helped to write, that was printed yesterday in the Kept Coin. His unsmiling portrait is adjacent to the article, which is entitled 'A Temple Divided!'
You are...surprised...to see nearly every sensitive piece of information you learned yesterday in bold print: The fact that you, the Blessed, wanted to kill Ky La, your resistance to darkspawn, and your rebellious nature concerning the Temple and inquisitors. And worst of all, the death of Inquisitor So Khong at the hands of Inam.
Though the article expresses absolutely no opinions, the facts paint a clear picture of a fractured Temple that is spending more time covering up mistakes that trying to fix or prevent those mistakes. Given the atmosphere around Hearth--the steam, the explosions, the Misters, the fires, the riots, the mephits, the rift--it is no surprise you were a hair's-breadth away from civil war yesterday.
Egret applauds the story and hugs Kallik's knees. She skips energetically over to the table, nearly banging her shoulder in her enthusiastic motions. She giggles. "Oops!"
Ibinu also applauds the story, smiling. He then resumes looking over his paper.
Assuming only the three plus Edoardo are in the room, when he finishes reading the main story that caused all the issues he speaks up, "so I'm guessing while some of the information came from the townies, that there is someone else who was likely involved in leaking the other details that they would not have known. Probably Locateli or Ky La who may have had the details of our 'exploits'. Ugh... I still wish I knew their goals. The best I can tell is that they want to destroy society and bring the darkspawn in. But how could they survive something like that and what is that stupid smiling god all about?"
He continues his musing, "I wish we could get some information and not always be 3 steps behind playing catch up."
"Yeah, seems an interesting read..." replies Inam, skimming the document over Ibinu's shoulder.
"Three steps behind? I'd be happy if we were ONLY three steps behind...be nice to be able to plan instead of simply react to their whims for once." grumbles the paladin.
Glancing towards Edoardo, she continues "Speaking of...these elders summoned for the upcoming meeting...anything we should know about them before we go?"
Smiling at Egret's enthusiasm and ducking her head down when Ibinu claps. Damn, thought they were busy. Huffing at Ibinu's words, "The insane to not need a reason and maybe they only care about the end goal. Not if they are their afterwards."
Snagging the article after the sylph's have read it. Quietly mumbling to herself while reading, "Osric is reckless.It could have been released better but the elen deserve to know but this way could have been too bloody." Folding the paper and waiting for Edoardo to answer.
Edoardo looks chagrined. "Well, eh...it is a little tough to say, no? You ask me two weeks ago, sure, but most of the elens who would have to come to this kinda thing are *cough* dead."
He ticks off items on his fingers. "Captain of the Temple Guard? Dead. So Khong? Dead. Other High Inquisitors? Fled." He looks down. "Even the Ember is missing from his apartments. Presumed dead." He gives a sigh, and runs his hand through his hair.
"So, I'm one of the senior Temple Guard now, but someone might give me merda about that since I'm young. Antioco will be there, high-ranking priest. Vecc too, he might even be taking up his mantle as an inquisitor again. Inquisitor Ly Van too."
He puts two pieces of cheese on a slice of dark brown bread. "As far as I know though, the Candle Counter, the Medium, and the Archpriest are still alive. The Candle Counter tracks money, inventory, things like that. The Medium is head of the mediators, helps us stay connected with the city and keep the peace. The Archpriest is next in line after the Ember, and does," he takes a bite of the bread, and waves his hand vaguely, "priest duties."
He scratches the back of his head. "The Medium is a good guy. Eh, other two are, eh...I don't like them so much." He pours himself a large mug of black coffee, and blows on it vigorously.
Most of today's paper is taken up by the story of the Phoenix, and how a humble emissary of the Warrior, Fenicemadre, averted a crisis within the city. A rather elaborate rendering of the event--complete with symbols of Volcano drawn in the background behind Inam and Etrah--takes up most of the front page.
There are also minor pieces on the Steam Slums and the mephits, who still seem to be confined to the old borders of the Slums. There is a great deal of confusion surrounding the Watches of the city: many leaders of the guards--beyond the Temple Guard even--were killed yesterday, and they are scrambling to restore order to their ranks and to the city.
Quietly listening while making a small pile of cheese wrapped fruits, "The Medium is either bad at their job or far to overworked. I am inclined to think overworked."
Taking a sip of water before speaking again, "Can we know why you did not like them?"
Edoardo purses his lips in thought. "Archpriest, he is a little full of himself." He takes a sip of coffee. "Or, a lot full. The Candle Counter...well, he works with things. Objects. Not elens. And it shows - he is cold, no emotions. Like a golem in elen skin."
Nodding as Edoardo shares the information, her grim smile stretches tightly over her face. "Would there be any you trust to take up the mantle from the group? I realize So Khong has sent the bar pretty low... I suspect 'The Candle Counter' is unlikely to be a good head of the temple, though efficient...being able to deal with people would like be beneficial..."
Turning to look the ifirt straight on, images of her mother screaming about being "proper" flash before her eyes, she can't help but laugh out loud. "HA! Oh, if she could see me now...that reminds me, seems like ages ago. Edoardo, I don't suppose you know if our late friend was able to send my letter? Or if one was received?"
A tear begins to form in her eye at the thought of Eo, "As for the record, I believe you would make an excellent leader of the guards."
Swallowing a final beak-full, Etrah turns to Ibinu. "You're only miserable because you know I'm prettier than you." With a wink, he adds "Yes, I realize that took me wwwaaayyy too long to respond to, but as I said I need my breakfast."
Stretching his wings, Etrah hops from the table and glides to the door. "No rush or anything, but I am ready to set out here. Ibinu, if I may, what specifically do you hope to achieve with this meeting? I imagine getting everyone on the same page and ensuring we are working towards similar goals would be good. Was there something else you wished to discover?"
Edoardo quirks an eyebrow at the first part of Inam's statement. "Well, eh, we'll just have to see what happens. Maybe other elens at the meeting will have ideas. And thanks for your kind words, but I have more...important things than being Captain right now." He clears his throat.
"As for the letter...si, it was sent, but I never heard of a reply coming back. I'm sorry. Could be they moved somewhere else? You have any family in a different town?"