Ngoc speaks, with a mellow voice that still carries across the room. "On the face of it, three votes for one interest--the Blessed--seems excessive. Personally, I would be put at ease if there was a clear difference between each of you. For instance, Inam is clearly acting in the name of the Warrior. That is balanced by Agazi's allegiance to the Lady and the old ways."
"Ibinu--am I pronouncing that correctly?--do you intend to represent alchemists, healers, and the Makers? I have to admit, having that part of my duties shared would actually be a relief. I haven't had time to reach out to all the districts as much as I should." She smiles ruefully.
Taking a deep breath, Inam looks around to all in turn. With but a nod to the belligerent inquisitor, she speaks. "I recognize your concern regarding getting railroaded into no longer sacrificing anyone you please. The old ways...do have their merits at times."
"As opposed to maintaining the oppressive one-sided nature of the Temple's methods, I would say 'Nay' to limiting representation to primarily retaining the old rulers. No offense to any of you intended, but lets be honest. In the past, the High Inquisitors ran this city above the law as there whims carried them. All of you have been employed by those same corrupted leaders for quite some time, save Antioc who was residing in the dungeons with So Khongs pets."
"Especially with everything that has transpired recently, including Osiric's calling out the Temple leaders for their evil deeds, do you really feel the people of this fair city will sit idly by as we continue onward with the status quo?"
"Simply knowing an Inquisitor sits on the ruling seat at the Temple is likely to turn their heads. If they feel his voice is more important than others, how long do you feel you're iron fist will hold them at bay Agazi?"
"Should we completely ignore our traditions? Should we abandon them completely? No on both accounts. However, if we've learned anything in the past few days, let alone the past weeks, it is simply this: Things MUST change."
"I am all for adding the head of the temple guard to this table. However, I feel Etrah and myself should share our one vote. As he and I tend to be of similar minds, it would not be fair to count us separately. I would also suggest we not just do a majority vote for the big things. Rather, we should require a 3/4 vote to pass motions of such important. With 8 voices at the table, that would mean if more than 2 disagreed, it would not pass."
Having said her peace, she waits quietly for the anticipated rebuttal. 'Naturally, he will disagree. I suspect the only thing that would truly appease him was if we blindly followed him. Just like we ALL did with So Khong...in the beginning...'
"I would agree that Inam and myself should not be granted 2 votes." acknowledges the Phoenix, turning his gaze to the inquisitor.
"With recent events, the simple word inquisitor leaves a bad taste in my mouth. Can you even imagine how the citizens feel? Trust is earned. You barging in here and demanding you get your way like a petulant child is not the best way to earn your rank."
"Our interests here are not for the 'Blessed' to gain power over the Temple. We only wish to do the work of Volcano and make this city prosper again. Perhaps if you'd come in here with a different attitude, they would thankfully step aside. I can't speak for the rest, but Inam and myself have no interest in the convoluted mess that is politics."
"Sadly, you are only perpetuating the fears created by your predecessors."
Abacus clears his throat. "To brings things back to order: we must vote on the current motion. I say anzi."
Abacus nods. "Now, with respect to the Fenicemadre's proposal, I will second, but with a condition. The Medium spoke aptly of the need for balance. The inquisitor spoke truly that the old ways need a voice, as well as the new. As I see it, the Blessed are clearly in favor of new ways, and the Medium seems to already be leaning toward them as well. I consider myself to be a conservative voice. In the interest of balance, my condition is this - that the inquisitor gets to choose the next Captain of the Temple Guard, subject to the council's approval tomorrow."
He looks to Inam. "If you agree, I will second the motion and we can discuss."
Ibinu quickly replies, "anzi" then adds the caveat, "though I think this issue needs more investigation. The makeup of the council is certainly an issue needing managed today, but let's deal with the other proposal first."
After the vote is done and assuming he still has a seat he will discuss the next proposal. "I am fine with the Inquisitor having nomination rites for the next Captain of the Temple Guard. Subject, as all major things, to the council's approval."
"Whatever happened to the old captain? Why isn't he here? He already had a vote on the council, right?
I never suggested that the bird and the girl get two votes, I was suggesting that she could be his representative. I apologize for not being well-spoken, I'm new here.
Seven people at the table, but the one who puts forward a motion doesn't vote. Therefore, six voters, and there's three of you.
Like we just saw, it requires universal agreement of all rightful parties to tie the so-called 'Blessed' faction. That is not balance, that is tyranny.
As for Ib-noo representing the Makers, shouldn't they be consulted first? It wouldn't do for their representative to be chosen for them without their knowledge or consent. Perhaps they have someone else in mind for such a position? Someone who's been in Hearth more than a month, perhaps?
As for choosing the next captain, I guess the old captain fled too? Anyway, subject to the council's approval now essentially means subject to the Blessed's approval. This is hardly a balance."
Abacus frowns. "Captain Locatelli was sent on a fool's errand to attack the Makers on fabricated charges. His brother, Inquisitor Locatelli, did the honor of sending the Captain to his death. Again, there are witnesses from the Watch, as well as Temple officials who were observing the situation, who can corroborate this."
"On a personal note--and this is coming from the only elen on the council who has so far showed you even a modicum of support--shut up and stop arguing every small point, inquisitor. The Blessed have shown restraint and calm in the face of your continued belligerence. Finally, as long as you do not choose a servile fool for your nomination, you will at least get the approval of three council members - a tie in this case would go in your favor."
Agazi's eyes go wide and his jaw drops. "Wait. Seriously? The two of them were brothers? Isn't that some sort of huge conflict of interest? Also... ties in votes mean approval? Weird."
He thinks for a moment, then amends his proposal. "I'd like to amend my proposal, in the spirit of religious balance:
One seat for the Medium to tell us what needs doing.
One seat for the Counter to tell us what can be done.
One seat for the Guard, to keep us safe.
One seat for the Priesthood, to run our affairs.
One seat for the Lady, for when sacrifices are necessary.
One seat for the Warrior, for when we must act with courage.
One seat for the Bringer, for when changes must be made.
This is consistent with a Temple dedicated to Volcano as a whole, and not subject to the heroes or personalities of the day. This is balance."
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Like I would vote to lose any power among these monsters. Not bothering to cast her vote since it seems to not matter. If we had waited a day I could have just killed him and blamed it on blood taint... No, but he makes it tempting. Keeping quiet and doing her best to keep her gaze one whichever elen is speaking.
Seeing a lull and finally speaking up, "Many of your suggestions overlap. Affairs is such a vague term and act with courage? Courage is a very subjective term. Also you left out an elen to speak for the populous outside these dark halls. The Medium is but one elen and cannot do this work along so he either needs help or there needs to be more than one seat. And to keep the peace I would recommend you have a mix of all elen on this council. And I doubt you will like the idea and since I have no seat here but having someone who speaks for all of the Gods would show a different face to the populus. One that is more open."
Offering Agazi a slightly malicious smile, "Also the others at the table seem to really like the idea of having the Blessed and the city likes us even more. So having even one of us, or a proxy, would help keep the peace. I would hate to see the elen of this city take the example this temple has shown them and turn to violence."
After Kallik's statement, it becomes obvious that the council is going to vote to keep Kallik on. In addition, the Counter revokes his motion to allow Agazi to pick the Captain - regardless, the vote is unanimous, save for Agazi's sole anzi.
The Archpriest declares the most important issues of the day settled, and dismisses the council. Everyone is free to bring one nomination for Temple Guard Captain--who will also sit on the council--tomorrow.
Ibinu, the Counter stops in front of you on his way out. He gives you a handshake of his own, this one much firmer and more friendly than before. He nods at you. "That was well said about the representation of alchemy upon the council. If these political matters don't hold your interest, Culkin is actually quite well read in the subject - I think you'll find him an adequate proxy."
Agazi, the Medium approaches you after the meeting is concluded. "Good bright, inquisitor. How are you taking the news of your fallen comrades? We were all devastated by the bloodshed and loss of life." You see a flash of blue palm as she seems to consider touching your shoulder, then thinks better of it. The young ifrit woman, with a surprising maturity in her purple eyes, earnestly meets your gaze.
He continues and might get to a point eventually, "anyway, so I am quite concerned about what he will be getting up to. I think we need to put a tail on him... er, that's what we called someone who snuck around following someone. So, I know none of us are sneaky nor inconspicuous, does anyone have suggestions as to who might be able to pull that kind of thing off? Remember, we don't need to know every detail, but his movements might clue us in to dangers down the road."
He adds, "I'd also like everyone's thoughts on the whole council thing. It looks like we have 3 seats and a temple guard captain nomination at the moment. I'd suggest we just take a loss and nominate a couple different elen that have no connection to us nor the prior inquisitor leadership. I just don't want to alienate the rest of the council by showing favoritism right after we won them over in first meeting. Any suggestions?"
And the last bit, "As for most of the meetings themselves, I'll probably have Culkin stand in if he is willing and hopefully avoid anything but the most important of votes, though I suggest if we have stand-ins we rotate at least one of us to be there every session."
Edoardo clears his throat, looking a little embarrassed. "Eh, you know, I grew up in Hearth, so I know many elens. I know a sneaky type guy in the Temple Guards, he can follow I think."
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Agazi glares daggers at her hand, daring her to finish the maneuver. "Not nearly so poorly as the news that our city is falling apart. Individual inquisitors come and go, but Hearth and Volcano are supposed to be stable. What you've done today unmakes that. My comrades fell for a good cause, which they always knew to expect. Tell me you can say the same when the very foundations of this temple crumble." He spits at her feet and walks away.
He burns furiously as he returns to his small chambers and slams the door behind him. He tosses off his cloak onto the bed, revealing arms covered in vicious looking scars. "Help me, my lady! These fools are tearing the city apart." Hesitantly and quietly, he continues. Give me wisdom.
A shape slithers out from underneath his cloak, with charcoal black fur and smoldering embers of hate for eyes. "squeeek. unnk. HISS." The weasel, Rupert, demands his price.
Agazi nods in resignation he was unable to muster at the meeting and slashes aggressively at his left arm.
The weasel sniffs at the blood welling up. "HISSSSSS."
A tear comes to Agazi's eye as he realizes more is required. "You shall have a proper sacrifice, my beautiful Lady!"
Once again, he sniffs at the wounds, then pounces upon them, gorging upon the smoking blood greedily. After a while, he finishes and turns to Agazi. "squeak chitter hiss chirp squeak hiss."
"Yes, I KNOW I made a hash of it! That doesn't help! How do I fix this?"
The weasel bites his arm as ferociously as he can muster (1 dmg). "SQUEEEK!"
Agazi briefly considers giving Rupert flying lessons, but manages to control himself. Instead, he sighs as he accepts his punishment. "What do I do, though? I am no politician, and I have no backup."
"Chirp hiss unnk, dook squeak dook unnk."
"What? You're saying I just give up?"
Bite (1 dmg). "chirp squeak squeak dook hiss."
"OWW! Fine, I know sacrifices must be made, but this?"
Rupert just looks at him and shakes his head silently, and more importantly to Agazi, non-violently.
"But what is it all for?"
Silence.
"Who do I nominate for the guard?"
"Dook chirp hiss hiss squeeeeek."
"Seriously? They might go for it, but I want no hand in tearing this place down!"
Bite (1 dmg)! Rupert jumps onto the broad part of Agazi's still bloody blade, and begins licking the blood off of it. The metaphor is not lost on Agazi.
"*SIGH* Very well, if you insist. Which one is he at?"
"chirp dook."
Agazi begins to cast a spell to bind his wounds, but Rupert bites his hand, preventing it (1 dmg). "Right. What good is a sacrifice if it costs nothing? The Lady be praised!"
He throws his cloak back on, covering his wounds. He looks himself in the mirror, filled with shame and dread. He wipes away his tears and buries his fears as deeply as he can. He hates the man he's looking at and loathes what he's about to do. Ready, he leaves the temple and heads for the slums, searching out captain Odebie.
Standing up from the table, Inam curtsies again. "Thank you all for your time." Promptly she follows her companions out of the room.
"Well, that could have gone better." assesses the sylph as she huddles with her companions. "I agree we should have someone watching the low inquisitor. I can't put a feather on it...but something is off with him. Could be I'm becoming prejudiced from recent events...I'm not sure. He didn't exactly give us a reason to grant him the benefit of a doubt back there."
"I can agree to those points, Ibinu." adds the paladin, turning to Edoardo, "Though I would love for you to step forward, as it is your rightful place, I suspect he's right. Your connection to us may be your downfall here."
"Though, if we put up more than one qualified nominee, we could add Edoardo to the list, yes? Technically, at this point, he is the highest ranking Temple guard."
"Unfortunately, I'm not familiar with a lot of qualified individuals for the role. I suppose we could consider someone from the Watch in town? Though I'm not sure how they fared with the recent temple acts."
"Lady Quartz, what say you on these matters? Have you any further desires or thoughts?" she asks Kallik.
The snow covers everything. Even though the snow is only an inch deep or so, the Temple seems a foreign entity, completely transformed by its new facade.
You pass the punishment plazas on your right. The various instruments of constraint all stand empty, straps hanging like surprised mouths. A dry fountain, showing blind efreet groping upward toward salvation, dumbly gathers snow.
You make your way to the Dims' main street. You follow the ill-made cobblestone path southeast until you come upon the Dims Watch. Like the road, the Watch is in need of repair. The paint is peeling, and one of the outside torches seems to be wedged directly into a crack in the stone, rather than sitting in a sconce.
Above the slightly out-of-true door rests the copper-inlaid insignia of the Dims Watch: a candle topped by a bell-shaped snuffer.
He adds a little hesitantly, "also um... what are the duties and responsibilities of said Captain?"
Agazi knocks on the door, awaiting permission to enter.
Upon being granted admittance, he politely asks, "Greetings. I am Agazi Faustio, last of the inquisitors, and I come in peace from the temple with an offer for captain Odebie. It is my sincerest hope this will help settle the conflict that has emerged between our organizations. I humbly request an audience at his earliest convenience, though it must be today, as this is a time sensitive issue."
"Holy Lady, give me strength!"
Edoardo pauses. "We can make it pretty simple, I think. I wouldn't accept the nomination. There's no one else I trust to be head guard for the Blessed." He smiles.
"The duties of the Captain upon the council are, eh, more focused outside of Hearth: the war with the Dark, and our relations with Forge."
"I'll send out some runners, see who might be good choices for the role." He waves a few runners forward, giving them scrolls or written instructions.
A deep breath to help compose himself, "that bright shining example of all that is good in Elen, taken for no reason. Maybe someday we can prevent that kind of thing from happening. Maybe someday..."
The young oread looks concerned at the appearance of an inquisitor. However, he seems somewhat mollified by your tone, and ushers you inside. "I think the Cap'n can see you, uh, sir." He takes you through cramped hallways that contain more crumpled paperwork and stale ashbread than elens.
Captain Odebie is standing upright as you enter the simple room. He does not seem particularly surprised by an inquisitor's visit. The oread matches you in size and muscle. His tired eyes seem older than his years.
Odebie's mouth pulls to a neutral, flat line. "Your...mercy...? Is that correct? I hope you understand the Dims Watch is sorely overextended right now - no disrespect, just the facts. How may I be of service?"
"That's actually why I'm here, captain. Both of our organizations have been, shall we say, troubled over the last couple of days. Much of your leadership has been slaughtered, and our leadership has killed all but myself before leaving town."
He looks around the room, taking in the unfamiliar environment. It has all the accouterments of authority, but none of it was particularly terrifying. It seems so strange that something so alien could've been so close for so long.
"Needless to say, everything is a bit of a mess. While the voice of the last inquisitor is not particularly popular amongst the council at the moment, I have been granted the opportunity to nominate a replacement for the late captain Locatelli. Given the... changes that are underway up there, and upon the advice of the Lady herself, I have come to ask if you would be willing to take up this mantle and finally break the barrier between city watch and temple guard."
"If you cannot, I understand. And accepting the nomination is no guarantee of the council approving you, but I expect you shall be a popular choice with the new council-elens."
Odebie looks at you with guarded eyes, his face difficult to read behind a reddish-brown beard. You notice he favors his left leg - some sort of old injury, perhaps around the knee.
He sighs, and pinches the bridge of his nose. "Before any other consideration, your mercy, I am simply too busy holding this place together."
"You certainly seem sincere, which I appreciate. I can think of one recommendation - Lieutenant Dove. He's just around the corner hallway, on the left."
Three oreads who look very alike come into the office. They are all wearing the chevrons of a corporal. Odebie nods. "I have morning reports to hear, sir. If there isn't anything else..."
"Enter" The reedy sylph's voice is barely audible through the sturdy--if a bit worn--wooden door.
You open the door. There is an immediate smell of parchment and ink. A violin is quietly playing, though you do not see one among the piles of papers on the desk and floor.
Lieutenant Dove sits at his large desk, writing. He delicately dots a period, then sets the scroll aside. Looking up, you can see the el is thin, even for a sylph. He clasps his pale, ringed hands upon the desk.
"And to what do I owe the inimitable pleasure of a visit by the inquisition?" He offers you one of the chairs that not covered in neat stacks of paper.
Her face cracking at the mention of Eo, she just manages to hold it together. "Yes, of course. We must tend to the fallen before that inquisitor desecrates them further."
"But first, let us seek out the would be assassin. Perhaps he'll have some more light to shed on this situation." agrees the sylph.
You step out into a chill, still morning. A quiet blanket of snow, perhaps an inch deep, covers every surface. To your right, you see what used to be the Steam Slums, now just another drab section of the Dims.
Looking closer, you all catch an unexpected sight: a lone tree, towering above the squat squalor of the Slums. It must be fifty feet tall, or more.
You think you hear Krzysztoff...giggling. It does not respond if you ask any questions.
Your walk through the basements is mercifully short this time - Michan is in the very first cell on the left. The assassin...Blessed...cursed...sylph sits with his knees drawn up to his chest, and his head resting on his arms.
Before you can consider whether he is sleeping, he speaks. He remains unmoving as he says, "I can only talk to you, Ibinu. Could you please tell the others to wait by the stairs?"
Raising an eyebrow, Inam inquires "Why can't you speak before all of us? Have we wronged you in any way? We simply seek information and a chance for you to be redeemed."
Much quieter, attempting to keep the poor soul from hearing, she whispers "Ibinu, do you feel safe alone with him?"
He looks up from his knees. His voice is tired, with a hint of exasperation. "I meant it literally. I cannot speak in front of you. It is an impossibility, much like if you tried to kiss your own elbow."
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Scrunching up her eyes at the statement, she looks to her elbow and back at the creature. Slowly, her head inclines towards the joint, her tongue sliding out...
Trying more than a couple times, and somehow failing, she frowns. "Huh. Well...a day you don't learn something is a day wasted right?"
Agazi barks out a wheezy laugh. He's exercised almost as much restraint as he can muster, and he must laugh, lest he rage. "You're right. I am the inquisition now. I came here under direction of the Lady herself to offer captain Odebie a chance at a position on the temple council. I believe the intent is to dissolve the boundaries between the temple guard and the city watch. Personally, I think it's a terrible idea, but one does not turn down the Lady. Odebie declined the offer for himself, but thought you might be interested. In the absence of better direction, do you want the job? If so, show up at the temple tomorrow morning for the consideration of the council."
"Our revered Captain is, as always, wise in his measured considerations." He wiggles his fingers minutely, and the tone of the ghostly music in the room becomes more somber.
Dove steeples his fingers, rings flashing in the dim magus-light of his unseen violin. "If I may, your Mercy--for I am an el of plain-spoken values and ways--what are your expectations of me, regarding my potential participation in such a role?"
Agazi shrugs. "Like I said, I think the point was to change the guard and the watch into one organization. I guess there's a certain logistical benefit there. The council votes on stuff every morning, I think. I only just joined it this morning, witnessed most of the Inquisition's power stripped away, and was told today's action item was to find a replacement for Locatelli. I expect you'd serve the interests of the watch, but I don't know. What would you want to do on the council?"
You Volc'ing idiota! Take the offer or not, so I can get out of this hole of a district. Lady, This better be worth it.
The lieutenant looks interested in your questions. "Hmm. My closest guess is that I don't have to tell you my intentions - it seems as if your hands are tied somewhat by your vaunted Lady's decrees."
He looks at you for the first time, yellow raptor's gaze somewhat mellowed by the calmness of his demeanor. "I will be at the council for consideration tomorrow morning. Good day."
"And a good day to you."
Agazi turns around and leaves the watch with no further comment. He listlessly heads back toward the temple with leaden feet. Nothing seems to matter anymore.
I guess I might as well head to the sacrificial pit, just to see.
Smiling at the back of Inam's head, "Ibinu are you ok with us stepping out? We can stay near enough that if you yell we will hear you."
”What? Oh no that’s fine. I’ll talk to him. This would be quite the random ruse at this point just to get me alone. Plus, my curiosity is waaaaay piqued at the moment. Thank you very much for your concern, now shoo away and let us chat, sylph to sylph. I thought it would be harder than this anyway to even talk to...” he focuses on the elen, ”what is your name?”
"Michan."
"My friends are helping me to cross. I don't have much time with you. If you have any questions to ask, ask them now." The scarred sylph looks exhausted, barely able to keep his head up.
His features shift to investigative, ”down to business. Who or what is the smiling god thing and what do Ky La and Locatelli have to do with it?”
"Ky La worships the smiling god in truth - that is why he slaughtered as many ifrits inquisitors as he could. Locatelli was deceived by Ky La - he thought he was doing Volcano's work trying to kill the Blessed."
He groans, as if struggling to get more words out. "The name of the god is...Lön." The word sounds odd, like it is from a language you have never heard before. "He is a god from outside the Dark - I cannot conceive what he is. He is not River, Forest, Volcano, or Sky."
Turning and walking out of the room and leaning against the wall watching Inam for a moment before quickly moving forward to hug the sylph tightly
"That's not for me to know. You need..." He struggles to take a breath in. It is a weak, wheezing sound. "the oracles for that."
Lifting his palsied hand an inch or so, he taps the side of your pack, where the strange locked box resides. "Only you can decide who your master is. Do you..." The hand goes limp. A small sigh, no more than a puff of dandelion seeds, escapes his lips. He is gone.
No one challenges you as you ascend the main staircase. Similarly, no one greets you--or even looks in your direction, their gazes tactfully averted--as you walk toward the basalt slabs that serve as the doors for the second tier.
The doors, about eight feet tall, are covered with swirling runes in Ifrit, High Ifrit, and another language you do not recognize. A muscular guard you do not know pulls the door open with a grunt of effort. He says nothing, looking straight ahead.
You walk forward in a daze, not sure what you are expecting to see. As you round a narrow hallway corner, you smell two things: blood, and soap.
Inside, it is shockingly clean. You--and especially Rupert--are aware of the copious amounts of blood that were shed here recently. Inquisitor blood. But everything has already been cleaned, and the bodies taken away. The spacious chamber, holding six large altars with room for more, is empty - except for you.
There is one stain that resisted cleaning. On the far wall, there is a crudely drawn shape, the rusty brown color of dried innards. It looks like a smiling mouth.
Slowly getting up, he heads back out, looking for his allies. Once found, he shares the following revelations. "I saw no reason to disbelieve this, but it may come as a surprise. Apparently Locatelli was deceived by Ky La as much as anyone else. He was acting in what he thought to be Volcano's best interests. That, however, doesn't allow him to be free of some responsibility for his actions. Taking away the free will of his guards and underlings is still an action that he should be held accountable for. We cannot allow that kind of activity to continue."
He switches to another topic, "Michan does not know what Ky La and the smiling god are up to, but he did give me a name for that being." His mouth contorts a few times trying to replicate the pronunciation, "Lu... Lo... Luh... Lön, yes that's it. He said it was a god from outside this world, even outside the darkness. He advised we seek guidance from the Oracles as to predicting Ky La and his god's next goals."
He then turns to Edoardo, "did you get a chance to inspect the assassin's armor? Do you know anything about it? I've never seen a material like that."
Edoardo smiles. "Actually, I was about to ask if you could help, eh, inspect it. It's not natural, that's about all I know. The inquisitors were mostly in charge of magical objects. Culkin has other projects, so we don't have many other places to go right now."
On your way toward the exit, you hear a familiar whispered "Hey!"
You see a pale face, framed by dark obsidian walls, peeking past a corner. Even from the other side of the long corridor, you can see the glint of her glasses.
As you draw closer, you see her curly brown hair, layered like hundreds of owl feathers. Her curious eyes, black pupils in a pool of egg-yolk yellow, dart about to make sure no one else is around. The nearby torchlight dances in the corner of her half-square reading glasses.
Ariel's voice, dark and musical, holds a hint of playful sarcasm. "Good morrow, my high lord inquisitor."