Volcano's Land - A New Beginning

Game Master Miner Cotren

'Simply to watch...' echoes in the sylph's mind. 'This feeling...' The pit in her stomach grows as she pushes the rest of her meal away.

"Something's wrong. Should we not help if we can? How could we knowingly watch from afar and not do something?"

Nodding at Inam's words, Etrah's head hangs a bit as he looks about. "The will of the Warrior isn't for us to understand sometimes. Sometimes it's a warning for us to see how things unfold but the end isn't determined...I feel this test isn't ours."

"Fine. I don't like it, but I'll try to follow His path....as always." she grumbles.

Returning to her room, a bit distracted, Inam pulls out her trusty books and absentmindedly flips through the pages.

Ibinu, you know the way, and the walk is not long. You find the Locatelli residence in the Mansions after a short walk through snow-covered opulence. The same strong, tall stone walls remind you more of a fortress than a home. The mansion within the walls is all dark timbers and accents of marble and ivory.

A sylphan servant bows deeply to you, and invites you to a comfortable waiting room. Less than five minutes later, Fi enters, wearing riding leathers with hair done up in a complex braid of red and orange.

"Strambo! How is that dragon friend of yours these days?" She pulls a small bottle of wine from a dark wood cabinet. "I'm in the mood to celebrate. The reports came in, and the mines to the north are booming. It's a good time to be in weapons."

Sitting down and looking more closely, "Is something wrong, Ibinu?"

Ibinu shuffles off his overcoat and enjoys the warmth of the opulent mansion.

He looks around while waiting. So much of this wealth could help the city. But... stay on mission. Can't alienate the only ally I have in the nobles.

He stands and gives a short bow of greeting to Fiordelise, "Oh no stress, there's always something wrong. No reason to ignore catching up. I'm glad to hear some good news actually. How have you been Fi?"

Ibinu:

You can tell Fi is pleased you are taking the time for small pleasantries. "Oh, you know, the same. People are fools and I must point this out to them. Present company excluded of course." Her gesture includes Sophia, who stands watch by the door.

She toasts to you, "Dal sangue del Vulcunus," and takes a small drink of the wine, savoring the subtle flavors. "If they continue to be fools, then I find someone else to do business with me." Fi details a few deals she has made both in Hearth and Forge, securing mines, transport, and forge workers, all for the sole purpose of delivering weapons to the Army. "I'm not the only provider, but I will soon be their best." She smiles, her fritan beauty glowing with self-satisfaction.

"Elfie is very good as well. She will be sorry she missed you, Strambo." A playful eyebrow, raised but for a moment. "She's getting better at enchantments, very interesting things she does with magic and music."

Laughing, remembering something. "Oh, by the way. Your friend, Inam, is creating quite a sensation among the armorers of Hearth. Seems like everyone is trying to smith by hand and faith, like she did." A low laugh. "No one has had much success so far."

reference HERE, when Inam forged phoenix armor for her doubting mother

A longer drink, her lips burgundy. "And you, Ibinu? Back from Igniscoeli yet again, if I hear correctly?"

Kallik:

Your brother has not yet said a word, but you feel the same anger and fear pulsing in him, answering your own. Like you, he clamps down on his emotions for Egret. More in control now.

I'm here, is all he says.

She toasts to you, "Dal sangue del Vulcunus," and takes a small drink of the wine, savoring the subtle flavors. "If they continue to be fools, then I find someone else to do business with me." Fi details a few deals she has made both in Hearth and Forge, securing mines, transport, and forge workers, all for the sole purpose of delivering weapons to the Army. "I'm not the only provider, but I will soon be their best." She smiles, her fritan beauty glowing with self-satisfaction.

Ibinu returns the toast and listens to her details, "Ahh, that surprises me not. I always knew you would come out on top."

"Elfie is very good as well. She will be sorry she missed you, Strambo." A playful eyebrow, raised but for a moment. "She's getting better at enchantments, very interesting things she does with magic and music."

"Oooh? I'm quite intrigued. If I could afford to commission anything at all I'd head right there to have a chat." He jingles his very light coin purse, "Heroing isn't very lucrative."

Laughing, remembering something. "Oh, by the way. Your friend, Inam, is creating quite a sensation among the armorers of Hearth. Seems like everyone is trying to smith by hand and faith, like she did." A low laugh. "No one has had much success so far."

"Hmmm... I'll have to ask her about that. Maybe she could give some lessons and start a new way of crafting. That could benefit everyone."

A longer drink, her lips burgundy. "And you, Ibinu? Back from Igniscoeli yet again, if I hear correctly?"

"Oh yes, that place is not one I would wish to return to. But I'm not a fool to think I won't be back. Things are in motion there to improve some of the problems. There are parts that make the troubles of Hearth seem like a gentle breeze."

He takes a sip, "Speaking of which, who might have it in for the Ardere Watch? Or at least for the current commander?"

Lower lip pushed out in thought, "Hmm, Ludovica didn't make many friends climbing up to Lieutenant, and now Captain." Swishing the wine glass, thinking. "Captain Entoro, who you so thoroughly...eh, defeated, knew how to play the game. The Ardere Watch was powerful, but inoffensive to all. If anyone is going after the Ardere Watch, it would probably be to get at Ludovica Taresca."

history with Entoro (at least how you beat him) found HERE

Her gaze comes back to you. "Why? Do you know something? She's not in trouble, is she?"

Kallik:

Seqouya answers the door immediately, Mishipeshu at her side. Taking one look at your face, she says, "Black North, Kallik, what's wrong? You're trembling."

just a quick bot to help keep things moving, so Kallik can explain.

Inam:

As you page through the words of your god, there is a knock on the door. Edoardo opens the door, and listens to a few murmured words, and nods. Closing the door again, he looks at you and says, "Eh, that weird guy that pretended to be the Medium? He says he has something important to tell you." He shrugs. "He might just be full of merde though."

This is the worshipper of the Smiler that you captured when Ibinu raided the Alchemists. See HERE. He killed the Medium (former council member) and tried to perform some fell ritual in the basement of the Mithril Makers of Hearth.

Recalling the incident, Inam frowns. Glancing up over her pamphlet, she mumbles "I don't suppose he said what it was about?"

Stealing a look to Etrah, who simple shrugs his wings, she sighs and slowly packs up her gear. Securing the blade to her side as she stands, she turns to Edoardo.

"Shall we? Keep your wits about you though...this one is can be dangerous."

Inam:

Edoardo takes your arm, and gestures expansively with his other hand. "I am with you, Inam, and I will watch for dangers." You start down the obsidian hallway. "It would be easier, I think, for me to keep my wits if you didn't wear your hair like that though." He winks and grins.

Outside, looking down from the sixth tier of the Grand Temple, the city lies before you, tented markets east, squat barracks east, mansions west, and River meandering south.

The early evening air is chill, but the absence of wind makes it almost pleasant. Priests, mediators, and townsfolk go about their business, ants on a busy Temple anthill.

Down steep stairs, down tiers, past newly sculpted statues of Lady and Warrior is nobler, gentler visages. Thicker crowds at the Temple and you are noticed, as always. Half a candle passes as mothers and fathers, sons and daughters, speak to you of woes and fears. You listen. You bless them as you are able.

After half a candle of this, Edoardo gently disengages you from the crowd. He smiles at them, shakes hands, claps shoulders, and bids them farewell by name.

Now to the narrow steps leading down, down to the lower levels of the Temple. The dungeons. Past the first level, for heretics and other minor offenders. You enter the second level, the holding place of the truly dangerous. Dusty black obsidian hallways seem somehow more sinister here.

Behind ensorcelled mithril bars, the creature that calls itself Thuat Lao sits in meditative pose. Shriveled lemon eyes swivel to you. "Would you give your life for your god?" His lack of inflection masks his intentions.

Her gaze comes back to you. "Why? Do you know something? She's not in trouble, is she?"

Ibinu's almost clawlike fingernails scratch his smooth scaled chin, "Everyone is in trouble, but she..."

He sighs, "She is being targeted by someone for some reason and the city needs her. I was hoping to find out which direction the threat was coming from."

Kallik:

Seqouya answers the door immediately, Mishipeshu at her side. Taking one look at your face, she says, "Black North, Kallik, what's wrong? You're trembling."

Whatever it was the old witch was sensing could wait, Kallik seemed in dire need, the strong woman shaking like a leaf brought great concern for what would cause such a reaction.

The huntress guides her in as Mishipeshu rises from where he lies on the floor, padding over to provide comfort.

Ibinu:

Fiordelise purses her lips. "Hmm. Well, I haven't heard anything, so all I can give you is be a well-formed, intelligent guess." She smiles, amused with herself. "And my first guess would be the Stems. If anyone has it out for the Ardere Watch or Ludovica in particular, it would be them."

Sophia looks like she is about to speak. Fi holds up a finger, anticipating the argument. "Ah! I know they have been making peace there lately, between the Watch and the oreads. But!" She emphasizes the point with her finger again, animated, "it was the Ardere who tried to kill their, what is their term for it...Youth Elder? Tried to kill their god right in front of them! You think that everyone in the Stems will forget that so easily? Or ever forgive it?"

Seqouya:

Following the huntress into her room but looking down at her hands. The fact that her fingers have locked into fists and are shaking seems to surprise her

Shaking her head before speaking, "There is a child.. Eg.."

Biting back a growl, "I took in. She left the city for a.. a companion. And someone took her. I don't know what happened to Bi.. Bian. But Egret is still alive. I need to find them."

Ibinu thinks back to the odd report from Kallik about the Oread melding with the young elder and doing some odd things, "Hmm... that makes a lot of sense. Alright, thanks!"

He stands and bows, "Well I wish I could stay longer, but business calls. Don't be distant if you need any help with anything or just want to catch up with us all."

"Don't be a stranger, Strambo."

where to next?

Ibinu takes his leave and heads straight to the Ardere Watch.

Sequoya:

You notice Mishipeshu sniffing one of Kallik's pockets with interest.

the pocket with Egret's lock of hair in it

Blushing slightly, Inam turns her head side to side, causing her hair to sweep slightly. "I don't know what you mean." With a wink, she takes his arm and allows him to lead her down the halls.

Instinctively blessing as she can, the sylph finds herself lost in The Warriors work. Being pulled away by Edoardo, she frowns. "What's wrong? Twas only but a few..." Slowly the realization of the time settles in and she smiles. "Apologies...I suppose I got a bit sidetracked there."

Without hesitation, Inam answers "Yes. No question. He need but ask."

Inam:

Lao nods, expecting this. "And what of the other gods? Do you place Volcano higher? Is the Warrior more worthy than all?"

"I...well.." stammers Inam. Pausing, she considers the question a moment before continuing. "Each god has it's purpose I suppose... However, I answer directly to Volcano; to The Warrior."

"If my death be required, so be it. Naturally in battle, such things happen when it's their time and little time is available to consider it first. If a god directly requested such a sacrifice in advance, I would seek The Warrior's council."

Cocking her head to one side as she contemplates her words, she nods. "Yes, I do believe that answers your question."

"And perhaps if you'll be patient and answer one last question, I will answer one of yours?" Dry, gray tongue scrapes dry, blue lips. "Who will you choose when Cauldron fights Axe?" You can hear in his voice he that he speaks of gods.

"I would choose the elen." she replies simply.

"The elen are the ones caught in the middle when gods go to war. There is no need for such things to occur. It's senseless. The gods are a necessary part of our existence...when one falls, it throws the balance of everything off."

"If I may use an...uh...I believe it's called analogy? Anyway... If there was no night...no darkness, how would we know there was 'light'? We would simply see the brightness as the way of things and become so used to it...we would cease to appreciate or respect it."

"You would know it by the burning of your eyes, as befits those who dare to look upon the divine."

He turns away from you. "And wouldn't you agree that is a question answered, forsooth?" He says nothing more, contemplating the blank obsidian wall with perfect concentration.

Raising an eyebrow, she turns to Edoardo before looking back at the prisoner. "That was rhetorical though. I..."

"I guess you are technically correct..." she sighs.

"Fine! Ask me one more and then answer one for me. By asking me a question, I will take that as agreement on your part."

'Gotta be careful now. Don't allow anything to sound like a question...if he's willing to play ball'

Without turning around, voice merciless as sandpaper on skin, "What are you afraid of?"

Ibinu:

Fiordelise blows a kiss to you at the door, somehow both sarcastic and sincere. It is a short walk from the Locatelli residence to the Shops, home to the Ardere Watch. You stroll through a section of the Mansions with smaller housing, but more elaborate yards. Small surprising splashes of winter flowers peek out of the snow here and there, tended by oread gardeners wrapped against the cold.

Even through the crowds of the Shops, you are impossible to miss - tall, and blessed with the Lady's horns and presence. You receive many bows and curtsies and respectful murmurs of campione, campione.

Champion

The Ardere Watch stands before you. You are hardly able to tell it apart from the gaudy shops - inlaid gold and silver grace the structure, and the golden V of the Ardere stands tall and proud above the double-door entrance. A young ifrit stands outside the entrance, a private from his marks.

Sophia announces you, in a voice loud enough to startle the bored private. "Esteemed Councilor Ibinu will see the Captain now! We ask for a comfortable room while we wait."

Gaping for a moment at Ibinu's horns--awe, or fear?--the ifrit shakes himself, bows, and runs inside.

Your escort, your sergeant, looks to you, smiling. "How do you want to play this with the Ardere? Nice, or mean?" Sophia's smile becomes wicked for a moment, the effect enhanced by her own small horns.

As the ifrit almost wets himself and rushes off Ibinu gives a wry smile, "Well, probably nice. We want them as an ally. Especially if we are right about who may be after them. Kallik said the fey in the elder is... not right."

Ibinu:

After a wait of five or ten minutes in a plush waiting room--Sophia taking just a sip of the table wine, out of curiosity--the same awed ifrit escorts you to the Captain.

Signs of wealth are everywhere in the Ardere Watch: purple carpets, well-equipped guards, and long tapestries depicting the ancient glories of Volcano and the ifrit.

Opening the Captain's door, the young ifrit announces you and takes his leave. The room seems nearly as large as an entire floor of the Dims Watch, furnished with two desks, several bookshelves, a fireplace, and a table piled with fruits and sweetcakes. On the wall is a beautiful inked map of Hearth. A thin-wristed sylph takes notes at the second desk.

Captain Tareasca stands up, and gives a moderate bow. "Councilor Ibinu, to what do I owe the pleasure?" With her helmet off, you can see her dark red hair is cut short, military style. She is wearing finely crafted mithril armor with the Adere's golden V on the chest. Her longsword hangs from her side, left-handed. She seems guarded, but polite and interested.

"By the Forest! Of course I'll help you get her back!" Sequoya replies in horror that swiftly turns into determination.

"What is it Mishi....Kallik... your pocket, Mishipeshu thinks it will help." she says, intrigued.

assuming Kallik allows Mishipeshu to sniff the hair...

Mishipeshu takes off down the obsidian halls, claws scritching on the hard surface, bolting towards the open air.

Ibinu smiles and returns the bow, "Oh no, you owe me nothing. If anything, I owe you quite a bit. After all the chaos I caused, you have stepped in and managed to keep the relative peace and survive this job. Quite a bit has been stirred up lately and it looks like you are excelling at the position. I won't bandy about though, I'm here for two reasons. First, to get a feel for the watches so..."

He plops into a chair and sits forward attentively, "...so how are things going?" It appears to be a very open ended question.

Ibinu:

Tareasca pushes away the report she had been writing and cracks her knuckles with a contented sigh. "The Inquisition is no more, a new era of peace seems to be upon us, and the Blessed have the Dark on the run. What could possibly be better?"

Cool eyes assess you. "And how are things with you, Inam, and Kallik?"

Without turning around, voice merciless as sandpaper on skin, "What are you afraid of?"

"Hmm...that's a tough one. I could answer and find you using such information against me. I could not answer and thus invalidate our deal. Hmmm..."

"I suppose the honest answer is as follows. I'm afraid of finding myself helpless and unable to try protecting my companions and innocent elen from evils befalling them."

"Now, your games shouldn't surprise me. I was brought her with the information you had something you wished to tell me. What is this important thing you wished to share with me?"

Inam:

He nods, acknowledging your answer. "As one god's servant to another: A silver rain is coming, do you understand? When the true sons and daughters of mithril and magic rise up, where will the wise be? Opposing them, or allied?" He smiles, teeth dry and glinting like grains of sand.

Tareasca pushes away the report she had been writing and cracks her knuckles with a contented sigh. "The Inquisition is no more, a new era of peace seems to be upon us, and the Blessed have the Dark on the run. What could possibly be better?"

Cool eyes assess you. "And how are things with you, Inam, and Kallik?"

Ibinu smiles, "Oh things are pretty good. Just had lunch with them. We all have our different projects and investigations, but nothing world ending for us at the moment."

He leans forward, "Though my second thing is a bit more pressing in regards to you."

'True sons and daughters of mithril and magic...' she considers.

A sly smile crosses her face as she answers. "Yes, I understand."

"Having answered another question of yours, I pose the following... Who are the 'True sons and daughters of mithril and magic'? I suspect our resident dragon covers one."

Ibinu:

Tareasca's eyebrows raise. "Oh? The last time you had a pressing message for a Captain of the Ardere, I recall it was delivered by pressing your claws to his throat. Poor Entoro has some interesting scars, thanks to you."

Sequoya and Kallik:

With a determined look on her face, Kallik races after Mishipeshu.

Inam:

A parched wheezing sound, more like dying than laughing. "Scions of leather and flame? Was that a jest or a serious guess? No, you must ask yourself - what race has mages in abundance? What race makes mithril? And then you will have your answer - what race will have a new, shining god, rather than a passive dead one?"

Growling and looking around in hopes of spotting anyone while running after Mishipeshu. Terrified of running off with out Inam or Ibinu. Lui isn't back yet and she barely knows anything about Sequoya and Mishipeshu. But if the feline can get her to Egret and hopefully Bian then it has to be worth it.

Sequoya, have yourself or Mishipeshu roll a survival (tracking) check (whoever is higher) and give a +2 from aid another

A shiver travels down her spine as she spasms involuntarily. 'Is it talking about my own kind? Is he referencing the fall of Sky?'

"Well, Ibinu encountered an undine at the Mithril Makers..." she begins, but hanging her head, Inam resigns herself. "But...you are speaking of my kind; Sylph."

"Which god are they trying to will into power?" she inquires...hoping beyond hope her suspicions are wrong.

Inam:

"What god did Ibinu Cauldronslave tell you of, in whispers and fear?"

Ibinu:

Tareasca's eyebrows raise. "Oh? The last time you had a pressing message for a Captain of the Ardere, I recall it was delivered by pressing your claws to his throat. Poor Entoro has some interesting scars, thanks to you."

Ibinu shows his teeth in a smile, "Oh now, let's be honest with ourselves. That worked out best for everyone." He inspects his sharp nails for a moment, "This message is just one of warning from our lady. Someone... probably young elder related, seeks your death."

He let's that sink in and follows up with, "Now, I'm not exactly trained in defending elen, I'm more of a retribution kind of guy. But I'd be happy to lend my skills towards setting a trap for this assassin. And maybe, working together a bit will build some trust between us."

"I was afraid you were referring to that one...though I dare not speak it's name in this place." she sighs.

"What can we do to prevent this?"

Inam:

Lao laughs and laughs, the sound of sand across dunes.