Volcano's Land - A New Beginning

Game Master Miner Cotren

Swallowing the blood in her mouth and taking a step towards Tareasca's exposed back. Her hand falls back to the axe at her side. Twisting to listen to Ibinu and grins a bloody smile.

Following the horned el and smirking at Tareasce. But still not trusting herself to speak. Those around her do not trust her so why should she?

Chapter 24. Viceburn.

For a long, long moment, Ludovica Tareasca stares at the floor, eyes moving slightly, trying to calculate a way out. Her figures come up short.

The icy anger is gone now, melted into bitter tears not yet shed. She speaks humbly now, "I was never going to hurt anyone. You should know that. I need to go down first, or my els will kill her- those were the orders I gave. I don't want that to happen. Bian is still alive." She looks dully back at Kallik, looking resigned to disembowelment or worse from you.

After that damn ifrit Captain waves down the thuggish guards, the cell door opens and Bian steps out. She rushes over to Kallik, stumbling on weary, cramped legs, and collapses into a sobbing embrace with her.

Ibinu nods, knowing what must happen. A small reprieve, but still not one he really wanted.

Once Bian is safe he escorts the disgraced Tareasca back upstairs. She (assuming) looks worried standing before her assembled crew as Ibinu addresses them.

"For the crimes of treason, collusion with nobles and kidnapping of innocents, your rank shall be stripped and you shall be expelled from the watch." He rips the watch captain patch from her uniform and holds it up, "I have been made fool of twice, shame on me. A third time will not happen. Your new Captain will be chosen from outside your ranks and further disobedience will not be permitted."

He sees the former captain starting to slink away in shame, "Ludovica Tareasca..." she stops and turns his way "...for your crimes against The Cauldron Lady, the penalty is DEATH!" As this last word is spoken, the spear on his back suddenly appears in his hands and he drives it through her chest, the tip protruding from her back. Yanking it free with a bloody spray, she collapses to the floor and he leans down to whisper into her ear.

"Your redemption begins now. Seek the dragons and serve them. Remember, your soul is never truly your own once you serve our lady."

He wipes the blood casually off the obsidian spear and drops the cloth over her lifeless body, "I believe our business here is done. Make sure she receives the proper death rites, her soul is destined for my lady's use in the next life."

Walking out of the watch he nods to Kallik as the bile begins to rise in his throat, "That should manage your issue." He looks at Inam's pained reaction and turns his head, continuing outside and back to the Temple.

You all hear screams of pain and shouts of surprise echo through the Ardere Watch, though it is too soon for anyone to know of Tareasca's demise. Alarm bells ring and booted feet run confused over plush carpets and hardwood floors.

Growling at Tareasca but fearful of lashing out until she has proof Bian is still alive. And when the ele rushes into her arms she is halted from her need for blood.

Watching the interacting with a mixture of envy, pain, and grief. Ibinu did not have to do that. They were having tea earlier. Tugging Bian along with her and trying to hold her tightly without hurting her. But she needs to follow Ibinu. At least that fulfilled the magics rules... I am never going to earn back trust... Just a monster...

As much as she wants to say something to him. A thank you for a little less blood on her hands. Rage about being right and scream about the lack of trust. Apologize for her wrong doings. Accuse him. Strike him. Hold him...

All she can do is swallow the blood and hope the taste fades. Maybe her tears will help wash the blood away.

As you head back up the stairs, the wailing and chaotic sounds continue. There are a dozen guards running around, and many more on the floor, wounded or dying.

As the scene resolves, you realize every single one of the dying guards have the exact same wound- pierced through the heart. Lieutenants, sergeants, and corporals, all dead. Only privates and other new recruits left standing.

The corrupt hydra is dead, slaughtered by the power of the Cauldron Lady and her Champion.

Well... that just adds a nice huge pile of sadness whipped topping onto the cake of hideous regret Ibinu is chomping down on.

Sequoya walks along in stunned silence as absolute chaos unfolds around them. What madness had she gotten herself into?

Moving to do...something...anything, a white wing stops her. Looking towards the chicken-form Etrah, he simply shakes his head.

Turning away silently, Inam walks out of the building and follows Ibinu. Her head down as she slowly pushes her way through the fog clouding her mind.

Kallik:

You find Lui standing outside your chambers. He bows to you. "Egret is asleep. It seems like she was fed and treated well during her...time at the Ardere."

Before you go inside, "I heard what you were saying to the others earlier. About people not trusting you. Listen, you've got your dark side, we all know that, but there are folks here that trust you. Bian and Egret trust you. Antonio and I trust you. I can't speak for the Blessed, but when the coals are dying down I bet they trust you too. Don't go into your darkness alone - you have friends. Alright?" He looks into your eyes, trying to see if you believe him.

Inam:

Edoardo is quiet on the walk home. It should be triumphant. A child and her surrogate mother saved. The will of the Cauldron Lady fulfilled.

In your chambers, still quiet. Then, he turns to the phoenix, or to a chicken. "Why did you stop Inam from doing whatever it was she was gonna do? What were you afraid of?"

Bian, disoriented and tired, stays by Kallik's side on the walk to the Temple, perhaps going in to check on Egret if Kallik nods her approval.

Growling at the death filling the area. The corrupt, or at least those that the Cauldron Lady believes to be, have been purged. This should be a good thing. And a few weeks ago might have brought some sort of relief mixed with sadness. But now its something else. There are so many of them. So many that were truly bad or that the Divine wanted purged. Its just another display of Divine violence and the taint that flows though this city.

Focusing on her path and ignoring the chaos. It will not do any good to dwell on it. The dead are dead and the smell of death and evil might be a stain on this city forever.

Moving down the halls until she spots her room. She wants to say something to the others, but unsure of what.

Nodding to Bian and offering her a weak smile, "If she has woken can you distract her long enough so I can clean the blood from my face"?"

Stopping to listen to Lui and nodding. "Thank you." Hesitating for a moment before pulling him into a tight but brief hug before fleeing into her room. Intent on quickly cleaning and having no intent on sleeping for the night.

Back to using Keep Watch.

Edoardo is quiet on the walk home. It should be triumphant. A child and her surrogate mother saved. The will of the Cauldron Lady fulfilled.

In your chambers, still quiet. Then, he turns to the phoenix, or to a chicken. "Why did you stop Inam from doing whatever it was she was gonna do? What were you afraid of?"

With extreme effort, as if something is trying to prevent it, Etrah shifts forms again. Weakly, he whispers a reply "If her intent was what I suspect...she's not ready for the consequences. I know stopping her will have consequences of its own...but I believe they will prepare her for ..."

With a *SNAP* he violently snaps back into a white feathered foul and begins pecking at Edoardo's feet.

dream as you will, or not
It is Dimday, Snowrites the 20th.
First day of a new holiday Viceburn, as marked by the bright after the purification of the Ardere Watch.
It is sixth candle.

Ibinu,

Sophia knocks on the door, still giving you ample privacy in your time of grief. She opens the door. Clears her throat gently. "You have...adoring crowds waiting outside, Your Strength. Captain Tuono, the thundering, blustering el from the Old Watch, is praising your name for such a strong start to the holiday. He calls for your wisdom in how to proceed." She says all this neutrally, neither mocking the absurdity of it nor hiding the truth of how you, the Champion of the Cauldron Lady, must receive this news. What the crowd--the ready and waiting followers of the Horned Queen--expects from you.

Kallik,

Egret stirs very early that morning. Tears in her voice, "Sissy, I had a bad dream."

Sequoya,

(edit: you have already met Antonio, it's just been like 6 months real life since then)

You wake from the inevitable dreams of Quanah, undoubtedly caused by the sight of this child named Egret. The memory is still vivid - the little sylph girl, so pale and weak in Kallik's arms - nothing like your strong sister, but about the same age.

A polite knock from the door. "Hey, ah, it's Antonio. Can I come in?" That familiar deep, raspy voice with a distinct city accent comes from the other side.

LINK

Sitting up, Sequoya looks to the door, recognizing the voice. In tune with her emotional state as always, Mishipeshu remains in his spot, laying in a shaft of morning sunlight, wary but unalarmed. " Yes, you can come in." she says, wondering what to expect now.

Sophia knocks on the door, still giving you ample privacy in your time of grief. She opens the door. Clears her throat gently. "You have...adoring crowds waiting outside, Your Strength. Captain Tuono, the thundering, blustering el from the Old Watch, is praising your name for such a strong start to the holiday. He calls for your wisdom in how to proceed." She says all this neutrally, neither mocking the absurdity of it nor hiding the truth of how you, the Champion of the Cauldron Lady, must receive this news. What the crowd--the ready and waiting followers of the Horned Queen--expects from you.

Ibinu dreams. Brief flashes of an earlier dream where he tears the flesh off his face to become a hideous monster. Yet the ripping of flesh was painless... or at least maybe he just can't feel anything anymore? He lays there thinking about the ramifications of his actions for a while, in a light but extremely fatigued daze until the knock startles him up.

Burying his face in his hands he grips the long horns and pulls, seeing if somehow they might be loose. Not budging a bit he sighs and stands, resigned to part of his fate he mumbles, "I can still do some good."

He opens the door, "Get me some coffee going and breakfast, then join me please."

Morning Prep includes Mage Armor (8 hours) & False Life (8 hours) for 1d10 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16 Temporary HP

______________________________

Once that is done, he sits down with Sophia in their room and asks, "I... would like your honest opinion. I know you always give it, but think it over. What do you think of the actions I took yesterday? What do you think of the path I am traveling?"

______________________________

Later when he 'gives' his wisdom for the gathered crowds

Ibinu walks out confidently, dressed in his best tailored outfit, spear heel clinking along with each light footfall he takes. As he approaches the gathering crowds he raises the weapon high, "Today we CELEBRATE the GLORY OUR OUR LADY!!!" He waits for the cheers to die down a bit, "I am your servant and I am the Herald of the Cauldron Lady. And NOTHING WILL STOP US FROM COMPLETING HER WILL!"

He lifts his spear high at the end of this statement, urging the crowd to get louder and louder. After about a minute, he lowers the spear and waits for quiet to resume, "Many things for all of us to enjoy today, but before that, Our Lady wishes us to complete our month long sacrifice. Nothing complicated, just repeat the following:"

"Els of action take heed: go forth and do great deeds."

Once that little book-keeping is completed, he calls for calm again after a bit of time, "Well now, go enjoy yourselves! But don't forget to come back at noon when I get to show the true power of our lady during my fight with a challenger."

Sophia looks you in the eyes for a moment, a quiet assurance that she will tell you the truth. Then she takes another moment to frame what she will say. "Let's get this out of the way first. You are not responsible for all those other deaths. That is on the Cauldron Lady, not you." She brooks no dissent, pressing on. "As for killing Tareasca...that was brutal, but she was a habitual liar, and even worse she put innocents in danger. She said she gave those guards orders to kill Bian if someone else went down. Like if Kallik had gone berserk and killed her. Speaking of which, you saved your friend from possibly being arrested for killing an elen of the Watch, and instead turn it in to a victory for the city. And why? Because in Hearth, the Champion of the Cauldron Lady can do no wrong. For now, let that be enough--saving innocents, and saving Kallik--to say the action was right."

She kisses you, and then slaps you playfully on the cheek. "We'll take about keeping your ego in check despite your power, after you've addressed your subjects, m'lord."

Ibinu,

The crowd repeats your chant, thousands of elen voices swelling like the sea, crashing around the Temple courtyards. It is especially loud at the end - "and do great deeds!"

They applaud, and bow, and curtsy, and a hundred other small niceties in your direction. Then they scatter to the day's festivities, all centered around the theme of great deeds. There are tournaments of all kinds - wrestling, swords, pogona racing, running, strength, tightrope walking, and, of course, a brutbreve match later that afternoon.

Sequoya:

"Morning, Sequoya." He nods to your cat. "Morning, Mishipeshu." His scarred face--four distinct lines across his face, and one thicker across his throat--crinkles a smile at both of you. "So, ah, I just wanted to see how you were doing. I know that Kallik has been your friend- you went through all that weird fire plane stuff together, si?"

"Well, we both know she is in a rough spot right now, so, you know," he shrugs, "I know you are strong, you don't need protection, but..." he rolls his hands, trying to find the right words, "I know what it's like to be alone and new in this city, so I want to be here to talk if you need it." After a moment, he adds, "And make sure no one sticks a dagger in your back, or kidnaps you, or whatever."

Jerking up, the sylph frantically grabs Etrah, still in chicken form. "What does it mean" she mumbles, though no answers come.

Trying her best to read the scriptures, Inam finds herself unable to concentrate on the words. Re-reading scriptures over and over, yet not comprehending the words. Frustrated she stows her tome and climbs out of bed.

Shuffling out of her room, Etrah in tow, the sylph wanders aimless about the temple for a few minutes finding herself outside just as Ibinu speaks. Pausing, she listens to her companion address the crowd.

A somber smile, she nods. 'Well said. Perhaps the Cauldron Lady isn't as bad as I thought? Or, more likely, Ibinu's will is stronger than I gave him credit for. Only an iron will could keep a murderous god in check...'

Her mind flashes back to the previous nights events, she shudders. "Etrah, I should have helped."

Shifting back to phoenix and breathing a sigh of relief, Etrah considers the sylph's words.

"No, you shouldn't have. You weren't capable of helping Kallik, it's not your nature. Helping Tareasca would have done more harm to 'The Blessed' than...it had to be done."

Looking towards the crowd and Ibinu, he nudges Inam. "You should go find your friend."

Offering a simple nod, she begins making her way back to the dorms in search of Ibinu.

--Once she finds Ibinu--

"I caught your speech. Nicely done." she offers with a slight curtsy.

Glancing around she inquires "How are you doing? Is there anything I can do to help you in today's events?"

Magic lets her remain awake though the night. The events of the day on replay. The fear of loss. The tears, and blood. The arguing and all the death... so much death.

Taking the axe off of her lap and moving toward Egret when her sleepy voice cuts though the silence. Scooping the youth up, "Would you like to talk about it?'

Kallik,

Serious face beneath dark curls, Egret considers your question. "No. The sooner I forget about it, the better. I just needed a hug from you." She walks over, small feet silent on the cold obsidian, and takes her hug from you. "Do you think you could whittle me a phoenix?"

An involuntary twang of jealousy from Krz. Hmph. She has an Fey-enchanted axe for an uncle, and her hero is a colorful bird. Kids.

Sequoya:

"Morning, Sequoya." He nods to your cat. "Morning, Mishipeshu." His scarred face--four distinct lines across his face, and one thicker across his throat--crinkles a smile at both of you. "So, ah, I just wanted to see how you were doing. I know that Kallik has been your friend- you went through all that weird fire plane stuff together, si?"

"Well, we both know she is in a rough spot right now, so, you know," he shrugs, "I know you are strong, you don't need protection, but..." he rolls his hands, trying to find the right words, "I know what it's like to be alone and new in this city, so I want to be here to talk if you need it." After a moment, he adds, "And make sure no one sticks a dagger in your back, or kidnaps you, or whatever."

"I..I appreciate that a lot. It is so different here, so much manipulation and deception." Sequoya answers with a frown. "I am worried for Kallik, I know what it's like to have a loved one taken and have to claim them back, to see potential enemies everywhere."

Offering a simple nod, she begins making her way back to the dorms in search of Ibinu.

--Once she finds Ibinu--

"I caught your speech. Nicely done." she offers with a slight curtsy.

Glancing around she inquires "How are you doing? Is there anything I can do to help you in today's events?"

Ibinu glances back over his shoulder as he is talking with some of the event coordinators, "Oh look, the Champion of the Warrior even decided to come check out our Holy Day. Glad you could stop by, I think I could use you..."

He pulls Inam away from the group and walks her down some halls for privacy, HOW is she so ASHING CALM AND ACTING NICE NOW after what I did?!? I...

*ehem*

"So you um... Look I'm really sorry. I didn't know that would kill all those elen. I just knew Tareasca would have to die somehow and The Cauldron Lady gave me a way out so Kallik wouldn't have to do it. Jeeze, I'm just trying to keep Hearth together and the fighting force capable and then I go and slaughter most of a guard post!" He looks quite distraught.

Sequoya, you are right down the hall from Kallik, so you could knock on her chamber door if you choose to do so

Listening silently, she considers her friends words a moment. "I know you didn't mean for everything to happen the way it did. I don't..."

Trailing off, she sighs."It's not your fault. I am struggling with the events of the evening candle...but...I don't know."

Trailing off again, she looks towards the distance, mumbling "I had a dream last night. It was...disturbing. I don't know what it means or whats to come, but...I do believe we are on a cliff of sorts. There are two paths ahead...one more troublesome than the other...neither will be easy...but our choices in the coming days will determine the fate of this city."

Her eyes glossing over as she continues to stare outward, "I feel a war is coming...but who the villain is...that's unclear. Too many options...it might even be us."

Shaking her head, she forces a smile. "Let's not dwell on that today. It's a day to celebrate, right?"

"OH!" she exclaims, snapping back to look upon Ibiniu. "I think I forgot to tell you guys. I spoke with the medium that's locked in the dungeons. He seems to believe the Cauldron and Axe are set to attack each other."

Ibinu, you have two definite items for the day - combat with that brash sylphan alchemist, and an unveiling of the statue you commissioned

Ibinu's brow furrows a bit, "Me vs. Kallik or... more likely our patrons duking it out? Makes sense, My Lady wants Hearth, hook line and sinker and the young elder popping in here is a direct conflict. I'll have to think about it, but you may need to play the diplomat as the only option of a third equal power in town."

He adds, "Oh, and I meant to tell you that your work on that piece of armor is making waves. A lot of smiths are trying to repeat what you did, so it might be smart to head down there and give a few lessons. Could really help the war effort with a new way to make powerful armor. Just make sure to show back up for my duel and stand by, you will be needed."

My duel was vs. a follower of the warrior, right?

Inam, are you going to take Ibinu's advice and go to obsidian forges?

Ibinu, what is your first stop for the day?

Ibinu,

Once Inam and Etrah and their retinue are on their way, you walk with Sophia in the relative quiet; horned sylph and his ifrit mistress, arm in arm, sharing warmth in the cold. The city still bustles around you, but it feels more personal with less guards crowding you. You see Sophia's els arrayed close by, but they at least wear coats over their armor in an attempt to blend in.

"How are you?" is all she asks.

Ibinu rubs his head, "Not good, not as bad as last night. Just... okay I guess. Trying to make it through the day pretty much."

"Let's go check in on Culkin, I'm worried about him."

With a nod to her sylph company, she replies simply "I'll see what I can do. I'll see you after while."

Making her way down to the forges, she slips in the back and watches the others for a bit. 'I had to have a tutor and I'm honestly not entirely sure how I got it to work last time.' her eyes falling on the phoenix, she smiles. 'I know it wasn't all my doing. The Warrior's grace was upon my work.'

"If you'll give me a few moments I'll get dressed and I'll go check on Kallik before doing anything else today." Sequoya says with a sigh as she stretches.

Sequoya,

Antonio nods. "Yep. Seeya inna minute."

I figure you are waiting on Kallik to respond (no big deal, no rush), and I don't want to bot Kallik right now (take your time, post as you are able), so I'll be focusing on the other threads until you want to move to the next scene, or if you want to talk to Antonio about something

Inam,

LINK to description of the slag foundries

You are able to keep your presence quiet for half a candle or so, but the Fenice Madre is an elen of fame among forgers and smiths. As you go outside to get some fresh air, you see several of the master smiths before you - els with large mustaches and short names, like Luca and Enzo and Marco. Reverently, they kneel before you upon the snow-dusted cobblestones.

Ibinu,

You find Culkin sulking in his lab. "There no point to it anymore, Ibinu."

Hugging the youth tightly, "I can start on that for you." Smiling into Egret's hair. Krz she is a child... She is also wanting to pretend none of that happened. I'm not sure that's the best thing.

Snuggling with the child until for a little while before pulling her face out of Egret's hair, "We should work towards breakfast."

She will head to the door with Egret unless stopped. And can run into Sequoya

The tall sylph questions, ”What isn’t worth it? The chemical?”

Ibinu,

Culkin nods, exasperated. "Yes, the white obsidian! It stopped working. There was some kind of critical mass achieved elsewhere. It must have been Light, they're the only ones who could produce so much. They made more than we did, now all of theirs is probably still active, and we've got great piles of nothing." He remains seated, his body language withdrawn.

Holding his knees against his chest, "Sky's balls, I'm sorry I volced up like this!" You are surprised by both the alchemist's uncharacteristic swearing and the sudden tears rolling down his cheeks.

Kallik,

Egret holds your hand. Her pale fingers are small inside your warrior's callused palm. You are both happy for a quiet moment, sharply savoring what you had thought lost.

Then, you step out the door, away from your shared solitude, into the hallway, back into other elens' lives. Antonio accompanies Sequoya, and Lui gives you a lazy good morning wave while watching the nearby hallways.

will update at the refectory tonight if you are all headed toward breakfast. converse as you will, no rush.

Sequoya smiles at the sight of Kallik with Egret, pleased to see the other woman for once not radiating tension. "How are you all doing, this morning?" she says with a smile.

Egret says nothing, looking downward and kicking the obsidian floor with her foot in a desultory manner.