Inam Jerk at the sound of Kallik's voice. "As you wish" She whispers back, sounding far away.
Forcing a smile, she returns to her preparations. Once her bed is suitably ready, she kneels beside it. The sylph tugs a small, worn book from her pack and proceeds to read for a solid candle. Etrah looks over her shoulder at the manuscript.
Finished, she mumbles a few phrases and the two retire for the evening.
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Brinn gives a low whistle, testing the acoustics of the room...a little echo-ey.... He pulls out his Mer-flute, and makes a small adjustment before sitting on the floor and leaning against the wall. After moment he takes a breath and begins to play softly...
Raising an eyebrow at Inam and watching her with a serious expression Maybe I was wrong. Or did she catch my slip up and think that I am lying?
Quietly continuing her watching while she eats. The oddly blended noise is surprisingly enjoyable. Once she finishes her food Kallik takes the time to rinse the day of travel from her with no shame on the matter. Once clean she crawls into bed.
As the music begins, Ibinu slowly matches the tempo and rhythm with his "weapon cadence;" adjusting to keep the movements fluid.
wonder if anyone else caught the "word" error from friend Kallik. I wish I had heard exactly what it was.
The music is definitely fun and the musician looks like he may be a good companion. Not so sure yet about the chicken speaker. but I will wait til I know for sure....If nothing else I will het a good fried chicken before this is all done.
At this last, Ibinu laughs quietly, completes the ritual, cleans his weapon and after a moment of just laying still, fades to sleep.
The prayer-songs that quietly echo down the long, dark halls throughout the night whisper their way into your dreams. Moods and tones change as quickly as the hours; guilt, praise, hate, love, thanks, and fear swirl about you in a near-silent storm of conflicting emotions.
A knock that manages to sound apologetic awakens all of you, if you are not already awake. Eo's voice comes from the other side of the door. "Sorry. Inquisitor So Khong would like to see you. I've, uh, got some breakfast first." He seems to be waiting.
Brinn rises and stretches out the soreness from the rather austere sleeping surface. However he feels surprisingly refreshed and wide awake. "Breakfast sounds delicious young fellow. As long as it is not some form of gruel. I have never cared much for bowls of slop, so If that is the case, I believe I will delay my meal until such time as something more appealing comes along..." Brinn is interrupted by loud rumblings from his middle.
"...maybe I will take the gruel after all..."
lets go
ibinu says as he gathers his gear
Inam scratches Etrah's head as she stretches. Looking over to Kallik she offers, "I'm sorry for my reaction last night. Some wounds Volcano leaves to remind us of our roots. Thank you for your gift."
She proceeds to gather up her things, pausing to mumble a brief prayer, she looks to the others. "I am ready."
Waking up quickly but refusing to move for some time and laying there like a statue. A creepy statue that watches Inam sleep. Why does a sylph worship Volcano like that. Fire eats air..Fire eats everything. I am not... Oh she is awake. Nodding when the slyph speaks up, "So long as you do not speak it to So Khong then it is your to use." Damn I have to get up now.
With a deep rumbling sigh the oread rolls out of bed. Quietly putting her shoes back on and gathering her things before joining the others. A deep frown is on her pale face as she silently gathers some of the food. Sitting down to eat before their meeting with So Khong. Barely looking at the food she is eating Kallik instead opts to watch the other three.
Though it is not gruel, the breakfast leaves something to be desired. On a chipped earthenware plate, boiled carrots and other root vegetables are piled around a large loaf of the famously nourishing--and tasteless--ashbread of Hearth. Tepid water is the only drink.
Eo seems to be in better spirits today as he leads you once more through the hallways of the Temple. "Sorry about getting so upset last night. Anyway, you guys sleep okay? I know this isn't the most comfortable place to sleep. Inquisitor So Khong says adversity builds character."
The chicken pecks a bit at the vegetables and consumes the bread. Inam samples each item in turn. Upon completing her meal, she polishes off Etrah's vegetables.
As they follow Eo through the corridors, she smiles, still avoiding eye-contact. "The accommodations were sufficient. As to your conduct, you completed your assigned task affectively. What more could be asked? We'd all had a long day." As she finishes the statement she steals a glance at Kallik.
"I'd never had the infamous bread of Hearth before this morning. It was...everything I'd heard and more." added the Sylph.
Sure, adversity builds character. Too much adversity though can break you. Perhaps So Khong is focusing on the wrong aspects of Volcano? One must find the right mix.
character is also built with a swift kick to the head but I don't see many asking for that Ibinu smiles at his own thoughts as he follows the group toward the Inq.
Keeping to the end of the line as they move down the halls. Letting her eyes travel along the walls, "I slept as well as I expected I would."
Shifting her gaze to the back of the youths head, "Eo you did nothing wrong last night and have nothing to apologize for."
Eo looks back at Kallik. "I'm trying to believe you. It's just, when people get upset, or there's a weird moment like that, I kind of blame myself. I feel like I should know better. Anyway, it's steam over the bridge,okay?" The smile he gives before he turns back around seems more genuine.
A few more turns, and the hallway suddenly opens up into a chapel. Though the room is not large, and the ceiling is still uncomfortably low, it is easily twice the size of the quarters you were given last night. The red triangle of Volcano adorns the walls in brick-colored basalt, and a simple pulpit rises above a few rows of benches. There are also several prayer mats beneath the triangles.
Inquisitor So Khong stands at the pulpit, his arms behind his back. "That will be all, boy. Wait outside and make your obeisances to Volcano." Eo bows out of the room.
"Volcano's blessing upon all of you. There is a problem that must be solved before the matter of your mission can be started. I have alluded to the need for secrecy - Dark worshipers cannot be allowed to know who, and what, you are. Thus, a pretext needs to be made. My thoughts have been returning to the obvious - you could pose as convicted criminals of some sort, being forced into my service for rehabilitation. How does this suit you?"
Kallik nods at Eo, "I understand that feeling."
Taking in the room with a scowl. It is so dark and unnatural The scowl turns in a snarl as her voice raises to echo off the walls with all the fury of an avalanch,
"Pardon sir, but...lieing? I don't see how that would be the right path. We should show the goodness of Volcano through not only our actions, but our words as well. If we perform evil actions to combat evil, are we not per...perpet..."Whats that word??.."chaomhnú...perpetuating the evil we seek to destroy? I refuse to deny my faith! If I were willing, I'd still be at home!"
Why must we lie? The truth could be just as vague
At the sound of Kalliks disdain, the sylph smiles.
Good, we are on the same page!
"BAWK, BuckAW!" snaps Etrah as he starts flitting around the room in aggravation.
Giggling at the sight of her companion's distress, she adds "Would not the truth be suitable? We need not mention you. Something simple would suffice, but 'The truth shall set you free!'". The last part comes out a tad more sing-song than she anticipated.
Glancing over at Iman and nodding before shifting her eyes to glare at So Khong, "Surely there is a better option for your lies then dragging our standing though the mud and slandering us. We could simply wise to work with your most noble temple." That last part is spat out with a fair amount of vitriol.
So Khong raises an eyebrow, surprised by your vehemence. "And what plausible purpose would three unbelievers have in the temple? Surely you see that shouting news of this blessing from the top of the Great Temple would be unwise?"
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True, but it will also be known that my compatriots and I arrived over the road together. My family group as you will traveled much and had good reputation where we were welcomed for providing excellent and above par workmanship. So, although I have no qualms about subterfuge, I to hesitate to have you label us a criminal. You could bypass the need for a lie simply by asking me several questions about my trade and letting it be known that I was called to consult on a new work being made to honor his hotness the volcano. Then these others could be seen as my retinue or those that banded together for protection on the road but now are assisting me in my labors.
If you wanted to perpetuate it a bit more, I could go to the various glass works in he city and ask questions and make evaluations on some of their works. Or even buy some glass making supplies and deliver them here. Then No need to lie, I will have been consulted. I will have asked around about glass making. And people will just assume that I am employed to assist in the obtaining of needed supplies or workers for a project of this temple. Ibinu breaks his cautious withdrawal from the group with this somewhat long statement.And eventually I am sure that there will be a project of some sort that will use the supplies or information we bring back to the temple.Misconceptions are usually more camouflage or misdirection than elaborate lies. And much more amusing. The tall slyph finishes with a wry chuckle.
Inam nods as the sylph speaks his peace. "On the same token, my family uses stone to craft armor."Involuntarily, she glances in Kallik's direction before continuing. "Would it not be more feasible, and less of an affront, for us to be searching for rare materials for our craft?"
Looking over her companions she adds, "Besides...who would assume we are members of the sacred clergy? Our...ensemble? doesn't exactly scream tiomata...staunch church officials."
At So Khong's suggestion, a rare frown creases Brinn's face....something doesn't smell right about this plan of his - it stinks rotten.... "Your Inquisitor-ship, that is a very high price you ask us to pay. We were four travelers who were simply seeking our own way. But as these events were thrust upon us, we tried to do right. And now you ask us to pretend otherwise? What makes you think we would be able or willing to do such a thing?" Brinn takes a deep breath, "I agree with the others...and that includes the chicken! There must be another way!"
Kalliks voice rumbles in her still very present anger, "I can see not telling anyone about the gift" the way she says that word it is clear she does not think it is a gift "but we are not beholden to you. You want us to help and you do not explain with what. Instead you speak as if we are your mindless flock and will wallow in the muck for you."
Taking a deep breath and speaking slowly as if to a child, "As you said we are unbelievers though I do not recall you asking us what we believed in, so why should we do as you ask?
Lost in thought for a moment, So Khong mutters, "Crafters..." He looks at Kallik and Brinn. "And do you two have any such skills?"
"And I must..." He clears his throat awkwardly, "apologize for the remark about criminals. It was not an indictment on your characters, such as they are, simply a effective means to control the story of why you are here. Nothing more."
"As for your purpose, I thought I had made it clear: with your immunity, I require your aid in destroying any infectors that are loose upon the land. We have no reports on any such incidences currently, but I do not believe that will last. As to why you would do this, the righteousness of such a cause speaks for itself."
Brinn taps his chin, thinking, "Well Sir, I think we still do not know exactly what you are asking of us, other than righteously destroying things, in some manner."
Brinn's frown transforms to a slight smile. "And as to your other question, if you can provide a supply of fine clay, I could craft an elegant drinking mug, or maybe a pretty flower pot. While nice to look at, I am not sure what use such things would be in a fight against hordes of darkness. Although I suppose one could break them against the heads of evil-doers." His smiles broadens into a grin. "But why think simply of crafting things? I have noticed singing of a sort carrying through these halls." Brinn directs his gaze at the floor, in an attempt at modesty. "I have some small skill in the musical arts. Perhaps I could serve as a teacher of young ones, crafting harmony from their voices, as it were."
Feigning shock,Ibinu again speaks to the Ing Such disdain for crafters, I do not understand it. How could you insult the very trades that formed this magnificent temple? Sure I don't believe but if there is such a God as his steaminess, surly He oversaw this artifice and is pleased with its glory. But then again maybe you Inq's are immune to such divine distaste.
With a barely concealed smile the large slyph continues As to our skills, did we not stop the others from taking the obsidian in the first place? And if I remember righ,t which I usually do, you only came in AFTER the fact.
And as a side note, we have no real reason to trust you yet. You exposed us to a vial of something without first explaining. That something could have killed us but you conviently left that out. And you agreed that we would be present when you talked with, "debriefed if you will, Gregory and his wife whom have conveniently disappeared BY your hand.
Thus whom can we trust to identify those "imposters" within? You?
Kallik's lips twist in to a feral smile, "I can craft in life and death since that seems to be the only thing you are interested."
Crossing her arms and glaring at him again, "But I am going to have to agree with Ibinu in this case. You have done nothing to cause me to want to mindlessly follow you so you are going to have to pay me and unless you can come up with a good reason then that will be the public reason I am here."
Uncrossing her arms and shrugging as she continues in a casual tone, "Though there will be no mention of my 'gift,' of course."
"I accept your apology sir. Oft in haste rash choices are made."
Inam quietly listens to her companions, wondering 'Are all oreads motivated by money? Or is this a personal choice? Well, my breatheren also seems a tad single minded here...'
Looking back to the Inquisitor, she awaits his response.
"More information on the mission will be forthcoming when a threat appears. For now, the public facades you have chosen for yourselves are acceptable. You will be paid and given materials as appropriate. In addition, I will oversee your training in the art of fighting, to ensure you do not die from simple incompetence."
A shadow of a smile twists his lips, briefly. "As for trust, I believe that will come with time. Perhaps, for now, a mutual agreement to work for the greater good may serve better than the pretense of having faith in each other."
He looks at the four of you, seeing if there are any remaining concerns. "For now, you have the rest of the day to yourselves. The glass-maker's suggestion is a good one: getting to know the town and being seen about your business is a valuable endeavor."
There is a low rumble that comes from Kallik when So Khong mentions incompetence. With a deep scowl and a rumbling hostility in her voice, "You could be cautious in your demands of us. Never assume that I will blindly obey you. I will take this day to think on what I am going to do and you should think on how you want to explain what my mission is."
Not bothering to wait for a reply she tuns her back and starts towards the door. Without looking back she calls out, "I expect when we speak tomorrow that I will get a better description of what it is you think I might be doing." Grabbing at the door handle and flinging it up heedless of her rage the door slams into the wall with a boom and she stalks out into the hall.
Grumbling to herself Kallik takes a few steps and then leans against the door and waits.
"I look forward to hearing from you, sir. Should we find other lodging or is the church going to accommodate us during our stay?"
Considering a moment, she quickly adds "Are we...well...am I free to explore this magnificent temple?"
She glances at her remaining companions sheepishly as she scratches the top of Etrah's head.
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I don't think the high Inq will mind you exploring around. After all what could possibly go wrong in a place he takes people and their companions and then those people disappear? "coughing" into his hand. Ibinu only slightly muffles...Like gregory " then turns and follows Kallik.
Brinn glances at his companions. considering what to make of the time available. And while the Temple seems like an interesting place to explore, he has a feeling he will be seeing far to much of it in the coming days. He gives a slight bow to Inam,"My apologies Inam, but I believe I will leave the Temple for you to investigate. Then you can tell me of the most interesting places, and I can avoid the tedious ones!". Then gesturing to Kallik and Ibinu, "And so, Lady Warrior, Master Craftsman, shall we take a walkabout in this great city? That forgettable breakfast has already been forgotten by my stomach, and i have a mind to find something much more satisfying!"
"Eo can act as a guide around the Temple for any of you who so desire it. Being blessed by Volcano, you are all welcome here. The answers your angry friend yearns for will be discussed on the morrow."
-----
Eo, skulking several yards away, flinches at Kallik's outburst. Looking around and grasping for something to say, he stutters, "Umm, uh, can I get you something to eat?"
"Till tomorrow then." Turning to the youth, she looks to his feet and raises her arm to hook with his. "Good sir? Whenever your are ready."
Over her shoulder she adds "Be safe out there friends. I'd like our association to continue."
Not bothering to move but turning her head to look at Eo feeling a little bad about her behavior, "Thank you for the offer but no. I promise there is no reason to be alarmed. I may get loud at times but that is all I will do."
Turning back to stare at the opposite wall until the others show up. Nodding at Inam statement. Then standing there quietly with Brinn and Ibinu looking a little awkward, What am I supposed to do now?
Eo notices your hesitation and timidly says, "Did you three want to go into the city? I could find someone to show you around."
Brinn nods with some excitement, relived at the opportunity to get out into the open again,"That seems to be the plan Eo! And a guide would be most welcome. " ...and places this guide avoids I will remember for another time..."
The youth notices Inam's arm, and blushes. After a moment, he takes it, and the two walk arm-in-arm down the hallway. "Uh, anyway, I know just who would love to show you guys around."
He takes all of you to a nearby room, the door cracked open and in slight disrepair. He bangs on the door as he opens it all the way, revealing a gray-bearded ifrit slouching in a rocking chair and rubbing sleep from his eyes. Eo says in a loud but friendly voice, "Hey il vecchio ! How would you like to take some newcomers around the city, show them the sights? Someone will actually listen to you for a change, eh?" Eo laughs, his tone showing he knows the old elen very well. "Anyway, have fun guys! See you later!" And with that, Ibinu, Kallik, and Brinn are left with the old ifrit.
Blinking rapidly, the old elen says, "A three-for-one deal, eh? I guess I make four, eh?" He cackles. "Never been to the City of Ovens?" He stands up to a chorus of creaks, cricks, and cracks. "Ah! Well, just let me grab my cane and perform the necessaries, and we'll be on our way. I know just where we can get lunch in a few hours."
------
Eo smiles at Inam as they walk together. Though he is still obviously a little nervous, the gangly awkwardness has left him for the time being, showing a shadow of the confident--handsome?--elen he may someday be. "And what would the lady like to see?"
Trying to seem tranquil she states "Everything my friend". The excited trill of her voice betrays her.
"Why don't you tell me about yourself? How'd you get involved in the church? Do you hale from Hearth? Did your family help build the temple?"
She looks around to see they aren't being overheard. More somber the air-folk adds, "Anything you can tell me about our lonely inquisitor would be useful as well. Don't mistake my request. I insist you do nothing to betray his confidence. If there is nothing you can share, I'll gladly settle for the full, in-depth tour of this magnificent structure." Flashing a smile in his direction, she gives the young elen's arm a comforting squeeze.
He purses his lips in thought. "Not much to say about me, to be honest. My father died on the fronts before I was born, and my mother died in child birth. Being the son of a soldier killed in the line of duty, I was given to the Temple to be raised." He shrugs. "Lucky, I guess. I've heard horror stories about what it's like to be an orphan in the Dims, or the slums on the outskirts of town."
"Anyway, Inquisitor So Khong took me on when I was five or six. I'm training to be a mediator - the guys who serve as the administrators of the Temple, and help with communication between the Temple and the rest of Hearth. The one thing all my talking is good for, I guess."
Quickly, he says, "What about you? I'd, you know, like to hear more about you."
He takes you through a series of hallways. You are relatively certain you exit the temple by the same way that So Khong originally took you in. The crisp morning air is cold, mitigated only by the lack of wind. Red-pink peaklight, a complement to Eo's own skin, lends a softness to the dark, sharp angles of the Temple.
Walking around the gargantuan structure, Eo takes you to the main staircase. He gestures to the stairs, easily wide enough for a dozen elen to climb without brushing shoulders. "First time in Hearth, I gotta show you the best view in the whole city. Are you in?"
Brinn smiles at the elderly elen,"After you Grandfather. Your perception and commentary on this great city will be most enlightening!"...Although I would be ready for lunch quite a bit sooner than a few hours...
Kallik steps out of the way of the door and waits for their guide to be ready to go.
I'd love to see where the main watch barracks are and then maybe where I could peruse the supplies for glass wares, I am sure however that my companions would most likely be bored with this. I'll wait and maybe entice you to return later with me. Ibinu states quietly upon entering the streets.
Glancing over at Ibinu, "Do not presume to know what would bore me. Besides if you pick and place and we go there then the two of us get to do the same thing."
Several minutes later, the old ifrit closes the door behind him. It takes him three attempts to get the ill-fitting door to stay close. "Darn thing! And does anyone send a carpenter to fix an old elen's door? No, they need another fifty red triangles sanded and painted for the altars. Pah!" He continues with a similar litany of complaints as he hobbles down the corridors and leads you out of the Temple.
"Well Mister Tall Sylph, that's an interesting combination. Planning on breaking in somewhere, repairing the window, and getting caught on the way out?" He cackles at his own odd joke. "Call me Vecc, by the way. Doubt there's more than three people alive who use my real name. And what should I be calling each of you?"
"The Temple Watch is just down this way, right next to the Temple itself. As for the other barracks...well, we could spend all day just trying to find 'em all. City this size, you've got one for every district, plus a couple extra ones. After the barracks, I'll take you to a few fun places in the Marketplace. Can't visit Hearth without going to the Marketplace!"
He furrows his brow for a moment, muttering to himself. Then, he says, gesturing to Kallik, "With respect to the lady, of course. If you have something in mind after the barracks, just say so and that's where we'll go."
"Sorry to hear about your parents" She says, frowning. "At least you lucked out with the church."
As they approach the stairs, she excitedly adds, "Yes! I would like that!
Smiling at the older elens easy way of speaking, "For now I cannot think of anywhere I would want visit. I have never visited a city before so for now I will leave that to the others."
Falling into line, "Oh and you can call me Kallik."
Just the barracks. I have learned from my time as a trader that usually some of the best profits can be made with in the shadows of the barracks. Peoples tend to feel safer there and so are more apt to feel free to buy and sell.
You may call me what you like, but my name is Ibinu.
The tall slyph says with a formal bow.
As the two start up the steps, Inam pauses a moment. She proceeds to advise Eo, "My upbringing was standard for my status. Took a little extra help to learn my families trade...its difficult for me to learn new things. As to how I ended up coming to Hearth? Well..." The sylph glances over to Etrah.
Absentmindedly she strokes his feathered head "Eo, it was just time to move on. I had hoped to find a way to serve the Warrior Volcano more directly here."